Submission and Love: The Christian's Duties

Romans 13 is a call to responsible Christian living. It underscores the importance of respect for authority, adherence to the law, and love for others. Above all, it is a call to action, a call to wake from spiritual slumber, to live in the light, and to cloth ourselves with Christ. It is a reminder that we are on the brink of salvation and that every moment matters in our pursuit of Christlikeness.

Verses 1-7: Submission to Governing Authorities

Paul calls for believers to submit to governing authorities, stating that all authority comes from God. Those who resist authorities resist what God has appointed, and will incur judgment. He teaches that authorities are a source of fear for wrongdoers, not for those who do good. Paul also instructs Christians to pay their taxes and respect those in authority.

Verses 8-10: Love Fulfills the Law

Paul emphasises love as a continuing debt that is never fully repaid. He explains that love fulfills the law because it does no harm to a neighbor. All commandments are summed up in loving one's neighbor as oneself.

Verses 11-14: The Day is Near

In this section, Paul emphasizes the nearness of salvation and the need to awake from spiritual slumber. He urges believers to put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Believers should live honorably as in the day, avoiding debauchery, dissension, and jealousy, and instead clothe themselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 13 continues Paul's teaching on how believers should live. He focuses on the believer's relationship with civil authority, the ongoing obligation to love, and the urgency to live out the Christian faith in light of the coming day of salvation.

Submission to Authority
Love as Fulfillment of the Law
Living in the LightChristian Duties
Submission to Governing Authorities
Love and the Law
Awakening from Spiritual SlumberPaul
Romans (recipients of the letter)The chapter does not specify geographical locations as it is part of Paul's letter to the Romans.

1. What does it mean to submit to governing authorities?

2. How can we reconcile the command to submit to governing authorities with situations where these authorities may act unjustly?

3. In what ways does love fulfill the law?

4. How does Paul's teaching on love challenge our current societal norms and personal habits?

5. What does it mean to wake up from spiritual slumber?

6. How can you apply the principles of "putting on the armor of light" in your daily life?

7. How does the idea of the nearness of salvation influence your attitudes and actions?

8. How can you "clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ" as Paul advises?

9. In what ways can we honor the commandments in our contemporary lifestyle?

10. What are some practical ways to demonstrate love to our neighbors in accordance with the teaching in Romans 13?

11. How does Paul's instruction about paying taxes speak to our attitudes towards societal responsibilities?

12. What does it mean to live honorably as in the day?

13. How does Romans 13 challenge our perceptions of civil authority?

14. How can we navigate situations where civil law and God's law appear to be in conflict?

15. What are some practical steps to avoid debauchery, dissension, and jealousy?

16. How can you exhibit more respect for authorities in your life?

17. How can we balance our earthly responsibilities (like paying taxes) with our spiritual responsibilities?

18. How does Paul's emphasis on love affect your understanding of the Christian faith?

19. How can you practice living in the light in your current circumstances?

20. How does the teaching in Romans 13 inspire you to live differently in the present day?