READ: Exodus 17:8-13; 1Timothy 2:1-4; Hebrews 13:7-17.
MEMORY VERSE: Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject to the government authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”
PRACTICAL TRUTH: The Bible gives direction in practical way on how we can help both Church leaders and political leaders rule in a God given manner
INTRODUCTION: God’s aim is for workers and leaders to cooperate in accomplishing goals. However, when leaders and workers fail to cooperate, goals are not met, and this can result in disaster. As Christians, we have a responsibility to cooperate with both church and political leaders. As believers, we are citizens of heaven and are under God’s authority. While we are here on earth, we also owe allegiance to the leaders of our nation. The Bible gives us practical ways to help both church leaders and political leaders govern in a God-given manner. When we follow these ways, life improves for us, our church, our community, and our nation. Allow this week’s lesson to challenge and encourage you in your role within the church, community, and country.
OUTLINES
- Help Leaders
- Submit to Leaders
- Pray for Leaders
HELP LEADERS
For our leaders to be effective, they need a network of support. This is especially true in the church if we are to be successful in accomplishing God’s plan for His church. Shortly after the children of Israel left the Wilderness of Sin, they arrived at Rephidim, where they were attacked by the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8), the descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:15). Moses instructed Joshua to choose men to fight the Amalekites (Exodus 17:9), while Moses went to the top of a small hill overlooking the battlefield. There, Moses was to stand with the rod of God, which represented the presence of God and His authority. In this battle, we can see the cooperation between the human and the divine. God did not need Moses, Joshua, or the army to defeat the Amalekites, but He gave His leaders the opportunity to participate in winning the battle.
In God’s kingdom, God desires cooperation between Himself, the leaders, and all believers. When we work together, God can accomplish great things through us. In addition, the actions of Aaron and Hur emphasized a principle needed in every church today: believers have the responsibility to help those in positions of leadership.
SUBMISSIONS TO LEADERS: ROMANS 13:1-7
Human governments are part of God’s divine plan. Paul recognized the God-ordained function of government. He knew that at times they could be evil, yet Paul still presented the principle of submission. Every believer is to submit to those in authority (Romans 13); those who reject governmental authority are actually rejecting God. When we behave in a godly manner and obey the laws of the land, we do not need to fear authority (Romans 13:3). If we also do good, we will receive praise from these ministers of God (verse 4).
We are not to be submissive to the government only out of fear; we need to submit to governmental authority because it is the right thing to do. The believer’s submission to authority does not just involve civil governments; we also have the responsibility to submit to the leadership in our church. Spiritual leaders deserve respect because they teach the Word of God to believers. Godly leaders are God’s instruments of spiritual growth in the church. The leaders of the church are charged with the spiritual welfare of God’s people, and they will give an account of how they shepherd those God has given them. But those they oversee must cooperate with them. Without godly leaders, the flock would be scattered by Satan’s destructive attacks.
PRAY FOR LEADERS: 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-4
Prayer is an important weapon in fighting spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:18-20). This is one of the reasons we need to pray for our leaders, both spiritual and civil. As we pray, we release the power of God to work in the lives of others. Through our prayers, we can turn the tide in our nation, our church, and in the lives of individuals. God wants us to pray in specific ways and for specific needs. Paul instructed believers to include the leaders of the nation and the church (1 Timothy 2:2); the decisions of these leaders could bring peace and harmony to the nation. Prayer is the most effective tool we have to bring about changes in the lives of others. So, we should pray for our leaders, for strength and wisdom to lead God’s people in the way of righteousness, spiritual purity, and revival. God has ordained leadership both in and outside the church to provide orderly structure for society, so we must support them so that we may live our lives peaceably.