(Rom 13:5) “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”  We must never forget that our “happiness” is not what matters before God. What matters is our witness before the lost of one that seeks to do that which is right and good. The souls of the lost are to come before our happiness.

(Rom 13:5) “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”  In all matters, whether home, church, or government, we are to seek to have a pure conscience. The goal is not the ability to ignore our conscience, or to explain away our sin – but to seek to live in subjection to the laws of God.

Rom 13:4  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  As one naturally compares this to our own government, we see how badly ours fails. Not to worry, the Lord will judge all wrongs. Look forward, for the Lord will have such a righteous government on this earth a thousand years!

(Rom 13:3)  “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:”  The purpose of government is the protection of its citizens. Evil, the breaking of the law, is to be punished. Good is to be acknowledged and commended.

 (Rom 13:2) “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”  Authorities are to be submitted unto as ordained of God whether that be governmental, the home, or, in the case of the believer – the church. Exception: where they go against the plain teaching of the Word of God.

(Rom 13:2) “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”  “Damnation”: judgment; the same word used in (1Co 11:29) “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” Since that is speaking to believers who cannot be damned, it means judgment.

 (Rom 13:1)  “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”  Why allow the evil “powers”? Man is given a free will. This is the result. Sad: we cannot appreciate the good without experiencing the evil. Praise God for the good. May He come soon to reign upon the earth!

(Rom 13:1)  “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”  Government – one of three areas of authority: government, home, church. These could not exist if it were not for God. We are to obey those placed upon us (except where they go against the plain Word of God).

 (Rom 12:21)  “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”   This doesn’t mean all men will respond rightly to your actions of good. It means your soul will have overcome the old nature and the ways of this world.

 (Rom 12:21)  “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”  To give love to those who hate us, in God’s eyes makes us over-comers. Fact is, our pride whispers when we read this verse, “But those who do evil to us should not benefit from doing so.” Ah, remember what God has said, “I will repay” (v.19).