Heart Connex Parents Page - February 13-15, 2011 - Respecting the
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE February 13-15, 2011 Respecting the Government—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: I want you to know you can feel good about your family name. For example, here is an ancestor or relative who did something positive that I want you to know about . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Romans 13:1-7. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God ordained government authority and expects believers to obey and respect it. Untruths • I only obey the government when I agree with it. • Government leaders do wrong things, so I’m free to disobey if I want. • My happiness and freedom are my highest authority. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud Romans 13:1-7. Direct attention to verses 1-4. Remind your family that Paul did not pen these words while living in a democracy. He wrote them while believers suffered under the evil emperor Nero. Ask a family member to read verses 5-7 again. Say: Your primary motivation for obeying government authority should not be fear of punishment but your respect for God and His commands. Note Paul’s emphasis on the government’s right to collect taxes and a believer’s responsibility to respect and honor to those in authority. Say: Even though we may not always agree with government leaders, we still owe them respect because God has placed them in that position for a given time. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: Unbelievers primarily obey the government to avoid getting into trouble. Believers are called to obey the government out of respect for the God who established government. Unbelievers often complain about obeying government, but believers should obey willingly. Explain that believers should be the most valuable citizens a nation has. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless the members of this family for the way each of us follows God’s instructions to respect our government leaders. Parent Tip: Parents must not depend on the church to teach children about salvation. The church is a great help, but parents are primary. With eternity in the balance, parents must teach Scriptures about salvation until they are certain each of their children clearly understands.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE February 13-15, 2011 Respecting the Government—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: I want you to know you can feel good about your family name. For example, here is an ancestor or relative who did something positive that I want you to know about . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Romans 13:1-7. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God ordained government authority and expects believers to obey and respect it. Untruths • I only obey the government when I agree with it. • Government leaders do wrong things, so I’m free to disobey if I want. • My happiness and freedom are my highest authority. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud Romans 13:1-7. Direct attention to verses 1-4. Remind your family that Paul did not pen these words while living in a democracy. He wrote them while believers suffered under the evil emperor Nero. Ask a family member to read verses 5-7 again. Say: Your primary motivation for obeying government authority should not be fear of punishment but your respect for God and His commands. Note Paul’s emphasis on the government’s right to collect taxes and a believer’s responsibility to respect and honor to those in authority. Say: Even though we may not always agree with government leaders, we still owe them respect because God has placed them in that position for a given time. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: Unbelievers primarily obey the government to avoid getting into trouble. Believers are called to obey the government out of respect for the God who established government. Unbelievers often complain about obeying government, but believers should obey willingly. Explain that believers should be the most valuable citizens a nation has. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless the members of this family for the way each of us follows God’s instructions to respect our government leaders. Parent Tip: Parents must not depend on the church to teach children about salvation. The church is a great help, but parents are primary. With eternity in the balance, parents must teach Scriptures about salvation until they are certain each of their children clearly understands.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
