The Tension

The Tension

CCCAG January 18th, 2026

Scriptures: Romans 13:1–4 | Isaiah 1:17 | Leviticus 19:33-34

________________________________________

INTRODUCTION — Protests in Minneapolis

I was originally going to resume our series in the book of 1 Corinthians, but I felt God move me in a different direction.

I’m reminded of quote from theologian Karl Barth.

He said, “The most effective preacher has a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other”

What has been dominating the headlines this last week is the protests that are breaking out in major cities, including the one closest to us- Minneapolis.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement personnel, otherwise known as ICE, has been conducting operations to remove people who are not legally within our country.

This has come with a lot of upheaval. Tragically, it has led the death of a protestor earlier in the week, and another person shot.

What’s becoming very obvious is that much of this upheaval is being fueled by political and media forces on both sides of the political aisle.

Here is the clue to that-

Each side calls you to make a Binary choice. You are either for us or against us, And if you're against us, that makes you automatically evil.

Unfortunately, This is where most of the social media and news media conversation is focused today.

People screaming at each other, throwing verbal grenades over the walls we have built to separate us from the other side, and not listening to each other at all.

However, this morning, I'm not going to comment on who is right and who is wrong.

The reason for that is I want to let the bible speak. My opinion and nickel won’t get you a cup of coffee in heaven,

but reading, obeying, and following the Word of God opens all of heavens blessings.

So we are going to go there this morning.

We are going to look at two different concepts being pushed today.

Because the Bible speaks two clear, powerful commands…

Two commands that, on the surface, feel like they’re pulling us in opposite directions. (Refer to graphic)

On one hand:

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.”

Romans 13:1

Respect for God Given Authority

But, On the other hand the bible also says:

“Seek justice.

Correct oppression.

Defend the fatherless.

Plead the cause of the widow.”

Isaiah 1:17

So the bible gives us two different ideals-

Respect authority.

Confront injustice.

If you read those honestly, if you hold both of those ideals up as equally true, you’re going to feel a tension there.

This tension between these two forces are meant to hold the structure of society in place, but if we focus too much on one and not the other, we have what we see in our nation today.

The premise that I want to make one thing clear this morning-

The Christian faith is not lived on the extremes.

The Christian faith is lived on a narrow road that runs right between two often opposite ideas.

Today, I want to help us walk that road. Lets ask for God’s help in this as HE open our hearts to hear his Word.

Prayer________________________________________

I mentioned a moment ago that there is tension within the bible’s truths regarding how we should look at this situation.

I suspect most of us lean toward the first tension- respect for lawful authority.

Our main scripture for that is found in Romans 13.

POINT 1 — RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY IS RESPECT FOR GOD HIMSELF (Romans 13:1–4) NIV

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

So the first premise- Respect for authority.

This idea is formed in the first chapters of the bible through God’s instructions to Adam- that humanity lives under God’s authority.

What that means- your actions will have consequences, and Paul refines that here in his letter to the church at Rome.

The bible doesn’t leave any grey area here- Romans 13 is strong, clear, unavoidable.

“There is no authority except from God,

and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”