Good news Number 7

Good news: I’m a responsible member of society

Romans 13 : 1-14

Two characteristics in these verses:

1. Live by the law of the land (1-7)

First - look at basic principles (a & b):

a) God is sovereign (1,2)

God enthrones and dethrones

b) Laws are there to be obeyed (3-7)

i) They protect the good and punish the evil (3,4)

ii) Taxes are necessary to keep the structure going(6)

iii) Two reasons for obedience (6): punishment/conscience

c) The problem - oppressive regimes

i) Rome was oppressive

ii) Oppressive regimes have laws which Christians can well obey

Islamic and Communist governments, etc.

iii) Sometimes there’s a choice between State and God

Acts 4:18,19; 5:28,29; Rev.13

iv) The condition to look out for is anarchy 2 Thess. 2

2. Live in the light of Christ’s return (8-14)

a) The law of love (8-10)

i) This is a debt to fulfil (8)

ii) It embraces the whole social law (9,10)

b) The law of attraction (11-14)

i) ‘Let us behave decently’ (13)

How? See the other imperatives: (12,14)

ii) When Christians get involved in evil, they’re overwhelmed (13)

iii) The world’s getting darker (11,12)

iv) Christians must be light (John 1:5; 8:12; Matt.5: 14-16)