Heart Connex Students Page - February 13-15, 2011 - Respecting the ...
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next— Through Strong Heart Connections
STUDENTS PAGE February 13-15, 2011 Respecting the Government—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): When it’s your turn, say: Thanks for giving me another reason to have pride in my family name. A century from now, here are some things I would like my great-grandchildren to be able to say about me . . . Something from the Heart Surprise I want to remember:
2. Read Scripture: Romans 13:1-7
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: Write what you want to remember about the Scriptures.
4. Think It Through: Lead your family in a discussion to determine if these statements are true or false: • It’s possible to show respect for a government leader even though you disagree with the political stands he or she takes. (True) • Believers should use their voices and votes to move government toward a position that is more consistent with God’s truth. (True) • Believers should wait until they reform government before starting to obey and respect it. (False) • Believers have an obligation to obey the government even when it requires them to directly disobey Scripture. (False) 5. Nail It Down: A parent will lead this step. 6. Pray: Invite your family to stand with you in the middle of the room. Direct them to turn toward Washington, D.C. Ask a family member to pray for government leaders in the nation’s capitol. Repeat the process by turning toward your state’s capital city and your city courthouse. 7. Blessing: Listen as your parent blesses the family. Teen Tip: Your parents need to hear from you often. Say to them: I understand that God blessed me with you as my parents. I will work harder to listen and follow your instructions on a daily basis. Thanks for being God’s representative in my life. Copyright 2011 LifeWay Press. All rights reserved.
STUDENTS PAGE February 13-15, 2011 Respecting the Government—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): When it’s your turn, say: Thanks for giving me another reason to have pride in my family name. A century from now, here are some things I would like my great-grandchildren to be able to say about me . . . Something from the Heart Surprise I want to remember:
2. Read Scripture: Romans 13:1-7
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: Write what you want to remember about the Scriptures.
4. Think It Through: Lead your family in a discussion to determine if these statements are true or false: • It’s possible to show respect for a government leader even though you disagree with the political stands he or she takes. (True) • Believers should use their voices and votes to move government toward a position that is more consistent with God’s truth. (True) • Believers should wait until they reform government before starting to obey and respect it. (False) • Believers have an obligation to obey the government even when it requires them to directly disobey Scripture. (False) 5. Nail It Down: A parent will lead this step. 6. Pray: Invite your family to stand with you in the middle of the room. Direct them to turn toward Washington, D.C. Ask a family member to pray for government leaders in the nation’s capitol. Repeat the process by turning toward your state’s capital city and your city courthouse. 7. Blessing: Listen as your parent blesses the family. Teen Tip: Your parents need to hear from you often. Say to them: I understand that God blessed me with you as my parents. I will work harder to listen and follow your instructions on a daily basis. Thanks for being God’s representative in my life. Copyright 2011 LifeWay Press. All rights reserved.
