Living Righteously Amidst Authority and Love

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Orchestration in Our Lives

Description: The alignment of our worship and teachings without prior coordination is a testament to the Holy Spirit's guidance. This divine orchestration reassures us that God is in control, organizing and orchestrating every aspect of our lives for His purpose. When we see the seamless integration of our spiritual activities, it is a reminder that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding us towards His ultimate plan. This should encourage us to trust in His timing and direction, even when we do not fully understand the path ahead.

In our daily lives, we often encounter situations that seem coincidental or unplanned. However, as believers, we are called to recognize the hand of God in these moments. By acknowledging His divine orchestration, we can find peace and assurance that He is working all things together for our good. This understanding helps us to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is in control and has a purpose for every event in our lives. [19:37]

Ephesians 1:11 (ESV): "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will."

Reflection: Can you identify a recent event in your life where you saw God's orchestration at work? How does recognizing His hand in your life change your perspective on your current circumstances?

Day 2: Respect for Governing Authorities

Description: Christians are called to be exemplary citizens, respecting and submitting to governing authorities because all authority is established by God. However, our ultimate allegiance is to God's law, especially when civil laws contradict divine commandments. This balance requires wisdom and discernment, as we navigate the complexities of living in a world with imperfect systems and leaders. By respecting authority, we demonstrate our trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to work through all situations for His glory.

It is important to remember that while we are to respect and submit to governing authorities, our primary loyalty is to God. When faced with laws or directives that contradict God's commandments, we must stand firm in our faith and uphold His truth. This may involve making difficult decisions and facing opposition, but our commitment to God's law should always take precedence. By doing so, we bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and the supremacy of God's authority in our lives. [24:05]

1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV): "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good."

Reflection: How do you balance respecting governing authorities with your ultimate allegiance to God's law? Can you think of a situation where you had to choose between the two, and how did you handle it?

Day 3: The Role of Love in Fulfilling God's Law

Description: Love is the essence of all commandments. By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we fulfill God's requirements. This love should be evident in our actions, transcending mere words and manifesting in genuine care and respect for others. When we prioritize love in our interactions, we reflect the character of Christ and create a positive impact on those around us. Love is not just an emotion but a deliberate choice to act in the best interest of others, even when it is challenging.

In a world that often promotes self-interest and division, Christians are called to be beacons of love and unity. By embodying Christ's love, we can break down barriers and build meaningful relationships that reflect God's kingdom. This involves being patient, kind, and forgiving, even when others may not reciprocate. Our love for others should be a testament to our faith and a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. [40:08]

1 John 4:12 (ESV): "No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may be difficult to love. How can you show them genuine care and respect this week, reflecting Christ's love in your actions?

Day 4: Spiritual Vigilance and Readiness

Description: Paul believed in the imminent return of Christ, a belief that should inspire us to live righteously and be prepared for His coming. This involves shedding our old ways and embracing a new life in Christ, characterized by moral integrity and spiritual vigilance. As believers, we are called to be watchful and ready, living each day with the awareness that Christ could return at any moment. This sense of urgency should motivate us to pursue holiness and align our lives with God's will.

Living in spiritual readiness means being intentional about our faith journey. It requires regular self-examination, repentance, and a commitment to grow in our relationship with God. By staying spiritually vigilant, we can avoid complacency and remain focused on our ultimate goal of eternal life with Christ. This readiness also involves sharing the Gospel with others, so they too can be prepared for His return. [44:38]

1 Thessalonians 5:6 (ESV): "So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have become spiritually complacent? What steps can you take today to renew your commitment to living in readiness for Christ's return?

Day 5: Navigating Political and Social Complexities

Description: While acknowledging the presence of corrupt leaders and unjust systems, Christians are encouraged to navigate these complexities with a heart aligned to God's will. Sometimes, God allows certain leaders to teach us valuable lessons, urging us to learn and grow from these experiences. It is essential to approach political and social issues with discernment, seeking God's guidance in how to respond and act. By doing so, we can be agents of change and hope in a broken world.

Navigating political and social complexities requires a deep reliance on God's wisdom and a commitment to His principles. As Christians, we are called to be salt and light, influencing society in ways that reflect God's justice and mercy. This may involve advocating for the marginalized, standing against injustice, and promoting peace and reconciliation. By aligning our hearts with God's will, we can navigate these challenges with grace and integrity, making a positive impact in our communities. [31:53]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: How can you align your heart with God's will when navigating political and social issues? What specific actions can you take to be an agent of change and hope in your community?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we delve into Romans 13, a chapter that challenges us to reflect on our relationship with governing authorities. This church, driven by the Holy Spirit, aligns its teachings and worship without prior coordination, demonstrating God's orchestration in our lives. We began with a reading from Ephesians 1:9, reminding us of God's ultimate plan to bring everything under Christ's authority.

In today's world, we face political turmoil and dissatisfaction with our government, much like Paul did in his time. Despite these challenges, Paul instructs Christians to be exemplary citizens, respecting and submitting to governing authorities because all authority is established by God. This doesn't mean blind obedience, especially when civil laws contradict God's laws. Our ultimate allegiance is to God's supreme law.

Paul's teachings emphasize that Christians historically contribute positively to society, through charity, community involvement, and even politics. However, he also acknowledges the presence of corrupt leaders and unjust systems. The key is to navigate these complexities with a heart aligned to God's will, understanding that sometimes God allows certain leaders to teach us valuable lessons.

The sermon also touched on the importance of love as the fulfillment of God's law. Paul reiterates that love for our neighbors encapsulates all commandments, urging us to live lives that reflect Christ's love. This love should be evident in our actions, transcending mere words and manifesting in genuine care and respect for others.

Finally, we are reminded of the urgency of our spiritual awakening. Paul believed in the imminent return of Christ, a belief that should inspire us to live righteously and be prepared for His coming. This involves shedding our old ways and embracing a new life in Christ, characterized by moral integrity and spiritual vigilance.

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Key Takeaways

1. God's Orchestration in Our Lives: The alignment of our worship and teachings without prior coordination is a testament to the Holy Spirit's guidance. This divine orchestration reassures us that God is in control, organizing and orchestrating every aspect of our lives for His purpose. [19:37]
2. Respect for Governing Authorities: Christians are called to be exemplary citizens, respecting and submitting to governing authorities because all authority is established by God. However, our ultimate allegiance is to God's law, especially when civil laws contradict divine commandments. [24:05]
3. The Role of Love in Fulfilling God's Law: Love is the essence of all commandments. By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we fulfill God's requirements. This love should be evident in our actions, transcending mere words and manifesting in genuine care and respect for others. [40:08]
4. Spiritual Vigilance and Readiness: Paul believed in the imminent return of Christ, a belief that should inspire us to live righteously and be prepared for His coming. This involves shedding our old ways and embracing a new life in Christ, characterized by moral integrity and spiritual vigilance. [44:38]
5. Navigating Political and Social Complexities: While acknowledging the presence of corrupt leaders and unjust systems, Christians are encouraged to navigate these complexities with a heart aligned to God's will. Sometimes, God allows certain leaders to teach us valuable lessons, urging us to learn and grow from these experiences. [31:53]
### [31:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:37] - God's Orchestration
[20:13] - Reading from Ephesians
[22:03] - Illustrative Stories
[24:05] - Christians as Exemplary Citizens
[25:11] - God's Law vs. Human Edicts
[27:52] - Authority Established by God
[29:04] - Learning from History
[31:53] - Submission to Authority
[35:08] - The Truth of the Bible
[40:08] - Love Fulfills God's Law
[44:38] - Spiritual Vigilance
[47:02] - Living Decent Lives
[49:07] - New Clothing in Christ
[50:11] - The Promise of Heaven
[51:14] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[52:22] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Romans 13:1-7, why are Christians instructed to submit to governing authorities? How does this align with the idea that all authority is established by God? [24:05]
What does Ephesians 1:9-10 reveal about God's ultimate plan for authority and how does it relate to the message in Romans 13? [20:13]
How does Paul describe the role of love in fulfilling God's law in Romans 13:8-10? [40:08]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between civil laws and God's laws, especially when they are in conflict? [25:11]

Interpretation Questions

How can Christians balance the command to respect governing authorities with the need to obey God's supreme law when the two are in conflict? [25:11]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that God uses both good and bad leaders to teach us valuable lessons? How can this perspective change our view of current political situations? [31:53]
How does the concept of love as the fulfillment of God's law challenge or reinforce your current understanding of Christian behavior towards others? [40:08]
What does it mean to live with spiritual vigilance and readiness for Christ's return, as emphasized in the sermon? How does this affect daily Christian living? [44:38]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you struggled to respect a governing authority. How did you navigate that situation, and what would you do differently now in light of Romans 13:1-7? [24:05]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of love in fulfilling God's law. Identify a specific way you can show genuine care and respect for a neighbor this week. [40:08]
Considering the urgency of spiritual awakening mentioned in the sermon, what old habits or behaviors do you need to shed to embrace a new life in Christ? [44:38]
How can you actively demonstrate that your ultimate allegiance is to God's law, especially in situations where civil laws may contradict divine commandments? [25:11]
The sermon discusses the role of Christians in society, including charity and community involvement. What is one specific action you can take this month to positively contribute to your community? [24:05]
Reflect on the idea that God allows certain leaders to teach us valuable lessons. How can you apply this perspective to your current view of political and social complexities? [31:53]
How can you cultivate a lifestyle of spiritual vigilance and readiness for Christ's return in your daily routine? What specific practices can help you stay spiritually alert? [44:38]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for outreach

1. "Christians give more money to charities and to the church. Christians support more public events and community situations. They're many times more active in politics on the good side. But the Christian is also commanded to be subject to the government." [24:05] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If the civil power commands us to violate the law of God, we must obey God's law before human edicts. That's our charge. God's law supreme." [25:11] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law. Just got to get that extra ounce of love in us." [42:26] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When we put on this new garment of Christianity, when we put on this new clothing as believers and followers of Jesus, we're supposed to show the world what that is. We live in this new clothing in this new changed life, do we?" [45:47] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Heaven is everything you could ever dream of. If you love Hawaii, if you love the mountains, whatever it might be, that's what heaven's like for you. Earth is a mirror of heaven, an imperfect mirror, just like we are imperfect representations of God. But that's why we have a Savior." [49:35] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "So God allows people to be in office and positions of authority to help us learn a valuable lesson. Don't do it again or do it again. And in verse 2, Paul says, So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished." [31:53] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Paul says every word in the Scripture is inspired by God one way or another. We have the truth in our hands if you'll study it. We have the truth on the screen and here in this church if you'll listen and come, because that's the only thing we know how to do, is just teach the truth here." [35:08] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Because we belong to the day, we're in the light of day, the light of Christ, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in darkness of wild parties and drunkenness or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living or in quarreling and jealousy. Can you do it?" [47:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We have this evil part of us, every one of us, me included of course, that's always fighting in there. It's always telling at you, I want to say this. I want to do that. I want to go do this, you know. And it's there. It takes that power of God and the Holy Spirit to repress the bad parts and push it down. We have to work on that." [47:39] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We have the one who went to the cross to die for your sins and my sins. Today we don't know what sin is, unfortunately. But it's anything God says is sin. And Christ died for you. And he died for me. But he also was raised from the dead. And he's prepared a place for us for our temporary stay in heaven before we come back here and set up the rule of this world under Christ's reign and we'll have important positions with him." [50:11] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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