Why Should Youth Respect Authority?
Key Texts: Romans 13:1–2; Matthew 28:18
INTRODUCTION
The Challenge of Our Generation We live in a time where many young people view rules as a nuisance or an obstacle to their freedom. In a world that prizes "living my own truth," the concept of submission is often unpopular.
The Necessity of Order However, imagine a world without traffic laws, without boundaries, or without leadership. It would be absolute chaos. God, in His infinite wisdom, established authorities to govern, guide, and protect human life.
Strength, Not Weakness Respecting authority is not a sign of weakness or a lack of personality. On the contrary, it is a sign of spiritual maturity and a direct act of obedience to God. As we will see today, the central idea is simple: Respecting established authority brings blessing; rejecting it leads to spiritual disorder.
I. RESPECT FOR THE AUTHORITY OF GOD
Before we can respect any human institution, we must recognize the One at the top of the hierarchy.
• God is our Creator: We do not belong to ourselves. “It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves” (Psalm 100:3). As the Designer of the universe, He holds the ultimate "intellectual property" rights over our lives (Acts 17:24).
• God is our Sustainer: Every breath you take is a gift from His hand. In Him, we live, move, and have our very existence (Acts 17:25, 28).
• Our Correct Response: Because He is the supreme Authority, our lives should be marked by:
1. Praise: Recognizing His greatness (Psalm 148:1–13).
2. Trust: Leaning on His wisdom rather than our own limited understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6).
3. Glory: Giving Him the credit for every success (Judas 25).
Application: The young person who recognizes God’s authority lives under a secure and perfect direction.
II. RESPECT FOR THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
God has mediated His authority through His Son, Jesus Christ.
• Authority in Teaching: When Jesus spoke, people were astonished because He didn't sound like the religious scholars; He spoke with inherent, divine power (Matthew 7:28–29).
• Universal Authority: After His resurrection, Jesus made a staggering claim: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). Even the spiritual realm and the laws of nature obey His command (Mark 1:27).
• Authority to Judge: God has committed all judgment to the Son. One day, every young person will stand before the authority of Christ to give an account (John 5:26–27; Revelation 12:10).
III. RESPECT FOR THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE
How does God communicate His authority to us today? Through His written Word.
• The Final Standard: Jesus said that the Word He has spoken is what will judge us on the last day (John 12:48).
• Diligence in Obedience: We are warned to pay "earnest heed" to what we have heard so that we don't drift away (Hebrews 2:1–3).
• The Purpose of Scripture:
1. Growth: It is the "milk" that helps us grow (1 Peter 2:2).
2. Perfection: It equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
• Principles of Respect: To respect the Bible's authority, we must "speak where the Bible speaks" (1 Peter 4:11) and refuse to add to or take away from its message (Revelation 22:18–19).
IV. RESPECT FOR THE AUTHORITY OF THE HOME
The family is the first "school" of authority established by God.
• The Divine Order: God established a structure for the home to function in harmony. Wives are called to support their husbands, husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, and children are commanded to obey their parents (Ephesians 5:22–25; 6:1–3).
• The Role of Parents: Authority in the home is not about tyranny. Parents have the heavy responsibility to discipline with love and avoid provoking their children to anger (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 13:24).
Application: If a young person cannot respect the authority they see every day at the dinner table, they will find it nearly impossible to respect the God they cannot see.
V. RESPECT FOR CIVIL AUTHORITIES
Finally, the Christian youth must navigate the laws of the land.
• Instituted by God: Government is not a human invention; it is a divine institution for the sake of public order (Romans 13:1–2; Titus 3:1).
• Submission for the Lord’s Sake: We obey the law not just to avoid a fine or jail, but as a testimony to our faith (1 Peter 2:13–15).
• The Biblical Limit: There is only one exception to this rule: If a government commands you to do something that directly contradicts the Word of God, you must "obey God rather than men" (Acts 4:19–20; 5:29).
- What the Young Person Must Guard Proverbs 4:23–27
- Young Protagonists: Don't Be Shy 2 Timothy 1:7
- Young People Who Know The Word
CONCLUSION
Respecting authority is a fundamental principle of the Christian life. When we respect our parents, our leaders, and the laws of the land, we are ultimately showing our respect for the God who put them there.
Rejecting authority leads to a chaotic life and spiritual rebellion. Respecting it leads to a life of order, protection, and divine blessing.
