Biblical Anthropology: The Authorities

Here’s what happened. This topic was not originally in the Biblical Anthropology series (although it should have been). But around the same time, we were doing this series at our church in Mexico, we also found ourselves in Romans 13.

And so as I’ve been sharing this series, I’ve been including this series. I’ve already written an index for it, because I posted it last year. But I’m going to share the index again here in case you’re following along in order.

That’s just an explanation of why this doesn’t look like all the other topics. It is a little different than I would have done it as part of the Biblical Anthropology series because it is more focused on Romans 13. But it does cover other relevant passages as well. And it will be helpful as we continue the series. So here it is, part 6 – The Authorities.

1. Introduction to Romans 13 – The specific terminology that both Peter and Paul use is worth a look…
2. Why should we “be subject”? – Wrestling especially with the Bible’s teaching about the ultimate origin of government.
3. Government in a sinful world – Why do we need government in a sinful world? How does it actually function in the Old and New Testaments?
4. God using the government – More reasons why we should “be subject” – and, did Paul really understand how bad governments can get?
5. Paul, Peter, Jesus, and Taxes – Some parallel passages and a closer look at our proper attitude toward various authorities.
6. Cursing vs. Interceding – As believers, we have an important responsibility when it comes to our authorities.
7. The responsibility of government – What does the Bible teach about the responsibilities and limits of government?
8. Spheres of authority – More about limits and responsibilities: When “men of valour” said NO to the government.
9. Disobeying government – Do these teachings from God’s Word give us any guidance?
10. “Love your neighbour”: Why the world gets it wrong – One way in which Romans 13 is misinterpreted when it comes to love.
11. When governments go astray – When an authority defies its purpose from Romans 13, how should we respond? Thoughts from church history.
12. Final Applications – 7 suggested applications for the Christian from Romans 13 and related texts of Scripture.