New Testament · Letters

Romans chapter 13

Everyone should the . Because there’s no authority that exists apart from God — every authority that’s in place has been by God.So anyone who the authority is pushing back against what God has put in place, and those who push back will bring on themselves.Rulers aren’t a threat to people doing — only to those doing wrong. You want to live without fear of the authorities? Then do what’s good, and you’ll actually get their .The authority is God’s working for your benefit. But if you do what’s wrong, then be afraid — because they don’t carry the for nothing. They’re God’s servant, an who brings on those who do wrong.So it’s necessary to place yourself under the authorities — not just because of the consequences, but because your own tells you it’s the right thing to do.This is also why you pay — because the authorities are God’s , devoting their time to governing.Give everyone what you owe them: to those you owe taxes, to those you owe tolls, to those who deserve respect, and to those who deserve honor.Don’t owe anyone anything — except the ongoing debt to each other. Because whoever loves others has the entire .The commands — “Don’t commit adultery,” “Don’t murder,” “Don’t steal,” “Don’t be greedy for what others have” — and every other command — are all in this one statement: “.”Love never does to someone else. That’s why love is the of the law.And do all this with an understanding of — it’s already the hour for you to , because our is closer now than when we first God.The is almost over; the is nearly here. So let’s strip off everything we do in the dark and put on the .Let’s live with , the way people act in broad daylight — not in and , not in and , not in and .Instead, the Lord Jesus, — and your .