◄ Romans 13 Devotional Commentary ►

Romans 13:1

We sometimes feel that we are surrounded by evil leaders who seem to have an anti-God agenda and we find it difficult to understand why. Sometimes we can be tempted to wonder if God has lost the plot, as we see evil men triumphing, while the children of God are in the midst of distress, and we wonder if Satan is winning. NEVER! Whether it was the cities of Babylon, Rome, Greece, or the nation into which we ourselves have been born, God is in control: read more...

Romans 13:8

The more the book of Romans unfolds, the greater our understanding of the amazing grace that God has demonstrated towards us: "In that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." For He Who knew no sin, was made to be sin on our behalf so that in Him, we might become the righteousness of God, sons of God, and joint heirs with Christ.

read more...

Romans 13:10

Christian conduct touches on every area of life. It should affect all we say and do at home, at work, in the community, or when we are completely alone. In Roman 13, Paul gives some important instruction on Christian conduct in two areas - the way we behave towards the government and how we should conduct ourselves towards our neighbour.

Paul makes it crystal clear that, "love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore read more...

Romans 13:11

'Wake up! Arise, Christian, it is time to awaken from sleep!' What a lovely picture of the weary soul, rising up to meet the morning's freshness, as the first-flush of the sunlight's golden beauty pierces the morning curtain... drawing us back into consciousness, that the day has arrived, and we must wake-up from our slumber and make ready for the duties of the day. "Wake up! This is already the hour for us to wake from sleep!"

read more...

Romans 13:12

We are living in difficult and evil times, but that should not prevent us from doing what is right. We are called to live our lives and share the good news of the gospel in spirit and truth. We are not to allow the world to squeeze us into its mould, but are to serve one another in love, through our spiritual giftings, and by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

As children of God, we have an obligation to live as children of read more...

Romans 13:13

In each of his church epistles, Paul pays much attention to instructing believers in our personal consecration, our reasonable service, our spiritual giftings, and our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. He also pays close attention to our personal conduct, our service to unbelievers, our responsibilities towards the government and those in authority, and the manner in which we should act towards the world, in general.

read more...

Romans 13:14

In the Christian life, we are commanded to be honest, to be respectful to others, to conduct ourselves with integrity, and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves, for love is the fulfilment of God's perfect Law. And although we are in the world and need to abide by the regulations of the established authorities and appointed governments (which we are reminded, were instituted by God Himself), we are also to remember that our citizenship is in heaven, and it is read more...