Opening and Welcome "Amen. Praise the Lord. Welcome to Sunday morning Victory Church." Welcome to new visitors on behalf of Pastor Richard and Lisa. Prayer for God to speak to the congregation. Romans Overview and Chapter Focus Review of Romans chapters 1–11: Paul presented biblical/theological foundations for salvation. Chapter 12: Practical application—responsibility to God and society. Chapter 13 (today’s focus): Responsibility to authority and neighbors. The Issue of Authority Authority is a challenging topic in modern times. Emphasizes a biblical rather than natural or emotional perspective on authority. Jesus’ Teaching: Give to Caesar, Give to God Story from the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke): Religious leaders try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus’ response: Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to God. The intent was to expose their motives and teach about priorities. Romans 13:1–10—Responsibility to Authority God’s Established Order (Verses 1–4) God has instituted human governments for societal order and protection from wrongdoing. Government is meant to be a servant for people’s good and well-being. Calling vs. Command: Respect and Cooperation Christians are called to respect and cooperate with government, not to unconditional obedience. The Greek word for "submit" implies voluntary cooperation. When state laws conflict with God’s commands, believers must obey God’s word (Acts 4–5). Importance of interpreting scripture in context. The Nature of Authority (Verses 5–7) All authority comes from God, whether we understand or like it. God places people in authority to fulfill larger purposes (examples: Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Herod). Followers are called to submit for the Lord’s sake and pray for those in authority (1 Peter 2:13, 1 Timothy 2:1–2). Accountability for Leaders and Followers Leaders are expected to rule justly and will be held accountable by God. Followers must live righteously; everyone is responsible for their own choices. Example: Roman Centurion’s Understanding of Authority Roman centurion understood both earthly and divine authority. Authority flows from a higher source: God. Jesus commended the centurion’s great faith. Love as the Divine Motivator (Verses 8–10) Love is the solution to authority issues. Ongoing debt of love ("let your only outstanding debt be your debt of love"). John 3:16 cited as the ultimate example of divine love. Greatest commandments: Love God and love your neighbor. Love fulfills the law and breaks the chains of authority issues. Conclusion and Application Culture distorts concepts like authority and love; scripture renews perspective. God’s authority is ultimate; believers are called to please and live for Him. Prayer that misunderstandings and misconceptions would be resolved through relationship with God. Encouragement to let Christ's image be formed in us, to be diligent, light in darkness, and to be salt in the world.