GROWTH QUESTION #1
Who would like to share a highlight, praise report, or testimony from this week?
“God’s Order”
MEETING AGENDA
- OPENING PRAYER – Ask one person to open the meeting in prayer.
- GROWTH QUESTIONS – Ask everyone the Growth Questions.
- ATTENDANCE – Take attendance through the DG Attendance System.
- TODAY’S LESSON – Go over this week’s DG lesson.
- GIVING – Encourage everyone to give on the App.
- CLOSING PRAYER – Ask for prayer requests and pray.
GROWTH QUESTION #2
What did you learn from this week’s sermon?
GROWTH QUESTION #3
What was your most important accomplishment this week?
TODAY’S PASSAGE:
Romans 13:1-5 NLT 1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
INTERACTIVE QUESTIONS
What did you learn from what we just read?
TRUTH #1
Authority is Established by God
- All authority comes from God.
- This means that earthly authorities, whether they be governments, leaders, or institutions, are ultimately under God's sovereign control.
- Authority: The power or right to give commands, or make decisions.
Proverbs 21:1 NLT "The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases."
- God's sovereignty extends over all aspects of our lives, including the authorities that govern us.
- Sovereignty: supreme power or authority
- Understanding that authorities are established by God helps us see them as part of His divine plan.
- Submitting to authority is a way of acknowledging God's order in our lives.
INTERACTIVE QUESTIONS
How does recognizing that all authority comes from God impact your view of the authorities in your life?
TRUTH #2
Submitting to Authority is a Sign of Obedience
- Romans 13:2 emphasizes that resisting authority is, in fact, resisting God's appointed order.
- Obedience to earthly authorities is, therefore, a reflection of our obedience to God.
- Obedience: compliance with the commands, orders, or laws of an authority figure.
1 Peter 2:13-14 NLT - "For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed."
- Obedience to authority is a way of honoring God and living as His representatives on Earth.
- Obedience to authority may not always mean agreement with their actions, but it reflects our trust in God's ultimate plan.
- Our obedience can be a powerful testimony to the world of our faith in God.
INTERACTIVE QUESTIONS
How does the concept of obeying authority as a way to honor God and reflect trust in His plan resonate with your personal beliefs and experiences? Can you share an example from your life when your obedience to authority conveyed your faith in God to others?
TRUTH #3
uthorities Serve a Purpose
- In Romans 13:3-4, we learn that earthly authorities are established to maintain order, punish wrongdoing, and promote the common good. Their role is crucial in creating a stable and just society.
- Authorities: individuals or groups given the responsibility to make and enforce rules and laws.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 - "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity."
- Recognizing the purpose of authorities helps us appreciate their role in society.
- Praying for those in authority is a way to contribute to the common good.
- Our submission to authority can positively impact our communities and bring about peace.
INTERACTIVE QUESTIONS
How can we actively support and pray for those in authority to fulfill their roles effectively?
CLOSING QUESTION
What is one thing you have learned from today’s lesson?
GIVING
Never trust in the riches of this life, rather, demonstrate trust in God by doing good, being generous to those in need and always being willing to share with others. Doing this enables us to experience true life both now and in eternity.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT)
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
Encourage everyone to give their tithes and offerings.
CLICK HERE TO GIVE
PRAY
QUESTION #1
Who are you praying for to be saved?
QUESTION #2
Who can you invite to the next meeting?
QUESTION #3
What are your prayer requests?