v.1-7
1. The imperatives continue from ch 12. Now, the difficult things to do is to subject to authority, not to resist, and to pay (taxes, revenue, respect and honor).
governing-BDAG fig. to be in a controlling position, have power over, be in authority (over), be highly placed
2. There are couple reasons for doing that:
a. authority is instituted by God v.1. The person who has the governing authority is God's servant v.4.
v.2 For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God
instituted by-BDAG to bring about an order of things by arranging, arrange, put in place...of an authority structure...the (structures of authority) presently existing are put in place by God
In other word, there is no argument that one should subject to God. If one can prove that they have the authority by God, no one should argue whether they should obey or not.
b. Resistance will bring judgment v.2, 4
For this part, Paul gave further explanation. The judgment is justified because it is for those who have bad conduct v.3-4, and the result is everyone's well-being.
3. Reflection: Subject to authority or pay $ and respect may not go well with our rebellion tendency. But, we need to keep that because it is necessary, especially when we are under an absolute higher order (God). There is no choice.
v.8-14
1. Owe v.8-BDAG to be under obligation to meet certain social or moral expectations, be indebted (e.g. for how many holy deeds are we indebted to (Jesus Christ)? 2 Cl 1:3
(BKC) Christian should never fall short, and so be “in debt,” in loving others
Structure: Instead of indebt to our holy deeds, love one another. "For" the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law, "for" the commandment...do not...do not... are summed up in "love"...Conclusion: Love does no wrong to a neighbor.
We are commanded to love, but since no one can fulfill the Law, we all fail to love. (BKC) Only in Christ can a person meet this or any of the other requirements of the Law (8:4).
Therefore, we need to read this in the context of Romans, esp, this command is given after 12:1-2. Not only we need to be saved, but we need to present ourselves as sacrifice, not be conformed, but be transformed to test the will of God.
Reflection: What holy deeds do I owe other Christians? Do I do wrong other brothers and sisters?
2. Not only we are command to love, (and all the commands from ch 12-13) but also the timing is urgent v.11-14
we know the time..it is already the hour v.11a
salvation is now nearer v.11b
The night has advanced toward dawn...the day is near v.12
3. Because of the urgency, be determined to put in action of what should be done:
(Put off) lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light v.12
(Put on) live decently as in the daytime, (Put off) not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in discord and jealousy v. 13
Conclusion: Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and (Put off) make no provision for the flesh to arouse its desires v.14
Reflection: Sometimes we lack the power, sometimes we are lazy or being procrastinated. But, we have no more excuses in Jesus Christ. His resurrection gives us the new lives and the power, and His coming back gave us the urgency, and how He lives is the light that we need to put on. If we do not know how should we live, think about Jesus.
Questions:
1. Instead of indebt to our holy deeds to one another, love one another. the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law
2. Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law
3. One who love will sacrifice himself for others, there will be no need to tell this person not to commit adultery, or murder, or steal, or covet or whatsoever...
4. When I think others do wrong thing I will consider how to fix it and also at the same time be acceptable to their eyes.
5. Jesus Christ is coming back soon. Put off and put on.
6. a=put off; b=put on
(Put off) lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the weapons of light v.12
(Put on) live decently as in the daytime, (Put off) not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in discord and jealousy v. 13
Conclusion: Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and (Put off) make no provision for the flesh to arouse its desires v.14
7. I do live in discord with others, not in harmony
8. Put off and put on. Agree.
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