Main Idea: Christians should obey civil authorities and the Lord according to the honor due each of them.

Rendering Honor and Obedience to Civil Authorities - Mark 12:13–17a

• All civil authorities exist because God establishes them for a specific purpose
  • Genesis 1:28
  • Romans 13:1–4
  • 2 Samuel 23:3, 4
  • John 19:11
• Christians should honor and obey civil authorities under most circumstances
  • Romans 13:5–7
  • 1 Peter 2:13–17
  • Jeremiah 29:7

Rendering Honor and Obedience to God Above All Else - Mark 12:17b

• A Christian’s full obedience must be to God alone
  • Genesis 1:27
  • Acts 4:17–20
  • Acts 5:27–29
  • Revelation 13:1–10
• Christianity is international and Christians should resist attempts to nationalize it
  • John 18:36
  • Exodus 19:5, 6
  • 1 Peter 2:9

So What?

• Our honor and obedience to civil authorities is an expression of our true devotion to following Christ above all else.
  • Ephesians 6:5–8
  • Mark 8:34–37