Authority: Belonging to God

This lesson examines the biblical perspective on civic responsibility and the sovereignty of God over human institutions. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, Romans, and 1 Peter, the texts explain that earthly authority is established by God and deserves respect through the payment of taxes and adherence to laws.

While believers are called to be upright citizens who honor government leaders, their ultimate allegiance belongs to the Lord. The sources emphasize that Christian liberty should not be used as a pretext for wrongdoing but as a means to serve God. Ultimately, when human mandates conflict with divine commands, followers of Christ must prioritize heavenly citizenship over worldly requirements. This study concludes that modeling good conduct and showing love to all people reflects God's character and strengthens a believer's witness.