New Creation Bible Study

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.