Christians need to know and be able to discuss what Scripture teaches about politics. The word “politics,” after all, comes from the Greek word “polis,” meaning “city-state.” Politics simply refers to the way that people living in a large community (such as a city, state, or country) make decisions about power and resources. And since Jesus calls his followers to love our neighbors, obedience to Jesus will necessarily mean every Christian is involved in “politics”—broadly speaking—in one way or another. While the particulars may vary from place to place, and person to person, no one who follows Jesus’ commands can be fully exempt from political life.
In this 10-week guide (link at bottom), I introduce 10 different passages of Scripture throughout the Bible that engage with the idea of politics (plus a bonus passage at the end). These are not an exhaustive list of passages that deal with politics; in fact, it would be difficult to find a single page of the Bible that doesn’t have some reference to rulers, justice, laws, wars, or another political topic! Instead, I tried to choose a variety of passages from both Old and New Testaments that take different looks at how God’s people are meant to engage with politics. Additionally, this is NOT a partisan guide that is attempting to sway people to support one single American political party in 2024. My goal was to create a guide that would be broadly applicable no matter when it is used or the political context.
But first, let me give you a warning: This is NOT a Bible study series meant to confirm everything you already believe about politics. In fact, if you read the Bible with an open mind and expect it to align perfectly with a specific political platform, you will be sorely disappointed. Instead, this guide is designed to zoom out to take a broader look at how God’s people are meant to engage with issues of power, justice, and political organization.
Written thousands of years ago, these passages may feel challenging to you, or distant from the political questions we face today. It may be tempting to try to fit the Bible into your pre-existing beliefs. But if instead you are willing to engage with Scripture thoughtfully, wrestling with the text in small group discussion and seeking to observe, interpret, and apply God’s Word, you will be surprised by how relevant and timely these ancient words are. It is possible that some of your political views may be reinforced, but it’s also possible that they will be challenged.
Are you willing to let your views of politics be conformed to Scripture, rather than the other way around? Are you willing to allow God-breathed Scripture to blow into your life, even if it messes with your pre-existing categories? My hope and prayer is that you are, and that in community you are able to experience a fresh vision of God’s approach to politics.
(These passages are designed to be studied using the “inductive manuscript method” utilized by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. For more on how to lead an inductive manuscript Bible study, visit howto.bible ).
To download my Politics Bible Study Series, click here:
PS: if you’re curious, here are the passages I go through in my guide:
Session 1: Genesis 1:26-2:3. The Image of God
Session 2: Genesis 11:1-9. The First Empire
Session 3: Genesis 41:25-57. Joseph’s Diligent Use of Political Power
Session 4: Leviticus 25:1-42. The Year of Jubilee, a Reset Button for Society
Session 5: 1 Samuel 8:1-22. The Israelites Demand a King
Session 6: Jeremiah 29:4-14. Seek God’s Shalom Even in Exile
Session 7: Nehemiah 1:1-2:8. Nehemiah Advocates for His People
Session 8: Luke 4:1-13. The Temptations of Jesus
Session 9: John 18:28-19:16. The ‘King of the Jews’
Session 10: Romans 12:9-13:8. Loving Those in Authority
Bonus Session: Revelation 18:1-13, 21:1-4, 21:23-22:2. A Tale of Two Cities
Questions? Comments? Let me know!