By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Citizens
Romans 13:1–14
Submit (1–7)
Paul tells first-century believers to submit to their governing authorities because God appoints them and empowers them to punish the disobedient. In other words, political officials are God’s servants, and He is working through them even if they do not know it (Isa. 45:1–7; Dan. 4:17). Therefore, to rebel against these authorities is to reject God’s appointed delegation.
A key to understanding this passage is the word “submit,” which does not mean “blindly obey.” What Peter said before the council still applies: “We must obey God rather than people” (Acts 5:29). Thus, in the Holocaust, Christians were to obey God rather than Hitler.
Nevertheless, under normal circumstances, Christians submit to their leaders out of their “conscience” or awareness that the Lord ordains all authority. Furthermore, submitting to the government frees Christians from fear of the “sword” or punishment of the government.
For example, part of this submission is to pay taxes. Christians do not fear the wrath of the IRS because we have reported our income and taken legitimate deductions.
Instead of being troublemakers, Christians respect and honor others, even government officials. This message is especially appropriate in our current political climate. How many times just in the past few weeks have we heard disparaging remarks about leaders?
At times we deplore leaders’ beliefs, political persuasion and even private lives. Still, we must pray for authorities, keep our mouths closed to maligning them and set an example by submitting, respecting the office and honoring our leaders for the glory of Christ.
Love (8–10)
The apostle plays on the theme of debt (13:7) as he returns to his teaching on love (Rom. 12:9–21). Love is an obligation just as taxes and repayment of debt are an obligation (vv. 7–8). While Christians should owe no one, we are indebted in love.
Origen, an early church father, said, “Let your only debt that is unpaid be that of love — a debt which you … will never succeed [fulfill].” He is correct; it is impossible to pay off this debt because there is always a “neighbor” to love. To support this position, Paul cites the four most famous commandments that deal with interpersonal relationships. This kind of love chooses God’s way.
For example, adultery is not “true love” because it shows a lack of concern for the married partner, no respect for the sexual partner and total self-centeredness. Instead of selfish love, the Mosaic law is “summed up” or fulfilled in loving others.
In short, love must be central in all our relationships. To love our neighbor as ourselves is to understand that Christ first loved us, and we respond to others out of this same kind of love.
Anticipate (11–14)
Paul urgently reminds us that each day is closer to the return of Christ. My prayer is that all Christians will wake up and get busy fulfilling the things Paul emphasized in this letter. The night is almost over, Jesus is coming soon. We must actively “take off” and “put on.” With determination and purpose, we should throw off the things in our lives that keep us from being the people God desires. With equal zeal, we must put on the armor or weapons of light.
We are at the epicenter of a cosmic battle in which the armor of Christ is crucial for success. Our outcome is bleak if we continue to live like the world. Our strength is insufficient for such a battle.
However, we are to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and His divine power. We are assured the victory is in Him.
Therefore, look to His coming again with eager anticipation as we cry with all the saints, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
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