Opening: When was the last time you got a traffic ticket? How did you feel about
the police officer?
Scripture: Read
Romans 13:1-7.
Connect
the Text with Your Life:
- Who are the authorities in your life: family, occupation, church, government, etc.? Why does Paul say we should submit to governing authorities? How do you understand this passage in lieu of the context of Paul’s time, where pagan Roman rulers were preparing to martyr Christians?
- What principles do you find in this passage that help you deal with authority?
- Paul does not advocate blind obedience when faced with conflict with your beliefs. He was eventually martyred for “violating” Roman laws regarding who is Lord was, Jesus or Caesar. How do you find the balance between submitting to authorities and peaceful civil disobedience?
Prayer
Focus: That we would submit to our leaders in obedience
to God.
