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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Romans 13:1-7
NEXT WEEK'S SERMON: Romans 13:8-14
Preacher: Jon Needham
Scripture: Romans 13:1-7
MAIN POINTS 1. The Universal Lordship of Christ 2. The Purpose of the State 3. The Duty of Christians
The Gospel should change every aspect of our lives, including how we relate to governing authorities. This passage in Romans helps us to understand what that looks like.
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
2. What implications for a society does Christ being Lord over all have?
3. What is the purpose of the State?
4. What happens when a government abandons God’s righteous standards and creates its own?
5. What is a Christian’s duty as it relates to the government?
Parent Tip:
· Read the sermon summary together as a family. Build this into your regular routine, perhaps reading together around the table during a meal.
· There are five questions, each with a different theme. You can choose to go over all five on one night a week, do a couple of questions a few times a week, or discuss one question per day.
· Each question is meant to be a conversation starter model for your children on how to answer these questions by sharing your own personal insights.
· Even if your conversations don’t go as planned, don’t be discouraged. ALL time spent talking about and reading God’s word is valuable!
· The more consistent you are in having these discussions, the more fruitful they will be. As this becomes part of your weekly rhythm, your kids will anticipate the questions and listen more attentively at church.
Additional Scriptures
- Matthew 28:18
- John 19:11
- 1 Timothy 3:15b
Parent Tip:
Use these additional scriptures as daily reading. This is also a great way to help your children learn to locate passages in the Bible.
Attribute of God:
JUST God’s authority is universal and He determines what is right and wrong. His judgment of wrong is always right.
Parent Tip:We focus on a new attribute of God each week to discuss as a family. Use this time to discuss who God is, answer questions the kids might have, and talk about what that week’s attribute means to each person in your family.
Prayer Focus:
FAMILY Spend some time this week praying for God to reveal how your family can grow in serving and participating in the body of Christ.
Parent Tip: Each week of the month has its own prayer theme: Church, Family, Community, and Repentance. Use these themes to show your children how to pray. It can be helpful to add this to an already existing routine, like at bedtime or when you’re in the car together.
THIS MONTH:
MONTHLY SONG:
In Tenderness
In tenderness He sought me,
Weary and sick with sin.
And on His shoulders brought me
Back to His fold again.
While angels in His presence sang,
Until the courts of heaven rang.
O-o-oh the love that sought me!
O-o-oh the blood that bought me!
Oh the grace that brought me
to the fold of God.
Grace that brought me to the fold
of God!
He died for me while I was sinning;
Needy and poor and blind.
He whispered to assure me.
“I’ve found thee; thou art Mine.”
Upon His grace I’ll daily ponder
And sing anew His praise.
With all adoring wonder,
His blessings I retrace.
It seems as if eternal days,
Are far too short to sing His praise!.
Memory Verse:
Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Parent Tip:
Practice reciting it as a family each day at least once. Dinner time is a great opportunity to practice together.
Westminster Shorter Catechism:
Questions 9: What is the work of creation?
Answer: The work of creation is, God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good.
