Understanding Authority (Part 4)

Bishop Riggen teaches from Romans 13:1-7 on the fourth installment of 'Understanding Authority,' bypassing review to address what to do when authority is not right. He emphasizes distinguishing between the office and the individual holding it. The office—whether of parents, civil authorities, or pastors—always deserves respect because God established it, even if the individual is corrupt. He illustrates this with Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10), where God consumed the sinful men but left their priestly coats intact, preserving the office. Likewise, Acts 1 shows Judas's office being filled after his fall. Bishop Riggen cites Paul's apology in Acts 23 for rebuking the high priest, showing respect for the office even when the individual was unjust. The key is to obey God when authority commands sin, but otherwise submit. He warns from 2 Peter 2 and Jude against despising authority, noting even Michael the archangel did not rail against Satan. The sermon concludes by contrasting children of disobedience, who refuse submission, with believers who submit to one another in the fear of God. The spiritual purpose is to call hearers to honor all God-ordained authorities, trusting God to judge individuals, while maintaining a submitted heart as evidence of walking in the light.