November 6th– “Can You Be Counted On?” – Romans Chapter 13
- As a Citizen – Romans 13:1-7
- As a Neighbor – Romans 13:8-10
- As Times Require – Romans 13:11-14
Welcome to this week’s lesson. May it bless you, lift you up, and bring you closer to God. This week we will be taking a further look into the book of Romans. We will be delving into chapter 13 to answer the question; Can I be counted on?
Our society has been plagued with the “look out for number one” mentality. Society often thinks that they are above the law and above God. Does this type of mentality show a proper Christian attitude? No, it does not. A person who maintains this type of mentality does not show dependability because they are only looking out for their own selfish needs. We, as Christians, were called by God to live a Christ-like life. This life style is not one of the “look out for number one” mentality but rather to be faithful, dependable, giving and trustworthy.
Paul, in Romans 13:1-14 explains what it means to be a dependable citizen and neighbor. He hits on the hard topics of submitting to government authority and how we are to love our neighbors. But how does submitting to government and loving our neighbors show that we can be counted on? In order to answer this question we must first ask ourselves if we would think that we could count on someone who breaks the law or someone who never shows his or her neighbor love and kindness? Of course we don’t think we can count on that type of person. That type of person is only looking out for themselves and this does not demonstrate dependability.
So then, how do we demonstrate that we can be counted on? Paul breaks this into two parts. First is how we are to be counted on as a citizen (Romans 13:1-7). The second is how we are to be counted on as a neighbor (Romans 13:8-10).
In Romans 13:1-7 Paul explains that “everyone must submit to the governing authorities”, but just as importantly that “there is no authority except from God”. As Christians we understand that breaking the law in any context does not show a life in tune with Christ. Do we ever disagree with laws or government officials? Well of course we do. However it is our Christian obligation to still show respect and submission to those authorities because they are instituted by God’s authority which is higher than all others. The problem that many of us have is when government enforces laws, regulations, or policies that go against God’s ultimate authority. So what can we do in a situation like that? We should still act in a Christ-like manner by continuing to abide by the law but we can also voice our opposition through prayer, writing letters to government officials, peacefully protesting and attending and politely speaking up at meetings.
Christians are also supposed to pay their taxes or tolls due to the government. The reason for this is because government is “God’s public servants” and we are to “Pay your obligations to everyone” (Romans 13:6-7). In order to show that we are dependable we must rightly give to those to whom we owe. Just as much as we would like to depend on others to pay their portion, we must pay our portion as well.
Paul continues this thought when he stated in Romans 13:8, “Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” The ten commandments gives us laws we are to live by, and these commandments can be fulfilled by simply loving our neighbors. Love encompasses every area of our lives. When we love our neighbors as ourselves, as Jesus commanded, we treat them with the same caring and respect we give ourselves therefore we do not do things that would cause them harm. In that caring and respectful manner we keep the law.
We are to be good citizens and loving neighbors at all times. As Paul reaffirmed in Romans 13:11-14, “our salvation is nearer than when we first believed”. We must be constantly vigilant to live our lives in a Christ-like manner and always be prepared for Christ’s return. By living in such a way that we can be counted on we are living in preparation for Christ’s return. Because no one will know the day or the hour of Christ’s coming we must always be dependable and ready.
As we go forth this week let us be reminded to always be dependable, be ever vigilant to walk with Christ, and constantly show love and respect to all people for they are God’s creations made in His image!
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In His Service,
The Faithful Geek