Levels of Authority - Foundational Truths

Levels Of Authority

Foundational Truths - August 17, 2025

[Part 1]

key points

Message Summary

To have great faith, you must understand authority. In "Levels of Authority," Duane Sheriff explores the concept of authority in God's kingdom and its relationship to our levels of government. Romans 13:1 reminds us that all authority comes from God. All authority is delegated and should always be accompanied by accountability. Understanding the five levelsof authorityhelps usnavigate ourroles andresponsibilities,along withthelimitswithin each sphere: God's government, self-government, family government, church authority, and civil government. The story of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8 beautifully illustrates how great faith is connected to understanding authority. When we grasp this concept, we can make a real difference in our world. By integrating our faith into civic life, we can be salt and light, contributing to the transformation of our culture while adhering to scriptural truths.

Key Points

• All authority comes from God

• The authority of Scripture should be final in a Christian's life.

• Great faith is connected to understanding authority.

• There are five levels of governing authorities: God's, self, family, church, and civil

• We are accountable for how we exercise our authority

• The family unit is under attack, and we must uphold God's design for the home.

• Christians should engage in civil government as salt and light.

Scripture References

• Romans 13:1, 12

• John 19:10-11

• Isaiah 9:6-7

• Hebrews 13:7, 17

• Romans 14:12

• Matthew 18:18, 8:5-13 (roman centurion)

Levels Of Authority

Foundational

Truths - August 17, 2025

[Part 1]

Discussion Questions

• How does understanding different levels of authority (God's government, selfgovernment, family government, church government, and civil government) impact our daily lives and decision-making?

• In what ways might our perception of authority influence our faith, as demonstrated by the Roman centurion's interaction with Jesus?

• How can we balance submitting to authority while also discerning when to respectfully disagree or disobey unethical commands?

• What are the implications of viewing civil government as the lowest form of authority in God's hierarchy, and how might this perspective shape our engagement with politics?

• How can we effectively exercise self-government in our thoughts, speech, and actions while also recognizing our need for God's guidance?

• In what ways can the church reclaim its role in influencing civil government without compromising its spiritual mission?

• How might a revival of family government, as described in the sermon, impact society and the current cultural challenges we face?

• How can we reconcile the concept of church authority with the need for accountability and avoiding blind obedience?