[:en]SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 13
“Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1)
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowmen has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8)
“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans 13:14)
SUBMISSION TO THE AUTHORITIES (vs. 1-7)
As citizens of the state on earth, we have the responsibilities to be good citizens so that the Lord will be glorified.
God has established human government for control and order. Government authority comes from God, so we must respect the God ordained office even if we cannot respect the officer. Rulers hold no terror for those who do right but for those who do wrong (v. 3). They are God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoers. Therefore, submit to authorities not because of punishment but because of conscience (vs. 4-5). We are to pay taxes and revenue and show proper respect and honor to the authorities (v. 7)
LOVE, FOR THE DAY IS NEAR (vs. 8-14)
Love is the fulfillment of the law because it enables us to obey what the law demands. All commandments are summed up in this rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Christians ought to walk in love.
The hour has come, the night is nearly over and the day is almost here. So what must we do?
- Put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light (v. 12)
- Behave decently, not in orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality and debauchery, dissension and jealousy (v. 13)
- Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature (v. 14)
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