Click here to go to Romans 13
Another one of those chapters I have forgotten. Kind of wish I could keep forgetting it, but it opens with a great reminder about government and our responsibility to it. Part of me wants to say, "But PAUL do you realize how corrupt some governments are!?!?!" Yet, at that time Paul was under Roman rule, and I don't think that was a pure government situation.
I love the next section is a great reminder owe no one anything except love.
I forgot to say yesterday, welcome back Roseanna, I know I've missed your wisdom.
Yeah, I daresay Paul was well acquainted with corrupt governments, LOL. And I think there are always exceptions to this--like in a place where it's illegal to be a Christian. But for the most part, as he points out, it's never illegal to do right. And as long as we can obey God, nothing else is worth getting in trouble for.
ReplyDeleteI was really struck today by the last part--it's time to wake up. Clothe ourselves in light, embrace the day, and live for Jesus. What a prayer to start my day with!
My favorite verse in this chapter is:
ReplyDelete"14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires."
I love the image of clothing myself with the presence of the Lord Jesus. And, I just looked up at Roseanna's response and it looks like the same verse jumped out at her, too! :-)
I reject Vs 1-5 as a blanket edict. I think we need to pray for guidance when it comes to deciphering what laws and government leaders we listen to. Lately, I've decided to tune most of them out. As for the laws, I'll follow them unless they require me to do something other than clothing myself with the presence of Jesus.
Romans 13
ReplyDelete11-12 You know the times in which we are living. It’s time for you to wake up. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first became believers. The night is almost over, and the day is near. So we should get rid of the things that belong to the dark and take up the weapons that belong to the light.
2 Corinthians 10
3-5 For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way, since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.
Ephesians 6
10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14-18 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
19-20 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough in Him to speak as I should.