April 11, Romans 13
This section of Romans is not popular with people who believe salvation and a relationship with God are abstract concepts. Paul’s description of what it means to live in Christ brings these matters out of the ethereal haze of how we feel, and into the concrete reality of what we do.
Paul said we show respect for God’s authority over us by submitting to the authorities God places over us. The context is about civil obedience as citizens, but the principle also applies wherever an authority structure exists—at home, at church or at work. All authority is ultimately from God. Are some governments godless and evil? These words were written under a Roman government that went from indifference to antagonism toward Christianity in Paul’s lifetime. Still, he told Christians to submit to authority. The official who enforces the law is God’s servant (Paul used the word for deacon) to avenge wrongdoing. Those who do what is right need not fear the authority. So Paul said, “Pay what you owe—taxes, revenue, respect, honor.”
Paul used the idea of paying what is owed to transition to the next tangible demonstration of obedience in a Christian’s life—loving your neighbor. Jesus said this command was second only to loving God supremely. Paul said all the other commands are summed up in this one, because love keeps you from doing wrong toward a neighbor. We fulfill the law when we love our neighbors.
Paul also called on those who belong to Christ to walk in the bright daylight of salvation instead of the shadowy darkness of self-indulgent disobedience. It’s the familiar theme of living by God’s direction instead of following the misguided desires of our flesh. We’re not surprised to find fleshly stuff like orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality and sensuality in this list. But don’t miss the other items Paul mentioned here—quarreling and jealousy. These more respectable indulgences of the flesh are also forbidden to those who have put on Christ. Paul went beyond just telling us to resist these temptations. He said, “Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” I realize that response to temptation can sometimes be like a reflex. But many of us can shamefully admit it sometimes takes a plan, a scheme to do the wrong thing. We must not harbor and nurture thoughts that would lead to actions of indulging the flesh.
It’s possible to have a romanticized, impractical view of what it means to “put on Christ.” One of the most convenient heresies ever perpetrated is that being saved need not have any effect on how one lives. That cannot be squared with what Paul, the champion of salvation by grace through faith, has written here. Obeying authority, loving your neighbor and walking in the light can’t save you, but such conduct is evidence and fruit of salvation. You don’t do those things to be saved; you do them because you are saved.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—April 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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