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• All of us experience conflict with those who have authority over us.
• Big Idea: As Christians dealing with this conflict, we need to focus on who has the authority instead of what they're doing with it.

• In history and in our lives, God works through authorities—even pagan authorities.
  - Romans 13:1
• When we resist authority, we are actually working against God.
  -Illustration: As he was being arrested by Roman soldiers, Jesus did not allow Peter to intervene.

• All authority serves God, intentionally or unintentionally.
  - Romans 13:3-4
• We will be punished for rebelling against authority, even if our viewpoint is correct.
  - Romans 13:2
• We are responsible to obey our government and pay taxes even if we disagree with what our government is doing.
  -Romans 13:6-7
  -Illustration: A detailed story of a schoolteacher who gradually learned how to deal with misguided authorities.

• God uses authorities to correct our mistakes.
  -Illustration: Stanley briefly describes a confrontation with his church board, as a young pastor, that prevented him from building a sanctuary without a baptismal.
• God uses authorities to protect us.
  -Illustration: Stanley tells a detailed story about God's use of two misguided deacons to prevent a wasted youth event.

• Submitting to authority will allow God to direct and protect our lives.