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by Howard
Watson
Paul continues his instruction for Christian living.
The Christian is to be subjected, with due honor, to his/her civil
authorities/rulers and those under them who are maintaining an orderly
society. Notice verses one through seven. The Christian is to pay
taxes which are due for the support of the government. This is considered
as tax ("phoron" Gk.) and tribute ("telos" Gk.
toll, duty, custom).
This ordering of earthly society under rulers, who rule justly and
equitably, is God's plan for the people of the world. It gives the
Christian the occasion to show his/her humility and proper reverence
to the rules of society under God's rule in his/her life. The rulers
and governors do not have to be Christians for Christians to show
proper honor to them as their rulers. Verse six says: "...he
is God's servant ..." NIV.
Verses eight through ten teach of the Christian's debt of love "agape".
"Agape" is the highest kind of love. It is pure and unselfish
in giving to God, our brothers and sisters, and our enemies. This
debt is one that is endless. There is no time to cease loving in
this world and life. We must be wide awake to the times of need
all about us; rather than falling asleep in self-serving comforts
and pleasures of intoxicated riotous living in immorality. See verses
eleven through thirteen.
Many people in the USA are living sinful lives of lusts and carnal
indulgences without fear of God, or hell on earth and through eternity,
which is coming upon them. The entertainment industry is captivating
our young and old by its images of high pleasure in drunkedness
and loose living.
Christians need the armour of light and the fullness/likeness of
Christ Jesus in order to fight through the wickedness of the world
and its people. See verses twelve through fourteen.
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