Notes from October 25/26, 2008 - We Shall All Be Changed

Sermon Notes for Small Group Leaders
We Shall All Be Changed
Pastor Richard Johnson
October 26, 2008
Scripture Passage: 1 Samuel 8; 12:18-22

Outline
I. We shall all be changed when we limit our dependence on political solutions
II. We shall all be changed when we control our passion for national recognition
III. We shall all be changed when we turn our allegiance back to God

Content
1. As great and wise and spiritually mature as Samuel was, he was not able to pass on holy reverence, humble leadership or spiritual integrity to his sons.
2. We should pray to God for all of our leaders – our bosses and our politicians and our politicians need divine assistance.
3. When Israel saw a need, their response was not for more of God, but less of God and more of humanity and strategy
4. What the children of Israel saw in other nations was a political structure that brought about things they desired deep in their hearts
5. We were not meant to be like other nations, nor were we to be totally different either. Instead, we’re meant to be the holy other, a royal priesthood, ambassadors, or salt and light.
6. A human leader cannot bring the change that solves problem, only God can.
7. After coming to Christ, our identity cannot be found in a political party or ethnic group, but in Him alone.
8. We need to repent of our lack of prayer for leaders, of our lack of participation in the process, of our prejudice against race, age or gender, and of becoming more vocal and knowledgeable about politics than Jesus.
9. When you serve the Lord in ministry, care for the poor, look after orphans and widows, and seek justice for all then you are doing the name of God some good.

Aim
The only way to accomplish true change is by turning our allegiance to God, praying for our leaders, and actively doing good.

Application Questions
I. What are some problems at the community, state, national, and global levels that you’ve been made aware of that require real change to be solved? Take a moment to pray to God about those problems and for the leaders responsible for addressing them.
II. How does Israel’s approach to leadership and change compare with America’s approach today?
III. What are some things that we should do as individuals, small groups, and as a church to be “the holy other” in our community and city?