Romans 13:1-14

Romans 13:1-14

Rarely has the importance of historical context been more important in understanding a passage than it is here. The relationship between the disciple and the state is not always easy to sort through. Sometimes this state is positively disposed toward the disciple and the church. Sometimes the state actually opposes and persecutes believers. So discernment is needed to understand how we relate to our governing authorities. There are occasions that the same government will change its perspective and relationship to the church. Here at the end of the book of Romans, the state serves and is seen in a positive light. As the first century closed, Rome is in Revelations described as the “Whore sitting on Seven Hills.”. Rather than hard-and-fast rules for Christian citizens, we need principles that apply properly to diverse circumstances. First, in verse 5, Paul uses the term “conscience,” which is the inner conviction of what we know is right. We are trained as disciples to love all men. When we are so trained, then our conscience can be helpful to know how to relate to the government. Second, in verse 7, Paul says “give back” or “render” what is due to government officials and the state. We cannot give to the state that which is only God's, but all else is fair game. We will never say, “Caesar is my Lord,” but we will respect and pay our taxes.

Beginning in verse 8, Paul shapes Christian conduct around the twin themes of “Love” and “Time.”. Time is a strange thing; in the moment it seems that we have so much of it, but in retrospect we always ask, “Where did the time go?” I write this on New Year's morning. I've been at my desk for about an hour; both the past hour and the past year seem to have flashed by. Based on the age at which my ancestors tended to die, my life is somewhere between 2/3 and 3/4 over. The priority of “now” needs to be applied to our lives. Living well in the now requires us to live in love. If we are behind in our debts, get caught up now. Love neighbors now. If there is unrepentant sin or a habit of evil, turn to the Lord now. If we scheme to find a way to indulge our flesh, stop that now. It may be that we will live out our days, and if we do, we will come to the end and wonder where they all went. So now is the time to live holy. We may not live till sunset, so now is the time to live holy. The Lord may return today, so now is the time to live holy. The best time for the holy things is always now. 

“Lord, help me to live now in such a way as to honor You. AMEN”