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Paul continues the “gospel-shaped life” he began in Romans 12 by turning to how Christians relate to civil government. Because God is ultimately sovereign, there is no governing authority that exists apart from His permission and providence (v. 1; cf. Dan. 2:21). So believers are called to live as good citizens—submitting to lawful authority, not as people who worship the state, but as people who worship God and recognize His ordering of society (vv. 1–2). Government is meant to restrain evil and promote good, and when it functions as it should, it serves as God’s instrument to uphold justice in a fallen world (vv. 3–4). That’s why Christians should obey not only to avoid consequences, but “for the sake of conscience” (v. 5), paying what is owed and showing respect and honor where it’s due (vv. 6–7; cf. Matt. 22:21).
But Paul also makes clear that our submission has a boundary: God is the highest authority. Scripture shows moments when God’s people must refuse commands that would require disobedience to Him (Acts 5:29). Still, the ordinary posture of the Christian is humble, respectful obedience—paired with a clear conscience before the Lord (vv. 1, 5).
Then Paul returns to the heartbeat of Christian ethics: love. “Owe no one anything, except to love each other” (v. 8). Love is the debt we never finish paying, because love fulfills the law’s commands toward our neighbor—keeping us from harm, dishonor, and selfishness (vv. 9–10; cf. Lev. 19:18). And Paul ends with urgency: we live in a decisive moment of history. The “night” is fading, the “day” is approaching, and Christ’s return draws nearer—so Christians must wake up, throw off the works of darkness, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ (vv. 11–14). Holiness isn’t vague: it means refusing patterns of sin, walking in the light, and refusing to “make provision for the flesh” (vv. 13–14).
🌀 Reflection:
Where are you quietly “making provision” for sin—leaving the door cracked, keeping the option open, nursing the appetite? Romans 13 reminds us that grace doesn’t make us sleepy; it wakes us up. Since the day is near, we don’t just avoid darkness—we actively put on Jesus and learn to live like people of the coming kingdom (vv. 11–14).
🎆 New Year Reflection:
A new year begins with a call to wake up. Romans 13 reminds us that time matters, eternity is near, and Christ is coming. As you step into this year, don’t drift or delay—put on the Lord Jesus Christ daily. Let this be a year marked not by spiritual complacency, but by watchful hope, obedient love, and lives shaped by the light of the coming King (vv. 11–14).
💬 Mission Challenge:
Pray for a governing leader (local, state, or national) by name today, asking God to give wisdom and justice—and then practice honor in one concrete way (vv. 1, 7; cf. 1 Tim. 2:1–2). Let your respect be real, and look for a chance to show that your ultimate hope is not in rulers, but in Christ the King.
Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.3 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.
Just Keith Harris 
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