"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more
abundantly." John 10:10b
In the last two chapters, we have learned that God has no outward
ideal for our appearance; He created each of us differently. However, God does have one ultimate ideal and
goal for each of us: that we would be conformed to the character of Jesus Christ. God uses authorities in our lives to help
further this goal.
God wants us to stay under the protection and direction of those
He has
placed over us, and to trust God to bring about His best for us through them. When we live in accordance with this important
principle, we can enjoy many benefits, including inward peace and outward protection.
Look up Romans 13:1-7. What key points about authority are given in this passage? (You should find
at least six.)
Key Truths: Some relationships are difficult because certain personalities irritate us. But God uses
difficult interpersonal relationships to refine our character and cause us to grow more like Jesus. Relationships with authorities
can be difficult because authorities establish laws, and those under authority tend to test the boundaries. However, certain
character qualities may never be learned apart from the pressures and accountability of firm authority.
Look up the following Scriptures and list
insights and truths to apply from each one:
Romans 13:1-2
Romans 8:28
Psalm
18:30
To aid us in identifying our authorities, it is helpful to list them in three categories: family,
church, and government. Write down the names of your authorities in each of these areas (see below).
Family
Church
Government
God gave us authorities for our benefit.
CONCEPT TO THINK ABOUT: Look up Proverbs 21:1. What does this verse reveal about God's
relationship to authorities?
God works through authorities to meet basic needs in our
lives, particularly the needs for provision, instruction,
correction, protection, and guidance.
Look up the following Scriptures and list
insights and truths to apply from each one:
Proverbs 1:8-9
1 Samuel 15:23
Proverbs 2:1-2
Proverbs 2:12
Proverbs 2:16
Proverbs 6:20-22
Isaiah 30:21
Satan attempts to lead us down the wrong path, expose us to evil influences, and make our lives
miserable by tempting us to reject the authority of our imperfect parents (or any other authority figures). [Note: Remember that although you may not have a "huge problem" with authority, most of us give
in to temptations in this area, at least in small ways. Ask the Lord to show you how you may have gone wrong, and how you can do
better in the future.]
Examine your own life; look for any of the following signs that show you may be falling into some of
the enemy's traps in this area of authority. (Put a check beside any symptoms you find in your own life.)
Complying with rules while complaining, giving silent treatment,
etc.
Being bitter toward my parents for how they may have offended
me
Criticizing parents’ faults rather than praising their
strengths
Thinking of ways to get away with as much as I
can
Hiding things from my
parents
Envying others for the nice parents they
have
Looking forward to getting out from under
authority
Gossiping about my parents to siblings or
friends
Following are some unhappy results that come about when we do not have a proper heart attitude and
correct response to authorities:
Miserable home
life
Tension (rather than friendships/pleasant relationships) with
parents and other authority figures
Confusion over how God is
leading
Increased
temptation
Look up the following Scriptures and list
insights and truths to apply from each one:
Hebrews 13:17
1 John 5:3
Ephesians
6:1-3
Luke 2:51-52
1 Peter 2:21
We see that Scripture clearly instructs us to honor our parents and other authorities. What exactly
does the word honor mean? Look it up in a good dictionary.
Responding well to authorities is not an impossible problem!
Although this is a
difficult area for most people, by God’s grace you can live in victory. “But
thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 15:57.
Steps to Victory:
Confess to God and your parents ways you have gone out from under authority, and get back under
authority.
Release bitterness by inwardly forgiving your parents for any ways they have offended you.
Thank God for your parents.
Share with your parents reasons that you appreciate them.
Obey them even in small “insignificant” things.
Seek their counsel.
Honor them.
Be friendly and agreeable toward them.
Demonstrate loyalty during tough times.
Develop the four essential attitudes discussed in detail in the next lesson.
Week 3 memory work: Choose at least one verse from the following list. Memorize the verse(s)
that you think will be the most helpful for you to remember:
Romans 13:1-2
Proverbs 21:1
Proverbs 6:20-22
Emily stopped in the aisle. "Mom, come look!" She glanced at the beautiful skirt's tag
and turned it over. "I've been wanting a skirt like this for a long time, and it's on sale. Please -- can I try it on?"
Mom eyed it carefully. "All right."
The skirt seemed to fit perfectly. Emily looked in the mirror and smiled -- it followed Dad's rules
and looked stylish, too. Wait until she went to church in this!
"What do you think?" she asked her mom in excitement.
Mom circled her and frowned. "I'm sorry, Emily, but it's too tight in the back. I found something
else you might like." She pulled the ugliest skirt Emily had ever seen out of the shopping cart.
In light of what we studied
today, how do you think Emily should respond?
