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Taking Care of Business Part 2
Romans 13:1-7
Sunday October 12, 2008
How did work go for you this week?
Any changes?
Work – a four letter word?
Passion?
Something to put up with?
We look at our work differently than God does.
He wants to change our perspective.
We: *where* we work; *what* we do; *how much* we are paid.
God: *how* we do our work.
Today: authority.
How do we respond to it?
One of the first things that we realize when we work is that there is someone there telling us what to do!
Not when we love our boss, our government, but when things don’t go our way.
When they make decisions that we just don’t get.
When they don’t do what we want them to do!
The thing is, we will deal with authority our whole lives.
Did you hear about the student who was tired of being “bossed around” by his teachers and his parents so said “I am going to go out on my own!” And, he joined the Marines ~/ Navy?’
How many of you are smarter than your boss ~/ your authority?
That’s what I thought.
“*/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. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 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 he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good.
But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing.
He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
*Romans 13:1-7*
Anyone want to tear that page out of your Bible?
Thought so.
Context: letter was written to Roman Christians.
The emperor at the time?
Nero; ever hear of him?
This letter was written before the persecution began, but it wasn’t far off.
Not a perfect government!
1.
God expects me to submit to authority.
“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.”
*/“Everyone”/* just like last week “*/whatever/* you do”.
It doesn’t say “everyone who has a great boss; everyone who gets to call their own shots” everyone, no wiggle room.
Last week “whatever you do ~/ */now/*!” not when you get it the way that you want it.
God is the ultimate authority in this universe!
When we work against the authority he has put in place, we work against God.
We all have authority over us.
Children – parents Workers – boss, supervisor
Citizens – government (Even if you own your own business)
So when they come up with an idea that you don’t like you have a choice; depending on your personality:
* Grumble, complain.
* Say you agree, but don’t follow thru.
* Do it half-heartedly so when it flops you can say “Told you so!”
* Say you’ll do it, but don’t.
blow it off, ignore their idea; do your own thing.
Rebel.
All of these responses are incorrect!
When working under authority we ask the wrong question.
We think of “*what*”.
“What are they asking me to do?
What is their idea?
It’s dumb, it won’t work, it isn’t the way I would do it!”
KEY: The issue is not “*what* am I asked to do? Do I agree with that, do I like that, do I feel like that, is it a good idea?”
The issue, in God’s eyes is: “*Who* is asking me to do it?”
If it is an authority that I have placed in your life, you don’t have to like it, feel like it, agree with it – you obey the authorities I have placed in your life!
Not the “what” but the “who”!
“Hold on!
Nobody does that!
Are you kidding me?” Christian: different, higher standard + the help of the Holy Spirit!
“for there is no authority except that which God has established.”
Caveat: if you are told to sin, don’t do it, as God’s authority trumps all other authority.
Authority is God’s gift to us.
A world without authority is a world in utter chaos.
It would be survival of the fittest, law of the jungle.
My positive response toward authority qualifies me to have authority!
God uses us */where we are/* to prepare us for what is */next/*!
We need to learn how to respond well to the authority that is over us.
Bless-able!
Pastor Bill, Paul are now senior pastors and they can expect God’s blessing for their attitude as associate pastors here in Oak Harbor!
The authority of our church board is there to protect me.
The authority of the AG is over me.
2.
God establishes and works through authority!
“for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God.” :*1b-2* He said it twice, so we wouldn’t miss it!
God establishes AND works thru authority in our lives!
Don’t miss this – it isn’t just “good” authority!
The authority may not even realize or actively co-operate with God – but God is using them – maybe even your boss!
If you were to ask them “are you being used by God?” they would say “No way!”
But God is greater, and is able to use tools that are imperfect and even hostile to him.
They can be evil, unwilling, unaware – but God can and does use them.
God is so wise – he can use pagan, ungodly authorities for his own glory!
Some Old Testament examples: In Egypt!
The children of Israel: Where is God?
Pharoah said “I’m right here!”
God was building them into a nation, getting them ready for some of the greatest miracles in history!
God used this evil nation and a wicked leader for his people at that time.
The cross!
God allowed Roman soldiers, the Roman government to hold his Son down and nail him to a cross.
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