In Authority Under God
Ten Commandments
July 21, 2024
Rev. Dr. Gabe Sylvia
Paul (Romans 13) teaches that all should honor and submit to authorities because they are established by God—authorities exist to punish wrongdoing and commend good—so Christians should pray for and support leaders, resist when authority contradicts God, and live under Christ’s kingship while participating in his table.
Summary
The sermon draws from Paul’s teaching in Romans 13 that every person is to be subject to governing authorities because God is ultimately the author of authority; resisting human authority is framed as resisting God. Authorities are given purposefully to restrain evil and promote good, and believers are exhorted to pray for leaders so we may live peaceful, quiet lives (and to participate in civic responsibilities such as voting). At the same time, those who wield authority must remember their power is limited and may be resisted if used against God’s purposes. All of this is held under the present kingship of Christ, which calls believers to trust God in relationships of authority and to receive the Lord’s Supper as a gracious participation with Jesus.
Key Points
- All people should honor and submit to authorities because God ordains authority
- Submission to authority is a broad principle (not just for children/parents) tied to the fifth commandment
- Resistance to authority is presented as resistance to God; judgment awaits those who oppose it
- Authorities exist to punish wrongdoers and to honor those who do good
- Christians should pray for governing authorities so we may live peaceful, quiet lives
- Citizens have a role (e.g., voting) to help place godly leaders in power
- Those in authority must remember their power is resistible if used against God’s purposes
- We live under Christ’s kingship, which calls us to trust God in authority relationships and receive his blessing
- The Lord’s Supper is an invitation to participate with Christ, brought to the table with grace
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