Romans 13
Please join us each Sunday morning at 9:30 am. We are currently working through the Book of Romans.
This week's assignment is to read Chapter 13.
After reading the passage, use these questions as the basis for your discussion.
1. What stood out for you / what was interesting and why? (The Holy Spirit's prompting)
2. What was the passage about / the main message / big idea? (The Word of God)
3. What should we do / how can we apply this message? (Faith in Action)
Outline of Romans 13
I. Submission to Governing Authorities (Romans 13:1–7)
1. Authority is established by God (v.1–2)
- Every person should be subject to governing authorities.
- Resisting authority is resisting God’s ordinance.
2. The purpose of government (v.3–4)
- Rulers are to be a terror to evil, not good.
- Government serves as God’s servant to punish wrong and reward right.
3. Practical application (v.5–7)
- Be subject not only because of wrath but for conscience’ sake.
- Pay taxes, respect, and honor to whom it is due.
II. The Law of Love (Romans 13:8–10)
1. Love fulfills the law (v.8)
- Owe no one anything, except the ongoing debt of love.
2. Commandments summed up in love (v.9)
- “You shall not commit adultery, murder, steal, covet…”
- All are summed up: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
3. Love does no harm (v.10)
- Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.
III. Living in Light of Christ’s Return (Romans 13:11–14)
1. Awaken to the time (v.11–12a)
- Salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
- The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
2. Put off darkness, put on light (v.12b–13)
- Cast off the works of darkness.
- Walk properly, not in drunkenness, immorality, strife, or envy.
3. Clothe yourself with Christ (v.14)
- Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Do not make provision for the flesh.
Key Themes in Romans 13
- Obedience to lawful authority reflects obedience to God.
- Love is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s law.
- Believers should live with urgency and holiness in anticipation of Christ’s return.
I. Submission to Governing Authorities (Romans 13:1–7)
1. Authority is established by God (v.1–2)
- Every person should be subject to governing authorities.
- Resisting authority is resisting God’s ordinance.
2. The purpose of government (v.3–4)
- Rulers are to be a terror to evil, not good.
- Government serves as God’s servant to punish wrong and reward right.
3. Practical application (v.5–7)
- Be subject not only because of wrath but for conscience’ sake.
- Pay taxes, respect, and honor to whom it is due.
II. The Law of Love (Romans 13:8–10)
1. Love fulfills the law (v.8)
- Owe no one anything, except the ongoing debt of love.
2. Commandments summed up in love (v.9)
- “You shall not commit adultery, murder, steal, covet…”
- All are summed up: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
3. Love does no harm (v.10)
- Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.
III. Living in Light of Christ’s Return (Romans 13:11–14)
1. Awaken to the time (v.11–12a)
- Salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
- The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
2. Put off darkness, put on light (v.12b–13)
- Cast off the works of darkness.
- Walk properly, not in drunkenness, immorality, strife, or envy.
3. Clothe yourself with Christ (v.14)
- Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Do not make provision for the flesh.
Key Themes in Romans 13
- Obedience to lawful authority reflects obedience to God.
- Love is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s law.
- Believers should live with urgency and holiness in anticipation of Christ’s return.