Lesson
10
Civil Responsibilities
Romans
13:1-14
Today’s
Verse:
Romans 13:1 –
“Let every soul be subject
unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be
are ordained of God.”
Sneak
Peek:
The
people of Nigeria have several reasons to distrust and speak badly against the government
of their nation. In fact, some feel the nation will be better run without a government
calling the shots on how citizens should live their lives.
As one who is a Christian, what reasons can
you give Nigerians to pray and not curse the government?
- When we pray for the government, we
recognize God’s supreme authority over all. When we curse the government, we
disregard God.
- When we pray (bless) the government,
we bless ourselves. Because they are the head. When the head is sick, the body
is. When the head becomes well, so does the body. Cursing the government of your
country is cursing yourself
What does the Bible say about the way we
speak about our government?
-
The Bible says that those in
government are ministers of God.
-
The Bible says we must be subject to
them, for conscience sake.
What
Do I See?
Read the
entire passage for today Romans 13:1-14. Write down your Lesson Topic and any
key ideas you see.
Lesson
Topic – Love, Honor, and Bless, Regardless of Circumstance.
Key
Ideas
-
Subjection to higher authority
-
Rulers
are ministers of God
-
Love
others
-
Put
on the armor of light
-
Put
on the Lord Jesus Christ
FUN
BOX
What is the First Lady’s middle name? FAKA
If you got it right, say
I’m so Nigerian (put your country’s name here)
What
Can I Infer?
1. What are our duties to our civic rulers? 13:1, 6-7
-
We should be subject to them
-
We should pay our taxes
-
We should honor them
2. What reasons does Paul give for rendering those
duties to our rulers? 13:2-5
-
If we disregard them, we disregard God,
and call damnation upon ourselves
-
They are not terror to good works, but
to evil
-
They are ministers of God to us for
good.
-
God uses them as a tool to execute
wrath upon evil doers
-
We should be subject to them to have a
clear conscience
3. What are our duties to fellow citizens of our State
and country? 13:8-10
-
Love them as ourselves. Owe only love
4. How does the last portion of this passage, 13:11-14,
relate to the rest of the passage?
-
It tells us why and how we can be
enabled to carry out our responsibilities to the government and fellow
citizens.
My
Summary: In one
sentence, summarize Paul’s main point in this passage
-
Even
as Christians, our responsibility is not only to the church and to fellow
believers, but also to secular government and State, and people in our
community; our godly love is not fully expressed without this.
Self-Assessment
1. What irritates you the most about our government?
-
They’re too corrupt
2.
When have you disagreed
with the laws imposed by the government and what did you do?
-
I think some Lagos traffic laws are utterly ridiculous. But
I hear they’ve not yet been “legally” enforced. I have done nothing, but
complain.
3.
Under what circumstances
would you choose to disobey commands of government authorities? What
consequences would you be willing to suffer?
-
If they impose laws that seek to blaspheme the glorious
Name of Christ.
-
Any consequence (so help me God!)
4.
What motivates you to
submit to authority? What makes it difficult for you to submit?
-
Motivation - When the
government puts the people first and acts in the interest of the people
-
Discouragement – When people in the
government blatantly practice corruption and do not punish the guilty just
because he/she is influential.
5.
In general, do you need
to work on being more obedient to local, state, or federal laws? Why or why
not?
-
Not really. I try to ensure to keep all the rules and do my
part. Although, there may be some aspect I may still be lagging. I pray God
reveals those to me, and help me obey, even when it is difficult to.
Weekly
Self-Assessment Action Plan
1.
Resume prayers for the government everyday
2.
Also pray for other leaders – home, church, work, etc.
3.
Honor my leaders by speaking rightly about them, and respecting God by
respecting them.
4.
5.
