Up For Debate Sample

Who in your life has authority? Parents, teachers, coaches, your principal, a boss, police, the government?

Paul makes it clear that we are to give respect to people in our lives who have authority.

This can be hard because sometimes we don’t necessarily like the people in charge of us. You may have a teacher who is super strict that you can’t stand, a new coach who you just don’t seem to get along with, a boss who’s a jerk, or maybe you have differing political views from the current people in power. A lot of people have grown cynical or suspicious of people in authority.

However, we have to put our feelings aside and offer others respect because, according to Paul, God gave them that authority. 

You might find this hard to believe. You’re trying to tell me that God put that person in charge!? Yes!

In fact, when Paul wrote these verses, a guy by the name of Nero was in charge of Rome. Nero was not a good guy—like, not at all. Nero did not like Jesus-followers. He would capture them and use them as human torches in his garden, wrap them up in animal carcasses and feed them to wild animals, and do all sorts of other crazy things.

Paul told early Christians that God even gave Nero authority and that because of this, they are to show him honor, respect, and love.

How can you show love and respect to those in authority today? Whatever you just thought of, go and actually show them respect today!