Romans 13 - A Study Guide by Mark A. Copeland

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                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                           Chapter Thirteen

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To understand our relationship to the government

2) To appreciate the importance of love and moral purity

SUMMARY

Continuing to instruct concerning the "transformed life,"  Paul now
discusses the Christian's responsibilities to governmental authorities.
Understanding that all governments are in power due to the providence
of God, and that they serve as ministers of God to avenge the evil 
doer, Christians are admonished to submit to "the powers that be" 
(1-5).  This submission involves payment of taxes and having respect 
for those in authority (6-7).

Paul's next exhortation deals with the importance of love and moral 
purity.  Christians are to be indebted to no one, save to love one 
another.  When love is properly demonstrated, even the requirements of 
the Law are adequately met (8-10).  This admonition to love, however, 
is carefully balanced with the reminder that time is short and it is 
imperative that Christians maintain moral purity.  This is done by 
Christians putting on the Lord Jesus and not making provision for the 
fulfilling of the lusts of the flesh (11-14).

OUTLINE

I. RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE GOVERNMENT (1-7)

   A. BE IN SUBJECTION (1-5)
      1. For governing authorities are appointed by God (1-2)
      2. For governing authorities are God's ministers to avenge evil
         (3-4)
      3. To avoid wrath and maintain good conscience (5)

   B. FULFILL WHAT IS DUE (6-7)
      1. Taxes, customs (6-7a)
      2. Fear (respect), honor (7b)

II. EXHORTATION TO LOVE AND MORAL PURITY (8-14)

   A. THE VALUE OF LOVE (8-10)
      1. Owe no one anything but love (8a)
      2. For love does no harm, and fulfills the Law (8b-10)

   B. CONCERNING MORAL PURITY (11-14)
      1. The time is short, we need to cast off the works of darkness 
         and put on the armor of light (11-12)
      2. Walk properly by putting on the Lord Jesus and making no
         provision to fulfill fleshly lusts (13-14)

WORDS TO PONDER

the governing authorities - the political powers which govern society

he does not bear the sword in vain - an implied reference to the
                                     approved use of capital punishment

put on the Lord Jesus Christ - a process begun in baptism (Ga 3:27),
                               continued as we develop Christ-like
                               qualities (Col 3:9-17)

make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts - avoid 
        situations where unlawful fleshly desires might be aroused and
        acted upon

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) List the main points of this chapter
   - Responsibilities To The Government (1-7)
   - Exhortations To Love And Moral Purity (8-14)

2) What one word summarizes the Christian's responsibility to the
   government? (1)
   - submit

3) From where do governments get their authority? (1)
   - God

4) What happens if we resist governing authorities? (2)
   - We resist God and bring judgment upon ourselves

5) What is a major responsibility of government? (4)
   - To avenge the evil doer

6) What should serve as motivation for Christians' submission to the
   government? (5)
   - Wrath, and conscience

7) What else is required of Christians in regards to government? (7)
   - Payment of taxes, and respect for those in authority

8) What one thing should we owe to others? (8)
   - Love

9) What are we to put on? (12,14)
   - The "armor of light", the Lord Jesus Christ

10) What are we not to provide opportunities for? (14)
    - The fulfillment of fleshly lusts
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