Discussion question: Does v1 imply that only governments which are established by God have authority and that there is some kind of test we can use to determine which are established by Him?
Leader: for your review.
It doesn’t seem to be the case that some governments are and some aren’t established by God because in v2 it says whoever resists authority resists the ordinances of God and then in v3 it refers back to authority but calls them rulers interchangeably. So it seems to be the case that all authority is established by God. This could lead to some awkward cases; what if there are two governments at war, which do you side with? etc.
Discussion question: Verses 3 and 4 are worded a bit strangely. Paul was so strong and clear in chapters 6 and 7 that we are to avoid sin at all costs because our lives are now bond servants of Christ’s, but then he kind of cavalierly states that we shouldn’t do evil because the rulers and authorities will “come get us”.
Leader: for your review.
It seems to be the case that Paul is making a very strong argument for obeying the rulers placed over us. God put authorities in place to keep order and discipline in the world at large, see:
1 Timothy 2:1-2
Titus 3:1
1 Peter 2:13-17
These verses give very strong commands for Christians to obey authorities. Paul gives the strongest when he says that we should obey them because God put them in place and we are hence obeying God.
Discussion question: Did the founding fathers of the United States of America break this command when they rebelled against England during the Revolution?
Discussion question: How does Satan relate to these passages? Luke 4:6 states that authority has been given to Satan, what are we to do with this.
Leader: for your review:
This question could lead down some dangerous routes. Satan only has what God has given him, that means he is in submission to and under God’s authority. See:
1 John 5:19
John 12:31
John 17:15
Gal 1:4
Job 1,2
James 4:7
Discussion question: What are we to do during the more difficult times when the rulers say we can’t read our Bibles or pray to God or gather together to corporately worship Him?
Acts 5:27-32 Peter and the apostles before the Council, “We must obey God rather than men”
Discussion question: Verse 5 makes a great statement that we should be in subjection for “conscience’ sake”. What are the implications of this, what are the benefits of a clean conscience?
Genesis 20:6
Psalm 32
1 Tim 1:5
Hebrews 13:18
1 Peter 2:19
1 Peter 3:14-21
Leader: for your review.
Matthew 22:21 – Jesus states so quick and plainly how we are to pay taxes and be done with it, it fits perfectly with all his teachings on not worrying about money
Discussion question: Does verse 8 imply that we should never have debt?
Matthew 5:42
October 20, 2007 at 5:54 pm |
http://jollyblogger.typepad.com/jollyblogger/2007/10/book-review—t.html
Interesting book on how the Roman government saw the early Christians. It seems one of the reasons they were so fearful of them was because their allegiance was to God above the empire. So, this was similar to what we talked about with Christians obeying government but only when it does not go against God’s commands.
February 9, 2008 at 4:27 pm |
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