Faithful Citizenship: Balancing Authority and Allegiance
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Romans 13:1-7, a passage that challenges us to consider our relationship with human government and our responsibilities as Christians. Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, emphasizing that all authority is established by God. This can be a difficult teaching, especially when we disagree with or feel oppressed by those in power. However, Paul’s message is clear: as followers of Christ, we are called to be good citizens, obeying laws and respecting those in authority.
We also explored the broader context of Romans 12, which calls us to live as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This means our submission to authority is an act of spiritual worship. Yet, this does not mean blind obedience. There are biblical precedents for civil disobedience when human laws conflict with God’s commands, such as the actions of Moses, Daniel, and the apostles.
In our current polarized climate, it’s crucial to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God’s kingdom. We must pray for our leaders, regardless of our political affiliations, and strive to be the salt and light in a world desperate for hope. Our faith should transcend political divisions, focusing on the transformative power of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Submission as Spiritual Worship: Romans 13:1-7 teaches that submitting to governing authorities is an act of spiritual worship. This submission is rooted in the understanding that all authority is established by God. Our obedience to human laws reflects our ultimate obedience to God, making our daily actions a form of worship. [15:45]
2. Contextual Understanding: The instructions in Romans 13 must be understood in the context of Romans 12, which calls us to live as living sacrifices. This means our submission to authority is part of a broader call to live holy and pleasing lives before God. It’s not about blind obedience but about aligning our actions with God’s will. [20:30]
3. Praying for Leaders: Regardless of our political views, we are called to pray for our leaders. This includes those we disagree with or even dislike. By praying for our leaders, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and seek His guidance and wisdom for those in positions of power. [22:23]
4. Biblical Precedents for Civil Disobedience: While Romans 13 calls for submission to authority, there are biblical examples of civil disobedience when human laws conflict with God’s commands. Figures like Moses, Daniel, and the apostles chose to obey God rather than men, demonstrating that our ultimate allegiance is to God’s kingdom. [32:16]
5. Being Salt and Light: In a polarized world, Christians are called to be the salt and light. This means living out our faith in a way that brings hope and clarity to those around us. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the love and truth of Jesus, transcending political divisions and pointing others to the ultimate hope found in Christ. [25:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:34] - Introduction and Technical Adjustments
[09:48] - Setting the Context: Romans 13
[12:24] - The Challenge of Submission
[13:27] - Christian Interaction with Government
[14:25] - Family Dynamics and Grace
[15:45] - Reading Romans 13:1-5
[17:28] - Prayer for Understanding
[18:57] - Contextualizing Romans 13
[20:30] - Living Sacrifices and Obedience
[22:23] - Praying for Leaders
[24:17] - The Church’s Role in Society
[25:40] - Being Salt and Light
[26:27] - Hope in Jesus
[27:10] - Obeying Authority
[28:36] - Polarization and Unity
[29:32] - Praying for Political Leaders
[30:29] - The Image of God in All People
[31:23] - Honoring Authority
[32:16] - Biblical Examples of Civil Disobedience
[33:18] - Historical Context: Nero’s Rome
[34:17] - When to Rebel
[35:07] - COVID-19 and Church Response
[36:41] - Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Example
[37:31] - Biblical Comparisons
[38:13] - Applying the Message Today
[38:57] - Current Events and Christian Response
[40:22] - Open Floor for Questions
[46:34] - Standing in the Gap
[47:05] - Corporate Prayer for the Nation
[48:09] - Being Beacons of Hope
[48:46] - God’s Sovereignty
[49:15] - Closing and Invitation for Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Romans 13:1-7
- Romans 12:1-2
### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 13:1-7 say about the origin of governing authorities? How does Paul describe their establishment? [15:45]
2. According to Romans 12:1-2, what does it mean to offer our bodies as living sacrifices? How is this connected to our submission to authority? [20:30]
3. In the sermon, what examples were given of biblical figures who practiced civil disobedience? [32:16]
4. How does the pastor describe the role of Christians in a polarized world? What are we called to be? [25:40]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul’s instruction to submit to governing authorities in Romans 13:1-7 relate to the broader call in Romans 12:1-2 to live as living sacrifices? [20:30]
2. What does it mean to view submission to authority as an act of spiritual worship? How can this perspective change our daily actions? [15:45]
3. The sermon mentioned praying for leaders regardless of political affiliation. Why is this important, and how does it reflect our ultimate allegiance to God’s kingdom? [22:23]
4. Considering the examples of civil disobedience mentioned in the sermon, how can Christians discern when it is appropriate to obey God rather than human laws? [32:16]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own attitude towards governing authorities. How can you view your submission to them as an act of spiritual worship? What changes might you need to make in your behavior or mindset? [15:45]
2. Romans 12:1-2 calls us to be living sacrifices. What specific actions can you take this week to align your life more closely with God’s will, especially in the context of obeying authority? [20:30]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of praying for our leaders. How often do you pray for those in authority, especially those you disagree with? What steps can you take to make this a regular practice? [22:23]
4. Think about a time when you felt conflicted between obeying human laws and following God’s commands. How did you handle it? What did you learn from that experience that can guide you in future situations? [32:16]
5. In a polarized world, Christians are called to be the salt and light. Identify one specific way you can bring hope and clarity to those around you this week. How can your actions and attitudes reflect the love and truth of Jesus? [25:40]
6. The pastor mentioned the need for the church to be a beacon of hope. How can you contribute to this mission in your local church community? What practical steps can you take to support and encourage others? [48:09]
7. Reflect on the concept of ultimate allegiance to God’s kingdom. How does this perspective influence your interactions with others, especially those with different political views? What can you do to foster unity and understanding in your community? [29:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Submission as Spiritual Worship
As Christians, our submission to governing authorities is not merely a civic duty but an act of spiritual worship. Romans 13:1-7 teaches that all authority is established by God, and our obedience to human laws reflects our ultimate obedience to Him. This perspective transforms our daily actions into a form of worship, recognizing God's sovereignty over all aspects of life. However, this submission is not about blind obedience; it is about aligning our actions with God's will, as outlined in Romans 12, which calls us to live as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. [15:45]
Romans 13:1-2 (ESV): "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."
Reflection: In what ways can you view your daily interactions with authority as acts of worship to God? How might this perspective change your attitude and actions?
Day 2: Contextual Understanding
Understanding Romans 13 in the context of Romans 12 is crucial. Romans 12 calls us to live as living sacrifices, which means our submission to authority is part of a broader call to live holy and pleasing lives before God. This is not about blind obedience but about aligning our actions with God's will. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to living out our faith in every aspect of our lives, including our interactions with governing authorities. [20:30]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: How can you align your actions with God's will in your interactions with authority figures? What steps can you take to ensure your obedience is part of your spiritual worship?
Day 3: Praying for Leaders
Regardless of our political views, we are called to pray for our leaders. This includes those we disagree with or even dislike. By praying for our leaders, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and seek His guidance and wisdom for those in positions of power. This act of prayer is a powerful way to demonstrate our faith and trust in God's ultimate plan, even when we do not understand or agree with the actions of our leaders. [22:23]
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."
Reflection: Think of a leader you disagree with. Can you commit to praying for them daily this week, asking God to guide and bless them?
Day 4: Biblical Precedents for Civil Disobedience
While Romans 13 calls for submission to authority, there are biblical examples of civil disobedience when human laws conflict with God's commands. Figures like Moses, Daniel, and the apostles chose to obey God rather than men, demonstrating that our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom. These examples remind us that our faith sometimes requires us to stand against human authority when it contradicts God's will. [32:16]
Acts 5:29 (ESV): "But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'"
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you feel torn between obeying human authority and following God's commands? How can you seek God's guidance in making the right choice?
Day 5: Being Salt and Light
In a polarized world, Christians are called to be the salt and light. This means living out our faith in a way that brings hope and clarity to those around us. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the love and truth of Jesus, transcending political divisions and pointing others to the ultimate hope found in Christ. By being salt and light, we can make a positive impact on our communities and demonstrate the transformative power of Jesus Christ. [25:40]
Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV): "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be a source of hope and clarity in your community today? What specific actions can you take to reflect the love and truth of Jesus to those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Friends, can I tell you, I believe with all of my heart in 2001 after September 11th the church missed a pivot point. People were had no hope they were worried they didn't know what was coming next they flocked to our churches and the preachers went we got revival and then a few weeks later they started to drop off because yeah churches totally had to be changed all these buildings of all sorts of sheep what kind of team was and the church had been flattened you know all the testing they did all the blaming but they weren't really talking about exactly the real situation because they really SUBSCRIBE to the church and you had no other choice friends there were efforts that have had to be expressed against Christ just so it couldn't do anything it wasn't their customers there weren't enough light in the church growing we couldn't miss that people around us are desperate for hope, they're desperate for meaning, they're desperate for something. And you and I as a church have the ability to be the salt and the light." [25:40] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Friends, you and I need to learn to be the church, period. There are no Republicans in heaven. There are no Democrats in heaven. There are only Jesus people in heaven. And when you and I become men enough and women enough to live accordingly, we will make a difference in people's lives because they'll look at you and they'll go, why aren't you freaking out? And you can just say, because Jesus is the only answer. Jesus is the one answer." [28:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Think about what happened yesterday when someone for whatever reason attempted to assassinate the former president think about the fact that you might be the only hope that somebody outside these walls will ever have because your faith isn't in a Democratic Party your faith isn't in the rub the Republican Party your faith is in Jesus friends and if you don't have that hope in your life men come meet me at this altar afterwards and I'd love to pray that God takes away that fear yes we're living in scary times yes things are going crazy but Jesus picked you for this moment Jesus picked us for such a time as this and the question is what will we do with it." [39:32] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Friends, can I tell you, I've read the end of the book and we win. Period. And so the reality is is that you and I have to understand that our government is ordained by God. That's what Paul wrote. The second principle that I think you and I have to understand is this, is that we need to obey authority." [26:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You and I as men and women of the cross have an obligation to pray for our leaders and those that are in authority above us period well the problem is is that would be great if we saw eye to eye with everything everybody said right oh man i love that i'm i'm yes amen oh no i don't like that well it should still be yes and amen." [22:23] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "You see, our spiritual act of worship, is living according to the spirit of God that lives inside of us. And it makes us different than the people who don't have God's spirit living inside of them. So here are a couple of principles, if you will, that we can pick up from Romans 13. The first one is this. Human government, according to scripture, is ordained by God. Well, pastor, I didn't vote for them. That's not what scripture says." [21:23] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Friends, you and I have to understand that right now at this moment, we're living in such a polarizing times. People on one side can't stand the people on the other side. They're talking trash, they're talking trash. Everybody is divided. And then we wonder why something crazy like happened yesterday happens. Friends, you and I need to learn to be the church, period." [28:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And if you really believe that, then you've got to understand that the qualities of family life come into play. How many of you know, sometimes you don't get along with everybody in your family. Sometimes there's a little bit of this happening with everybody in your family. But at the end of the day. You're still family, right? And so one of the things that you and I have to understand in a few minutes as we begin to discuss this. You may agree or disagree with me or someone else in this room. Or watching online. But that we're still family and we still need to love another one another." [14:25] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And I think Paul sums it up best. Look at what he says in verse 16. Six and seven. He says, this is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God's servants who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him. If you owe taxes, pay taxes. If revenue, then revenue. If respect, then respect. If honor, then honor. And friends, that's the principle you and I have to live by to honor God as living sacrifices with our lives." [31:23] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So let's apply it to where we are now and then we'll close and we'll open it up for questions. Questions and discussion. Let me just tell you that I know this isn't a typical Sunday morning. For those of you that are here and go, hey, I wanted to hear a good funny message. Sorry, come back next week. For those of you watching online going, this is something different. He didn't, I want you to know this didn't come without a lot of prayer and a lot of back and forth with myself going, God, my message is already written. I already got my message. My PowerPoint loaded. I'm brushed up on the wheats and the tares, I'm ready. And I just couldn't escape and I called Pastor Mike about 8.45 last night and we spoke and said, hey, this is what I'm sensing the Lord wants me to do today." [38:13] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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