Gods Authority- Outline

Romans 13:1–14 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. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Under God’s Authority: Living in Submission and Love

Bible Passage: Romans 13:1–14

Summary: This passage discusses the importance of submitting to governing authorities as an extension of God's authority and emphasizes the call to love our neighbors as a fulfilling of the law.

Application: Christians are encouraged to recognize and submit to God's ordained structures in society, promoting peace and order, while also examining how their love for others can transcend societal divisions and reflect Christ's love.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that submitting to authority is not merely a civic duty, but a reflection of our obedience to God. It emphasizes that our actions, motivated by love, can lead to a more harmonious and just society.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of Romans, Christ embodies the ultimate authority and fulfillment of the law. His submission to the Father and His sacrificial love serve as the perfect model for how we should interact with both God and our fellow humans.

Big Idea: Recognizing God’s authority over all aspects of life leads to genuine love for our neighbor, which fulfills God's law.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Roman governance and how it applies to contemporary understanding of authority. Utilize Logos to examine commentaries that discuss Paul's view on submission, and investigate any text-critical issues related to the translation of key phrases about authority and love.

1. Submitting to Sovereignty

Romans 13:1-5

Perhaps you might begin by addressing the recognition of authority in these verses. These passages suggest that all authorities are established by God and that obedience to them is a direct expression of obedience to God. You might highlight that this submission does not mean blind allegiance but a discerning respect that honors God above all. Introducing the idea that resisting such authority is akin to resisting God Himself provides a profound reflection on our faith journey. Linking this to Christ, who perfectly submitted to earthly authorities for divine purposes, offers a deeper understanding of spiritual and civic responsibility.

2. Engaging with Earthly Duties

Romans 13:6-7

You could highlight how this section instructs us on specific actions that reflect submission, such as paying taxes and respecting those in authority. These practical engagements with societal structures embody our acknowledgment of God’s overarching dominion. A reflection on Christ paying the temple tax could serve as an illustration of engaging with societal obligations in a way that acknowledges God’s ultimate rule. This suggestion communicates the importance of concrete acts of responsibility that signal a life lived under divine authority.

3. Loving as Law Fulfillment

Romans 13:8-10

Perhaps emphasizing the transformative power of love could be the focus here. These verses underscore the idea that love fulfills the law, reiterating that living under God’s authority means prioritizing love. You might explore how Christ’s sacrificial love fulfills and transcends the law, guiding us to love without boundaries. It suggests a framework for living that elevates our relationships, encouraging us to mimic Christ in embodying divine love, which naturally fulfills the legal and moral directives we encounter.

4. Awakening to Authority

Romans 13:11-14

In this final point, maybe the urgency of living rightly in the light of Christ’s return could be highlighted. These verses suggest that understanding the times should motivate a transformation in how we live, as if clothed in Christ. By putting on Christ, believers are encouraged to abandon deeds of darkness for a life marked by light and obedience. This not only reinforces the call to love but also challenges believers to a lifestyle that genuinely reflects submission to God’s authority through Christ-like living.

What practices might help you to 'put on the armor of light' as encouraged in Romans 13:12?

How can understanding the urgency of Christ's return change your approach to daily living and decision-making?

In ancient Rome, citizens understood the weight of submitting to authority, much like the early Christians demonstrated in their interactions with the Roman Empire. They had to navigate leadership that was often opposed to their beliefs while still fulfilling their obligations as citizens. This reflects how we, as believers today, are called to respect authority while remaining true to our faith, drawing upon scriptures such as Romans 13:1-7 which remind us that all authority comes from God.

Consider the life of Daniel, who not only respected but served under several foreign kings during his lifetime. Despite being taken captive, Daniel maintained his integrity and faith. He honored the authority placed over him but never compromised his devotion to God. His story encourages us, as adults facing various authorities—be it in government, work, or family—to find balance in submission while upholding our core values rooted in faith.

During World War II, many individuals showed courage by opposing unjust authority yet found ways to work within systems. For instance, the Bonhoeffer family supported efforts against the Nazi regime while also engaging in acts of faith that aligned with their moral compass. This presents a modern parallel to the biblical call for submission, where we must discern when to submit and when to stand against authority that contradicts God’s word—highlighting the gravity of listening to God over man.

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Consider the life of William Wilberforce, a British politician who dedicated his career to abolishing slavery. He understood the authority of the Parliament but also recognized a higher moral authority—God’s call to love our neighbor. For decades, he labored, often facing opposition, showing that submission can take on many forms: praying, advocating, and persistently working for change. His story is a poignant reminder that our submission to authority can lead to profound societal transformation, underscoring the necessity of aligning our actions with divine mandates.

During the American Revolution, many colonists had to grapple with the concept of authority. They were faced with British rule, which often seemed oppressive. However, figures like George Washington and John Adams chose to submit to a higher authority—their vision of freedom and justice. They understood that true authority comes from God and stands for righteousness. Their willingness to affect change by respectfully addressing authority reminds us that when we submit to God's order, we align our actions with divine purpose, even in challenging times.

In your home, submitting to authority can often feel challenging, especially when conflicts arise over decisions or discipline. If you and your partner disagree on how to approach a child’s behavior, instead of insisting on your way, take a step back and identify common ground. Discuss your values about parenting and respect each other's perspectives. Then, agree on a unified approach to guide your children's behavior. This not only reflects God’s call to unity but also teaches your children the importance of respecting authority and working collaboratively.

At work, submitting to authority might manifest as dealing with a difficult boss. You may feel unappreciated or misunderstood in your role. Instead of harboring resentment, choose to have a candid conversation with your supervisor about your responsibilities and the support you require. Approach this dialogue prayerfully, asking for wisdom and clarity. By showing respect for their position while expressing your needs, you build a professional relationship that glorifies God and encourages a healthy work environment, ultimately demonstrating Christ-like humility.

In public life, we often encounter authorities whose decisions we may not agree with—like local government or law enforcement. If you find yourself frustrated with a new policy or law that seems unfair, rather than protesting angrily, why not engage respectfully? Write a letter to your local representatives expressing your concerns and suggest constructive solutions. Show up to community meetings to voice your opinions, but do so with the intention of fostering dialogue, not division. This act of respectful submission can pave the way for meaningful change rooted in Christian love.