Sermons on Romans 13:1-2
The various sermons below interpret Romans 13:1-2 with a shared emphasis on the divine establishment of authority and the Christian duty to honor and submit to it. They collectively highlight the dual role of government as both a blessing and a form of judgment from God, suggesting that leadership can serve as a means of divine judgment. This perspective is nuanced by the idea that submission to authority is not merely about rule-following but reflects one's relationship with God. The sermons also explore the concept of honor, distinguishing it from respect, and emphasize that honoring authority is a biblical mandate, regardless of the personal worthiness of those in power. This is illustrated through analogies, such as honoring one's parents as foundational to honoring all authorities, and the enduring value of a $100 bill, which retains its worth regardless of its condition.
In contrast, the sermons diverge in their thematic focus and application. One sermon emphasizes that resistance to authority is only justified when it contradicts God's word, advocating for non-violent, prayerful resistance, which adds a unique angle to the discussion of civil disobedience. Another sermon presents submission to authority as a spiritual discipline that reflects trust in God's sovereignty, even when authorities seem unjust, encouraging believers to view submission as an act of faith. A different sermon links societal decay to a lack of honor, suggesting that dishonor is a sign of the last days, while another sermon emphasizes that honoring others, including authorities, should be rooted in genuine love and respect, not manipulation. These contrasting themes offer a rich tapestry of insights, encouraging believers to navigate their relationship with authority through the lens of faith, love, and divine sovereignty.
Romans 13:1-2 Interpretation:
Living Out Christian Citizenship in a Complex World (Overcome Church) interprets Romans 13:1-2 by emphasizing the dual role of government as both a blessing and a form of judgment from God. The sermon suggests that governmental authorities are established by God to either bless or judge a nation, church, or home. This interpretation highlights the idea that leadership can serve as a means of divine judgment, which is a unique perspective on the passage.
Living Out Faith: Love, Respect, and Generosity (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) interprets Romans 13:1-2 by emphasizing the importance of submitting to earthly authorities as a form of obedience to God. The sermon highlights that submission to authority is not just about following rules but is a reflection of one's relationship with God. The pastor uses the analogy of honoring one's father and mother as a foundational step in learning to honor all earthly authorities, suggesting that this practice is integral to spiritual growth and sanctification. The sermon also delves into the Greek term for "submit" (????????, hypotass?), explaining that it implies a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, and carrying a burden, which shapes the understanding of the passage as an act of willing obedience rather than forced compliance.
Reclaiming Honor: A Divine Mandate for Relationships (HighPointe Church) interprets Romans 13:1-2 as a call to honor authority because it is established by God. The sermon emphasizes that honor is not about the worthiness of the person in authority but about the position they hold, which is ordained by God. The pastor uses the analogy of a $100 bill to illustrate that people retain their value regardless of their condition, just as authority retains its God-given value regardless of the actions of those in power. The sermon also distinguishes between respect and honor, suggesting that while one may not respect all decisions made by authorities, honoring the position is a biblical mandate.
Honor: Living with Integrity and Love in Faith (HighPointe Church) interprets Romans 13:1-2 by emphasizing the importance of honoring governing authorities, even when they are unjust or corrupt, as a reflection of God's sovereignty. The sermon uses the example of the Apostle Paul addressing Jewish Christians under Nero's rule to illustrate that God establishes all authorities, and believers are called to honor them unless they directly contradict God's Word. The sermon highlights that honoring authorities is not about agreement but about recognizing their God-given position.
Romans 13:1-2 Theological Themes:
Living Out Christian Citizenship in a Complex World (Overcome Church) presents the theme that resistance to governmental authority is only justified when it contradicts God's word and will. This sermon emphasizes that such resistance should be non-violent and rooted in prayer, which adds a fresh angle to the discussion of civil disobedience.
The sermon also introduces the concept of love as the overarching obligation for Christians, suggesting that love fulfills the law and is a permanent obligation that cannot be fully discharged. This theme is distinct in its focus on love as a measure of obedience to God.
Living Out Faith: Love, Respect, and Generosity (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) presents the theme that submission to authority is a spiritual discipline that reflects one's trust in God's sovereignty. The sermon introduces the idea that earthly authorities, even those that may seem unjust, are used by God for His purposes, and resisting them equates to resisting God's plan. This perspective encourages believers to view submission as an act of faith and trust in God's ultimate control over all situations.
Reclaiming Honor: A Divine Mandate for Relationships (HighPointe Church) presents the theme that dishonor leads to societal decay, linking the current state of dishonor in society to the consequences outlined in Romans 13:2. The sermon suggests that the lack of honor is a sign of the last days, as described in 2 Timothy 3, where people become lovers of themselves and disregard authority.
The sermon introduces the idea that honor is a divine principle that, when applied, brings blessings and aligns with God's will. It emphasizes that honoring others is ultimately about honoring God, as all authority is established by Him.
Honor: Living with Integrity and Love in Faith (HighPointe Church) presents the theme that honoring others, including authorities, is a reflection of one's relationship with God. The sermon emphasizes that honor should be rooted in genuine love and respect, not manipulation or transactional relationships. It also introduces the idea that believers are citizens of heaven first, which should guide their interactions and honor towards earthly authorities.
Romans 13:1-2 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Living Out Christian Citizenship in a Complex World (Overcome Church) provides historical context by referencing the Roman governance under which Jesus and Paul lived. It mentions Pontius Pilate and Nero as examples of Roman authorities, highlighting that neither Jesus nor Paul denied or reviled their authority, which underscores the command to be subject to governing authorities.
Living Out Faith: Love, Respect, and Generosity (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) provides historical context by explaining that the early Christians in Rome were under the rule of a government that was often hostile to their faith. Despite this, Paul instructed them to submit to these authorities, highlighting the radical nature of this command in a time when Christians faced persecution. The sermon emphasizes that understanding this context helps modern believers appreciate the depth of the call to submission in Romans 13:1-2.
Reclaiming Honor: A Divine Mandate for Relationships (HighPointe Church) provides a historical insight into the cultural context of Jesus' time, explaining how familiarity and offense led to dishonor in Jesus' hometown, which in turn limited His ability to perform miracles. This context is used to illustrate how dishonor can hinder the work of God in a community.
Honor: Living with Integrity and Love in Faith (HighPointe Church) provides historical context by discussing the tyrannical rule of Emperor Nero, under whom the Jewish Christians were suffering. The sermon explains that despite Nero's evil actions, Paul instructed Christians to honor governing authorities, highlighting the challenging circumstances of the early church and the radical nature of Paul's teaching in that context.
Romans 13:1-2 Cross-References in the Bible:
Living Out Christian Citizenship in a Complex World (Overcome Church) references Acts 4, where the disciples are confronted by authorities but choose to obey God rather than men. This passage is used to illustrate the point that resistance to authority is warranted when it contradicts God's commands.
The sermon also references the story of the three Hebrew boys who refused to bow to a king, emphasizing the importance of serving God above all else.
Living Out Faith: Love, Respect, and Generosity (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) references Ephesians 6, which reiterates the command to honor one's father and mother, linking it to the broader theme of submitting to authority. The sermon also cites Colossians 3:22-24, which speaks to obeying earthly masters as a form of serving Christ, reinforcing the idea that submission to authority is ultimately about serving God. Additionally, Hebrews 13:17-18 is mentioned, which instructs believers to obey their leaders and submit to them, as they watch over their souls, further supporting the call to respect and honor those in positions of authority.
Reclaiming Honor: A Divine Mandate for Relationships (HighPointe Church) references 2 Timothy 3 to describe the characteristics of people in the last days, linking it to the theme of dishonor and rebellion against authority as mentioned in Romans 13:2. The sermon uses this cross-reference to highlight the societal consequences of dishonor and the importance of returning to a culture of honor.
Honor: Living with Integrity and Love in Faith (HighPointe Church) references Ephesians 6:12 to emphasize that the real battle is not against people or governments but against spiritual forces. The sermon also mentions Daniel 3 and Daniel 6, using the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel to illustrate civil disobedience in the face of ungodly laws, while still showing honor to authorities. These references support the idea that believers can honor authorities while standing firm in their faith.
Romans 13:1-2 Christian References outside the Bible:
Living Out Christian Citizenship in a Complex World (Overcome Church) cites a scholar who noted that Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate and Paul under Nero, yet neither denied the authority of these leaders. This reference is used to support the idea that Christians are commanded to be subject to governmental authority.
Living Out Faith: Love, Respect, and Generosity (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in its discussion of Romans 13:1-2.
Faith, Civic Duty, and the Power of Prayer (Resonate Life Church) references Wayne Grudem's book on voting as a Christian, which helped shape the sermon's perspective on the role of Christians in politics and government. The sermon also mentions a message by Josh Howerton at Lake Point, which inspired the pastor's approach to discussing political engagement from a biblical standpoint.
Honor: Living with Integrity and Love in Faith (HighPointe Church) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in the discussion of Romans 13:1-2.
Romans 13:1-2 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Living Out Christian Citizenship in a Complex World (Overcome Church) uses the analogy of natural law and order, such as the solar system's precise positioning and the predictable cycle of crops, to illustrate the importance of structure and leadership as ordained by God. This secular example is used to emphasize the necessity of order in society and the role of government as part of God's design.
Living Out Faith: Love, Respect, and Generosity (Hyland Heights Baptist Church) uses a humorous reference to West Virginia tolls to illustrate the concept of paying taxes as a form of submission to authority. The pastor jokes about the frustration of paying tolls, yet emphasizes that even this act is part of the broader biblical command to honor and submit to governing authorities, making the point relatable and engaging for the congregation.
Reclaiming Honor: A Divine Mandate for Relationships (HighPointe Church) uses the story of Nelson Mandela as an illustration of leading with honor. The sermon highlights Mandela's choice of reconciliation over retribution during his presidency in South Africa, emphasizing the power of honor to bring about national healing and unity. Mandela's decision to invite his jailer to his inauguration is used as a powerful example of honoring others not because they deserve it, but because it aligns with God's principles.
Honor: Living with Integrity and Love in Faith (HighPointe Church) does not provide any illustrations from secular sources specifically related to Romans 13:1-2.