What three main reasons does Paul give in vereses1-7 why it is right to submit to the civil power? How will this submission express itself in practice? Answer: 1) power is established by God, 2) The one in power is God’s servant to do His will, 3) to keep your conscience clear. This submission is made evident by your actions. Do you pay your taxes? Do you support new policies? The key thing I think here is Paul is once again pointing out the sovereignty of God, and His laws.
What single guiding principle should control the Christian’s life in society? See v 8-10. Answer: Love, Love one another as Christ loved us. I’m not talking the pot smokin’ free lovin’ of the sixties. I’m talking about caring, gratitude, compassion, being neighborly, and giving to the poor and needy.
V11-14. Paul gave in 12:1 one powerful motive for living the life set forth in these chapter, namely God’s mercy. What further motive does he present here? What will wearing the armor of light mean for you, both negatively and positively? Answer: The motive here is you never know when your time is up. Are you going to die tonight or will the Lord return before you get home from work? In a negative sense wearing the armor of God, will cause you more grief in life. People will see the difference in you and attack you to try to break your faith. Positively, you don’t have to worry about this because God is your comforter and protector.
Note: v2. ‘The state can rightly command obedience only within the limits of the purposes for which it has been divinely instituted – in particular the state not only may but must be resisted whit it demands the allegiance due to God alone’ (Romans (TNTC), p. 223-4)
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