Tag: Romans 13
Don’t resist God’s authority
Scripture reading for July 1: Romans 13
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he dos not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Romans 13:1-5
We are born in sin. The underlying essence of sin is resistance and disobedience to rightful authority. Scripture makes it plain that all authority has been instituted by God. Authority is delegated by God to those He places in positions of authority. God ordains those in authority to protect the weak, innocent, and obedient members of society. He also empowers authority to restrain evil, rebellion and harm in those resisting authority. They are given power even to take life of certain law-breakers. Paul described this as being a servant of God’s wrath, avenging those involved in evil.
Resisting parents, teachers, law enforcement, government officials, or church leaders is resisting what has been established by God. Scripture directs believers to submit to those in authority. We are to honor and obey authority because we honor God. Those in authority are a protective covering supplied by God to the righteous, protecting them from wrong-doers. Paul clarified that we are subject to those in authority not only to avoid God’s wrath, but for conscience sake. God has placed a knowledge of right and wrong in us through conscience. We are to be at peace with God, our conscience, and authority.
What attitudes and actions display a resistance and disrespect of authority in our culture? Do you find that the view of all authority coming from God for your good is widely held by those around you? What are some ways that you might show honor to those God has placed over you?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for my rebellion against authority. I find myself justifying breaking laws, speaking evil of those in leadership I disagree with, and even resisting You and Your Word. Thank You for Your patience with me to form new respect for Your authority and those you place over me. Help me! Amen.
“Love your neighbor as yourself!”
Scripture reading for June 30th: Romans 13
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Romans 13:8-10 “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Paul taught that the Law, the Ten Commandments, were all about love. The first four commandments were all about loving God with all our heart, soul, minds and strength. But here, the second tablet of the Law was partially quoted to show that those who loved would fulfill the requirements of these commandments. If you love someone, you will not commit adultery with another man’s wife! This is not love! If you love someone, you will not purposely take their life, steal their goods, or even covet what they had! So love fulfilled the law supernaturally by changing believer’s hearts to flow in Christ’s love and truth.
Observations for over-comers: Christians don’t work to keep the law, but fulfill the law by living a life of sincere love that comes from the Holy Spirit residing in them and guiding them into all truth and its daily application. “I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous laws. Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:163-165)
Love fulfills the law!
Scripture reading for July 1st: Romans 13
God wants His children to overcome evil with doing good. (Romans 12:21) He has poured the love of God (Agape) into our hearts through His gift of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5) God’s love always desires and does what is best for the total well-being of a person, even one we might consider our enemy!
Paul goes on to instruct the Roman Christians, Jew and Gentile, about the power of love. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandments there may be are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself. ” Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:8-10)
God’s law was really all about love! If you love another man and his wife, you will not commit adultery with his wife! This shows a lack of love for each of them and for God who commands you not to commit adultery! If you hate another person made in God’s image or plot to murder as a result, you lack love gifted to you by God the Father! If you steal or covet another’s property, you are not acting in love but in lust and selfish desire! Love always does what is best for our neighbor and fulfills God’s laws! This truth should minister grace and freedom to Jew and Gentile! Let the agape love that God has abundantly and freely give you flow out towards others today and please God!