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| Chapter 13 |
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1 ¶ Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but from God; the powers that be are ordained by God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and those who resist shall receive for themselves damnation. 3 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, 4 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, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Therefore ye must be subject not only for wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For this cause pay ye tribute also, for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 ¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. 8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another, for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 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, all are briefly comprehended in this saying, namely: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11 ¶ And this: knowing the time, that now it is high time to awaken out of sleep. For now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed. 12 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 armor of light. 13 Let us walk honestly as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in lewdness and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof. |
13 :1-14 Government and your Neighbour. v1-3 Tells us that all governments and people in power are put there by God. Note John 19:10,11. Since all ruling authority has been permitted or created by God, those who fight the authorities are actually fighting God. However, we must think about submitting or obeying, it is possible for a believer to be in a position where they cannot obey a government but can submit to the authority. "We must obey God rather than man," see Acts 4:18; Acts 5:18-20; Acts 5:38-42. v4 Indicates that capital punishment is intended by God. Capital punishment was first commanded by God in Genesis 9:6. v6 The paying of taxes to the government is God ordained. v7 We are to honour those in high position, even though they may have a bad character, we must respect the office because it is of God. Paul now turns to our neighbour’s. v8-10 "Owe no man anything" Some people believe that this tells us never to borrow money, however, other people feel that if a person borrows a certain amount and then commits to make regular payment as promised, he does not owe the lender as long as he/she makes the payments. Excessive borrowing, so you cannot repay must be wrong. This has to be a personal decision, it must be done in love. How can loving someone fulfil the law? v9,10 gives the answer, All the Laws as given to Moses are dependant upon a person who has love for their neighbour, you will not do the bad things listed if you have love. The fruit of the Spirit will be visible in our lives, Gal 5:22,23. Note that love is also the "law of Christ"v10. 13:11-14 The return of the Lord. Paul reminds us of how we should be living knowing that the Lord can return at any time, "now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed." Are we ready for His return? We shall all have to stand before Him and give an account of our lives for Him, 2 Cor 5:10. Time is going fast, put on the Jesus, His likeness and using His armour of light to defend us go out into the world with the message of salvation. |
Easy English Translation
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