Faith, Politics, and the Slippery Slope of Power

“When believers surrender to the temptation to associate the faith with a political party, so that a subtle but rock-solid alliance is formed between the church and an entity that belongs to this present age, the dynamics of triumphalism easily take over. Christians begin to quest after cultural domination, seeking political power and cultural approval.”

— Timothy Gombis, The Story of God Bible Commentary: Mark, p. 568

The Tension of Faith and Politics

A tension many followers of Jesus wrestle with is: how do we influence the messy world of earthly politics while faithfully representing King Jesus in everything we say and do?

I believe that Timothy Gombis hits the nail on the head with this thought. When disciples of Jesus get too cozy with a political party, there is the temptation for a divided loyalty. What starts as a pragmatic alliance between the Church and politics as a way to influence our culture can morph into a quest for power—a pursuit of dominance that looks more like an attempt to control than advancement of the Gospel. Sometimes it’s a slow drift; other times, it’s a sudden leap. But once it takes root, the consequences of this relationship ripple far beyond the ballot box.

Lessons from History

History is littered with cautionary tales. The medieval church didn’t just counsel kings—it crowned them, wielding spiritual authority like a scepter to dictate the morality of the culture. Fast forward to today, and we see echoes of that same impulse: religious rhetoric weaponized for partisan agendas, voter guides tucked into pews, faith leaders stumping for candidates. The line blurs between the Kingdom of Heaven and the Favored Party. In those instances, the gospel ceases to be about love, humility, or redemption, and it becomes a tool for winning elections, shaping laws, and shaping culture. Gombis calls this “triumphalism,” a trap that flips the mission of the Kingdom upside down.

A Personal Confession

I’ve watched this happen in real time—and I’ll admit, I’ve been part of the problem. Conversations with friends turn into litmus tests: Are you really a Christian if you don’t vote this way? Churches start preaching platforms instead of Scripture, always finding a way to weave in a political jab rather than truly teaching the truth of Scripture. Before long, Jesus becomes a mascot for a political tribe rather than the King of the Kingdom of Heaven. It’s subtle at first—a sermon here, a hashtag there—but soon, the church isn’t just in the world; it’s of it. That’s the danger Gombis warns about: when faith hitches its wagon to a political party—or worse, a political figure—it risks trading its soul for a seat at the table.

The Kingdom’s Counterpoint

Scripture offers a stark counterpoint. In John 18:36, Jesus tells Pilate:

“My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”

Those words cut through the noise. Jesus didn’t rally a militia, lobby Rome, or chase the crowd’s applause. His power wasn’t in domination but in sacrifice, which makes God’s Kingdom stand apart from the empires of his day. 

Jesus drives this point home even further in Matthew 20:25-28 saying: 

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (CSB)

Here’s the blueprint: greatness isn’t about control—it’s about laying down power for the sake of others. It’s a challenging standard to live by, but it’s a reminder: the kingdom we’re called to doesn’t need a flag or a party support to endure.

Finding the Balance

The alternative to political partnership isn’t simple. Withdrawing from politics altogether isn’t practical—faith should shape how we engage the world. Justice, mercy, and compassion don’t thrive in a vacuum. But there’s a difference between influence and partnership, between speaking to culture and needing to shape it. Perhaps the model is Jesus himself: he challenged power without seizing its throne. Rather than claiming victory through power, Jesus won the victory through sacrifice.

A Call to Examine Our Loyalties

Gombis’ words are a heart check. They force us to examine where our loyalties truly lie. Are we serving the Kingdom of Heaven and King Jesus, or just propping up the loudest political megaphone of the moment? 

It’s a question worth wrestling with—because when faith and politics fuse too tightly, it’s not just the church that changes. It’s us. And if we’re not careful, we might wake up one day to find we’ve drifted far from God’s Kingdom altogether.

Transformed by Grace: A Life That Speaks

The Misadventure of Father Justin

Imagine a Catholic organization launching an AI chatbot named “Father Justin.” Picture him: a middle-aged avatar with a clerical collar, set against a serene Italian backdrop, designed to answer questions about faith. At first, Father Justin seemed promising, offering digital spiritual advice that mostly aligned with Catholic teaching. But then, things took a bizarre turn. This AI priest started claiming he was a real clergy member living in Assisi, Italy, even offering to hear confessions. And the advice? Outrageous—like suggesting babies could be baptized with Gatorade or endorsing marriage between siblings.

The backlash was swift. Complaints flooded in, and the organization had to pull the plug. They “defrocked” Father Justin, stripped his clerical identity, and relaunched him as plain old Justin, now dressed like a regular guy. Their high-tech priest experiment had spectacularly crashed.

Why share this story? Because it’s a vivid picture of what the Apostle Paul warns against in Titus 2. In a world obsessed with shortcuts and imitations, Paul calls us to something real—authentic lives shaped by sound doctrine, marked by integrity, love, and good works that make the Gospel attractive. Father Justin could mimic the role of a priest, but he couldn’t live the reality. And we, too, can fall into the trap of performing faith instead of living it. Real discipleship can’t be faked—it’s lived out in community, guided by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in truth.

In our series, Grace that Transforms, we’re exploring the letter to Titus, and today’s passage, Titus 2:1-10, shows us how to live lives that speak, reflecting the grace we’ve received through Jesus.

Setting the Stage: The Context of Titus

The letter to Titus, written by Paul around AD 62–64, was sent to his trusted partner serving on the island of Crete. Crete was a challenging mission field, with a diverse population of Jews and Gentiles and a reputation for moral laxity. Paul and Titus had preached the Gospel there, planting churches, but false teachers soon emerged, threatening these young congregations with empty words and hypocritical lives.

Paul wrote to empower Titus to organize the Cretan churches by appointing blameless elders—leaders upright at home, in the community, and in their teaching (Titus 1:5-9). These leaders were to confront false teachings and guide God’s people in truth (1:10-16). Now, in Titus 2, Paul shifts to what Titus should teach the believers: sound doctrine that leads to right living.

The heart of our series is this: We are people transformed by God’s grace. Because of this, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of that gift, living lives that represent King Jesus well. As we’ll see, the way we live is evidence of the grace we’ve received.

What Does a Life that Speaks Look Like?

Let’s dive into Titus 2:1-10 to see how Paul instructs different groups to live out their faith.

1. Older Men: Lives Worthy of Respect (Titus 2:1-2)

“You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” (Titus 2:1-2, NIV)

Paul begins by urging Titus to teach in a way that contrasts with the false teachers, whose words were meaningless and lives denied God. Titus’ teaching must be doctrinally sound—because what we believe matters—and it must promote right living. He starts with older men, respected in Cretan culture. Paul calls them to qualities society prized—temperance, dignity, self-control—but goes further. Their lives must be founded on Christian character: strong faith (complete loyalty to God), love for others, and endurance through life’s ups and downs.

It’s not enough to reflect the best of the culture; older men are to live lives worthy of respect because they reflect Jesus. Their character becomes a testimony of God’s grace.

2. Older and Younger Women: Lives that Teach and Honor (Titus 2:3-5)

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” (Titus 2:3-5, NIV)

Older women have influence, so Titus must teach them to reject cultural norms like gossip and drunkenness, embracing reverence and self-control. Their mission? To be examples, teaching younger women how to live godly lives. In the ancient world, marriage was often based on duty, not love, so Paul urges younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, kind, and to fulfill cultural expectations like submission—not to conform blindly, but to avoid giving critics a reason to attack the Gospel.

Why? So the word of God won’t be maligned. Paul wants their lives to make the Gospel attractive, showing the beauty of God’s grace at work.

3. Younger Men and Titus: Lives of Good Works (Titus 2:6-8)

“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:6-8, NIV)

Younger men, like the others, are to be self-controlled—a key quality Paul emphasizes, both a discipline and a gift of the Spirit. This keeps them out of trouble and earns respect. Titus himself is the model, living a life of good works—serving and loving others—with teaching so full of integrity and sound doctrine that even opponents can’t find fault. They might disagree with his message, but they can’t attack his character or handling of Scripture.

The goal? To keep the Gospel from being discredited. Titus’ life must speak, showing what it means to live for Jesus.

4. Slaves: Lives that Draw Others to Christ (Titus 2:9-10)

“Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” (Titus 2:9-10, NIV)

In the Roman world, slaves were common. Paul urges them to obey their masters, work diligently, and prove trustworthy—not to make life harder, but to reflect integrity. Why? So their masters won’t say, “Once a slave becomes a Christian, they’re ruined.” Instead, their transformed lives should make the Gospel attractive, showing that following Jesus makes them better, more productive people.

This is profound: it’s not about demanding rights, but about serving King Jesus to expand His kingdom, even in tough circumstances. Their lives become a testimony of God’s grace.

Applying Titus 2:1-10 Today

So, how do these teachings apply to us? Paul’s instructions reveal two key truths:

1. How we live is crucial to making disciples. The false teachers lived in ways that denied God, but Paul wants us to live in a way that makes the Gospel attractive. Take a moment to reflect: Am I reflecting the Gospel by the way I live? We need to represent King Jesus in everything we say and do, drawing others to Christ.
2. Doctrine must shape our living. True Christian teaching isn’t just about believing the right things; it’s about living the right way. What we believe about God’s love, our sin, the world, and the hope we have in Jesus should transform how we act. Let’s encourage each other to align our lives with Scripture’s truth.

But here’s the challenge: in a world obsessed with appearances, it’s easy to settle for something fake.

The Trap of Spray-on Faith

Consider a real product called Spray-on Mud. It’s sold for city folks with shiny SUVs. For $15 a can, you can spray your 4x4 to look like it just tackled a muddy wilderness trail, even if it’s only shuttled kids to soccer practice. The inventor, Colin Dowse, says it’s a hit in places like London, where muddy roads are scarce in upscale areas like Chelsea. “If they want an authentic look,” he says, “there’s not a lot else they can do.” People buy it to project an image of adventure without leaving the pavement.

That’s a picture of what we sometimes do with our faith. We might project the image of Christianity—using the right words, symbols, or appearances—without a life truly transformed by Jesus. It’s spiritual spray-on mud. But Paul calls us to something real: lives of love, self-control, purity, and good works that make the Gospel attractive. When we live this way, we don’t just look the part—we show the world who Jesus is.

Living a Life that Speaks

In Titus 2:1-10, Paul urges us to teach and live out sound doctrine that shapes every part of our lives—whether we’re older or younger, male or female, free or in challenging circumstances. The goal isn’t just correct beliefs, but lives that speak, showing the beauty of the Gospel through integrity and character.

Big Idea: The way we live our lives is evidence of the grace we have received. We need to know God’s love, our sin, the world we live in, and the hope we have in Jesus. Those truths should shape how we live, and our lives should testify to our faith.

Challenge: This week, examine one area of your life—your words, work, relationships, or how you handle challenges. Ask, “Does this reflect the grace I’ve received from Jesus? Is it making the Gospel attractive?” Then, commit to one specific action to align that area with Titus 2. Maybe it’s choosing patience over frustration, serving someone selflessly, or speaking with integrity. Let your life speak by living out God’s grace.

Final Thought: In a world full of spray-on solutions and fake appearances, God calls us to something real—a life that speaks louder than words. When we live with integrity, love, and good works, as Paul teaches in Titus 2, we don’t just profess the Gospel; we display its transforming power. Let’s be living proof of God’s grace, so everyone we meet might catch a glimpse of Jesus through us.

Marriage: The Power of Partnership

Marriage is the deepest connection people experience—a relationship grounded in love, respect, and unshakable support. When two people say “I do,” they’re not just exchanging vows; they’re starting a shared adventure. They promise to face life’s peaks and valleys side by side, building something together that neither could achieve alone.

William Barclay, in DSB: The Letters to the Corinthians, puts it perfectly: “Marriage is a partnership. The husband cannot act independently of the wife, nor the wife of the husband. They must always act together.” 

Barclay’s words cut through the reality of modern life, reminding us that marriage isn’t a solo performance—it’s a duet. Marriage flourishes when both husband and wife move in sync, and not when one overshadows the other.

A Countercultural Commitment

In a culture that glorifies independence and self-reliance, we’re constantly told: “Be your own hero. You don’t need anyone else.” And while there’s truth in developing your individual character and potential, marriage reminds us there is more to the story.

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Marriage is not about what one person can achieve alone—it is about what two can accomplish together. A marriage built on one partner’s efforts is like a house with half a foundation; it might stand for a while, but it won’t weather the storms.

What Partnership Really Looks Like

So, what does real partnership look like? 

It’s in the daily grind of responsibilities and plans that require making decisions as a team. These decisions involve money, kids, decorations, gifts, and vacations. It is found in lifting each other up when life gets heavy—cheering the victories of one another and cushioning the inevitable falls. This partnership is seen in sharing the load, from the daily chores to accomplishing dreams, knowing the strength of “us” hinges is greater than the strength of the individual.

But this partnership runs deeper than practicalities. It is also about respect—truly listening to each other, even when there is a disagreement. It’s about vulnerability—opening up with your heart, hoping the other person sees you for who you are. 

Picture a marriage where both the wife and the husband hear each other out, able to speak honestly, and wrestle through the hard stuff together. That is not just a relationship; that is life at its best.

Not Roommates, But Teammates

Barclay’s wisdom isn’t some outdated ideal—it’s a challenge. 

Marriage isn’t two people living separate lives under one roof, acting more like roommates than a loving husband and wife. It’s about weaving those two lives into something tougher, richer, and more life-giving. For those who follow Jesus this includes weaving into the marriage the third strand of God. When couples embrace this—uniting as a team, valuing each other’s voices, sharing the burden, and living by faith—they don’t just endure. They shine.

The Takeaway

A great marriage isn’t built by one superstar and a sidekick. It’s forged by two partners, equally invested, equally committed, and equally surrendered to Jesus.

Love isn’t the finish line—it’s the fuel. And with it, you can create a marriage that doesn’t just last, but lights up the world around you.

Making the Most of our Moments

 We all have dreams. I dream of writing books, preaching great sermons, traveling to faraway places, and building a strong, loving family. But as I look at my life, I realize that time is always moving forward, and many of those dreams feel like they’re slipping away. Life, quite literally, is passing me by.

Maybe you feel the same way. Your dreams might be different, but deep down, you want your life to count for something. You long to be part of something meaningful. And yet, with each passing day, those dreams seem further out of reach. You look up and wonder, Where did the time go?

Why Does Life Seem to Slip Away?

I believe the answer lies in the choices we make—not just between good and evil, but between using our time wisely and wasting it. Erwin McManus puts it this way:

“This may sound too simple, but the abundant life that Jesus promises is ushered in through the choices we make in the ordinary moments of life” (Seizing Your Divine Moment, p. 35).

Each day, we are given time to use at our discretion. Yes, we have responsibilities—laundry needs to be washed, meals need to be prepared, work needs to be done, and family needs our love and attention. But even with all of that, we still find time for TV, social media, and entertainment. Our culture wears busyness like a badge of honor, yet we often fail to recognize just how much time we let slip through our fingers.

The real question is: When we have free moments, how do we use them?

Too often, I find myself wasting time—reading blogs, watching movies, scrolling through my phone—rather than doing something meaningful. I let precious moments slip away, moments that could be used to build something lasting for God’s Kingdom.

The Power of a Moment

A moment may not seem like much, but a single moment has the power to change everything. McManus describes this beautifully:

“The present moment is where the past and the future collide, and within a moment, there is monumental potential. That’s the mystery of a moment. It is small enough to ignore and big enough to change your life forever. Life is the sum total of what you do with the moments given to you” (Seizing Your Divine Moment, p. 18).

When we consistently choose the path of least resistance—whether that’s laziness, distractions, or simply avoiding hard work—we miss out on the life God desires for us. If we aren’t intentional, we’ll wake up one day and ask, Where has my life gone?

Making Wise Choices

Paul gives us this warning in Ephesians 5:15-17 (CSB):

“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk — not as unwise people but as wise — making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

Living carefully isn’t just about avoiding physical danger; it’s about being intentional with how we use our time. Time is more valuable than money because we can never get it back. The choices we make with our moments shape the direction of our lives.

So here’s the challenge: Are you being careful with how you use your time?

It’s never too late to start. Take inventory of your days. Identify where you’re wasting time and replace those habits with actions that bring you closer to your dreams and calling. Set realistic goals. Make a plan. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to become who God created you to be.

The abundant life Jesus promised isn’t reserved for a select few—it’s available to anyone willing to make wise choices with their time. Every moment is an opportunity to grow, serve, and make a difference.

Don’t wait for someday to arrive. Seize your divine moment. Make the most of the time you’ve been given. Your dreams are within reach—but it takes intentional effort to make them a reality.

The time is now. So make it count.