The I in Indy : Discussion Guide Week 3

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'Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. ' Romans 13:1-7 ESV

Four responsibilities I have in my Government

  1. I am to pray for governing authorities

'First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ' 1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV

Pray that they would govern according to Godliness

Pray for their salvation

2. I am to submit to governing authorities

How we treat authority is an expression of how we view God! How we view God & treat others will determine what we sow and reap in life.

Civil Disobedience: you are permitted to refuse or obey governmental commands when they are non-biblical.

'But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. ' Exodus 1:17 ESV

3. I am to honor governing authorities

...Give Everyone what you owe him… If Honor, then Honor.

Participate and vote in the election process.

Run for office

Let’s talk about this

  1. When do you find it hardest to follow those in authority?

  2. What are some ways we can live out God’s character when it comes to our government and election process?

  3. What are some things we need to stop doing?

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