Monday, 20 April 2009
The 14th chapter of Romans is the shortest chapter in the book, but within its verses are some of Paul's instructions to the church. They words to live by. He opens the chapter by instructing the Romans to be subject to the authority of the government because God has allowed that government to rule....
LET EVERY person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God's appointment. [Prov. 8:15.] (AMP)
Paul continues to write that we should...
7 Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due.
and
8 Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor [who practices loving others] has fulfilled the Law [relating to one's fellowmen, meeting all its requirements].
Paul writes of love fulfilling the law, but there is one thing that intrigues me. He gives them a warning that it is times to come out of our spiritual sleep, cast off the world and don our armor. Today is a new day and we should be prepared to live the Christian life with energy and passion.
