Respect & Honor

Main Point: God calls us to show respect and honor to our political leaders, not as a reflection of their character, but as a demonstration of our own.

Flashback: McCain tells supporter Obama is ‘a decent…

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. —Romans 12:2

True Christ-followers don’t

to the world’s standards. Instead, they rise to the level of their

Reveal Answer

.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. —Romans 13:1-2

There is no authority except what God has

, so rebelling against authority is rebelling against God.

For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. —Romans 13:3

Do what is

.

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. —1 Peter 2:12

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. —Romans 13:4-5

to the authorities as a matter of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. —Romans 13:6-7

Give your

and your

Reveal Answer

.

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. —1 Peter 2:13-17

Takeaway: Make a commitment that you will show respect and honor to our political leaders, regardless of the outcome of the election.

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Discussion Questions

1. What does Romans 12:2 mean when it says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world”? How does this apply to how we respond to political leaders?
2. Why is it important for Christ-followers to “rise to the level of their calling” rather than conforming to worldly standards, especially in a political context?
3. How can we balance holding political leaders accountable for their actions while still showing them the respect that God commands?
4. In Romans 13:4-5, the passage says to submit to authorities as a matter of conscience. What role does conscience play in our interactions with government and authority figures?

Table Discussion Question: What practical steps can we take to demonstrate respect and honor toward political leaders we strongly disagree with?