International Sunday School Lesson April 12, 2026
Introduction
Welcome to another edition of the International Sunday School lesson. Today’s lesson is for April 12, 2026. The title of today’s lesson is, “Authority: Belonging to God.” The scripture text is taken from Mark 12:17, Romans 13:1, Romans 13:6-8, and 1 Peter 2:13-17. The topic of today’s lesson can generate a lot of controversy. There’s a large segment of the church that puts Christianity in the middle of politics. They place Jesus and his Gospel as tools to win some political agenda. Nothing is further from what Jesus taught. The Old Testament included the history and politics of the Jews in Palestine. It was a theocracy. It’s the only true theocracy in the history of the world so far. There will be another theocracy during the millennial reign of Christ. All of the other governments and politics are tools that God wants us to use to keep peace and live together. The gospel is not some political movement. Christianity has grown and flourished under virtually every system of government known to man. That includes monarchies and democracies. That includes dictatorships and communes. The key is keeping politics out of the church and teaching Christians to be responsible, honest, and loving in their social interactions regardless of the politics of the day. I believe the modern American Christian should vote, pay their tickets, serve on juries, serve in the military, volunteer for civic services, campaign,serve in political offices, and be a good responsible neighbor. Just keep Jesus out of their political debate. We have about half the country leaning one way or the other politically. Claiming Jesus is in your political party puts a barrier for half of this country. Let’s preach to all the country regardless of political party.
1 Render to Caesar
The critics of Jesus were trying to trap him. They wanted him to speak out against the government so they could report him to the Romans.
Mark 12:17 (ESV)
17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.
We have two clear obligations here. There’s the natural social world we live in. We have obligations in this natural world. We must fulfill those obligations. Pay taxes and fulfill your duties as a citizen. Don’t be a deadbeat and deadweight. We have an obligation to God too. Fulfill your duties to Him. Live right and spread His word. Worship and praise God.
2 Be Subject
Laws are there to keep us all safe and healthy. That holds true for most laws in every country. There are rare instances where preaching or testifying is illegal. We must disobey those laws. But unless there is a clear biblical reason why we must disobey a law then it is a sin to break it.
Romans 13:1 (ESV)
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Let’s stop and think about the government in power when Paul said these things. This is the government that executed Paul. Nero was emperor when Paul wrote Romans. Nero, emperor of Rome (54–68 AD), is historically infamous for murdering his mother Agrippina, stepbrother Britannicus, and wife Octavia. He was accused of orchestrating the Great Fire of Rome to build his palace, subsequently blaming and brutally executing Christians. His reign was marked by extreme tyranny, public debauchery, and financial ruin. Remember that when you start to think you shouldn’t show respect for the leader of the country because he’s in the other party.
3 Pay What is Owed
It is never, ever okay for a church or minister to cheat on their taxes. We all must pay our taxes.
Romans 13:6–8 (ESV)
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. 8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Not only taxes but all debts. Nothing will destroy your testimony quicker than being a deadbeat. If you owe it, pay it. If you borrow it, return it. Now, catastrophic things CAN happen. You might get sick and have a huge hospital bill. The economy could change overnight and you can’t get a job. Bad things happen to good people. Just make sure it’s completely unavoidable. Don’t buy what you can’t afford and live within your means. Your testimony depends on it.
4 Be Subject
Be subject to those in authority.
1 Peter 2:13–17 (ESV)
13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
We should show respect and pray for those in authority. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) “1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Now, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t vote people out of office. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t attend political rallies. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be praying for the protection of the country against incompetent officials. I can assure you that I might not say a word against a politician behind the pulpit but you better believe I remember things when I walk into that voting booth. I support the causes I believe in. I pray for mercy and grace for the country from God Almighty to see us through the terms of politicians that deeply trouble me.
Concluding Thoughts
Two main concluding thoughts. First, live up to your civil and social responsibilities. Second, show respect for the office regardless of their personal skill or character. Well friends, good Lord willing, I’ll be back with you next weekend.
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