Sermon Info
Sermon Date: 4/19/26
Series: Romans
Text: Romans 13:6-7
Title: “God’s Purpose for Taxes and
Paying What We Owe”
Preacher: Pastor Luke Dufek
Series: Romans
Text: Romans 13:6-7
Title: “God’s Purpose for Taxes and
Paying What We Owe”
Preacher: Pastor Luke Dufek
Announcements
After some fellowship, please highlight the information below to your group and have them check the weekly church email for more information/details.
- The men’s study will be meeting on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7 PM to introduce the new book Law for the Lawless by David Mitzenmacher. Books available in the bookstore for $16/book.
- Monthly Sunday luncheon will be on Sunday, 5/3.
- Come join us for an INDOOR spring cleaning on Saturday, 5/9/26 from 9-12 PM
- Pizza with the pastors will be on Sunday, 5/10. Please RSVP to Samantha Haynes no later than 5/7, 414-573-3473. All who are newer or not yet members are encouraged to join with anything questions/inquiries you may have.
- Woodridge/Waukesha City camping weekend is 6/5-6/6. You can register through the link in the weekly email or though the calendar on our website/app.
Questions
After some fellowship and prayer, read Romans 13:6-7
How does understanding that governing authorities are “servants of God” and “God’s ministers” shape your view of the civil government?
What does “to bear the sword” mean? How can the state be a terror to those who do bad and a blessing to those who do good?
What two reasons does Paul give in Romans 13:5–7 for why Christians must be subject to governing authorities? What does it mean to be subject to the government “for the sake of conscience”?
How are taxes to be directly connected to the responsibilities and the authority that God has given to the civil government? In what ways has our civil government taken on responsibilities that God has given to the family and the church?
How do improper and unjust taxes impact the church and the family? How can this be corrected? How can a Christian respond in a God honoring way when they believe they are being unjustly taxed or their tax dollars are being used in ways that are sinful?
When facing unjust authority, how would you determine whether to “flee” or “appeal” as described in the sermon? Who are the “lesser magistrates” in your context, and how could you appeal to them if needed?
In what ways can you show “respect and honor” to governing authorities even when you disagree with their decisions? How does the reminder that “Jesus Christ is King over all rulers” shape the way you engage in politics and pray for civil magistrates?
What are practical ways you can be a faithful citizen in your local community right now?
How should we then live? Pray for those who are in positions of authority in our civil government. Ask the Lord to bless them with wisdom and to put more faithful Christians into positions of authority who will use their office to be a terror to those who do evil and a blessing to those who do good.
How does understanding that governing authorities are “servants of God” and “God’s ministers” shape your view of the civil government?
What does “to bear the sword” mean? How can the state be a terror to those who do bad and a blessing to those who do good?
What two reasons does Paul give in Romans 13:5–7 for why Christians must be subject to governing authorities? What does it mean to be subject to the government “for the sake of conscience”?
How are taxes to be directly connected to the responsibilities and the authority that God has given to the civil government? In what ways has our civil government taken on responsibilities that God has given to the family and the church?
How do improper and unjust taxes impact the church and the family? How can this be corrected? How can a Christian respond in a God honoring way when they believe they are being unjustly taxed or their tax dollars are being used in ways that are sinful?
When facing unjust authority, how would you determine whether to “flee” or “appeal” as described in the sermon? Who are the “lesser magistrates” in your context, and how could you appeal to them if needed?
In what ways can you show “respect and honor” to governing authorities even when you disagree with their decisions? How does the reminder that “Jesus Christ is King over all rulers” shape the way you engage in politics and pray for civil magistrates?
What are practical ways you can be a faithful citizen in your local community right now?
How should we then live? Pray for those who are in positions of authority in our civil government. Ask the Lord to bless them with wisdom and to put more faithful Christians into positions of authority who will use their office to be a terror to those who do evil and a blessing to those who do good.