The Question of Authority

About This Product This unit can help young adults better understand the perennial tension of obedience and authority. Just what is the relationship between the two? Just what is the nature of Jesus' authority? These lessons explore these questions, along with the related issues of freedom and authority, responsible civil disobedience to oppressive authority, and power and authority.

Lesson 1: A Christian Perspective on Rebellion--This lesson examines Saul who, though possessing charisma and kingly leadership abilities, stubbornly resisted God's authority. Through his example we will discover the cause and effect of rebellion and how it affects young adults today. We will see that, in a spiritual sense, rebellion is a very accurate synonym for sin. (1 Samuel 15; 1 Peter 5:5-7)

Lesson 2: A Christian Perspective on Civil Disobedience--This lesson doesn't propose, or applaud, any lawless alternative, but it does examine the issue of authentically constructive civil disobedience from a biblical perspective. We often hesitate to deal with this issue because of its sensitive nature. But through this lesson, we will attempt to examine the biblical and historical stance on civil disobedience. We'll see what, if any, place civil disobedience has in the Christian's life. (Exodus 1:8-2:10; 1 Samuel 8; Ezekiel 33; Daniel 6-12; Matthew 22:15-22; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-21)

Lesson 3: A Christian Perspective on Freedom and Authority--This lesson attempts to explore the paradox of freedom and authority. After looking at Jesus' freedom and authority, we will examine freedom in more detail, in terms of its mystery, creativity, and anxiety. And because authority is ordained of God, man in his freedom is to be responsible. Authority though, like freedom, is elusive to define. (Matthew 9:6; 21:24, 27; 28:18; Mark 1:22; 1 Peter 2:13-24) Topics: Authority, Civil Disobedience, Freedom, Obedience, Power, Rebellious, Rebellion, Responsibility