Romans 13: Christians and Laws of The Land

Read Romans Chapter 13

Introduction: In Romans 13, the Apostle Paul instructs the Christians in Rome on how to live in a way that honors God and respects the governing authorities. He emphasizes the importance of obeying the laws, loving one another, and living morally in the light of Christ’s return. Paul’s message is not just for the Roman church, but for all believers, urging them to reflect the love of Christ in their actions and attitudes within their communities. This outline will dive into each verse of Paul’s teachings on these crucial aspects of Christian living.

I. Respect and Submit to Governing Authorities (Romans 13:1-2)
Paul begins by instructing believers to submit to governing authorities because God has established them. This obedience is not just a civic duty but a spiritual obligation. Those who resist authority oppose God’s ordinance and bring judgment upon themselves. We read the same principle in Titus 3:1, the Bible tells us to be submissive to rulers and authorities which do have the rule over us. If you don’t believe that, break the law and see what happens! The Apostle Peter says the same thing in 1 Peter 2:13-14, there the Bible promotes the concept of obeying every human institution for the Lord’s sake. Finally in Proverbs 8:15, the Proverbs writer shows us who appoints these rulers, it is God who establishes kings and rulers.

II. Rulers Are God’s Servants for Good (Romans 13:3-4)
Paul explains that rulers are not to be feared if one does good, but boy o boy, if they are bad, the people will endure hard times. They are God’s servants, given authority to promote good and punish evil. This is God’s way of deterring wrongdoing and it is a comfort to those who do right. 1 Peter 2:14 describes governors as sent by God to punish evildoers and praise those who do good. Proverbs 21:1 assures us that God controls the hearts of rulers. And 2 Chronicles 19:6, reminds judges that they judge not for man but for the Lord. Of course the Bible is speaking of just and righteous judges, not those who are bought and paid for by wicked people.

III. Obey Authorities for Conscience Sake (Romans 13:5)
Obedience to authorities is essential not only to avoid punishment but also for the sake of a clear conscience before God. 1 Peter 2:19 speaks of the commendable act of bearing up under the pain of unjust suffering because of conscience toward God, and many times the just do have to suffer due to corrupt leaders and rulers. Paul tells us in Acts 24:16 that he strives to always keep his conscience clear before God and man, a clear of wrongdoing conscience is much desired if you are following Christ. And in 2 Corinthians 1:12, Paul’s rejoicing is the testimony of his good conscience.

IV. Pay Taxes and Give Respect (Romans 13:6-7)
Paul instructs believers to pay taxes because those who collect them are serving God in what they do. He extends this principle to giving respect and honor to those who are owed it. If you know a good leader or ruler, they are to be honored. Jesus taught on paying taxes in Matthew 22:21, He said give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. The Bible directs believers to pray for the authorities in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, it reads, pray for all in authority that we may lead peaceful lives. Proverbs 24:21 gives good wisdom on this topic, it says to fear the Lord and the king and not to join with rebellious officials.

V. Love as the Fulfillment of the Law (Romans 13:8-10)
Love is the one debt that is never fully paid. Paul states that loving others fulfills the law because love does no harm to a neighbor, and that word neighbor would include every person we come in contact during our lifetimes. The Bible speaks on this principle in Galatians 5:14, it says the entire law is fulfilled in keeping the command to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus also made this same statement in Matthew 22:39, He commanded us to love our neighbor as ourselves. It is known as the royal law in James 2:8: James calls the command to love your neighbor as yourself the royal law, or the divine law may be a better way to understand it.

VI. Moral Lifestyle as Christ’s Return Approaches (Romans 13:11-14)
Paul urges believers to wake up from spiritual sleep because salvation is nearer than when they first believed. He calls them to live honorably, putting aside sinful behaviors and instead clothe themselves with Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 encourages us not to sleep like others but to be alert and self-controlled, and Ephesians 5:14 calls for the sleeper to rise from the dead, with Christ shining on them. Finally in Colossians 3:12-14, the Bible teaches believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Conclusion: Romans 13 guides the believer on how to live in society while still maintaining their faith and integrity. Paul’s instructions to respect and submit to governing authorities, love one another, and live a morally sound life in anticipation of Christ’s return form a blueprint for Christian citizenship. Each verse in Romans 13 contains wisdom of the wider range of biblical truths, helping believers to carry out their fole in the world with a clear conscience and a heart full of love. By living these principals, the believer can shine as examples of Christ’s transformative power in the world.