Quit Labeling It Politics
QUIT LABELING IT POLITICS
There is a growing tendency among some who claim to follow the Way to insist that certain topics—especially moral or doctrinal errors—should never be addressed from the pulpit. They say, “Don’t talk about politics.” But this objection is based on a fundamental misunderstanding. The truth is that addressing sin, false teaching, and unrighteous behavior has nothing to do with politics. It has everything to do with morality, spirituality, and obedience to God. We are dealing with sin and sinners, and both must be confronted.
Romans 16:17 says:
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned; keep away from them.”
The Greek verb here, “proskopeō”, carries the meaning of “to cause a stumbling or to trip up.” Paul commands believers to actively pay attention to those whose teaching contradicts the gospel. This is not a passive suggestion; it is an imperative. The ekklesia, the assembly of believers, is responsible for recognizing false teaching and taking steps to correct it. Observing, discerning, and responding to error is a duty, not an option.
Ephesians 5:11 reinforces this principle:
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
The Greek word for “expose” is “phaneróō” (φανερόω), which means “to make visible, to bring into the light.” Believers are commanded to reveal sin and error, not ignore it or tolerate it quietly. Exposure is the necessary step before correction and repentance can occur. The aorist imperative used here underscores urgency—this is decisive action, not optional advice. The faithful are called to confront and call out false teaching boldly and publicly when necessary, including naming those who persist in deception.
Throughout Scripture, confronting sin is never portrayed as optional or politically inconvenient. Exposure and rebuke are not about getting involved in politics—they are about obedience, correction, and salvation. Silence, on the other hand, condones error and allows sin to spread.
Therefore, the notion that we should avoid moral and doctrinal issues “because they are political” is fundamentally wrong. The notion that we can not call out parties, leaders or groups who practice and approve of sin is fundamentally wrong.Protecting human comfort or avoiding offense is never the priority. Scripture makes it clear that rebuking sin, exposing false teaching, and calling for repentance is the responsibility of every believer. To ignore this duty is to abandon the very mission for which the ekklesia was established.
Truth will always confront and offend those who live in darkness. That is inevitable. But offense is not the measure of righteousness, obedience is. To remain silent under the guise of avoiding politics is to elevate human approval over divine mandate. The faithful must speak, expose, rebuke, and call all people to repentance. This is not politics. This is obedience. This is the heart of the Way.