Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1

A. God works in two ways in the world:

1. He works through the __________ to bring __________. (Right Hand Realm)

2. He works through the __________ to bring __________. (Left Hand Realm)

B. Jesus doesn't come to be an earthly __________, and so his followers shouldn't seek to make his church an earthly __________.

C. As Christian citizens we have ____________ in both realms, though these differ in nature.


Scripture Readings
Revelation 14:6-7
Romans 13:1-7
John 8:31-36


Take It With You!

During this series please consider reading through the sermon text daily with your family or on your own. After each sermon, questions will be provided to guide your reading and prayer time. God's blessings in your study!

1. Read Romans 13:1-7. Since God is behind government, does that make the government a good or a bad thing?

2. According to Romans 13:1-7, what is the responsibility of secular authorities? Read Matthew 28:19-20. How do the responsibilities of the church differ from those of the state?

3. What is wrong with pastors promoting candidates or candidates preaching on Sunday mornings from the pulpit? How does this confuse the right hand and left hand realms?

Book Recommendation:
Martin Luther, "On Secular Authority: To What Extent It Should Be Obeyed."