Summit: Service
Romans 13:1-7 NASB
13 1Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
OUTLINE
- The Source of Government (v. 1-2)
- The Service of Government (v. 3-4)
- The Support of Government (v. 5-7)
QUESTIONS
- What is your general feeling toward government in America? Why is that? What does verse 1 tell you about your response to governing authorities? Where does Paul say they come from?
- Why does rebelling against authority bring condemnation? (v. 2)
- Why do we tend to fear or have a negative view of authority? What does this expose about my heart? (v. 3)
- What does Paul say is one of the main roles of government? What does He mean that it is “an avenger who brings wrath”?
- Where do you need to repent and adjust your heart toward the governing authorities?