Now What

Tell Them What You Are Going to Say

Introduction

When a preacher prepares a sermon, the sermon preaches to the preacher before the preacher preaches the sermon. I have found this to be profoundly true, it was true in my preparation for today’s message. This sermon may bring some discomfort—because it certainly did for me. Yet, if we allow God to speak through His Word, I believe that discomfort will lead us to growth and a deeper understanding.

Today, we are addressing a challenging, but vital, topic: submitting to governing authorities. The title for today's sermon is “Now What” Because in the wake of a divisive election, you may be asking, ‘Now what?’ as Christians, how do we move forward and fulfill our call in such times? The answer lies in Scripture. Romans 13:1-7 calls us to submit to earthly authorities, recognizing that God, in His sovereignty, establishes governments, and governmental leadership.

Reflecting on my time in the Navy, I remember a particularly frustrating leader—a Lieutenant junior grade who was, to put it lightly, an annoying thorn in my side. One day I was walking with a civilian friend of mine venting my frustrations. I heard a voice behind me say Constructionmen can I talk to you for a moment.” I turned to see the base Executive Officer, the second in command of our base. He had just heard me complaining about my Lieutenant and so I prepared myself for very public dressing down, What I received was a calm but firm lesson. He said “ construction during your Navy career you're going to have good leaders, and you're going to have bad leaders. For there to be order, and discipline within the force. we have to respect the rank even if we don't like the man. Respect the rank, even if you struggle with the person wearing it. I learned that lesson quickly. I also learned that the best way to get rid of a leader that I didn't like , was to do a really good job , and get that leader promoted , so that he was no longer my problem, but someone else's problem .

In all seriousness today we're going to talk about the importance of submitting to our governmental authority considering how some people are feeling about the election results this is an important conversation for us to have. The central message of today's sermon is :

Central Message

Submitting to earthly authorities is ultimately part of our submission to God’s sovereign rule. When we willingly submit, it reflects our trust in God and our respect for His supreme authority.

Main Points

God is the Source of All Authority (Romans 13:1-3)

Governmental Authorities are Servants of God (Romans 13:4)

Christians Should Submit to Governmental Authorities as a Matter of Conscience (Romans 13:5)

Christians Should Only Disobey Governmental Authorities When Conscience Demands It (Romans 13:5)

The Mundane Acts of Civic Duty are Sacred When Done in Reverence to God’s Authority (Romans 13:6-7)

Say What You Are Going to Say

Point 1 God is the source of all authority (1-3)

Illustration

"I was born in 1973. In my lifetime, I have witnessed the administrations of ten U.S. presidents: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. When I was born, the 93rd Congress was in session, and today we are under the 118th Congress. That means I have lived through 25 congressional sessions.

Some of you here may have experienced even more leadership changes, while others have lived through fewer. Regardless of how many leaders we’ve seen rise and fall, one truth stands out: our reactions to leaders vary greatly. Some leaders may have gained your admiration, while others might have caused deep frustration. Even within this room, there are differing opinions about leaders over the years.. Our text tells us

Romans 13:1–2 NIV

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Explanation of Text

The text of Romans 13:1-3 addresses the nature of authority, who holds it, and what our relationship as Christians should be with those in positions of power. First and foremost, it makes clear that all authority ultimately belongs to God. Every governing authority derives its power from Him, meaning that when we submit to earthly leaders, we are ultimately demonstrating obedience to God’s divine order. This is a challenging teaching, but one rooted in recognizing God as the source and grantor of all authority.

Paul tells us that, ‘Whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted.’ Pause for a moment and let that sink in: to resist or reject legitimate authority is to rebel against God Himself. It is a serious charge, and Paul’s words were radical for his original audience. In his time, the ultimate authority was Caesar—a ruler who was not elected, had no term limits, and whose decrees were law. For many Jews under Roman rule, this was a difficult pill to swallow, as they often faced oppression and harsh decrees. Yet Paul, inspired by the Spirit, urges submission not because of the character or virtue of the governing authority, but because God, in His sovereignty, had established that authority.

In many ways this command is less severe for us. We live in a constitutional republic where leaders are elected, serve limited terms, and can be held accountable. Unlike Caesar’s reign, there is an ebb and flow to who holds power. Sometimes we have leaders we support; at other times, we may deeply disagree with those in power. Yet our call remains the same: to respect and submit, trusting that God’s providence extends to those in office, and God’s authority is greater than any leader.

Submission is never easy, particularly when policies and leaders challenge our values or cause discomfort. Yet, God’s desire for us to honor governing authority is rooted in His purpose for order, stability, and peace. Just as God brought order out of chaos in creation, He calls us to reflect that order through our lives, even in our relationship with earthly authorities. Our submission becomes an act of trust in the God who holds ultimate authority and who works all things according to His will.

Question / Objection

What if the governing authorities are corrupt, what if they are sinful ?

Answer

In the context of Romans 13, Paul was writing to Christians living under Roman rule, where government authority often acted with brutality. Paul’s emphasis on respecting authorities must be understood as a call to maintain order and peace, rather than condoning every action of a leader. Paul himself spoke against authorities when necessary, showing that submission does not equate to endorsing corruption or injustice. While Romans 13:4 speaks of rulers as God’s servants for good, it does not mean that God endorses or approves of every action by every ruler. The Bible repeatedly demonstrates that God is sovereign and can use even flawed or corrupt leaders for His purposes . Think of leaders like Pharaoh in Exodus, or King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel. Human leaders remain responsible for their actions, and when they act unjustly, they will be accountable to God. The text is not an endorsement of their corruption, but a recognition that God can work through even broken systems for His greater plan.

Application

Each of us will encounter various leaders in positions of authority over us—mayors and city councils at the city level, county commissioners and sheriffs at the county level, state legislatures and governors at the state level, and members of Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court at the federal level. There will be moments when those in power may not align with our views, and they may even pass laws we find difficult to accept. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. We are to be good ambassadors of God’s Kingdom, reflecting His character and grace through our actions. This means setting an example as responsible citizens—respecting our leaders, obeying the laws, and living in a manner that honors God.

Point 2 Governmental authorities are servants of God (4)

We follow our leaders because their authority has been granted them from the ultimate authority, God. Our leaders are God's servants. I know hearing that makes some of you recoil, you look at the current sate of politics and some of you say Donald Trump God's servant really. Or Joe Biden a servant of God really. And the answer is yes our leaders are God's servants Look at verse four in our text .

Romans 13:4 (NIV)

4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Illustration

Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea when Jesus was arrested . Jesus was be brought before Pilate and eventually Pilate would be the one who would order that Jesus be beaten to the point that he was almost unrecognizable . It is Pilate who order Jesus crucifixion on the cross . Pontius Pilate the governor of Judea the man who ordered the crucifixion of our Lord and savior was a servant of God. I did not say he was a follower of God, but he was a servant of God , because he was the leader . And in his role as the leader of Judea Pilate would do his part to carry out God's plan

Explanation of Text

Romans 13:4 tells us that government leaders—if we like them or if we don’t like them. They are servants of God. This means that both the leaders who inspire us and those who frustrate us are instruments in God’s hands, serving His purposes in ways we may not always understand.

Question / Objection

This verse seems difficult to accept in light of real-world suffering caused by political leaders. It is a verse that can be to silence dissent and legitimize oppression. How can an all-good, all-powerful God allow rulers to act in ways that lead to oppression?

Answer

The Bible and history are full of examples where God has brought good out of evil situations. Consider how God used the oppressive rule of Egypt to shape the nation of Israel or how persecution in the early church led to the spread of the Gospel. In our current time you see the church growing in places where the leaders oppress the church. While this does not justify the evil and corruption, it demonstrates God’s power to redeem even the worst situations. This shows that God’s purposes will prevail, even when leaders act unjustly.

Application

Our leaders—whether we like them or not, whether we voted for them or not— they are still our leaders, and, according to the Bible, they hold their authority from God, the ultimate authority. These leaders, whether they inspire us or frustrate us, are described as servants of God. Because of this, we are called to honor their position, even if we struggle to respect the person holding the position.

Honoring the position doesn’t mean blind allegiance; it means recognizing God’s sovereignty in placing leaders in their roles. And because God can redeem anyone and anything, we are called to be fervent in our prayer for our leaders and government. Pray for the transformation of their hearts, especially for those who may be acting in ways unbecoming of their role. Pray that they lead with justice, mercy, and wisdom.

Prayer is more than a passive exercise; it is a powerful tool that invites God’s redemptive power to work in and through the lives of our leaders. Through our prayers, we trust that God can shape their decisions, influence their hearts, and guide them toward His purposes. Let us, therefore, be faithful in praying for our leaders, knowing that God’s plans are greater than any one person or moment in time.

Point 3 Christians should submit to governmental authorities as a matter of conscience (5)

We now understand that all authority ultimately comes from God, and that He has granted authority to our governmental leaders. As Christians, we are called to follow and submit to these leaders, recognizing that to rebel against their authority is, in fact, to rebel against God’s authority. And as Scripture teaches, there is always a cost when we resist God’s established order.

However, our obedience to governmental authority should not be rooted in fear of consequences. Obeying out of fear misses the heart of what God desires from us. We are called to submit as a matter of conscience—an expression of our commitment to God. Let’s turn our attention to Romans 13:5 to explore this further.

Romans 13:5 NIV

5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

Explanation of Text

It is clear that the fear of punishment is not the primary reason that we submit to the governmental authority. We submit to government authority as am act of christian conscience. As Christians we don't always do what we like , we do what is right . And though we may not like who has power and authority within our government, submitting to the government authority is what is right .

Illustration

Consider the purpose of laws for a moment. We have laws against trespassing, drinking and driving, stealing, and even murder. If someone breaks these laws, there are punishments—ranging from fines and tickets to extended prison sentences. These consequences are intended to deter people from committing crimes, and for many, the threat of punishment is enough to keep them in line.

But for Christians, our motivation for obedience goes beyond the fear of punishment. The possibility of facing consequences should be irrelevant to why we choose to follow laws. We do not obey because we are afraid We obey because it is the right thing to do. Submission and obedience is a matter of conscience, rooted in our faith and commitment to God.

Question / Objection

What happens when a person’s religious convictions conflict with governmental laws? Are there limits to how far Christians should submit to governing authorities?

Answer

Yes, there are indeed limits to our submission to governmental authority. Earlier, I mentioned that while Christians are called to respect and obey governing authorities, there is a point at which we not only can but must refuse to obey. That point is when the government seeks to force us to act in ways that contradict our deeply held religious convictions or the clear teachings of God’s Word. In such cases, our ultimate allegiance is to God, not man.

Throughout Scripture, we find examples of faithful obedience to God over man’s demands. Consider Daniel, who defied the king’s decree and continued to pray to God despite the threat of death, or the apostles in Acts 5, who boldly declared, ‘We must obey God rather than men,’ when forbidden to preach in the name of Jesus. These examples remind us that when human laws demand disobedience to God, we are compelled to follow the higher law of God.

Our refusal to submit to unjust or immoral laws should not be driven by rebellion or self-interest but by a profound commitment to our faith and conscience. This is a serious and prayerful decision. Even in our disobedience, we must strive to act with respect, integrity, and a spirit of peace, trusting that God is our ultimate authority and will guide us through times of conflict.

Point 4 Christians should only disobey governmental authorities as a matter of conscience (5)

Illustration

A powerful example of the Christian call to disobey governmental authority as a matter of conscience is found in the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian during the Nazi regime. Bonhoeffer who was initially a pacifist, was deeply troubled by the rise of Adolf Hitler and the persecution and systematic extermination of millions of Jews, Romani and other marginalized groups.

As the Nazi atrocities became undeniable, Bonhoeffer faced a moral dilemma. He believed in respecting authority, but his conscience and faith would not allow him to remain silent in the face of such evil. He became an outspoken critic of the Nazi government. He joined , joining the Confessing Church, a movement that resisted Nazi interference and control over German Christianity. His opposition led to him being banned from publishing and teaching.

Eventually, Bonhoeffer joined the German resistance movement and was implicated in a plot to overthrow the Nazi government. This led to his arrest and eventual execution. Bonhoeffer’s courageous stand illustrates that Christians must disobey government authority when the government conflicts with God’s moral law. His story reminds us that choosing to follow God over unjust civil authorities can carry a heavy price—sometimes even life itself. Yet Bonhoeffer understood that, while we are called to respect and obey governing authorities, our ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone. When government actions contradict God’s commands, we must remain faithful to God, even when it requires costly disobedience.

Application

The example of Dietrich Bonhoeffer offers a powerful reminder that disobeying governmental authorities should never be taken lightly. We don't get to disobey simply because we don't like something . We don't get to disobey because the person in power is not from the same political party. We don't get to disobey because we don't like the leader . The decision to disobey government authority must be grounded in a sincere conviction of conscience before God. We should seek guidance from Scripture, pray, and seek out wise counsel. Even in disobedience Christians should be humble and recognize the gravity of the decision.

Point 5 The mundane acts of civic duty are sacred when done in reverence to God’s authority (6-7)

As Christians, we recognize that there may be times when civil disobedience is necessary—when standing against injustice becomes an act of honoring God and living out who He has called us to be. However, when such moments are not required, our calling is clear: we are to obey governing authorities, follow the laws, and live as responsible, honorable citizens.

But this goes deeper than mere compliance. Romans 13:6-7 reminds us that even the seemingly mundane acts of civic duty—such as paying taxes, honoring leaders, and showing respect—can become sacred when performed with a heart that reveres God’s authority. These acts, though routine, are opportunities to reflect our faith and acknowledge God’s sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. By engaging in these duties with a spirit of reverence, we transform the ordinary into sacred acts of that bear witness to our trust in God’s order and purposes."

Illustration

None of us looks forward to tax season. It’s a chore, an obligation—yet, as Christians, paying our taxes is more than a legal duty; it’s an act of obedience, respect, and submission to the authorities that God has placed over us. This extends beyond taxes to showing respect for the offices of our leaders, even when we may not personally like the individual holding the position.

Consider this: it’s February 10th, 2025, the day after the Super Bowl, and the Kansas City Chiefs have just won their third consecutive championship. As is tradition, they’re invited to visit the White House. Among the team members, there are some who have strong opinions about President Donald Trump—perhaps they disagree with his policies or his character. Yet, as Christians, they are called to respect the office of the presidency, regardless of their personal feelings toward the person occupying it. By participating in the visit, they demonstrate respect not for the individual, but for the role and authority that God has ordained.

This example reminds us that honoring authority is not about our feelings or preferences. It is about recognizing that God’s order and authority extend even to the offices of earthly leaders. When we honor these positions, whether by paying taxes, showing respect, or participating in civic traditions, we reflect our reverence for God’s greater plan."

Question / Objection

If the authorities are God's appointed servants who are worthy of respect and honor, how should we respond when those authorities misuse tax revenue or act dishonorably? Is it right to continue giving such a government honor, respect, and financial support when their actions contradict biblical values?

Answer

Jesus addressed the issue of paying taxes to an oppressive and corrupt Roman government by saying, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and give to God what is God’s” In doing so, He acknowledged the duty of paying taxes, even to an unjust government, while affirming our higher allegiance to God. Our ultimate authority is God Himself. As Christians, we can continue to fulfill our civic obligations while actively promoting justice and opposing corruption within society.

Scripture makes a crucial distinction between the institution of government, established by God to maintain order, and the actions of individual leaders, which may be flawed or corrupt. Our text today calls us to respect and honor the role of authorities because of their God-ordained function. We are to honor the position, even when we find the person or their actions lacking. However, this respect does not equate to uncritical support for every policy or decision. Respecting the office does not mean endorsing wrongdoing, nor does it require silence in the face of injustice.

Christians are called to hold a dual commitment: honoring the role of governing authorities while standing for truth and justice. We see many examples in Scripture of faithful believers who resisted unjust demands of rulers when those demands violated God’s commands. The Hebrew midwives in Exodus refused to follow Pharaoh’s order to kill male Hebrew babies, choosing instead to preserve life in obedience to God. Daniel chose to continue praying to God despite the king’s decree, and the apostles boldly proclaimed, “We must obey God rather than human beings” when forbidden from preaching about Jesus .

These examples demonstrate that when authorities require actions that go against God’s moral law, respectful and principled disobedience is necessary. However, this does not mean rejecting the government’s legitimate role in society altogether. We are called to fulfill our civic responsibilities, as long as doing so does not lead us into sin. At the same time, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, speaking truth, advocating for justice, and challenging corruption.

It can be deeply frustrating to witness authorities misusing their power. Yet, as believers, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty over all human rulers. Scripture assures us that God holds leaders accountable and will bring ultimate justice. By continuing to honor the role of government, while courageously standing for what is right, we bear witness to God’s truth and righteousness in the world.

Point to Christ:

Throughout the world, we see a vast array of governments and leaders: mayors and city council members, county commissioners and governors, prime ministers, presidents, and monarchs. Each of these leaders holds some form of authority, shaping the lives of their people. Yet, as Christians, we understand a profound truth: while earthly leaders hold power for a season or seasons, ultimate authority belongs to Christ alone.

Tell Them What You Said

Submitting to earthly authorities is ultimately part of our submission to God’s sovereign rule. When we willingly submit, it reflects our trust in God and our respect for His supreme authority. As Christians, we are called to honor and respect earthly leaders, knowing that God is the source of all authority. This applies whether or not these leaders share our beliefs, for their position is what makes them servants of God.

God is the Source of All Authority

Governmental Authorities are Servants of God

Christians Should Submit to Governmental Authorities as a Matter of Conscience

Christians Should Only Disobey Governmental Authorities When Conscience Demands It

The Mundane Acts of Civic Duty are Sacred When Done in Reverence to God’s Authority

Our obedience to government authorities should not be driven by fear of punishment, but as an act of conscience. We submit because it is a reflection of our faith, and our commitment to God. However, our submission is not without limits. If governing authorities demand actions contrary to God’s will, we must respectfully disobey, for our ultimate allegiance lies with God, not with human beings. Our faithfulness to God takes precedence, guided by His Word.

Even in the mundane acts of civic duty—paying taxes, showing respect to leaders, and honoring our nation’s laws—we perform sacred acts when done in reverence to God’s authority. These moments may seem ordinary, but in God’s eyes, they are opportunities to bear witness to our faith.

Today’s sermon asked, 'Now what?' As we emerge from a divisive election season with newly elected leaders, how should we as Christians respond? “Now What? The answer is clear: we set the example of good citizenship by submitting to governing authorities—not just the ones we prefer, but all who hold office. We demonstrate to the world that our respect for authority is rooted in a higher calling: honoring the position even if we struggle with the person. To rebel against lawful authority is to rebel against God, who placed them there.

Let us show what it means to be good citizens of God’s Kingdom by being good citizens of our nation. In doing so, let us always remember that ultimate authority does not rest with any person or worldly government. It rests solely with God. Our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and our allegiance is to the King of heaven.