Introduction

Good morning, family. Today, we're gonna take a deep dive into a topic that touches every aspect of our lives - obeying God's authority, respecting the law, and steering clear of the temptation to test God.

In the words of St. Augustine of Hippo, "Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it."

Let's read from Matthew 22:15-22:

"Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away."

Let's bow our heads for an opening prayer.

Obeying God's Authority

Obeying God's authority is the acknowledgement that God, as our Creator, has ultimate authority over our lives. This concept is deeply rooted in the Bible, and it is a theme that runs throughout both the Old and New Testaments. When we talk about obeying God's authority, we are talking about submission to His will, His commandments, and His guidance.

The recognition of God as the ultimate authority: This is not a passive recognition, but an active one. It means acknowledging that God's wisdom and understanding surpass our own, and that His plans for us are better than any we could devise for ourselves. It means accepting that His laws and commandments are not arbitrary, but are designed for our good.

The willingness to submit to His will: This is not always easy. It requires humility, trust, and sometimes, a willingness to let go of our own desires and plans. But when we submit to God's will, we find that His plans for us are far better than anything we could have imagined for ourselves. We find peace, joy, and fulfillment in doing His will.

The commitment to live according to His commandments: This means not only avoiding sin, but also actively pursuing righteousness. It means striving to live a life that reflects God's love, mercy, and justice. It means being a light in the world, and a witness to God's goodness.

The willingness to accept His guidance: This means seeking His wisdom in all things, and being open to His leading. It means being willing to change our plans, our attitudes, and our actions in response to His guidance. It means trusting that He knows what is best for us, even when His guidance doesn't make sense to us.

A daily commitment: It is a journey, not a destination. It requires faith, humility, and perseverance. But the rewards are immeasurable. When we obey God's authority, we find peace, joy, and fulfillment. We find purpose and meaning in our lives. We find a deep and abiding relationship with our Creator.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about if it is difficult for you to obey God’s authority. Why or why not?

Respecting the Law

Respecting the law is an integral part of our Christian faith ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO