The current cultural and political climate feels incredibly tense. With each election cycle, the narratives and tensions intensify, and the divisions feel deeper. In times like these, how should Christians respond? Paul's direction is clear: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities." Although the direction is simple, it doesn't feel easy. How are we supposed to live out Paul's call in our world today?

Romans 13:1-7

Submission to the Authorities

13 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. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 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, 4 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. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 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.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. Reread Romans 13:1-7, what stuck out to you from the text and the message?

2. In this season, what are some tangible ways you can anchor your trust more in Jesus?

3. In the New Testament we are described as “ambassadors”

(2 Corinthians 5:20) and “exiles” (1 Peter 1:11). In these tense times, what does it look like to live as ambassadors and exiles in such a way that people see the love of Jesus through your life?

4. What are some practical things you can do to love those who disagree with you politically?

For Families with Kids

1. Read Romans 13:1. How does this verse begin? Circle one: Every person   Some persons   Few persons   No persons

2. Again in verse 1, who is in charge of establishing all authority everywhere for every person? _ _ _

3. Read verse 2. If we resist the authority over us, who are we really against? Circle one:  no one   the teacher   parents   God

4. The point Paul makes is that only God is sovereign and ultimately in control. We put all our trust only in Him. This gives us peace to follow leaders placed over us no matter how “good” or “bad” they might be; everyone ultimately will answer to God.

5. Look up and memorize Luther’s explanation of the 4th commandment together as a family. Think about different ways to show honor and love to those God places over us.