God-Ordained Authority

Written By MBC

Title: God-ordained Authority

Text: Romans 13:1-2, 6-7; Mark 12:13-17

Outline:

I. Your Duty to Civil Leaders (Romans 13:1-2, 6-7)

  • A. Submission (Romans 13:1-2)

    • The command to submit to governing authorities.

    • The foundational reason for submission, which is ordained by God.

    • The challenge of submitting to both good and bad leaders.

    • Resistance is not encouraged unless it contradicts conscience or God's Word.

  • B. Paying Taxes (Romans 13:6-7a)

    • The command to pay taxes and its connection to God's ministers.

    • The benefits and services provided by government, making it reasonable to pay taxes.

    • Various types of taxes in ancient Rome.

  • C. Giving Honor (Romans 13:7b)

    • The importance of giving honor to civil leaders for the Lord's sake.

    • Respect for leaders is not based on their greatness, but because God ordained their authority.

 

II. Obedience to God over Government

  • A. The Trap of the Pharisees and Herodians (Mark 12:13-17)

    • The story of the Pharisees and Herodians attempting to trap Jesus with questions about taxes.

    • The cunning nature of the trap.

  • B. Jesus' Response (Mark 12:15-17)

    • Jesus' clever response to the question about paying taxes.

    • The distinction between rendering to Caesar what is his and to God what is God's.

    • The ultimate ownership of individuals by God due to the Imago Dei.

  • C. The Primacy of Obedience to God

    • The demands of God always take precedence over government commands.

    • Biblical examples (Exodus, Daniel, Acts) of individuals who chose to obey God rather than man.

    • We owe God everything, as His image is stamped on us.

 Application Questions:

 1.    How did the Holy Spirit illuminate or convict you of truth from this sermon?

2.    How do you personally view your duty to submit to civil leaders, even if you don't always agree with their actions or policies?

3.    What is the difference between resisting government authority and using lawful means to challenge unjust laws? How can Christians effectively engage in advocacy for change while still respecting authorities?

4.    Have you ever been in a situation where you felt compelled to resist government authority because it conflicted with your conscience or God's Word? What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

5.    If God’s image is stamped on your life, you’re made in His image, then how much of your life belongs to Him? What areas are you tempted to hold back from Him (your entertainment, your phone, your relationships, your sexual boundaries)?

6.    How can we maintain a balance between respecting government authority and standing up for our faith and convictions when they clash with government mandates?

7.    Paul emphasizes the importance of paying taxes as a duty to government. How do you personally view taxation and its role in society, particularly in supporting essential services? What are some specific government services or benefits that you are thankful for, and how do they enhance your daily life or the community as a whole?

8.    In what ways does the concept of "rendering to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" apply to your life and your priorities?

9.    Can you think of any situations where you may need to choose between obeying government authority and obeying God's commands in the future? How do you plan to navigate such situations based on your faith?

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