A Christian is a citizen of another world, passing as a stranger and a pilgrim through a strange land. However, we are not to be found in opposition to human government, even though it may be run by very unrighteous men. As we look into this chapter 13, the man who sat upon the throne when the Apostle gave these instructions was a wicked man who persecuted the early Christians. Yet we are told to be subject to the higher powers. Even poor government is better than no government. Imagine what this world would be like if there were no restraint at all. (Look at Genesis 6:55And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5).) People are afraid to do evil if they know they will be punished when found out. Therefore we should pay our taxes and render honor and custom to those whom God has placed in authority over us. The only debt that we should owe to others is that of love. Did not Christ love us while we were yet sinners? If we love others, we certainly will do them no harm, but will seek out their welfare. We live in the last days of this world’s history and God says, “The night is far spent.” When morning draws near, we awake out of our sleep to begin another day’s labor. As Christians, we are nearer to the salvation of our bodies than when we first believed. Our behavior should be upright and honest, reflecting Christ, making no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.
1. Why should we be subject to the higher powers? __________ Romans 13:___
2. What do those in authority have permission from God to execute on those who do evil? __________ Romans 13:___
3. What is the only debt that we should owe? __________ Romans 13:___
4. Why is it high time to awake out of sleep? __________ Romans 13:___
5. Rather than fulfilling the lusts of our flesh, what should we do? __________ Romans 13:___