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.
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Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
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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:
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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.
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For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
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Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
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But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
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Chapter Study & Analysis
Overview
Romans 13 addresses the believer’s relationship to civil authorities and the priority of love as the fulfillment of the Law. It concludes with an urgent call to wake from spiritual sleep and "put on the Lord Jesus Christ."
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. Submission to Authority: All power is ordained of God (v. 1). We are called to be exemplary citizens, respecting the law and those in authority, unless they command what God forbids.2. The Debt of Love: We are told to owe no man anything but to love one another (v. 8). Love is a debt that we can never fully repay, and it must be the motivating force in all our social interactions.
3. Walking in the Light: The night is far spent, the day is at hand (v. 12). Given the lateness of the hour, we must cast off the works of darkness and live with the spiritual alertness of those who expect their King.
Practical Lessons
FORMAL PRAYER
O Lord, who hast ordained order in this world: grant us to be faithful citizens of both Thy Kingdom and our earthly nations. Help us to put on the armor of light and to walk honestly, as in the day, that Christ may be seen in all we do. Amen.