Study Questions for August 30, 2026

August 27th, 2026
by Kyle Carnahan

The Tale of Two Kingdoms by Pastor Dale Beaver

Read Romans 13:1-14; Genesis 9:6; and Daniel 2:20-21.

Pastor Dale begins by referencing the framing of the U.S. Constitution and the "Schoolhouse Rock" songs that taught many the Preamble. Why is it important to remember that our earthly citizenship, while significant, is always secondary to our citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven?
"Jesus is Lord" is described as a radical political statement, not just a doxology. How did this confession directly challenge the Roman Empire’s claim that "Caesar is Lord," and what modern examples did Pastor Dale use to show how this type of allegiance can be leveraged by earthly leaders?
Read Romans 13:1-2. Paul states that all authority is instituted by God. According to the sermon, how did God first establish the "mandate" for human civic government through the covenant with Noah in Genesis 9:6?
Read Daniel 2:20-21. The text says God "removes kings and sets up other kings". Does this imply that every ruler is godly, or does it mean that even ungodly rulers are ultimately under God’s sovereign control? How does this truth help reduce anxiety during polarized political seasons?
Consider the conversation between Jesus and Pontius Pilate in John 19:11. How does the fact that God used a corrupt and oppressive governor to bring about our salvation encourage you when you see injustice or corruption in the world?
Read Romans 13:1, 5-7. Why does Pastor Dale argue that our default posture toward government should be respect rather than rebellion? How does showing respect and paying taxes serve to "keep a clear conscience" before God?
Pastor Dale notes that government workers are described as "God's deacons" or servants in society. How does viewing the role of government as a stewardship of God's authority change the way you think about civic duties like paying taxes?
Read Romans 13:8-10. The sermon highlights a major limitation of earthly government: it can legislate behavior (like "do not murder"), but it cannot change the desire of the heart. Why is the "obligation to love" a more powerful force for social good than legal legislation?
Read Romans 13:11-14. Paul uses the imagery of the "night being almost gone" to urge believers to wake up. What does ook like practically to live as though you are in an embassy on foreign soil, representing your true Home while currently residing in this world?
When the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, God told them to be "good citizens," build houses, and pray for the success of that nation even though it wasn't where they belonged. How can you apply this principle of working for the common good in your own community this week?
Close in Prayer: Thank God for being the King of kings who controls the course of world events. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live a life of "holy living" as a political testament to His Kingdom, and pray for the wisdom to represent your heavenly Home well while serving as a citizen on earth.

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Analogy for Understanding: Living as a Christian is like being part of an embassy on foreign soil. An embassy operates under the laws and authority of its home country, even though it is physically located within a different nation. We are "dual citizens" who work for the peace and success of the city where we live, yet we never forget that our ultimate allegiance belongs to the Throne of our Home Kingdom. Our holy living is not just private morality; it is a "political statement" to the world that we serve a King whose Kingdom is not of this world, but who is surely coming to make all things new.

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