Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Sunday, February 8, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful to live in a nation where I am free to worship You openly! I praise You for being a God worthy of my worship, and also for giving me the opportunity to worship You with other brothers and sisters, through Your Son, Jesus Christ, each week. I pray that You will inhabit the praises of Your people today, at New Life, and as congregations gather in Jesus’ name all over the world. I pray that You will fill me and all who worship You this day with Your Holy Spirit. I pray that You will strengthen our resolve to follow Your authority, no matter the consequence, and that You will glorify Yourself in our lives. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible Verses
Romans 13:1-7
1Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. 2So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. 3For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right, but they frighten those who do wrong. So do what they say, and you will get along well. 4The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong. 5So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience.
6Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid so they can keep on doing the work God intended them to do. 7Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and import duties, and give respect and honor to all to whom it is due.
Reflecting on God's Word
What does it mean to you that “all governments have been placed in power by God”?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Why does the Apostle Paul say that we are to obey the governing authorities? (13:1-2)
Who needs to be afraid of governing authorities according to Paul? (13:3-5)
Why does Paul tell us that we are to pay our taxes? (13:6-7)
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
As you read today’s Scripture, does there seem to be any room for disobedience to the governing authorities? Why or why not?
How do you explain that Paul, who told us to obey the governing authorities was executed by the government for treason?
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
What is the most important application of today’s Scripture reading to your life right now?
Thoughts...Obey the Government
The Apostle Paul makes it clear that as followers of Jesus, we are to show respect for the governing authorities, through obedience. Through the ages, Paul’s words have been used by government officials to seek to control their subjects, or constituents. The reality is that Paul, who wrote the words calling for obedience to the governing authorities, was executed for treason by the Roman government. What Paul doesn’t tell us directly in today’s Scripture, he demonstrated to us with his life—the governing authorities are to be obeyed, but not when their commands contradict God’s commands! This is a crucial truth. No matter what government a Christian is part of, so long as the laws are provided for the benefit and welfare of the society, the Christian is to be obedient, demonstrating that the authority of the governing authorities, as delegated by God is, indeed, to be respected. On the other hand, when the government stoops to do its own will rather than exercising Gods, we are called to obey God rather than human authority!