Gift and Limit of Government (Romans 13:1-2)

In Romans 13:1–2, Paul teaches Christians to submit to governing authorities because all authority ultimately comes from God. In this sermon, Zach Carter slows down to ask where civil authority comes from, why it is real, and why it is also limited. Tracing the biblical story from creation, family, and cultural dominion to the post-fall need for public justice, he shows that Christians must neither idolize the state nor treat lawful authority as optional. Because Jesus Christ has been given all authority in heaven and on earth, believers can honor civil government while reserving their final allegiance for Christ the King.