Romans 13 unused

Genesis 3 tells us the tragic story of when everything changed. Adam and Eve, created in perfection, walking in the image of God, chose disobedience.

The serpent asked, “Did God really say…?” And when they gave in, their eyes were opened, and they knew they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, trying to cover themselves. But God Himself had to kill an innocent animal to provide a true covering. Blood had to be shed.

From that moment forward, sin entered into man’s design. Death entered creation. And humanity, once made for life and fellowship with God, was driven out of Eden and condemned already.

Romans 13 speaks directly to people living in this fallen world. Because of sin, we are naturally rebellious. We don’t like authority. We don’t naturally love our neighbor. We would rather live in darkness than in the light of Christ.

But Paul says that those who are saved by Jesus must live differently. The main thrust of Romans 13 is this: because Christ has redeemed us from the curse of sin, we must live as new people—submissive, loving, and holy—reflecting Him in a dark world.

1. Submissive: Living Under Authority (Romans 13:1–7)

Paul begins: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God.”

Now, this is hard for us. By nature, we are rebels. Where did that rebellion come from? Genesis 3. Adam and Eve chose disobedience—rejecting God’s authority—and humanity has struggled with authority ever since.

The devil didn’t tempt Adam and Eve to murder or steal first—he tempted them to question authority. “Did God really say…?” That same seed of rebellion runs through every human heart. That’s why we resist parents as children, resist bosses at work, resist laws, resist any authority that tries to tell us what to do.

But Paul says: in Christ, you must live differently. Be subject. Pay your taxes. Honor rulers. Not out of fear, but out of conscience—because authority is God’s design.

Application:

Respect for authority isn’t about politics—it’s about our witness.

Christians should not be known for rebellion but for humility.

When we submit rightly to authority, we reflect our submission to God’s ultimate authority.

2. Loving: Living as People of the Spirit (Romans 13:8–10)

Paul continues: “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

In Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve sinned, the first thing they did was turn on each other. Adam said, “The woman You gave me…” Blame, brokenness, and selfishness entered their relationship.

Sin always destroys love. That’s why our world is filled with hatred, violence, selfishness, and division.

But Paul says: in Christ, there is one debt you will never pay off—love. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love fulfills the law.

Illustration: If sin is like tearing garments apart, love is like a thread that weaves them back together. Every time you choose forgiveness, kindness, or service, you stitch back what sin tried to rip apart.

Application:

Who in your life do you owe love to? A difficult neighbor? A coworker? A family member?

Stop waiting for them to deserve it. Adam and Eve didn’t deserve God’s covering, but He provided it anyway. Love is not earned—it’s given freely, because Christ loved us first.

3. Holy: Living in the Light (Romans 13:11–14)

Finally, Paul says: “It is high time to awake out of sleep… The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”

Back in Genesis 3, Adam and Eve realized they were naked. Their nakedness became a symbol of shame and weakness. They tried to cover it with leaves—but God knew that wasn’t enough. An animal had to die. Blood had to be shed.

That foreshadowed the sacrifice of Christ—the Lamb of God—whose blood would not just cover sin but cleanse it forever.

Now Paul says: because of Jesus, don’t live in the darkness anymore. Don’t live in sin. “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh.”

Illustration: Augustine, living in sin and despair, read these very verses—Romans 13:13–14. And at that moment, God saved him. He cast off the works of darkness and put on Christ.

Application:

What “fig leaves” are you trying to hide behind today? Anger, addiction, sexual sin, pride?

Those coverings won’t last. Only Christ’s blood can truly clothe you.

Put on Christ. Live holy. Live ready for His return.

Conclusion

Genesis 3 shows us why Romans 13 is necessary. Because of Adam’s sin, rebellion entered the human heart, love was broken, shame filled our lives, and death reigned.

But Romans 13 shows us what the gospel does:

Christ restores our submission to authority under God.

Christ renews our love for neighbor.

Christ clothes us with holiness as children of the day.

This is the good news: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Friend, you cannot cover your sin with fig leaves of good works, morality, or religion. Only the blood of Jesus can clothe you. You don’t go to heaven by being good—you go to heaven by being born again in Christ.

So the question is: have you put on the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you chosen Him? Joshua said, “Choose this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Today, choose Christ. Put on Christ. Live as children of the day.

Amen.