Read chapter 13
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13&version=NIV
Love calls believers to be subject to the civil authorities (13:1–7). The word “submit” (13:1) means to place oneself under and refers to support as well as submission (cf. Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13). Paul said nothing about certain forms of government being ordained by God. It is significant that these instructions were given during the reign of the emperor Nero, a particularly evil ruler in his later years. Paul’s words concerning government are important in light of accusations that Christianity was rebellious and anti-Roman. Taxes (13:7) are tribute paid by subjects of a ruling state; customs are levied on goods being transported for sale.
Love stands as a bridge between the Testaments (13:8–10). This section shows that Paul is still describing the nature of true love (begun in 12:9). Love fulfills the law (13:8). Paul’s words on Christ being the whole purpose of the law (10:4) does not mean that the law has no application for the believer (13:9). Paul said that the law (cf. Exod. 20:13–17) can be summed up in the commandment of love (Lev. 19:18; cf. John 13:34). Paul continued his exhortations on love by pointing out the end-time motivation (13:11–14). Knowing that the time is near is a foundational motivation to show love.
Discussion question
How do you “clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ?”
Reflection question
How was your walk with the Lord so far this week? Is there room for improvement?
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I feel to "clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ" is to be who He is. I try to be who and what the Lord would want me to be and show those things to other people. Like love, compassion, joy, humbleness, forgiveness . . . the things of the Lord. Do I always succeed? . . . not always . . . but it does not stop me from wanting to project those things.
ReplyDeleteEach day in my prayers, I ask god to help me be more like Jesus. To act the way Jesus would. If I have a difficult day ahead of me, I ask for help & guidance & to try to act the way Jesus would. Throughout the day, I might tell myself what would Jesus Do. (I know the bracelet). But yes, I try to act with love, kindness & forgiveness to others.
ReplyDeleteJesus has shown us how to live. What we need to do is practice this in our everyday life and show others, through our outward living, that we are Christians and exhibit Christian virtues as Christ taught us.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important that when others look at each of us, they see a reflection of Jesus and what he stands for. Constant diligence is required to make this so. Life is filled with tendencies to deviate from this ideal.
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