What is My New Purpose? Part 4 | The Romans Road | Randy Frazee
Seven Authority Structures Established by God:
God| All People
Elders | Church
Husband | Wife
Parent | Child
Employer | Employee
Teacher | Student
Government | People
The main action step for us is to not only identify these structures but to accept them and then submit our lives to them. (13:1a)
Every nation and leader in existence today is because God ordained it. (13:1b)
For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
Romans 9:17
What does one do when authority isn’t looking out for what is right or best for the people they serve?
Remember leaders are accountable to God for their actions.
God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the “gods”:
“How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Psalm 82:1-4
Work within the rules to bring about change.
Rebel and suffer the punishment.
“We must obey God rather than men!”
Acts 5:29
Remember, whatever happens now does not change the outcome at the end of everything
…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:10-11
Practically, we are called to pay the money, honor and respect our government is due. (13:6-7)
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Titus 2:1-2
Going Deeper Questions:
Romans 13:1-2 tells us that God has established all authority structures and rebelling against them is rebelling against God. In Paul’s day this included the Roman Empire which was not always kind to Christians. Relate to command to our day today.
How do you feel our national and local governments are doing in managing the corona virus pandemic? What parts are easy for you to obey and which ones are harder?
There are three ways to biblically respond when we feel government is not leading in the best interest of the people. Give your thoughts about each one.
Remember leaders are accountable to God for their actions.
Work within the rules to bring about change.
Rebel and suffer the punishment.
4. Romans 13:6-7 tell us we are to give honor and respect for our government leaders. How might we do a better job with this?