Romans 13
Submit to Government
1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
To whom do we all are subject to?
1a Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.Every human being including Christians has to subject to the governing authorities.
(David Guzik) This certainly includes Christians. Paul simply says that we should be subject to the governing authorities. This was in contrast to groups of zealous Jews in that day who recognized no king but God and paid taxes to no one but God.
NLT: Romans 13:1 - Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
Who are these governing authorities?
Government means "the governing body of a nation, state, or community".
Governing authorities are the citizens, people, representatives, volunteers who are part of the governing body serving their nation, state or community.
They may be elected (in democracy) by people, inherited (monarchy/King - A monarchy is a form of government in which sovereignty is actually or nominally embodied in one individual reigning until death or abdication.), ...
Where did the authority come from?
1b For there is no authority except from God, andThe authority come from God.
Who appoints the government authorities?
1c the authorities that exist are appointed by God.God appoints the government authorities.
Did the concept/role of government come from our God Almighty or from any other world system?
Yes, the concept of government did come from our God Almighty because God created everything and set in order. Nothing has come to existence without His knowledge.
Acts 17:24-28 - 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'
Col 1:15-20 - 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
When did God first introduce the concept/role of government?
God introduced human government after the flood as a part of Noahic covenant.
Gen 9:5,6 - 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. 4 But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 5 Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man's brother I will require the life of man. 6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.
NLT: Gen 9:5,6 - 5 “And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person’s life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die. 6 If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image.
What is the meaning for the word Israel?
Israel is the Jacob's covenant name. It means Prince of God, cling firmly to God, God persisteth/saves, God's Governor, ...
Following taken from Dictionaries - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Israel
The Name and People. Jacob, grandson of Abraham, was named Israel after he had wrestled with God (Gen32:28). This name is a combination of the Hebrew words for "wrestle" and "God" (because sareta [you have wrestled] with God [‘el] and men you will be called yisrael).
The name, expressing the concept of wrestling, clinging firmly to God, and overcoming, and God's confirming of his covenant with Jacob, indicates that Israel is to be understood as Jacob's covenant name. The name spoke of his being bound with a bond of life and love to God.
Following taken from - http://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Israel.html#.IvGyoWcFPY
For a meaning of the name Israel, NOBSE Study Bible Name List, BDB Theological Dictionary and Alfred Jones (Dictionary of Old Testament Proper Names) unanimously go with the verb שרה of which the meaning is unsure. Undeterred, NOBSE reads God Strives, and BDB proposes El Persisteth or El Persevereth.
Alfred Jones figures that the mysterious verb שרה might very well mean "to be princely," and assumes that the name Israel consists of a future form of this verb, which hence would mean to become princely. And so Jones interprets the name Israel with He Will Be Prince With God.
Here at Abarim Publications, our contention is that the mystery verb שרה doesn't mean struggle at all, but rather reflects a worthiness to govern a nation. At the Jabbok, Jacob became the world's first godly king and his nation was Israel; God's (Vicarious) Governor.
In deeper sense Israel means Governed by God. Out God is the King of all Kings even now:
What is God's intent in governing His people?
God wants to be the King for His people Israelites by appointing judges for each tribe:
Deut 16: 18-20 - 18 "You shall appoint judges and officers in all your gates, which the Lord your God gives you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with just judgment. 19 You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. 20 You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
Following taken from Dictionaries - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Israel
Israel as a holy nation was to exhibit the kingdom of God to the world by heeding and carrying out the creation covenant cultural mandate. Prerequisites were their activities as a worshiping assembly and their communal life expressed by their mutual love and joy in marriage, family, clan, and entire covenant community. God's purpose for Israel as a holy nation was that they be totally separated from heathen practices spiritually, socially, and culturally and be consecrated to their sovereign Lord who had commanded "Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy" (Lev 19:2). Israel, the holy nation, was to be organized politically. Yahweh was their sovereign King. Elders and judges had to carry out administrative and judicial duties; priests had to assist particularly in regard to health laws.
This is the reason God didn't raise up king to Israelites until people demanded for king comparing with other nations:
NIV: 1 Samuel 8:7 - 5 They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” 6 But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
(Warren Wiersbe) God has established three institutions: the home (Gen 2:18-25), government (Gen 9:1-17), and the church (Acts 2).
Is this still valid now? or Did God really appoint authorities even now?
Yes, it is still valid. Our God is King of kings and Lord of lords. He still at work appoints kings, president, prime minister, leaders, ....
Rev 19:16 - 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Daniel 2:21 - And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.
Daniel 4:17b - ... That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.'
Daniel 4:25b - ... the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.
Daniel 4:32b - ... the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses."
Daniel 5:21b - ... the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses
Psalm 75:6-7 - 6 For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. 7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.
John 19:10-11 - 10 Then Pilate said to Him, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?" 11 Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin."
God has clearly demonstrated this by revealing the world empires who rule the world until He comes and rule this earth:
Daniel 2:37 - 36 "This is the dream. Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king. 37 You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; 38 and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all--you are this head of gold. 39 But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. 41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. 44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
God is still in control even though there are many ungodly rules in the word:
Prov 21:1 - The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Rev 17:17 - 12 The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." ... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... 17 For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.
Note, when Paul wrote this letter one of the worst ruler Nero was ruling Rome:
(David Guzik) We remember that Paul wrote this during the reign of the Roman Empire. It was no democracy, and no special friend to Christians – yet he still saw their legitimate authority.
(Newell) “Your Savior suffered under Pontius Pilate, one of the worst Roman governors Judea ever had; and Paul under Nero, the worst Roman Emperor. And neither our Lord nor His Apostle denied or reviled the ‘authority!’”
(Warren Wiersbe) Paul was writing to believers at the very heart of the Roman Empire. As yet, the great persecutions had not started, but were on the way. Christianity was still considered a Jewish sect, and the Jewish religion was approved by Rome. But the day would come when it would be very difficult, if not impossible, for a Christian to be loyal to the emperor. He could not drop incense on the altar and affirm, "Caesar is god!"
It is God who has established the governments of the world (see Acts 17:24-28). This does not mean that He is responsible of the sins of tyrants, but only that the authority to rule comes originally from God. It was this lesson that Nebuchadnezzar had to learn the hard way. (See Dan. 4, and especially vv.17, 25, and 32).
(WM) In every ordered society there must be authority and submission to that authority. Otherwise you have a state of anarchy, and you cannot survive indefinitely under anarchy. Any government is better than no government, and no government exists apart form His will. This does not mean that He approves of all that human rulers do. He certainly does not approve of corruption, brutality, and tyranny! But the fact remains that the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
Believers can live victoriously in
a democracy, a constitutional monarchy,
or even a totalitarian regime.
No earthly government is any better than the men who comprise it. That is why none of our governments is perfect. The only ideal government is a beneficent monarchy with the Lord Jesus Christ as King.
It is helpful to remember that Paul wrote this section on subjection to human government when the infamous Nero was Emperor. Those were dark days for Christians. Nero blamed them for a fire which destroyed half the city of Rome (and which he himself may have ordered). He caused some believers to be immersed in tar, then ignited as living torches to provide illumination for his orgies. Others were sewn up in animal skins, then thrown to ferocious dogs to be torn to pieces.
Praise God now most of the country enjoy the freedom of democracy. So, we are more
vulnerable to critic the leaders, president, vice president, governor, senator, mayor, ...
accountable to God than any other people in the History.
Application:
Do you understand God's real intent of governing people?
Go through the following passage and think through what way you are different than Israelites?
1 Samuel 8:5,7,19 - 1 Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. 3 But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice. 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5 and said to him, "Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations." 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." So Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, "Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day--with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods--so they are doing to you also. 9 Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them." 10 So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who asked him for a king. 11 And he said, "This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots. 12 He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. 14 And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants. 16 And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work. 17 He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants. 18 And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the Lord will not hear you in that day." 19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, "No, but we will have a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles." 21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he repeated them in the hearing of the Lord. 22 So the Lord said to Samuel, "Heed their voice, and make them a king." And Samuel said to the men of Israel, "Every man go to his city."
Summary: (Romans 13:1)
God's real intent is to govern His people. But His people didn't want Him to be the king. (1 Sam 8:7).
So, God long before prophesized about the human government after Noah's flood (Gen 9:5,6):
God appoints the government authorities
God gives authority to the government authorities
We need to submit/obey to the government authorities
God appoints kings, president, prime minister, ... according to people's desire or His desire.
Even though God appoints the government authorities,
it doesn't mean that all government authorities are perfect.
it doesn't mean God is accountable/responsible for their sins
(Warren Wiersbe) This does not mean that He approves of all that human rulers do.
What are the main reasons that we need to submit/obey the government? or Why do we need to submit to government authorities?
Paul list three main reasons why we all need to submit/obey to government:
2b those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3a For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.
4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
5a Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath
No one will be escape from the punishment or Here there is two fold in receiving the punishment
Government will punish when we disobey them
For any reason even if they miss then God will punish.
5b but also for conscience' sake.
Do people have conscience?
Yes, everyone has conscience.
That is the reason even now people feel guilty and our judicial system still respect our conscience. For example when a police issue a ticket for the traffic violation, the ticket asks us to check that you are guilty of this violation.
In the Final White Throne Judgment day God will use their conscience to judge those gentiles who didn't receive God's law and didn't believe in Jesus:
Romans 2:11-16 - 11 For there is no partiality with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Due to sin people hearts become hardened and have seared conscience
1 Tim 4: 2 - 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
But when anyone accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior then God replaces our stony stubborn heart with receptive and sensitive heart.
Hebrew 8:10 - For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
Romans 2:29 - 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
So, all and especially Christians need to submit to government authorities and keep your conscience clear or maintain a good conscience:
1 Tim 1:5 - Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
1 Tim 1:19 - 18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
1 Tim 3:9 - 8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.
Acts 24:16 - This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
1 Tim 4:2 - 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
(David Guzik) Christian obedience to the state is never blind – it obeys with the eyes of conscience wide open.
(Warren Wiersbe) We move a bit higher in our motivation now. Any citizen can obey the law because of fear of punishment, but a Christian ought to obey because of conscience.
Of course, if the government interferes with conscience, then the Christian must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
But when the law is right, the Christian must obey it if he is to maintain a good conscience (1 Tim 1:5,19; 3:9; 4:2; Acts 24:16).
The United States Government maintains a "Conscience Fund" for people who want to pay their debts to the Government and yet remain anonymous. Some city governments have a similar fund. I read about a city that had investigated some tax frauds and announced that several citizens were going to be indicted. Thy did not release the names of the culprits. That week, a number of people visited the City Hall to "straighten out their taxes" - and many of them were not on the indictment list. When conscience begins to work, we cannot live with ourselves until we have made things right.
2a Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and
What does "resists the ordinance of God" mean?
It means resisting what God has instituted. In other word raising your fist against God.
NLT: Romans 13:2 - So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
Acts 23:6 - Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ”
Exodus 22:28 - “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
(Warren Wiersbe) To resist the law is to resist the God who established government in the world, and this means inviting punishment.
There are few Israelites resisted/opposed when God anointed Saul as king:
1 Samuel 10:27 - 24 And Samuel said to all the people, "Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?" So all the people shouted and said, "Long live the king!" 25 Then Samuel explained to the people the behavior of royalty, and wrote it in a book and laid it up before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. 26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and valiant men went with him, whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some rebels said, "How can this man save us?" So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he [Saul] held his peace.
Even though God didn't like this but God anointed Soul whole heartedly not grudgingly and God is not really looking for their regrets for having the earthly king.
Those people who appose king Saul may be apposing thinking that they are pleasing God but if they are true believer of God then they need to change their mind and submit and honor the king. Otherwise they will be called as rebels against king and God.
David knows the God's heart so he set an example by submitting to Saul even though Saul chased him to kill:
1 Samuel 26:9,11,23 - 9 And David said to Abishai, "Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?" 10 David said furthermore, "As the Lord lives, the Lord shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish. 11 The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord's anointed. But please, take now the spear and the jug of water that are by his head, and let us go." ... ... ... ... ... 21 Then Saul said, "I have sinned. Return, my son David. For I will harm you no more, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Indeed I have played the fool and erred exceedingly." 22 And David answered and said, "Here is the king's spear. Let one of the young men come over and get it. 23 May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lord's anointed. 24 And indeed, as your life was valued much this day in my eyes, so let my life be valued much in the eyes of the Lord, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation." 25 Then Saul said to David, "May you be blessed, my son David! You shall both do great things and also still prevail." So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.
(David Guzik) We must be subject to government; not only because we fear punishment, but because we know it is right before God to do so.
What are the responsibilities God has given to the government authorities?
4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.4a For he is God's minister to you for good.
They are servant of God and so they are servants for their fellow citizens for our good.
They are here to appreciate, acknowledge, reward, encourage, ... when citizen's do good.
Romans 13:3 - For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
(WM) As servants of God, rulers are expected to promote the good of the people - their security, tranquility[peacefulness], and general welfare.
4d an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
They are here to punish those who
create riot,
destroy peace,
support terrorism, ....
practice evil
(WM) If any man insists on breaking the law, he can expect to pay for it, because the government has the authority to bring him to trial and punish him.
(David Guzik) It is through the just punishment of evil that government serves its function in God’s plan of holding man’s sinful tendencies in check. When a government fails to do this consistently, it opens itself up to God’s judgment and correction.
4c for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister,
What does "not bear the sword in vain" mean?
It means sword is not just for show as a threatening symbol, if needed they will use to execute or kill those who kill others.
(Warren Wiersbe) Rulers must bear the sword; that is, they have the power to afflict punishment and even to take life.
God has given the sword to rulers, and with it the authority to punish and even to execute.
Even though we cannot always respect the man in office, we must respect the office, for government was ordained by God.
(WM) In the expression he does not bear the sword in vain we have a strong statement concerning the power which God vests in the government.
The sword is not just an innocuous symbol of power; a scepter would have served that purpose.
The sword seems to speak of the ultimate power of the ruler - that is, to inflict capital punishment.
(David Guzik) The sword is a reference to capital punishment.
In the Roman Empire, criminals were typically executed by beheading with a sword (crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals of the lowest classes).
Paul, speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has no doubt that the state has the legitimate authority to execute criminals.
Is death penalty or capital punishment is still valid now?
Is capital punishment is contradict with one of the 10 commandment "Thou shalt not kill (KJV)"?
(WM) So it will not do to say that capital punishment was for the OT era only and not for the New. Here is a statement in the NT that implies that the government has the authority to take the life of a capital offender.
People argue against this by quoting Exodus 20;13 is the KJV: 'Thou shalt not kill." But the commandment refers to murder, and capital punishment is not murder. The Hebrew word translated "kill" in the KJV specifically means "murder" and is so translated in the NKJV: "You shall not murder."
Capital punishment was prescribed in the OT law as required punishment for certain serious offenses.
(Warren Wiersbe) Capital punishment was ordained in Genesis 9:5-6, and it has not been abolished.
Gen 9:5,6 - 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. 4 But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 5 Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man's brother I will require the life of man. 6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.
NLT: Gen 9:5,6 - 5 “And I will require the blood of anyone who takes another person’s life. If a wild animal kills a person, it must die. And anyone who murders a fellow human must die. 6 If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image.
Yes, it is still valid and in most countries it is not properly exercised.
In USA (Following taken from http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/states-and-without-death-penalty as of Nov 9 2016)
STATES WITH THE DEATH PENALTY (31)
Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Idaho Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Washington Wyoming ALSO - U.S. Gov't - U.S. Military
STATES WITHOUT THE DEATH PENALTY (19) (YEAR ABOLISHED OR OVERTURNED IN PARENTHESES)
Alaska (1957) Connecticut (2012)** Delaware (2016)# Hawaii (1957) Illinois (2011) Iowa (1965) Maine (1887) Maryland (2013) Massachusetts (1984) Michigan (1846) Minnesota (1911) New Jersey (2007) New Mexico (2009)* New York (2007)^^ North Dakota (1973) Rhode Island (1984)^ Vermont (1964) West Virginia (1965) Wisconsin (1853) ALSO Dist. of Columbia (1981)
DEATH PENALTY STATES WITH GUBERNATORIAL MORATORIA [Governor temporarily withhold due to budget or any other reason,...] (4)
Colorado (2013) Oregon (2011) Pennsylvania (2015) Washington (2014)
They are here even to execute/kill (death penalty/capital punishment) those who murder a fellow citizen or being a threat to fellow citizens.
What is the one unique authority that God has given to government that He didn't give to anyone else even to the Church (Pastors/Elders/Congregation/...)?
What similarity you see between God and government authorities?God has given one unique authority to government that He didn't give to anyone else even to the Church (Pastors/Elders/Congregation/...). This is clearly given in
Romans 12:19 - 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
God says "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay" and God has given this unique responsibility of His to the government authorities as we saw just now this in
Romans 13:4 - For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
(WM) Again the apostle reminds us that the ruler is God's minister, but this time he adds, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. In other words, in addition to being a minister of God to us for good, he also serves God by dispensing punishment to those who break the law.
(Warren Wiersbe) God established human government because man is a sinner and must have same kind of authority over him.
(David Guzik) God uses governing authorities as a check upon man’s sinful desires and tendencies. Government can be an effective tool in resisting the effects of man’s fallenness.
God and government's responsibility is to punish those who do evil.
Romans 12:19 - Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
Our responsibility is to obey God and the government authorities and love other.
Romans 12:20,21 - 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
What we need to do to not afraid of these government authorities?
3b Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?
3c Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.How can we do good for our country?
Just volunteer in serving the country
Join in army, navy, ...
Pray for President, vice President, Congress, Governor, ... , Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Judges, ...
Do good deeds in your neighborhood
Help those who are in need in your neighborhood
Volunteer for some responsible position in your Home Owner Association or Apartment complex Association/committee.
How can we do good for our city?
Just volunteer in serving the city
Volunteer as a fire fighter,
Adopt a portion your street and maintain it clean, ...
Volunteer in school, library, ...
Sincerely attend the Jury duty.
Volunteer in Homeless shelter,
Volunteer in Nursing home,
Government authorities will appreciate, acknowledge, reward, encourage, ... when you do good.
Does this mean that we can live as we like even breaking the law and just do few good things?
No, we should not break the law because government authorities are terror to those people who break the law or do evil.
Romans 13:3a - For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.
Does this mean that doing good will eliminate your wrong or evil doing?
No, doing good never eliminate your wrong doing by failing to obey/keep the law.
By doing good we will receive praise or rewards but it never payoff your penalty of your sin or trespassing.
So, do good deeds and also obey/keep the law set by the government.
Laws are for our good
Abide/obey/keep the law to be a good citizen.
At the same time do not be self righteous or do not be very confident on your righteousness or perfection.
For Example: Once I was a perfect driver abiding all the street signs and abide all the driving laws. But one day I was in an intersection while it is in Red signal light waiting to run right and a Police is on my left ready to issue ticket if I violate the law. But I didn't fear the police because I was very confident in keeping the law (my self righteousness) and so I turned on Red after yielding and watching carefully. Immediately the police put the lights and I stopped in a safe place with great anger towards the police. Once the police came near me I raised my voice asking the police officer that why did she stopped me? She told me that I turned on Red where there is "No turn on Red" sign board. She issued a ticket and gone...
So, do not be self righteous and prideful because you drive perfectly by following all rules and regulation
Realize that we are human being and we will fail at a times.
Also understand no one is perfect except our God Almighty Jesus Christ.
So, always take a humble position and try your leel best to obey the laws and respect the government authorities whom God appoints.
Do believers need to obey the government authorities even if they are not believers in Christ?
Yes,
Jesus and apostles demonstrated by submitting/obeying the Roman government authorities even though they were arrested for false accusation.
Israel submitted/obeyed while they are in Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Romans.
Even now Christians living in many countries are obeying their non-believing rulers or government.
(WM) The ruler, whether president, government, mayor, or judge, is a minister of God in sense that he is a servant of God in the sense that he is a servant and representative of the Lord. He may not know God personally, but he is still the Lord's man officially. Thus David repeatedly referred to the wicked king Saul as the Lord's anointed (1 Sam 24:6,10; 26:9,11,16,23). In spite of Saul's repeated attempts on David's life, the latter would not allow his men to harm the king. Why? Because Saul was the king, and as such he was the Lord's appointee.
Warning: (Warren Wiersbe) In our own day, we have people who teach riot and rebellion in the name of Christ! They would have us believe that the Christian thing to do is to disobey the law, rebel against the authorities, and permit every man to do that which is right in his own eyes. Paul refuted this position in this chapter by explaining four reasons why the Christian must be in subjection to the laws of the State.
(Warren Wiersbe) On more than one occasion in his ministry Paul used the Roman law to protect his life and to extend his work. The centurions mentioned in the Book of Acts appear to be men of character and high ideals. Even though government officials are not believers, they are still the "ministers of God" because He established the authority of the State.
Is there an exception exist for Christians not to obey the government rules or laws?
(WM) There is an exception, of course. A Christian is not required to obey if the government orders him to sin or to compromise his loyalty to Jesus Christ (Acts 5:29). No government has right to command a person's conscience. So there are times when a believer must, by obeying God, incur the wrath of man. In such cases he must be prepared to pay the penalty without undue complaint. Under no circumstances should he rebel against the government or join in an attempt to overthrow it.
Here are the few exceptions for Christians to not to obey government and obey God:
When Nebuchadnezzar commanded to bow down and worship the image Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego didn't obey King's command but obeyed God's command "you shall not bow down to them nor serve them" (Exodus 20:5).
Dan 3:8-12 - 8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. 9 They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up."
Is disobeying the king and obeying God is easy or costly?
It is really costly and here it cost their life.
Dan 3:13-18 - 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?"
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
Are you ready to stand for God like them?
Dan 3:19-25 - 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king's command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "True, O king." 25 "Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."
Peter and John was commanded not to preach/teach in the name of Jesus but they obeyed the great commission provided by Jesus Christ:
Acts 4:19 - 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?" 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." 18 And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. [NLT - Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?] 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
Acts 5:29 - 25 So one came and told them, saying, "Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!" 26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" 29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."
What are the dues that we need to render/pay to the government authorities?
7 Render therefore to all their due:taxes to whom taxes are due,
Do Christians who are citizen's of heaven need to pay taxes?
Yes, Christians has at least dual citizenship. Christians are Citizen's of heaven (Phil 3:20) and citizen's of one or more countries on earth. So, Christians need to pay at least dual tax:
Pay tithe to God
Pay tax to their local government where they live (and if mandatory pay taxes to their home country).
Matt 22:21 - 15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. 17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money." So they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" 21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.
Matt 17:27 - 24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?" 25 He said, "Yes." And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?" 26 Peter said to Him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free. 27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you."
(WM) The fact that believers are citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20) does not exempt them from responsibility to human government. They must pay whatever taxes are levied on their income, their real estate, and their personal property.
(Warren Wiersbe) Romans 13:7 commands us to pay what we owe: taxes, revenue, respect, honor. If we do not pay our taxes, we show disrespect to the law, the officials, and the Lord. And this cannot but affect the conscience of the believer.
Do Christians need to pay taxes even if it is used for wrong purpose such as abortion?
Yes, we need to pay tax without fail no matter how the government use the tax money. We can object the usage at the same time leave the matter to God and let Him deal with them.
(Warren Wiersbe) We may not agree with all that is done with the money we pay in taxes, but we dare not violate our conscience by refusing to pay.
customs to whom customs,
(WM) They must pay required customs on merchandise being transported form one country to another.
Do we really need to pay customs?
Yes.
How to declare your goods for customs?
Fill the declaration form as sincere as possible.
Do not voluntarily declare unwanted details unless it was asked for.
Tell the truth when they ask questions.
Be ready to pay the customs if they ask you to pay.
Keep your and others conscience clear.
1 Cor 10:25,27-32 - 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake; 26 for "the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness." 27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience' sake; for "the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness." 29 "Conscience," I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience? 30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
fear to whom fear,
We need to fear government authorities because God has given His authority to punish the evil doers:
Romans 13:2-5 -
4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.
(WM) They must demonstrate a respectful fear of displeasing those who are charged with enforcing the laws.
honor to whom honor.
(WM) And they must show honor for the names and offices of all civil servants (even if they can't always respect their personal lives).
(David Guzik) We are to give to the state the money, honor, and proper reverence which are due to the state, all the while reserving our right to give to God that which is due to God alone (Matthew 22:21).
Why do we need to pay dues to the government authorities?
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing.We need to pay taxes because
government authorities restrain evil and keep an orderly society
government authorities protect and help citizens if they caught into fire, vehicle, any other accidents.
(David Guzik) By implication, Romans 13:6 also says that the taxes collected are to be used by government to get the job done of restraining evil and keeping an orderly society – not to enrich the government officials themselves.
(WM) We owe the government not only obedience but financial support by paying taxes. It is to our advantage
to live in a society of law and order,
with police and fire protection,
so we must be willing to bear our share of the cost.
we support God's work:
(David Guzik) We are also to pay the taxes due from us, because there is a sense in which we support God’s work when we do so.
(WM) Government officials are giving their time and talents in carrying out God's will for the maintenance of a stable society, so they are entitled to support.
Here are the list of needs for a king that God gave to Israelites when they ask for King:
1 Samuel 8:9-17 - 9 Now therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them, and show them the behavior of the king who will reign over them." 10 So Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who asked him for a king. 11 And he said, "This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you:
He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots.
12 He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties,
will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and
some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.
13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers.
14 And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants.
15 He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants.
16 And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work.
17 He will take a tenth of your sheep.
And you will be his servants.
We can avoid all these taxes if we allow God to rule and reign like how He ruled and reigned through judges before king Saul. Soon He will come again and rule and reign the entire earth with His rod of iron.
Rev 22:7 - "Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."
Rev 22:12 - "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
Rev 22:20 - He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Rev 19:15b - 11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
How do you choose a government if you were given a choice to choose between two party?
(David Guzik) If a citizen has a choice between two governments, it is right to choose and to promote the one that is most legitimate in God’s eyes – the one which will best fulfill God’s purpose for governments.
In a democracy we understand that there is a sense in which we are the government, and should not hesitate to help “govern” our democracy through our participation in the democratic process.
(Warren Wiersbe) In other words, a Christian citizen ought to be the best citizen. Christians may not always agree on politics or parties, but they can all agree on their attitude toward human government.
In light of this, is rebellion against government ever justified?
No.
Can a Christian speak evil of their government?
7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.No, because we need to fear and honor them.
(WM) In this connection, Christians should never join in speaking in a derogatory way of the President or the Prime Minister. Even in the heat of a political campaign they should refuse to join in the verbal abuse that is heaped upon the head of state. It is written, "You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people" (Acts 23:5).
Acts 23:5 - Then Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.' "
Exodus 22:28 - "You shall not revile [NIV: blaspheme] God, nor curse a ruler of your people.
Application:
What are Christian's responsibilities?
1 Timothy 2:1-6 - 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle--I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying--a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
1 Peter 2:13-17 - 13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men-- 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Are you submitting to government authorities?
Are you afraid of government authorities?
Are you honoring the government authorities?
Are you paying your taxes?
Are you paying your customs?
.
Summary:
Love Your Neighbor
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
What is next after learning our responsibilities and relationship with government authorities?
Our Relationship with God - Romans 12:1-2
Our Relationship with Fellow Believers - Romans 12:3-16
Our Relationship with Our Enemies - Romans 12:17-21
Our Relationship with Government Authorities - Romans 13:1-7
Now here the focus is
Our Relationship with Our Neighbors or everyone including non-believers - Romans 13:8-10(Warren Wiersbe) Paul enlarged the circle of responsibility by including other people besides government officials.
What does it mean to "owe no one anything"?
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.(Warren Wiersbe) Does "Owe no man anything" refer also to Christian's financial practices?
Some people believe that it does, and that it is a sin to have debt.
J. Hudson Taylor, the godly missionary to China, would never incur a debt, basing his conviction on this verse.
Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher, had the same conviction.
However, the Bible does not forbid borrowing or legal financial transactions that involve interest.
What the Bible does forbid is the charging of high interest, robbing the brethern, and failing to pay honest debts (see Ex. 22:25-27; Neh. 5:1-11).
Matthew 25:27 and Luke 19:23 indicate that banking and investing for gain are not wrong.
Certainly no one should get into unnecessary debt, or sign contracts he cannot maintain. "Thou shalt not steal."
But to make Romans 13:8 apply to all kinds of legal obligations involving money is, to me, stretching a point.
In this section, Paul has centered on the very heart of the problem - the human heart. Because the heart of man is sinful, God established government. But laws cannot change the heart; man's heart is still selfish and can be changed only by the grace of God.
(Jon Courson) Look at the context. I have a question for those who use this verse to say Christians shouldn’t have bank loans. Although I wouldn’t argue the point, I do question it because in Matthew 25 and Luke 19, when Jesus was talking about the talents, He said the man who buried them should have put them in the bank to draw interest. Thus, rather than condemning the banking system, Jesus was condoning it. And, because the entire banking system is built upon loans,
I personally disagree with those who propound you should never have a mortgage, car payment, or loan of any sort. I don’t think that’s what’s being said. I think Paul is specifically talking about paying what you owe the government.
Based on over all context Paul's overall focus is on the next part of this sentence.
What one thing that we need to owe one another?
8a Owe no one anything except to love one another,We owe to love one another.
We are in debt always to love one another.
We never come out of debt of loving one another:
(Morris) “We may pay our taxes and be quiet. We may give respect and honor where they are due and have no further obligation. But we can never say, ‘I have done all the loving I need to do.’ Love then is a permanent obligation, a debt impossible to discharge.”
(Spurgeon) “No man can compass the ends of life by drawing a little line around himself upon the ground. No man can fulfill his calling as a Christian by seeking the welfare of his wife and family only, for these are only a sort of greater self.”
Why we need to owe the love towards one another? or Why are we debtor to love one another?
8b for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.By loving one another we are fulfilling all the requirements of the law
How come loving one another fulfills the requirement of the law?
Paul explains this in following two verses:9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
List all the ten commandments:
Exodus 20:3-17 -3 You shall have no other gods before Me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
7 "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
12 "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
13 "You shall not murder.
14 "You shall not commit adultery.
15 "You shall not steal.
16 "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."
What is the great commandment?
Matt 22:37-39 - 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?"
37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Which of the ten commandments sums up to the second great commandment "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."?
9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."Paul listed last five of the Ten commandments here said "if there is any other commandment, ..."
Actually last six of the Ten commandments sums up to the second great commandment "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Jesus includes fifth Ten commandment with this list when He is teaching the rich man who approached him with a question that "What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"
Which of the ten commandments that the rich man who approached Jesus followed/kept?
Matt 19:16-20 - 16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" 17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 19 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' " 20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"
He follows fifth to ninth of Ten Commandments which sums up to the second great commandment.
Which of the ten commandments that the rich man who approached Jesus didn't follow/keep?
Matt 19:20-30 - 20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus didn't explicitly referred any of the Ten Commandments.
Which of the ten commandments Jesus meant while He asked the rich man to follow?
Even though Jesus didn't explicitly referred any of the Ten Commandments but He asked him to leave everything to follow Him.
This refers to total submission or surrender to God. In other words putting God first. The first four of the Ten commandments puts God first and He ask everyone to honor, worship, love and totally surrender to Him.
Exodus 20:3-8 -
3 You shall have no other gods before Me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, ...
7 "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, ...
8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Are these initial four of the Ten commandments anyway relates to the great commandment?
Yes.
Which of the ten commandments sums up to the first great commandment "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."?
The first four of the Ten commandments sums up to the first great commandment "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."
Is the first great commandment really very important?
Yes, we can notice that when Jesus asked the rich man to follow.
Why is the first great commandment very important?
Does it affect the second great commandment?
Yes.
How it affects the second great commandment?
Do we need to keep the first great commandment first and then the second great commandment? Or
Do we need to love our God first and the love our neighbor? Does order matters?Yes, order is important.
Is it natural or easy to love someone who didn't love you?
No, it is very easy to love someone who loves us.
Matt 5:46 - For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Some one needs to initiate first to love others. That is what Jesus is asking believers to do.
God never ask something impossible and leave us alone.
What God did for us?
God loved us first.
1 John 4:19 - We love Him because He first loved us.
He demonstrated His love by dying on the cross on our behalf:
Romans 5:8,9 - 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
He pours out His love when we filled in His Holy Spirit by this way we experience His love:
Romans 5:5 - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
What is this God's love will do to us?
God's Love will...Make us to love Him back in response to His love experience in our heart:
Matt 22:37 - 37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment.
Compel us to love others:
2 Cor 5:14a For the love of Christ compels us
Matt 22:39 - 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
(David Guzik) It is easy to do all the right religious “things” but to neglect love. Our love is the true measure of our obedience to God.
(Warren Wiersbe) "Love one another" is the basic principle of the Christian life. It is the "new commandment" that Christ gave to us (John 13:34).
When we practice love, there is no need for any other laws, because love covers it all!
If we love others, we will not sin against them.
This explained why the Ten Commandments were not referred to often in the New Testament. In fact, the Sabbath commandment is not quoted at all in any of the epistles.
As believers, we do not live under the Law; we live under grace. Our motive for obeying God and helping other is the love of Christ in our hearts.
(Jon Courson) All of the laws God has given—six hundred thirteen according to the Rabbis—are summed up in a singular word: love. “Vengeance is mine,” saith the Lord (Romans 12:19). “I know what I’m doing. Therefore,
let Me be the Lord while you minister reconciliation, telling people what I’ve done for them and the glory awaiting them.
You love people and leave the judging to Me.”
In the midst of this dissertation on government, Paul’s reminder to love puts everything in perspective.
Application:
Do you really love your God first before you even love your neighbor?
Do you really experience God's love first?
Walk in the Light
11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
What does "this" refers here in verse 11? or What does Paul mean when he says "do this" in verse 11?
11a And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep;Paul continues the same thought described in verse 8-10. So, here this refers to "Love your neighbor as yourself". He is asking us to continue loving all as Christ loved us.
Romans 13:3-10 - 8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
For this reason Jude ask us to continue/stay in the love of Christ.
Jude 21 - keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Why is it very important to do this now?
11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12a The night is far spent, the day is at hand.Paul is giving three reason why we need to continue loving others:
11a And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep;
The Grace period that God has given to Gentiles is coming to an end because Jesus is going to come again anytime soon.
(Warren Wiersbe) We have come a long way in our reasons for obeying the law: from fear to conscience to love to our devotion to Jesus Christ! The emphasis is on the imminent return of Christ. As His servants, we want to be found faithful when He returns.
(WM) The time is short. The dispensation of Grace is drawing to a close. The lateness of the hour demands that all lethargy and inactivity be put away.
11b for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
What does "salvation is nearer than when we first believed" mean?
Don't we not saved on the day we believed in Jesus?
Yes, we are saved on the day we truly believed in Jesus Christ as given in the following scriptures:.
Luke 7:50 - 37 And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, 38 and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. ... ... ... ...
50 Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."John 5:24 - "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
Eph 2:5,8 - 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Titus 3:5 - not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
Here it means the day of redemption is coming closer. The day of redemption is the day we see Jesus Christ in heaven after our death or rapture:
Eph 1:13-14 - 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
(WM) Our salvation is nearer that ever. The Savior is coming to take us to the Father's house.
The time given to believers to reach out and love others is very short because they will leave the earth soon and go to heaven when Jesus comes again and rapture them or when they die.
(Warren Wiersbe) The completion of our salvation is near! The light is dawning! Therefore, be ready!
12a The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
All the believers before accepting Jesus Christ has lived a long life in darkness demonstrating the selfish love as per the leading of the flesh or cornel mind.
But now once they become believers, they are in day knowing the truth and experienced the love of Christ. So, let all the believers in Christ redeem the time by showing/showering their sacrificial love to others.
How to stay in the love of God and maintain all our relationships?
12b Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness,What are the works of darkness?
13 Let us walk properly (KJV: honestly, NIV: decently), as in the day,
(NLT: 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of)not in revelry and drunkenness,
KJV: not in rioting and drunkenness,
NIV: not in carousing and drunkenness,
NLT: [not in] wild parties and drunkenness,
not in lewdness and lust,
KJV: not in chambering and wantonness,
NIV: not in sexual immorality and debauchery,
NLT: [not] in sexual promiscuity and immoral living,
not in strife and envy.
KJV: not in strife and envying.
NIV: not in dissension and jealousy.
NLT: [not] in quarreling and jealousy.
(David Guzik) These are characterized as revelry and drunkenness, licentiousness and lust, strife and envy. These are not appropriate for Christians who have come out of the night into God’s light.
The idea behind the word for licentiousness is “the desire for a forbidden bed.” It describes the person who sets no value on sexual purity and fidelity.
Lust in this passage has the idea of people who are lost to shame. They no longer cares what people think and flaunt their sin openly, even proudly.
1 John 2:15-17 - 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Why believers should not love the world?
1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world--
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--
is not of the Father but is of the world.
1 John 2:17 - And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Eph 4:17-18 - 17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk,
in the futility of their mind,
18 having their understanding darkened,
being alienated from the life of God,
because of the ignorance that is in them,
because of the blindness of their heart;
19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
Eph 5:3-6 - 1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
Gal 5:19-21 - 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are:
adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy,
murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like;
of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God
How to cast off the works of darkness?
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.12c let us put on the armor of light.
What is armor of light?
Is this the Armor of God as described in Eph 6:10-20?
Yes it is the Armor of God because God is light:
John 3:19-20 - 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
1 John 1:5,7 - 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
Eph 6:14-18 - 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (NIV:schemes) of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14a Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,
14b having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--
Note: Though Satan can tempt us through his schemes but the believers in Christ are not under the control of Satan.
John 16:11 - 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
(WM) It means the protective covering of the holy life. The pieces of armor are detailed in Ephesians 6:14-18. They describe the elements of true Christian character.
What is the outcome when the believers wear the armor of light/God?
If the believers wear the armor of light then they become the light of the world
John 9:5 - As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
Matt 5:14 - 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
We are light in Jesus Christ:
Eph 5:8-14 - 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
(NASB: 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.)14 Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."
1 John 1:5-7 - 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
By wearing the armor of light believers can walk properly/decently/honestly in the day light without stumbling.
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
What does put on the Lord Jesus Christ mean?
(Morris) “Putting on Christ is a strong and vivid metaphor. It means more than put on the character of the Lord Jesus Christ, signifying rather Let Jesus Christ Himself be the armor that you wear.”
(WM) This means that we should adopt His whole lifestyle, live as He lived, accept Him as our Guide and Examaple.
What does make no provision for the flesh mean?
(David Guzik) The flesh will be as active as we allow it to be.
(WM) The flesh here is the old, corrupt nature. It incessantly cries to be pampered with comfort, luxury, illicit sexual indulgence, empty amusements, worldly pleasures, dissipation, materialism, etc. We make provision for the flesh
when we buy things that are associated with temptation,
when we make it easy for ourselves to sin,
when we give a higher priority to the physical than to the spiritual.
We should not indulge the flesh even a little. Rather, we should "give no chances to the flesh to have its fling [slang: 'a period of pleasure']"(JBP).
It means we need to deny our self or our fleshly sinful desires instead replace with Godly character.
Eph 4:20-32 - 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, putting away lying,
"Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.
26 "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.
28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
Eph 4:17-6:9 and few other scriptures clearly list few important stuffs that we take off and put on:
Take OFF
Put ON
Lie (Eph 4:25a)
Truth (Eph 4:25b)
Anger (Eph 4:26a)
Do not hold on to your anger but quickly
reconcile or make Peace (Eph 4:26b)
Theft/Steal (Eph 4:28a)
Work and give to the needy and
be Generous. (Eph 4:28b)
Gossip (Eph 4:29a)
Encourage (Eph 4:29b)
Revenge (Eph 4:31)
Forgive and Love (Eph 4:32)
Sexual Immorality (Eph 5:3)
Self-control (Eph 5:3)
Drunkard (Eph 5:18a)
Be filled in the God's Sprit always (Eph 5:18b)
How to allow Jesus Christ to be our armor?
(David Guzik) We have a work to do in walking properly, as in the day – it isn’t as if Jesus does it for us as we sit back; instead, He does it through us as we willingly and actively partner with Him.
God used this passage to show Augustine, the great theologian of the early church, that he really could live the Christian life as empowered by the Holy Spirit – he just had to do it. And so do we.
Galatians 5:16 - 13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Put on Jesus and allow Him to be the armor and just do as per the leading of His Holy Spirit by this way we will not make provision to our flesh. So, that we continue in the love relationship with others by continuously experience the love of God.
Summary:
(Warren Wiersbe) Paul gave several admonitions in the light of the Lord's soon return.
The first is, "Wake up!" Relate this with 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, and also Matthew 25:1-13.
The second is, "Clean up!" We do not want to be found dressed in dirty garments when the Lord returns (1 John 2:28-3:3). The Christian wears the armor of light, not the deeds of darkness. He has no reason to get involved in the sinful pleasures of the world.
Finally, Paul admonished, "grow up!" (Rom. 13:14). To "put on" the Lord Jesus Christ means to become more like Him, to receive by faith all that He is for our daily living. We grow on the basis of the food we eat. This is why God warns us not to make provisions for the flesh. If we feed the inner man the nourishing things of the Spirit, we will succeed.