[:en]Submission to the Authorities (vs. 1-7)
“Everyone must submit himself to the government authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (v. 1) Christians should be responsible and good citizens. We must obey government laws and regulations unless those laws violate the moral standards of God. If we are doing right, we do not have to be afraid of the one in authority. It is the wrongdoer who must be afraid because they will be punished. We are requested to give honor and respect reserve to the authorities and pay taxes and revenues for the service they rendered in governing.
Love, for the Day is Near (vs. 8-14)
All commandments are summed up in this one: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (v. 9) for love is the fulfillment of the law. We are indebted to God for His amazing love and return, we should repay this debt by loving others. Loving others means meeting both their physical and spiritual needs. Paul referred the “night” as the present evil time and the “day” to the time of Christ’s return. He told the christians to put aside the deed of darkness and put on the armor of light (v. 12). The deed of darkness are: orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, debauchery, dissension and jealousy. We must not gratify the desires of sinful nature but to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us let God take control of us and identify with His death, burial and resurrection. Let us exemplify the qualities of Jesus while He was on earth – love, humility, compassion, patience, truth, peace and service.[:]