Sermons on governmental authority:

David's Cave (1 Samuel 24)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 20, 2025

Should we show respect for even corrupt authority? Let's look at 1 Samuel 24.

Should we show respect for authority even when it is corrupt? Did God work things out for David even though he too was very flawed? Let’s begin in 1 Samuel 24. Did David have an opportunity to kill Saul while hiding in a cave? When Saul had returned from following the Philistines, he was told, ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

An Exposition Of 1 Peter, Part 13: The Christian And Governmental Authority

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Jan 18, 2022

What can Peter teach us about how to live the Christian life when the government persecutes us?

The Christian and Governmental Authority 1 Peter 2:13-17 Introduction In the USA, where I live, there is no more odious word in the English language than “submission.” No one here wants to submit. They don’t want to submit to government. They don’t want to submit to their boss. Women don’t want ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Trial Of Jesus Before The Spiritual And Government Authorities Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Nov 13, 2023

We’ll see how three groups respond to Jesus: the spiritual leaders of the nation, the followers of Jesus themselves, and governmental authorities.

"For centuries people believed that Aristotle was right when he said that the heavier an object, the faster it would fall to earth. Aristotle was regarded as the greatest thinker of all time, and surely he would not be wrong. Anyone, of course, could have taken two objects, one heavy and one ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:53-54

Denomination: Salvation Army

How To Bless America

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jun 29, 2004

1- Be respectful of governmental authorities 2- Be diligent in your work 3- Be considerate of others

INTRO.- All is not right in America, but all is not wrong either. Even though America is plagued with many problems…political, moral and spiritual…she is still the greatest country in the world! Of course, I am biased. I have known no other. ILL.- Calvin Coolidge once said, “To live under the ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:1-2

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Respect Civil Authority Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Jan 6, 2014

Peter indicates that our salvation should impact how we related to governmental authority. Submission is not a popular topic, but it is needful, in our rebellious & self-gratifying society. Submission is recognition of God¡¯s right to govern our lives.

1 PETER 2: 13-17 RESPECT CIVIL AUTHORITY [Renewing Hope Series] [Romans 13:1-7 / Acts 4:19-20; 5:29] From this point on 1 Peter discusses the effect of our salvation on our life and relationships. Because of our fallen understanding, what living the Christian life entails needs to be spelled ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Love Your Government Neighbor Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 14, 2009

As Christians many believe government is an evil that should be avoided or opposed. Paul encourages us to be a redemptive force for the gospel by actually getting along with governmental authorities.

As we get into chapter 13, let’s sum up where we’ve been. Chapter 12 marks a big change in Romans—going from the theological to the practical—how do we live out what we’ve learned about God and us and God’s plan? Chapter 12 could be summed up like this: “The only reasonable thing to do in response ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-14

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Limits On The Authority Of The State Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 16, 2011

Exploring the limits of government authority through study of God’s Word.

“Pilate said to [Jesus], ‘You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?’ Jesus answered him, ‘You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the ...read more

Scripture: John 19:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Pandemic And Political Paranoia - The Torment Of Fear Versus The Peace Of God's Love

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Mar 17, 2020

The recent international pandemic and the persistant unprecedented overreach and intimidation by governmental authorities has caused anxiety and fear to run rampant across the world, affecting everyone, the likes of which I have never seen before in my lifetime.

The world gives a lot of reasons to justify living in tormenting fear. The unknown ahead of us, and the uncertainty of the future, can be very intimidating. The recent international pandemic has caused anxiety and fear to run rampant across the world, affecting everyone, the likes of which I have ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-3, Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 14:26, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Revelation 3:19, Colossians 3:5-6, Luke 21:26, Job 3:25, Matthew 8:26, Isaiah 26:3-4, 1 John 4:16-18, Romans 12:2, Isaiah 41:10, 2 Timothy 1:7-9, Matthew 21:21-22, Job 3:25-26, James 5:14-15, 2 Timothy 2:22, Hebrews 11:1, Romans 10:17, Proverbs 3:5-8, Psalm 25:12-15, 1 Peter 5:6-7, 1 John 4:18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Authority Principle

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Dec 6, 2019

A study in the book of Romans 13: 1 – 14

Romans 13: 1 – 14 The authority principle 1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Power Of Authority Series

Contributed by Dr. Tom Badia on Feb 27, 2024

God has established structures of authority which affect your life. These authorities are important if you desire spiritual power. If you are not properly under authority then you cannot exercise authority.

SERIES: UNDERSTANDING POWER PRINCIPLES POWER OF AUTHORITY - POWER PRINCIPLE FOUR OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this lesson you will be able to: • Explain why you must be under authority in order to exercise authority. • Explain how Jesus was a man of authority under authority. • Identify ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1

The Role Of The Believer, Government Authorities, And Submission Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Dec 4, 2024

Romans 13 is one of the most debated passages in the Bible, particularly when it comes to understanding the Christian’s relationship to government and authority.

The Role of the Believer, Government Authorities, and Submission December 11, 2024 Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship Romans 13:1-7 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. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-7

Denomination: Brethren

Principles And Patterns Of Submission: Government Series

Contributed by David Taylor on Feb 6, 2014

Living on Mission in a Foreign Land Principles and Patterns of Submission: Government

Living on Mission in a Foreign Land Principles and Patterns of Submission: Government 1 Peter 2:13-17 David Taylor We are in the third week of our new Series, “Living on Mission in a Foreign Land,” based upon 1 Peter 2.11-4.11. Today we look at “Principles and Patterns of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christians And Government

Contributed by Martin Holland on Oct 1, 2015

We as Christians are given some biblical instructions concerning our relationship with government.

Christian And Government Romans 13:1-7 We have discussed our relationship with God, fellow Christians and those outside of the body of Christ. Consummation of what we have learned: • Complete Surrendering Unto God for His Service Romans 12:1-8 • Sincere Love To The Body Of Christ ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

"Wisdom Regarding Those In Authority” Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Jul 2, 2018

What does the wisdom of Proverbs tell us regarding authority? A 4th of July Sunday message.

In life, we must deal with the matter of authority. Sometimes we find ourselves in positions of authority, like president, boss, or parent; but mostly we find ourselves submitting to authority as citizen, employee, or child. Wisdom regarding authority is too often lacking among those in positions ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Authority Series

Contributed by Robert Higgins on Aug 23, 2006

What authority is to be wielded by those God has called? What is authority? What limits has God placed upon us?

Introduction: When a pastor begins to speak about “spiritual authority” in a church, there is always a cringe on the part of the congregation. Women expect a sermon about “submission,” deacons expect a message on “getting in line behind the pastor’s vision,” youth imagine being told they better ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:5-13

Denomination: Baptist