Download the discussion guide by clicking here!

The Church and the State

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Romans 13:1-7 (ESV)
1 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. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Dig Deeper

The Bible has much to say about the Christian’s relationship with those in authority. Spend some time searching out and discussing these other related passages.

• Proverbs 24:21
• Daniel 2:21; 4:17
• Mark 12:13-17
• Acts 4:13-22; 5:27-32
• 1 Timothy 2:1-2
• Titus 3:1-2
• 1 Peter 2:13-17; 3:13-17

Digesting the Text

• According to Paul, why is it important for Christians to submit to governing authorities? What does our relationship with those in authority over us indicate about our relationship with God?
• According to Paul, why has God given the government the authority to “bear the sword?”
• Paul gives some practical examples of submission to governing authorities (vv. 6-7). What are other ways that we can practice submission to those who are in authority?
• What impact does our civil obedience have upon our Christian witness?
• Is there ever a reason to disobey authorities? If so, what would be the basis of such disobedience? How can you pray for or serve those around you who might be suffering in this time of quarantine because they are trapped at home with someone who abuses their authority?
• Who are the governing officials in your life? Make a list of them and take some time to pray for them by name. Is there a way that you can find to be a source of encouragement to one of them this week?
• What is the real fight that Christians are facing right now? How do you need to prepare yourself for the crisis yet to come? How do you think “church” as we’ve known it will change moving forward?

Dear SCBC family and friends,

Right out of the gate I want to tell you how grateful I am for you.  I know that this is a difficult season and you have shown so much grace and flexibility as our “normal” has been flipped on its head.  I have heard some incredible testimonies of how many of you have gone out of your way to continue to connect with one another.  You have been on the phone, on the internet, and even out-and-about seeking ways that you can connect and serve each other and our community.  

I want to give a few updates and suggestions about how you can stay connected:

1. I would encourage you to utilize the technology at your disposal to stay connected with one another.  Last Sunday, one of our classes chose to utilize the Zoom platform to hold Sunday School in a virtual meeting space.  This is a simple tool that you can use to hold Sunday School classes, small groups, and prayer gatherings.  I utilized the tool to host and record a conversation with two area pastors this week that is posted on our YouTube Channel.  I would encourage you to check it out.
2. If you have not set up an account with our online directory, now is the time to do so.  The platform that we use to track attendance, giving, and member information is called Breeze.  Through this website, you will be able to see and update your personal contact information, set up online giving and view your giving history, and access our online directory to be able to contact others.  Head to this website and click “Create Account.”
3. Our Mission House is still serving our community every Wednesday from 9AM-2PM by distributing food to families in need.  We are working with limited staff but if you are willing to help serve or donate food for distribution please call the church office and we can get you more information.
4. We are also still serving with the  FUEL program.  FUEL provides food bags to children who might not have access to food outside of school.  We are sending what products we are able to collect to a centralized location for packing and distribution at the schools that are serving breakfast and lunch.  Many of you are used to making financial donations but these are unique times.  Most of the items that we pack are shelf-stable and many grocery stores have rationed the amount any one person can buy.  If you are able to purchase these items and bring them to the church, we will get them to the FUEL program for distribution.  Again, you can call the office with questions about items to bring.
5. Take this time to grow in your relationship with the Lord and with others.  Don’t just fill any extra time you have with leisure activities.  Dig into God’s word, spend time in prayer, call a friend or a neighbor.  Find ways that you can serve those who are around you.  Check on your neighbors, what do they need?  Is it something you can provide or that you can connect with our church family to provide?  They might just need a face-to-face conversation on the front porch.  They might need a roll of toilet paper.  They might just need a puzzle or a new board game.  How can you show the love of Christ?

One last thing, I hope that you will join us this Sunday morning for the livestream of our church service.  We had some technical difficulties last Sunday but the service provider has been hard at work correcting those for this week.  I am praying that everyone will be able to join us for our live service together.  You can join us live at 10:00AM on this website or you can view the service on our YouTube channel as well.  We will be providing another discussion guide to go along with the passage of Scripture as well as a “Family Pack” with some activities to engage our kids with God’s message on obedience.

I love you all and am praying for you during this time.  God bless and to him be all the glory!

– Pastor Will