Walking in Obedience: Honoring Authority God’s Way

Devotional

Day 1: All Authority Comes from God

God has established every position of authority, even though the people who fill those roles may not always act in a godly manner. Recognizing that all authority ultimately comes from God helps us to approach those in leadership with humility, even when we struggle to respect their actions. When we submit to authority as an act of obedience to God, we position ourselves for His blessing, protection, and peace, trusting that He is sovereign over every leader and circumstance. [43:09]

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: Is there a leader in your life—at work, in government, or elsewhere—whom you struggle to respect? How might your attitude change if you viewed their authority as something established by God?

Day 2: Pray for Those in Authority

We are called to pray for all people, especially those in authority, asking God to help them and to bless them, even when we feel they do not deserve it. This act of intercession not only aligns our hearts with God's grace but also opens the door for peace and godliness in our communities. Praying for leaders, rather than cursing or resenting them, reflects the mercy we ourselves have received and extends Christ’s love to those who need it most. [48:39]

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: Who is one leader—local, national, or personal—you can pray for today, asking God to bless and guide them, even if you disagree with their actions?

Day 3: Jesus as Our Example in Submission

Jesus endured unjust suffering and mistreatment at the hands of earthly authorities, yet He did not retaliate or revile in return. Instead, He entrusted Himself to God, the righteous judge, modeling for us how to respond to authority with humility and trust. Following Jesus’ example means choosing to honor and submit, even when it is difficult, knowing that God sees, cares, and will ultimately bring justice. [49:39]

1 Peter 2:18-23 (ESV)
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

Reflection: When have you experienced unfair treatment from someone in authority? How can you follow Jesus’ example by entrusting that situation to God rather than seeking your own retribution?

Day 4: The Fear of the Lord Leads to Blessing

True submission to authority flows from a heart that fears the Lord—honoring, revering, and obeying God above all else. The fear of the Lord is not terror, but a deep respect and awe that shapes our actions and attitudes, especially in how we relate to those in authority. When we walk in the fear of the Lord, we experience His blessings, protection, and favor, living as salt and light in a world that often mocks authority. [01:05:46]

Psalm 128:1-2 (ESV)
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to grow in the fear of the Lord, so that your response to authority reflects honor and trust in God?

Day 5: Healing from Wounds Caused by Authority

Many have been deeply hurt by those in authority—through abuse, betrayal, or neglect—but Jesus, the man of sorrows, understands and shares in our pain. He offers healing and restoration, inviting us to lay down our wounds and trust Him to lead us out of bitterness and into freedom. As we forgive and release those who have hurt us, we open ourselves to the blessings that come from obedience and the peace that only Christ can give. [01:08:32]

Isaiah 53:3-5 (ESV)
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Reflection: Is there a specific wound or memory caused by someone in authority that you need to bring to Jesus for healing today? What would it look like to begin that process with Him?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on how we relate to those in positions of authority—a topic that can be deeply challenging, especially for those who have experienced pain or abuse at the hands of authority figures. Yet, God’s Word offers a path to supernatural peace, favor, protection, joy, and prosperity when we humble ourselves and submit to His authority as revealed in Scripture. Our natural inclination is often toward rebellion, a tendency rooted in our sin nature, reinforced by a culture that celebrates independence and mocks authority. But the call of God is countercultural: to honor, pray for, and submit to those He has placed in authority, unless they command us to act in direct disobedience to God’s Word.

All authority originates from God, and while the roles are established by Him, the people who fill those roles are not always godly. The only biblical exception to submission is when earthly authority requires us to violate God’s commands. Even then, our response should be marked by grace and respect, as modeled by Peter and John in Acts. We are called to pray for our leaders—not for their downfall, but for God’s help, wisdom, and blessing upon them, regardless of whether we feel they deserve it. This reflects the grace we ourselves have received from Christ.

Jesus is our ultimate example. He endured unjust suffering without retaliation, entrusting Himself to God, the just Judge. We are called to do the same, trusting that God will bring justice in His time. Practically, this means submitting to spiritual authority—pastors, leaders, and those who equip us for maturity in Christ. Submission truly begins where agreement ends; it’s easy to follow when we agree, but growth happens when we choose humility and trust God’s process, even through imperfect leaders.

We are also commanded to honor and submit to governing authorities, even when they are ungodly or unjust. The early church was told to honor emperors like Nero, who persecuted Christians. Our speech, attitudes, and actions toward leaders should reflect Christ, not the dishonor and vitriol of the world. The key is cultivating the fear of the Lord—a deep reverence for God that shapes our response to all authority. This fear leads to blessing, wisdom, protection, and joy. God’s commands are not burdensome, but pathways to abundant life. As we walk in obedience, we position ourselves for His favor and become true reflections of His character to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. Submission to Authority Brings Blessing When we humble ourselves and submit to God’s established authority, we open our lives to supernatural peace, favor, and protection. This is not about blind obedience, but about trusting God’s wisdom and sovereignty, even when leaders are imperfect. The blessing is found on the other side of obedience, as we align ourselves with God’s order and trust Him to work through it. [39:45]
2. Pray for Leaders, Not Against Them Scripture calls us to intercede for those in authority, asking God to help, guide, and bless them. This act of prayer transforms our hearts, aligns us with God’s grace, and releases us from bitterness. Even when leaders don’t deserve it, we remember that we too received grace we didn’t deserve, and we extend that same mercy in our prayers. [46:39]
3. Submission Begins Where Agreement Ends True submission is tested when we disagree with those in authority. It’s in these moments that God refines our character, grows our maturity, and teaches us humility. Rather than running from discomfort or offense, we are invited to seek God’s purpose in the tension, trusting that He can use even imperfect leaders for our growth. [52:49]
4. Honor and Fear of the Lord Go Hand in Hand Our ability to honor earthly authority is rooted in a deep reverence for God. The fear of the Lord is not terror, but a profound respect for His holiness and commands. When we honor God above all, we are empowered to honor others—even those who seem undeserving—knowing that our ultimate accountability is to Him. [62:26]
5. God Heals Wounds from Authority For those hurt by authority, God offers healing and restoration. Jesus Himself suffered under unjust authority and is present with us in our pain. As we bring our wounds to Him, He leads us into freedom, reminding us that we are never alone and that His justice and compassion are sure. [68:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Series Recap and Introduction
[02:30] - The Challenge of Authority
[05:10] - Why Rebellion Comes Naturally
[08:00] - Three Challenges to Submission
[12:00] - The Spiritual Roots of Rebellion
[15:00] - God’s Establishment of Authority
[18:30] - When Not to Submit
[21:00] - Praying for Those in Authority
[25:00] - Jesus as Our Example
[28:00] - Submitting to Spiritual Authority
[32:00] - Submission Begins Where Agreement Ends
[36:00] - Honoring Governing Officials
[41:00] - The Fear of the Lord and Honor
[45:00] - Blessings of Obedience and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

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.

1 Peter 2:13-17 (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. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

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.

Observation Questions

According to Romans 13:1-2, where does all authority ultimately come from?
In 1 Peter 2:13-17, what specific instructions are given about how to treat those in authority, even if they are unjust? ([55:49])
What does 1 Timothy 2:1-2 say we should do for those in authority, and what is the intended result?
The sermon mentioned that submission begins where agreement ends. What does this mean in the context of spiritual authority? ([52:49])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God calls us to submit to authority, even when those in authority are imperfect or even unjust? ([49:39])
The sermon says the only biblical exception to submission is when authority asks us to disobey God’s Word. How can someone discern when this line has been crossed? ([46:39])
How does praying for leaders, rather than against them, change our hearts and attitudes toward authority? ([46:39])
The sermon connects the fear of the Lord with our ability to honor authority. What does it look like to have a healthy fear of the Lord, and how does that impact our response to authority? ([01:02:26])

Application Questions

Think of a time when you struggled to submit to someone in authority (a boss, parent, pastor, or government leader). What was the hardest part for you, and how did you respond? Looking back, would you do anything differently in light of what we’ve learned? ([52:49])
The sermon challenges us to pray for our leaders, not against them. Is there a leader in your life (work, church, government, family) you find it hard to pray for? What would it look like to start praying for God’s help, wisdom, and blessing for them this week? ([46:39])
Submission begins where agreement ends. Is there an area in your life right now where you disagree with someone in authority over you? How might God be using this situation to grow your character or maturity? ([52:49])
The message talked about the importance of honoring leaders with our speech, attitudes, and actions—even when we don’t feel they deserve it. Are there ways you’ve spoken or acted dishonorably toward authority? What practical steps can you take to change that? ([59:17])
For those who have been hurt by authority, the sermon offered hope for healing in Jesus. If you carry wounds from past authority figures, what would it look like to bring those hurts to God and invite Him to begin healing you? ([01:08:32])
The fear of the Lord is described as a deep reverence for God that shapes how we respond to authority. What is one way you can cultivate a greater fear of the Lord in your daily life? ([01:02:26])
The sermon says God’s commands are not burdensome, but pathways to abundant life. Is there a specific command or area of obedience you’ve been resisting? What would it look like to trust God and step into obedience this week? ([01:05:46])

Sermon Clips

We are to be salt and light in this world. We are supposed to be gracious of speech at all times. We are supposed to look and sound like Jesus. This calls for repentance. It calls for repentance if we look and sound like the rest of the world around us. We are new creations, born again in him, washed in his mercy and in the water of his word and in his blood. We should look different than the world around us. [01:01:58] (27 seconds) #BeSaltAndLight

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