Welcome to the next Bible Study of Romans, Chapter 13:

Let’s reason and take an inspiring verse by verse look at “Romans 13:1-14“, followed with a Summary and Prayer.

Verse 1: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of GOD: the powers that be are ordained of GOD.”

This verse establishes the principle of submission to governing authorities. It affirms that all authority is ultimately derived from GOD. Believers are called to recognize the sovereignty of GOD in establishing rulers and governments.

Verse 2: “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

Resisting the power is seen as resisting GOD’s ordinance, which can lead to consequences. It highlights the seriousness of submission to authority, emphasizing that disobedience can result in judgment.

Verse 3: “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:”

Here Paul explains the role of rulers to reward good and punish evil. Good conduct should lead to praise from authorities, which encourages believers to live virtuously rather than fearfully.

Verse 4: “(For he is the minister of GOD to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of GOD, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.)”

This verse reinforces the idea that government officials are GOD’S servants. It warns of the consequences of evil; the “sword” symbolizes the authority to enforce justice and punish wrongdoing.

Verse 5: “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”

Paul emphasizes the dual reasons for submission: to avoid punishment (wrath) and to maintain a clear conscience. This reflects the internal motivation of believers to live rightly before GOD.

Verse 6: “For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are GOD’S ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.”

Believers are instructed to pay taxes and support the government as they are GOD’S ministers. This implies that fulfilling civic duties is part of living out one’s faith.

Verse 7: “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

This encapsulates the call to fulfill obligations toward authorities, including taxes and respect. It teaches that honor and fear (respect) towards those in power are integral to Christian conduct.

Verse 8: “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”

Paul shifts focus to love, indicating that the greatest obligation is to love one another. Love encapsulates the fulfillment of the law, which is foundational to the Christian life.

Verse 9: “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Paul lists commandments connected with interpersonal relationships, asserting that love encompasses and fulfills the law. Loving one’s neighbor prevents the breaking of these commands.

Verse 10: “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

This verse reiterates that love does no harm to others, thus fulfilling the law. It highlights the transformative power of love in the believer’s life and community.

Verse 11: “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”

Paul encourages believers to be aware of their spiritual state and recognize the urgency of living righteously. The “time” refers to the present period, emphasizing the importance of readiness as the return of CHRIST approaches.

Verse 12: “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.”

This metaphor suggests a transition from darkness (sin) to light (righteousness). The imagery of armor signifies readiness for spiritual battle, encouraging believers to embrace their identity in CHRIST.

Verse 13: “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”

Paul urges believers to live openly and honestly, avoiding sinful behaviors associated with darkness. The emphasis is on moral integrity and community behavior reflective of their faith.

Verse 14: “But put ye on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

The act of “putting on” CHRIST implies adopting His character and behavior. This verse warns against entertaining sinful desires, urging believers to live in alignment with their identity in CHRIST.

Let’s summarize Romans, Chapter 13:

In “Romans 13:1-14”, Paul lays out the necessity of submitting to governing authorities as they are instituted by GOD. Submission is further emphasized not just to avoid punishment but also to uphold a clean conscience. He pivots to the importance of love, stating that it fulfills the law, and encourages believers to live righteously and responsibly, recognizing the urgency of the times. The chapter concludes with a call to embody the character of CHRIST, living in moral integrity and casting aside behaviors associated with darkness.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, Thank You for Your marvelous righteous Word and the guidance it provides in our lives. Help us to understand the importance of submission to authority and living according to Your will. Teach us to love others as ourselves and to embody the character of CHRIST in our daily lives. May we be aware of our spiritual state and strive to walk in the light, reflecting Your infinite love and grace. Strengthen us to resist the temptations of the flesh and to live honorably in all aspects. We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our almighty dear LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!