SCRIPTURE: ROMANS 13
Memory Verses:
“Everyone must submit himself 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)
“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)
Submitting to governing authorities is a command by God because the governing authorities are established by God. Anyone who rebels against what God has instituted will be punished. It is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. (v. 5) We are to pay our taxes and revenues and show respect and honor to everyone.
LOVE, FOR THE DAY IS NEAR (vs. 8-14)
All the commandments summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” for love is the fulfillment of the law. (v. 9-10).
Paul told us that the hour has come for us to wake up from our slumber. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Taher, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (vs. 11-14)
THOUGHTS:
Christians have a responsibility to make the state better. Submitting to authority does not mean that we allow the government to force us to disobey God. However, we must be responsible citizens by paying our taxes.
The love of God is unmeasurable. We are permanently in debt to Christ for His love to us. The only way we can repay this debt is by loving others in return. We have the obligation to love our neighbors by trying to meet their needs.
The “night” refers to the present evil time. the ‘day” refers to the time of Christ’s return. Paul mentioned fighting and jealousy with sins of drunkenness and immorality. Just as hatred leads to murder, so jealousy leads to strife and lust to adultery. When Christ returns, we have to prepare ourselves to be clean on the inside as well as on the outside.
In his final instruction, Paul told us to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. That means that we have to exemplify the qualities of Jesus – love, humility, truth and service. We should also avoid those situations that open the door to gratifying sinful desires.