Romans 9-16 Week Ten
Romans 9-16 Week Ten • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. 8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one 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 covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Exegesis:
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Paul begins this passage by establishing a general principle of submission to governing authorities. He emphasizes that every individual should be subject to the ruling powers. The rationale behind this submission is rooted in the understanding that all authority ultimately comes from God. Paul asserts that God is the ultimate source of authority, and therefore, any governing authority that exists has been established by God's sovereign will.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Building upon the previous verse, Paul underscores the seriousness of resisting or rebelling against governmental authority. He argues that resistance to the established authorities is tantamount to resisting God's appointed order. Consequently, those who resist the authorities will face judgment or condemnation, suggesting that such actions are contrary to God's will and invite divine retribution.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
Paul further elaborates on the role of governing authorities, asserting that their primary function is to uphold order and justice by punishing wrongdoing. He suggests that individuals who engage in lawful behavior need not fear the authorities, as their actions align with the authorities' objectives. Instead, those who adhere to moral conduct can expect approval and commendation from the authorities, fostering a harmonious relationship between citizens and the government.
4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
Paul emphasizes that governing authorities are appointed by God as servants for the well-being of society. They are entrusted with the authority to maintain order and administer justice. Paul vividly describes the authority of the ruler, symbolized by the sword, which signifies the power to enforce laws and punish evildoers. Furthermore, he portrays the ruler as an instrument of God's justice, tasked with executing divine wrath upon those who violate the established order.
5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
Paul reiterates the imperative of submission to governing authorities, emphasizing that compliance is not only necessary to avoid divine punishment but also to maintain a clear conscience. He suggests that obedience to the authorities is a moral obligation grounded in reverence for God's ordained order, which contributes to inner peace and moral integrity.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.
Paul addresses the practical implication of submission to governing authorities by highlighting the obligation to pay taxes. He asserts that taxation is a legitimate duty imposed by the authorities, who serve as ministers or servants of God in administering public affairs. By paying taxes, individuals contribute to the functioning of society and acknowledge the rightful authority of the government.
7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Paul concludes this section by emphasizing the importance of fulfilling various obligations to the authorities. He instructs believers to render what is due to the government, including taxes and revenue, as well as demonstrating respect and honor to those in positions of authority. This comprehensive command underscores the principle of honoring and supporting the established order, which is essential for maintaining societal stability and promoting the common good.
Owe No One
8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Paul transitions from discussing submission to governmental authorities to addressing broader ethical principles. He begins by emphasizing the importance of love as the primary obligation owed to others. Paul suggests that love fulfills the requirements of the law, encapsulating its essence and purpose. By loving one another, believers demonstrate obedience to God's commandments and fulfill their moral responsibilities.
9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Paul elucidates the connection between love and the commandments of the Law. He asserts that the various commandments, including those prohibiting adultery, murder, theft, and coveting, can be summarized in the directive to love one's neighbor as oneself. In essence, love serves as the guiding principle that encompasses and fulfills the moral requirements of the Law.
10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Paul reinforces the supremacy of love by affirming its intrinsic goodness and its capacity to prevent harm to others. He reiterates that love constitutes the fulfillment of the Law, emphasizing that genuine love inherently aligns with God's moral standards and promotes righteousness. Love not only meets the demands of the Law but also exceeds them by cultivating a spirit of compassion, selflessness, and goodwill toward others.
11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
Paul shifts the focus from ethical principles to eschatological urgency, reminding believers of the imminence of Christ's return. He urges them to be spiritually alert and vigilant, likening their current state to sleep. Paul emphasizes the significance of recognizing the present time as a period of heightened anticipation, as salvation draws nearer with each passing moment.
12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Paul employs metaphorical language to contrast the darkness of sin and ignorance with the light of righteousness and truth. He depicts the dawn of salvation as imminent, signifying the transition from spiritual darkness to spiritual illumination. Paul exhorts believers to discard the deeds associated with darkness, such as sinful behavior, and to embrace the virtues symbolized by the armor of light, which equip them for spiritual warfare and righteous living.
13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.
Paul provides practical instructions for living in the light of Christ's imminent return. He exhorts believers to conduct themselves with propriety and decency, contrasting the behavior characteristic of darkness with the virtues of righteousness and sobriety. Paul identifies specific vices to avoid, including indulgence in excessive revelry, sexual immorality, sensuality, quarreling, and jealousy, which are incompatible with the values of God's kingdom.
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Paul concludes by issuing a powerful exhortation to believers to clothe themselves with the character and virtues of Christ. He encourages them to embody the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, embracing his righteousness, love, and humility. Moreover, Paul warns against yielding to the sinful desires of the flesh, emphasizing the need to resist temptation and exercise self-control. By prioritizing spiritual transformation and dependence on Christ, believers can overcome the allure of worldly indulgence and live in accordance with God's will.