Sermon: Complicity // Matthew 22:15-22

Lectionary: Year A, Proper 24, Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Gospel Text: Matthew 22:15-22 (NRSV)
Sermon Audio (23 minutes)

Question: We cannot escape complicity in the unjust systems of this world. So how should we live as citizens of the kingdom of God in this world?

Thesis: We cannot avoid all complicity with the world's systems, but we can still seek to honor God in our participation.

Additional texts used in the sermon: Psalm 50:10-12; Romans 13:1-7; James 1:5; Romans 8:26-28; Matthew 7:7-8; Matthew 9:13; (Hosea 6:6)

This sermon was given at the Petersburg Lutheran Church on October 19, 2014.

Application (from the notes)

Three things to recognize

• Recognize that we cannot avoid a certain degree of complicity with this world's systems
• Recognize that navigating this world with the values of the kingdom of God is a complicated affair and that oftentimes the right course of action may be ambiguous and difficult to discern
• Recognize that ultimately, God is the owner of everything, including the kingdoms of this world

Our Part

• Three suggestions for our daily walk with Christ in his kingdom
  • James 1:5 - seek wisdom
  • Romans 8:26-28 - seek the Holy Spirit and stop worrying
  • Matthew 7:7-8 - ask, seek, knock; and trust that God will guide your steps
• When faced with a decision ask these three questions - Matthew 9:13 (Hosea 6:6) - mercy, rather than sacrifice
  • What is the compassionate thing to do or say?
  • What is the merciful thing to do or say?
  • What will relieve oppression and bring true justice?

Closing Statements (from the notes)

"Our problem is that most of us would like to be disciples all our lives and never have to risk ourselves and our dignity by becoming apostles. We like the comforts of the cocoon rather than the uncertainties of the wider world." George R. Knight, Exploring Mark, p. 131

We bear the image of God. We belong to him. We are called to do his work, to give ourselves to his purposes.

We'd often rather wait to engage the world until we have all the answers in black and white, until we can perfectly address the issues this life presents. But that's not how the Christian life works. Just as Jesus sent his disciples out into the world for real-world training, we are being sent out into the world with less than perfect knowledge. I believe that it is in our taking the risk to engage the world and in our struggling with real issues, that the gospel displays its power. When we are honest with our imperfections, when we respond with integrity to difficult issues, that those around us will see the light of Jesus Christ shining through us.