Life Group Questions for the Week of February 11, 2024

Feb 11, 2024 |

1. If religion and politics are said to be unfitting for polite conversation, why does the Apostle Paul bring up both subjects in the same passage? How should we approach the topic?

2. Rom. 13:1, 5 is not the only place in Scripture where the topic of submission is mentioned (see e.g. Luke 2:51; 1 Cor. 16:16; Eph. 5:21, 22-24; 1 Pet. 2:13, 18; 5:5). Why does submission to authority feel like such a taboo topic? Should it be?

3. Read Rom. 13:1-2. If it’s true that every ruler holds his or her governing authority by the sovereign will of God, how might this theological truth impact our view of those in authority? (see also Psa. 2; Prov. 8:15-16; Dan. 2:20-21).

4. How can Paul suggest that opposition to governing authority is opposition to the authority of God (see Rom. 13:2)?

5. What are some good ways that the state promotes human flourishing and administers justice? Can a secular state do good?

6. Paul applies these things to paying taxes (vv. 6-7). What are some other ways to respect and honor governing authorities?

7. How does a Christian discern when to say, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29)? How does our sovereign God use sinful rulers to serve his eternal purposes?