Main Idea

Whether you are obeying authority or being an authority, the goal is God-pleasing, not people-pleasing.

Key Verses

Romans 13:1

1 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.

1 Samuel 8:4-7

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord . 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.

Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

J High Discussion Questions

1. What is your favorite hobby?

2. Who do you associate with the word “Authority”?

3. Read Romans 13:1. What is difficult or challenging about this verse?

4. In your own words, what is the difference between “God-pleasing” and “People-pleasing”?

5. How can you submit to God’s authority this week?

High School Discussion Questions

1. What is your favorite hobby?

2. When you hear the word “Authority” what do you think of?

3. Read Romans 13:1. What is difficult or challenging about this verse?

4. Trevor said, “To go against authority, even bad authority, is actually to go against God.” How can you trust God even when you have a leader you don’t respect?

5. In what ways can you show honor to God in your relationship to authority this week?