The Walking Divided: Trusting a Broken System

Trusting a Broken System
Series: The Walking Divided
October 20, 2024
Dr. Clayton Chisum

Politics is a slow drip of worry… our minds are therefore stuck in this worry mode for days, weeks, or even years, and it greatly impacts our lives. Experts suggest doing stress-relieving exercises or distracting ourselves with long walks in nature or comedy videos. But these are temporary solutions that may or may not work. Is there a better way?

Isaiah 26:3-6, 12-15 

This was a message to the Hebrew people, but could this also be a modern-day prayer from us?

Isaiah 26:3-4 

For many people today, our peace pivots off of the outcome of the election.

Your will never bring you

Why? Because people disappoint.

Isaiah 26:5-6

We live in a great country, but we aren’t perfect. Our system isn’t error-proof or everlasting.

people deliver promises

So where do we turn?

Isaiah 26:12-13

your politically

Jeremiah 29:7

and

Ephesians 5:15-16

1 Timothy 2:1-2

Isaiah 26:14-15

Real hope comes through a , not a

Our spirit animal shouldn’t be an elephant or a donkey; it should be a Lion that looks like a Lamb!

Philippians 2:6-8

Hebrews 10:23

Psalm 146:3-7

Discussion Questions

1. The sermon highlights that all humans are imperfect and often disappoint. Share an experience where you were let down by a political figure or system. How did that affect your trust in them?

2. Reflecting on Isaiah 26, how can these verses be a guide for our current political climate? What do they reveal about placing our hope in God versus human systems?

3. How does 1 Timothy 2:1-2 challenge or change your perspective on praying for political leaders? What specific prayers can you offer for those in authority?

4. The sermon mentions that voting is a stewardship issue. How can you approach your responsibility
as a voter in a way that reflects your faith?

5. How can we cultivate unity within the church and community despite differing political beliefs? What
role does prayer play in this?

6. The sermon described politics as a “slow drip of worry.” How can Christians counteract this worry
in their lives and communities?