TRANSFORMED: THEREFORE

SUBMIT TO YOUR GOVERNING AUTHORITIES

Romans 13:1-7Small Group Questions

RE-CAP …

Take time to share with your group if you have any follow-up updates, further insights, or questions from last week’s small group discussion.

OPENING QUESTION

  • Is the church the right place to talk about politics? Why or why not?

Read Romans 13:1-7. Christians, through the centuries, have been concerned about the relationship between the government and the gospel, the secular state and the church, the president and God. For example, in 1776, believers in this country wrestled with the question, “Do we support George Washington or King George III?” In the 1930’s, Christians in Germany had to think and pray about their response toward Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich. Today, we wonder about a Christian attitude toward tax laws, abortion, health care reform, immigration laws, same-sex marriages, or questionable foreign policies. What is the Believer’s responsibility toward government? Romans 13:1-7 is not the only Bible passage on issues of government (cf. 1 Pet.2:13-17), but in response to God’s mercy (12:1-2), it calls for a transformed attitude.

Engaging with the Word

  1. We are called to be subject to our authorities. Even the oppressive, unjust ruler is “God’s servant for your good” (Romans 13:4). How do cruel rulers like Moses’ Pharaoh, Paul’s emperor Nero, and Pontius Pilate serve God’s plan to do us good? (see also Romans 8:28)
  1. In what meaningful and tangible ways can Christians today submit to and honor (1 Peter 2:17) our governingauthorities?
  1. When do you think it is allowed for a Christian to NOT submit to governing authorities? What would this look like? (note examples of disobedience in Exodus 1:18-21, Daniel 3:13-18, Acts 4:13-22)
  1. [OPTIONAL]: Imagine that you are a Christian farmer, living peacefully in colonial America, when word comes that a group of politicians in Philadelphia have declared independence from Great Britain. You are aware of what Paul teaches inRomans 13about being in submission to the governing authorities. What should you do? Which side should you take? What if General Washington later orders you to join his revolutionary army?

Or …

  1. You’re living in Germany in the 1930’s when Adolph Hitler comes to power. You watch with growing horror as he begins systematically exterminating the Jews. Some of your Jewish neighbors, who were good friends, are herded off to the death camps, never to be seen alive again. Then you hear about a plot to assassinate Hitler and you’re invited to join the conspiracy. If Hitler could be killed, it could conceivably save the lives of millions of Jews. But you’re aware ofRomans 13, which commands you to be subject to the governing authorities. What should you do?
  1. Submission is not a popular word today, yet the Bible seems to indicate that submitting to others is key to making relationships work (e.g. government, employment, congregation, family).

a)Where are you at in submitting to those in authority (in general)? On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate yourself? In what areas/relationships do you struggle with submitting to authority?

b)Why is it difficult to submit in those relationships? What Biblical truths or promises doyou needtobelieve or have a difficult time believing in order tosubmit in those relationships?Why?

Engaging with Your World

6. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Spend some time some time in prayer for our governing authorities. Turn to God and intercede on behalf of your local and national leaders.

To be an open door to a life-changing grace