𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗦 𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚? — 𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚?

POLITICS OR PREACHING? — WHO ARE YOU TRUSTING?

Rightly Dividing Earthly Authority from Eternal Ministry
Key Text: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

In every generation, people look for leaders to save them.
Some look to politicians for change.
Others look to pastors for truth.

But in this Dispensation of Grace, God has not commissioned the Church to reform governments, but to proclaim the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:18–20).

Today we will rightly divide the role of the politician and the calling of the pastor, so believers do not confuse earthly solutions with eternal salvation.

POSITION — OFFICE vs OVERSEERSHIP
Romans 13:1; Acts 20:28 (KJV)

A. Appointed by Men – Politicians hold civil office
B. Appointed by God – Pastors are placed by the Holy Ghost
C. Temporal vs Spiritual Authority – One governs bodies, the other shepherds souls
Dispensational Insight:
God ordained government for order—not salvation.

PURPOSE — POWER vs PASTORING
Luke 22:25–26; 1 Peter 5:2 (KJV)

A. Seeks Control – Politicians rule through authority
B. Seeks Care – Pastors lead through service
C. Domination vs Devotion – Power contrasts with shepherding
Pauline Principle:
Church leadership is not political leadership.

PROMISES — CAMPAIGNS vs COMMISSION
Ecclesiastes 5:5; Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV)

A. Makes Promises – Politicians pledge outcomes
B. Preaches the Gospel – Pastors proclaim Christ
C. Uncertain Results vs Eternal Reality – Votes fade, truth remains
Emphasis:
The Church has a commission, not a campaign.

PERSUASION — VOTES vs VICTORY IN CHRIST
John 12:43; 1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV)

A. Seeks Approval – Politicians need popularity
B. Speaks Truth – Pastors preach despite rejection
C. Crowd-Pleasers vs Cross-Bearers – One fears voters, one fears God
Dispensational Warning:
Truth is never decided by majority vote.

PROCLAMATION — OPINION vs ORACLES
Isaiah 55:8; 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)

A. Political Spin – Politicians shape narratives
B. Biblical Soundness – Pastors preach the Word
C. Human Wisdom vs Divine Revelation – Man’s ideas vs God’s truth
Pauline Instruction:
Pastors are commanded to preach, not poll.

PRIORITY — TEMPORAL vs TRANSCENDENT
Colossians 3:2; Philippians 3:20 (KJV)

A. Focused on This World – Laws, borders, economies
B. Focused on Eternity – Heaven, souls, salvation
C. Earthly Systems vs Heavenly Citizenship – Nations fade, Christ remains
Dispensational Truth:
The Church is not called to fix the world—it is called out of it.

PEOPLE — CONSTITUENTS vs CONGREGATION
Galatians 1:10; Hebrews 13:17 (KJV)

A. Seeks Votes – Politicians depend on support
B. Serves Souls – Pastors labor for spiritual growth
C. Public Approval vs Spiritual Accountability – Man-pleasing vs God-answering
Application:
Pastors answer to Christ, not constituents.

POWER SOURCE — GOVERNMENT vs GOSPEL
Romans 13:4; Romans 1:16 (KJV)

A. Power of the Sword – Government restrains evil
B. Power of Salvation – Gospel transforms hearts
C. External Control vs Internal Change – Law restrains; grace renews
Pauline Doctrine:
Only the gospel saves.

PERMANENCE — PASSING vs PERPETUAL
Isaiah 40:6–8; 1 Peter 1:24–25 (KJV)

A. Terms End – Political offices expire
B. Word Endures – God’s truth stands forever
C. Temporary Influence vs Eternal Impact – Laws change; Scripture remains
Dispensational Conclusion:
The Church outlives every government.

CONCLUSION

Politicians may improve society.
Pastors proclaim salvation.
Politics may restrain evil.
The gospel removes sin.
Do not confuse earthly authority with spiritual ministry.

CALL TO ACTION

DISCERN the difference
PRIORITIZE the gospel
TRUST Christ—not politics
SUPPORT sound preaching
Vote as a citizen.
Believe as a sinner saved by grace.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The world needs laws.
But sinners need a Saviour.

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Philippians 3:20 (KJV)