Click HERE to watch the accompanying Unashamed video devotional.

WEEK 13: 

Read: Romans Chapter 13

Honor God and respect your leaders. God establishes positions of leadership and authority. Parents in the home have a responsibility to train their children to know and follow Jesus. Government leaders have a calling to protect and serve. They need to govern with love and fairness. They will be held accountable by God. At the same time, give honor to those who are leading which shows reverence for God. Pray for the leaders of your church, city, and country. Pay taxes with integrity. Don’t break the laws of the land. There are consequences for rebellion. You are an ambassador of Jesus and a citizen of heaven. Shine your light; don’t put it under a bowl. The right actions, words, and attitudes glorify God. If a leader asks you to do something immoral, don’t do it. A leader is not God. At the same time, many people gossip and slander leaders. Don’t do that. Be a blessing and be part of the solution. God heals our land when we turn to Jesus, repent, and unite. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. Jesus is the head of the church, and we are His body. Let’s be imitators of the Lord.

Hope Point: Honor God and your leaders as you love your neighbors and reject sin.

Reflection Questions:

1) What does it mean to submit to governing authorities? (Romans 13:1-2)
2) What does God say about taxes and leaders? (Romans 13:3-7)
3) How are you loving your neighbors? (Romans 13:8-10)
4) What makes you spiritually sleepy and what changes will you make? (Romans 13:11)
5) How does Jesus set you free from sin and darkness? (Romans 13:12-14)

Who can you share this Scripture with during the upcoming week?

Prayer:

Almighty God, we honor You and trust You. Your plan is good, and Your ways are perfect. Forgive us for our arrogance. Instead of being foolish and stubborn in our sins, we want to repent. We want to honor Your word. Help us Holy Spirit to respect our leaders and love our neighbors. We pray that You will give our leaders wisdom in their decisions, and they would walk humbly with You. We pray for unity in our churches and that we will obey You together Jesus. We pray this is Your glorious and matchless name, amen.

Click HERE for sermon points, scripture used in the sermon, and printable Life Group questions.