(Lesson 440)(10-29-12) Romans Chapter 13, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
In this lesson Paul further explains how we, as Christian people, are to conduct ourselves and how we must always be straightforward in our dealings, both with our fellow Christians as well as others.
Paul very clearly demonstrates that through the operation of God, we will most assuredly be punished for the evil we do and at the same time be rewarded for the things we do correctly.
Paul also makes a point in this lesson that I believe is very important to today's circumstances. He says, "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." Herein, Paul is tellings us that we are to respect all who occupy positions of authority, also we are to respect the positions of those whose customs may conflict with ours. This simply means that, although we disagree with them, we are to show respect for their right to that belief. He demonstrates this in the list he gave above, "custom to whom custom".
There is no allowance made for us to forcefully correct those who we see as wrong, we may, however, teach the gospel to those who want to listen, maintaining respect for the beliefs of others.
Paul reiterates that if we simply love our neighbors, we have, in essence, fulfilled the law. We are to immerse (baptize) ourselves into that goodness established by Jesus Christ, "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."~
Paul very clearly demonstrates that through the operation of God, we will most assuredly be punished for the evil we do and at the same time be rewarded for the things we do correctly.
Paul also makes a point in this lesson that I believe is very important to today's circumstances. He says, "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." Herein, Paul is tellings us that we are to respect all who occupy positions of authority, also we are to respect the positions of those whose customs may conflict with ours. This simply means that, although we disagree with them, we are to show respect for their right to that belief. He demonstrates this in the list he gave above, "custom to whom custom".
There is no allowance made for us to forcefully correct those who we see as wrong, we may, however, teach the gospel to those who want to listen, maintaining respect for the beliefs of others.
Paul reiterates that if we simply love our neighbors, we have, in essence, fulfilled the law. We are to immerse (baptize) ourselves into that goodness established by Jesus Christ, "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."~
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