Morning Message: Jesus Is Our Victor!

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Jesus Is Our Victor!"
Written By: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

We open today with the first of the Messianic Psalms, Psalm 2. In twelve short verses it covers the history of God and His people. It is truly The Psalm of the King: His rejection; His establishment of His Kingdom; and finally, His reigning over the nations. It does not name Him, but it does describe His ability to bring the Will of God to pass. From the early chapters of the Bible and His promise of a Redeemer, all the way through the redemptive process to a new sinless heaven and sinless Earth in Revelation, God remains in control to make sure every one of Earth inhabitants hears of Him and has the choice of Eternal Life with Him.

The Kings of the Earth rage because of their contempt for a Spiritual Authority, that is invisible. But even in mankind’s own corruption, the Psalmist leaves us with hope as we place our trust in God’s rejected Redeemer. We basically live on God’s Created sandbox; therefore, He alone makes the rules and suggests quite strongly that we abide by them. All He asks is that we believe in His Son, placing our hope, trust, and faith in Him.

Resurrection Sunday marks a day when Jesus’ work of Redemption is complete. The payment for sin was paid on Friday past, and His victory over death becomes evident in today’s Gospels. All four of the Writers of the Gospels cover the day, and this miraculous and Holy event. Just a few weeks ago He had raised a dead man up from his grave. And today, on the third day after His own execution, Jesus raises Himself up by the power given Him by God.

None of the Gospel writers cover all the events of the day, but as we read John’s record of it, it is truly a most personal view of the day’s happenings. His own personal relationship with Jesus comes through his descriptions of what impacted Him on that glorious day.

You are encouraged to read the other three Gospel records too, in order to have the full record of the day’s events: Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24. They enhance one another, giving a fuller view of the “who, what, when, and where.”

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," - 2 Timothy 3:16

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

John 20:1-31 - "Jesus Is Our Victor!"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

John 20 in the Bible recounts the events following Jesus' crucifixion, focusing on the discovery of the empty tomb, Jesus' appearances to Mary Magdalene and the disciples, and the journey of Thomas from doubt to faith. The chapter emphasizes the eyewitness testimony of the apostles, confirming Jesus' resurrection and establishing him as the Messiah.

Now the night has gone, and the bright dawn has burst – for Jesus has risen from the dead! With the same physical body that Joseph had placed in tomb, bearing the marks of the spear in his side and the nails in His hands and feet, Jesus appeared to His disciples. And just as unbelief found its culmination in His cross, so also, faith reaches its climax at the sight of the empty tomb and in the vision of the risen Lord! As we review the scenes which are painted by John in this chapter, we should notice that each one presents undeniable evidence to the fact of the resurrection; and we would also do well to observe the faith that each of these scenes inspired in those who were favored with the privilege of beholding it.

Jesus's resurrection is considered a definitive victory over death, demonstrating his divine power and the triumph of God's love. It is the foundation of Christian faith and the promise of eternal life.  The resurrection assures believers of forgiveness of sins and the hope of their own future resurrection, ultimately offering a victory over death's grip.

To the Believer, the resurrection provides hope, joy, and peace, enabling us to live with assurance and purpose. It also empowers us to live a life that reflects the resurrected Christ.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference: 

First Day of the Week (20:1) - A reference to Sunday.  From then on, believers set aside Sunday to meet and remember the marvelous Resurrection of the Lord (see Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).  It became known as the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10).

Mary Magdalene Went to the Tomb (20:1) - Perhaps the reason why Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene was to demonstrate grace by His personal, loving faithfulness to someone who formerly had a sordid past; but clearly also because she loved Him so dearly and deeply, that she appeared before anyone else at the tomb.  Her purpose in coming was to finish the preparation of Jesus' body for burial by bringing more spices to anoint the corpse (Luke 24:1).

Other Disciple, whom Jesus Loved (20:2) - This is John, the author of this book.  

They have Taken (20:2) - Though Jesus had predicted His Resurrection numerous times, it was more than they could believe at this point.  It would take His showing Himself alive to them by many "infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3) for them to believe.

Saw the Linen Cloths Lying (20:5-7) - A contrast existed between the resurrection of Lazarus (11:44) and that of Jesus.  While Lazarus came forth from the grave wearing his grave clothes, Jesus' body, though physical and material, was glorified and was now able to pass through the grave clothes much in the same way that He later appeared in the locked room (see vs 19, 20).  From outside, John can see the strips of linen which were used to wrap Jesus' body (John 19:40). This is likely a confusing sight: John would likely wonder why the grave clothes were left behind, but the body taken away. It won't be until John notices another detail, described in the next verse, that his mind snaps to the truth: Jesus is alive (John 20:7–8).

Linen Cloths . . . Napkin (Handkerchief) (20:5-7) - The cloth designated for Jesus' face is placed off to the side, away from the other burial clothes. It's not casually thrown or crumpled, either. It's been folded. That, also, would be confusing if this was the work of grave robbers. To strip the body naked before taking it would be bizarre (John 20:6). Taking the time and effort to fold the face cloth would be even stranger. All appearances indicated that no one had taken the body, but that it had moved through the cloths and left them behind in the tomb.

Other Disciple (20:8) - John saw the grave clothes and was convinced by them that He had risen.  Despite Jesus' many predictions (John 2:19–22; Mark 9:31; Luke 18:33), the disciples are still having a difficult time understanding the idea of His death and resurrection (John 20:9). With two thousand years of hindsight, we might find that strange. In the moment, however, it's not clear what has happened. Seeing the folded cloth immediately tells John that it was Jesus—alive—who put it there.

Knew Not the Scriptures (20:9) - Neither Peter nor John understood that Scripture said Jesus would rise (Psalm 16:10).  This is evident by the reports of Luke (24:25-27, 32, 44-47).  Jesus had foretold His Resurrection (John 2:17; Matthew 16:21; Mark 8:31; 9:31; Luke 9:22), but they wouldn't accept it (Matthew 16:22; Luke 9:44-45).  By the time John wrote this Gospel, the church had developed an understanding of the OT Prediction of Messiah's resurrection.

Weeping (20:11-13) - Mary's sense of grief and loss may have driven her ack to the tomb.  She apparently had not crossed paths with Peter or John and, thus did not know of Jesus' resurrection (see v. 9).

Two Angels (20:12) - Luke (24:4) describes both.  Mathhew (28:2, 3) and Mark (16:5) report only one.  John's reason for the mention of angels is to demonstrate that no grave robbers took the body. This was an operation of the power of God.

Knew Not That It Was Jesus (20:14) - Those prior details are crucial in understanding why Mary did not recognize Jesus at first. Her last glimpse of Him was a mutilated corpse (John 19:1–4, 18, 34). Modern entertainment includes "makeover" shows where someone is given a new hairstyle, clothes, and makeup, and family members note the difference. A common remark in those shows is "I almost didn't recognize you!" Mary, in state of mourning and confusion, eyes blurred with tears, and in dim light (John 20:1) would never have assumed the figure standing nearby was the same person she saw mangled and buried just a few days before.

Mary! (20:16) - Whatever the reason for her failure to recognize Jesus, the moment He spoke the single word, " Mary," she immediately recognized Him.  This is reminiscent of Jesus' words "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

Do Not Cling to Me, For I Have Not Yet Ascended (20:17) - Mary was expressing a desire to hold on to His physical presence for fear that she would once again lose Him.  Jesus' reference to His ascension signifies that He would only be temporarily with them and though she desperately wanted Him to stay, He could not.  Jesus was with them only for forty more days, and then He ascended (Acts 1:3-11).  After He went to the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit ("The Helper") so they would not feel abandoned.

My Brethren (20:17) - Disciples have been called "servants" or "friends" (15:15), but not "brothers," until here.  Because of Jesus' work on the Cross in place of the sinner, this new relationship to Christ was made possible (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:26, 27; Ephesians 1:5; Hebrews 2:10-13).

The Doors Were Shut (20:19) - The Greek word indicates the doors were locked for fear of the Jews. Since the authorities had executed their leader, they reasonably expected that Jesus' fate could be their own.

Peace Be Unto You (2:19) - Jesus' greeting complements His "It is finished," for His work on the Cross accomplished peace between God and His people (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:14-17).

He Showed Them His Hands...Side (20:20) - Jesus proved that He who appeared to them was the same One who was crucified.

Receive Ye the Holy Ghost (20:22) - When God created man, He "breathed" a spirit into Adam (Genesis 2:7). The Greek term for "spirit" can also be used to refer to wind or breath. Jesus' action here evokes the original creation of humanity and fulfils part of His promise to send the Holy Spirit (John 15:26–27). This will be crucial to their mission, though the full indwelling of the Spirit will not happen until Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4).  The primary role of the Holy Spirit is guidance (John 14:26). That especially involves matters of Jesus' teaching (John 16:13; Luke 12:12). That is one reason Jesus' references to the Spirit are often tied to the idea of "peace." This context is also extremely important for understanding Jesus' next remark, about the forgiveness of sins (John 20:23).

Whosoever Sins Ye Remit (20:23) - It is this context which frames Jesus' remark about forgiveness: this declaration comes because these men are being reminded and guided by the Spirit of God. In no sense, at all, does Christ mean that forgiveness of sin is being determined by the disciples, or that they are choosing whether to absolve others of sin. The original Greek language uses more easily defined tenses, so it comes across more clearly, emphasizing that such sins "have already been forgiven" or "have already been retained." Guided by the truth of the Holy Spirit and in keeping with His truth, these men will be able to accurately declare whether others are abiding by those truths.

But Thomas (20:24, 25) - Thomas has already been portrayed as loyal, but pessimistic.  Jesus did not rebuke Thomas for his failure, but instead compassionately offered him proof of His Resurrection.  Jesus lovingly met him at the point of his weakness.  Thomas' actions indicated that Jesus had to convince the disciples rather forcefully of His Resurrection.

My Lord and My God! (20:28) - With these words, Thomas declared his firm belief in the Resurrection and, therefore, the deity of Jesus the Messiah and Son of God (Titus 2:13).  This is the greatest confession a person can make.  Thomas' confession functions as the fitting capstone of John's purpose in writing.

Blessed Are They That Have Not Seen (20:29) - The comment Jesus makes here points out that most people will never have the experiences which these men enjoyed. As the disciples go out to preach the gospel, they will be speaking to people who will not see Jesus in person. They will preach to those without the benefit of direct, personal encounters with God. Jesus pronounced a special blessing on those who believe without having Thomas' privilege (1 Peter 1:8, 9).

But These Are Written (20:31) - The goal and the purpose for which John wrote the Gospel.

Morning Message: Going Home

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Going Home"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Passion Week for Christians. For the Jews, it marks a return to Jerusalem, particularly for the Feast of Passover. Due to the calendars each faith follows, these may be different weeks. Jewish holidays are celebrated according to the Lunar Calendar of old. Most all the world recognizes the Gregorian Calendar as accurate. It was 1852 when the Vatican reconfigured the Calendar under Pope Gregory XIII in order to correct an inaccuracy identified in the Julian Calendar, established by Julius Caesar in 45 AD. Both follow the progress of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

Prior to either of those calendars was the Lunar Calendar which follows the phases of the moon as it orbits the Earth. The Lunar Calendar follows a different set of rules that were given to us by God as the Jewish holidays follow the phases of the moon from season to season. All the Jewish Holy Days are identified accordingly.

The Jewish holidays were days marked by travel, as the Jews traveled to Jerusalem for the celebrations. For three of the Holidays, it was mandatory each year for them to go to Jerusalem, Passover being among the three.

Psalms 120 through 134 are considered Psalms of Ascent as the Jews sang them on their trek as they “went up” to Jerusalem. Your Bible may label them as “Psalms of Degrees.” In a more literal sense for the Jews, they were Psalms sung while going home to the City of God, Jerusalem.

Psalm 122 is more specific, as it was used as they marched up the Judean Hills, and actually entered into the City of Jerusalem. Psalm 122:2 says “Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.” This is what we celebrate today on Palm Sunday, Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking His time of “Going Home.”

For Jesus, these were His final steps on the way to Calvary.  By the end of the week, He would be on the Cross: The Lamb of God: Sacrificed for us…

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Luke 19:28-40 - "Going Home"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

As we enter into this wonderful week of remembering the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, we know that it all began with what is commonly called Palm Sunday, that Sunday in which Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem and did so to the waving of palm branches and a hailing of him as King. And, of course, it ends with the resurrection. This is a great and glorious week for us to celebrate.

Traditionally, Palm Sunday is a day filled with meaning for us as Christians. We sing hallelujah; we’ve done it. We sing hosanna. We praise the name of Jesus. We hail him as King, celebrating his entry into Jerusalem to the praises of His people. This is a day when everything that Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist said in his Benedictus would come to pass actually came to pass. Do you remember when he was told by the angel that he was going to have a child who would be the great prophet to announce the arrival of the Messiah? His response was, “This is it; this is the great moment. All that was promised to David, all that was promised to Abraham, all that was promised in the new covenant is going to come to pass.” He said, “God has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David, His servant. This is salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. This is God showing mercy to us, remembering His holy covenant which He swore to Abraham. This is God bringing us to the holiness and righteousness that He pledged to us. This is God giving His people the knowledge of salvation and the forgiveness of sin through His tender mercy. The coming of Messiah,” said Zacharias, “is the sunrise visiting on us to shine on those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of everlasting peace.”

He knew that with the coming of Jesus, all of those great, prophetic elements of salvation were coming into focus. And so, Jesus comes. And He comes to do all that had been promised to David and Abraham, and promised in the new covenant to bring salvation. We now come to the end of those 33 years we come to the end of His life and His ministry. It’s really over. All that He needed to do to prove who He was is done. The announcement was made at His birth by the angels. The affirmation was confirmed by the shepherds. His perfect, sinless life was an evidence that He was, in fact, God, the Messiah, the Lord, the Christ, the Redeemer, the Savior.

Luke 19:28–40 records the triumphal entry. The triumphal entry is that of Jesus coming into Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday, the Sunday before the crucifixion (John 12:1, 12). The story of the triumphal entry is one of the few incidents in the life of Jesus which appears in all four Gospel accounts (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19). Putting the four accounts together, it becomes clear that the triumphal entry was a significant event, not only to the people of Jesus’ day, but to Christians throughout history. We celebrate Palm Sunday to remember that momentous occasion.

Jesus’ purpose in riding into Jerusalem was to make public His claim to be their Messiah and King of Israel in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Matthew says that the King coming on the foal of a donkey was an exact fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus rides into His capital city as a conquering King and is hailed by the people as such, in the manner of the day. He receives the worship and praise of the people because only He deserves it. No longer does He tell His disciples to be quiet about Him (Matthew 12:16, 16:20) but to shout His praises and worship Him openly. The spreading of cloaks was an act of homage for royalty (see 2 Kings 9:13). Jesus was openly declaring to the people that He was their King and the Messiah they had been waiting for.

Unfortunately, the praise the people lavished on Jesus was not because they recognized Him as their Savior from sin. They welcomed Him out of their desire for a messianic deliverer, someone who would lead them in a revolt against Rome. But when He failed in their expectations, when He refused to lead them in a massive revolt against the Roman occupiers, the crowds quickly turned on Him. Within just a few days, their hosannas would change to cries of “Crucify Him!” (Luke 23:20-21).

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference: 

Ascending up to Jerusalem (19:28) - The road from Jericho to Jerusalem was a steep ascent, rising some 4,000 feet in about 20 miles.  This represented the last leg of the long journey that began in Luke 9:51. For Jesus, the road to Jerusalem has included miracles, parables, acceptance, and rejection. The week ahead will be eventful. First, a great crowd will accompany Him up the hill to the Temple Mount, crying His praises as king (Luke 19:36–38). But along the way, Jesus will catch sight of the city of Jerusalem and weep over its coming destruction by the Romans (Luke 19:41–44). Next, He will enter the temple courts and find them filled with merchants and venders hawking items visitors need for the Passover in the area reserved for faithful Gentiles (Luke 19:45–46).  The days will continue with Jesus arguing with the religious leaders. Women will anoint Him for His death. Jesus will take time to reinforce to His disciples that a spiritual war is coming. They need to be prepared and keep their eyes on God and His coming deliverance (Luke 21:5–38). And then, Luke records the Last Supper and the cross.

Bethphage (19:29) - Bethphage is a small town near Bethany, on the southeast slope of the Mt. of Olives.  It is mentioned nowhere else in Scripture except in connection with Christ's triumphal entry.

Bethany (19:29) - Jesus often stayed there during His visits to Jerusalem. Bethany is located 2 miles east of the temple in Jerusalem.  This is the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:1).

Mt. of Olives - The main peak of a ridge running north to south, located east of the Kidron Valley, adjacent to the temple.  Olivet derived its name from the dense olive groves that once covered it. In the Gospel of Luke, the Mount of Olives is depicted as a place where Jesus frequently retreated to pray and spend time with his disciples. Specifically, Luke 22:39-46 describes Jesus praying on the Mount of Olives the night before his crucifixion, in what is known as the Garden of Gethsemane. This location also serves as a backdrop for Jesus' teachings on the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25) and is mentioned in prophecies related to his second coming.

Colt (19:30) - The other Gospels say this was a donkey colt (cf. Zechariah 9:9), and Matthew reveals that the mare was brought along as well.

Spread Their Clothes (19:36) - Luke omits the cutting of palm branches mentioned by Matthew and Mark.  This act was a way of showing honor and respect, often associated with royal processions or welcoming someone important.

The Whole Multitude of Disciples (19:37) - Those following Jesus.  Doubtless many in the crowd were not true disciples.

Mighty Works (19:37) - His followers rightfully praise God for the miracles Jesus has done, not least of which was the recent raising of Lazarus from the dead. John 12:17-19 specifically mentions that news of the raising of Lazarus had provoked many in the crowd to come to see Jesus.

Blessed is the King (19:38) - Quoting Psalm 118:26, they hailed Jesus as Messiah. Matthew quotes, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:9). Mark's is similar: "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!" (Mark 11:9–10). John has, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" (John 12:13). Likely, different people are shouting different things, including praising God for the miracles they have seen Jesus perform (Luke 19:37), but the gist is the same: Yahweh's chosen king, in the line of David, is coming to take His rightful throne in Jerusalem.

Peace in Heaven (19:38) - Only Luke reported this phrase.  It is reminiscent of angels' message in 2:14. The declaration of "peace in heaven" suggests a reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus. It echoes the angelic proclamation at Jesus' birth in Luke 2:14, where peace is announced on earth. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the restoration of a right relationship with God. It signifies the heavenly approval of Jesus' mission and the ultimate peace that His kingdom will bring.

Rebuke Your Disciples (19:39) - The Pharisees were offended by people offering Him such worshipful praise.  They wanted Him to stop them.  They didn't believe who Jesus claimed to be.  They hated Him because they could not control Him.  From the Pharisees' point of view, to continue this noisy proclamation of Jesus as "king" is to tempt fate. If Pilate comes to believe that the people are joining a Jesus-led revolt against the Roman Empire, the results will be horrific. Hundreds of thousands of Jews from all over the empire flood into Jerusalem on the Passover. Pilate—infamous for his cruelty and excessively violent responses—might destroy them all.

The Stones Would Cry Out (19:40) - This was a strong claim of deity, and perhaps a reference to the words of Habakkuk 2:11.  Scripture often speaks of inanimate nature praising God.  Cf. Psalms 96:11; 98:7-9; 114:7; Isaiah 55:12.  Compare also the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:9; not the fulfillment of Jesus' words in Matthew 27:51.

Morning Message: The Law and Love

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The Law and Love"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

With Resurrection Sunday approaching, our hearts turn toward Jesus’ victory over sin and death. God has made a way for us; it’s a narrow path, not a wide road. Paul’s 13th chapter in his Epistle to the Romans reminds us of the righteous lifestyle that God’s children are to seek out and adopt in our daily lives. But before addressing these issues in Scripture, you may have noticed that I make reference to Resurrection Sunday, instead of “Easter” during this time of year.

That avoidance is on purpose, and it relates to The Goddess Aestarte, or Astarte from whose name “Easter” is derived. She is mythological Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, of new growth, and fertility. Her celebration of new life recognizes the newness of springtime. The Greek adaptation of her name is “Ishtar” who was worshipped in ancient Mesopotamia as the Sumerian Goddess of love, fertility, and war! The celebration of this multicultural goddess falls in early spring, coinciding with Passover of the Jews, and Easter of Christendom. As Christianity spread eastward to Mesopotamia, and westward to Europe and the German Anglo-Saxon region, it is easy to see why her holiday was co-opted by New Christians as Aestarte’s name was anglicized to the English “Easter.” Ashteroth, and Ashtoreth are variations on the name from other pagan religious beliefs. Common to them all is the word “Pagan.”

Indeed, we look at the Resurrection Holiday celebrated by Christians as a time of renewal, and a new life in Christ. The Pagan celebrations revolve around earthly values, while Resurrection Weekend celebrates the Spiritual aspects of our hope and faith is Jesus Christ, Who supplies all our earthly needs, and our spiritual needs as well.

Easter Egg Hunts, and cute fluffy bunny rabbits are fun, and they certainly celebrate new life and fertility. These are earthly things, and great tools to use as our children are taught about the new life afforded us by Christ as His flesh was put to death, and He was raised up again to New Life.

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:11

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Romans 13:1-14 - "The Law and Love"

Summary/Additional Commentary Notes/Definitions:

In Romans chapter 13, the apostle Paul continues to apply the life changing gospel to the lives of Christians. How do those in Christ live? In chapter 12 Paul expounded on our service to God, we present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to Him.  Now inn chapter 13 he continues in that theme.

The first part of the chapter speaks clearly about the government's legitimate authority and the Christian's response to it. Then Paul deals with the believer's obligation to loving their neighbors.

Paul begins by making clear that he conceives of no exceptions to what he is now saying (let every soul) that means every believer needs to submit to the Lord in this.  Christians are to submit to those in authority, pay taxes, abide by the law and show respect out of reverence for their God-appointed position.

Recognizing that God has placed governing authorities in their positions, our faith and trust are in Him whether or not we agree with a policies or politics. Doesn't God have all power and authority in human affairs? Therefore, as Believers, we don't need not fear when submitting to governing authorities since it is God who appoints them. Daniel, who served under the evil King Nebuchadnezzar, understood that. "And he [God] changeth the times and the seasons[controls the course of world events]: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings..." (Daniel 2:21). 

While Paul's instruction commands subjection and submission, there are times when Christians are not to be subject to governing authorities, and the only instance is when those leaders try to force Christians to contradict the will of God. For example, nearly all of the apostles were eventually killed by governing authorities for preaching the gospel: they refused to obey when told to be silent, but they submitted to the punishment and authority of the government.

In verses 8-10, Paul transitions to the idea that Believer's should not be debt, in fact we should strive to pay all of our debts.  There is however one debt that will never fully be paid, and that is the obligation to love one another. This is the most important command that Jesus gave us in Matthew 22.  Just as God has shown us mercy and forgiveness and love when we didn't deserve it, so we ought to show love to one another.  When that command is obeyed, it fulfills the entire law. 

Paul's final set of instructions in chapter 13 is that we need to be urgent about the time. He writes, "The night is far spent, the day is at hand" (vs. 12) speaking of that day of the Lord, mankind's final judgment. Since we are children of the Light, we must throw off any works of darkness, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, living to please Him not seeking to gratify our flesh. 

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference: 

Subject Unto the Higher Powers (13:1) - This word was a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden". Scripture makes one exception to this command:  when obedience to civil authority would require disobedience to God's Word.  Higher Powers are civil governing authorities without regard to competency, morality, reasonableness or any other caveat (1 Thessalonians 4:11, 12; 1 Timothy 2:1,2; Titus 3:1,2).

No Power But of God (13:1) - God is the sovereign ruler of the universe, He alone has all authority over the affairs of man (Psalms 62:11; 103:19; 1 Timothy 6:15).

Ordained (13:1) - Human government's authority derives from and is defined by God.  He instituted government to reward good and to restrain evil.  

Whosoever Therefore Resisteth the Power (13:2) - Disobedience is rebellion against God.

Not A Terror To Good Works (13:3) - Even the most wicked, godless governments act as a deterrent to crime.

Do That Which is Good (13:3) - Be peaceful, law-abiding citizens.  Those who are don't need to fear the authorities.  

Minister of God . . . For Good (13:4) Government's role should promote what is good by helping to restrain evil and protecting life and property.  

Beareth . . . the Sword (13:4) - Symbolizing civil authorities right to inflict punishment on those who break the law. This includes capital punishment (Genesis 9:6; cf. Matthew 26:52; Acts 25:11.

For Conscience Sake (13:5) - A sense of love and obligation to God.  We are to keep a clear conscience before Him. 

For This Cause (13:6) - Because ordained human government and demands submission to it.

Pay Ye Tribute Also (13:6) - Taxes. The Greek word is phóros, meaning a tax (properly, an individual assessment on persons or property. Paul uses the term in the broadest possible sense to speak of all kinds of taxes. Jesus explicitly taught that taxes are to be paid - even to the pagan Roman government (Matthew 22:17-21).

Render . . . to All Their Dues (13:7) - Pay all that you owe.  

Owe No Man Anything (13:8) - This is not a prohibition against borrowing money, which Scripture permits and regulates (cf. Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37; Deuteronomy 15:7-9; Psalms 15:5; 37:21, 26; Matthew 5:42).  Paul's point is that all our financial obligations must be paid when they are due. 

Love One Another (13:8) - Believers are command to love not only other Christians, but also non-Christians (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27, 35; cf. Luke 6:28, 34; Romans 12:14, 20; Galatians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:15). 

Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself (13:9) - Sums up the entire verse.  This is a quote from Leviticus 19:18 which encompasses all of God's laws concerning human relationships (Matthew 22:39).  When we love our neighbor, we do what is in their be interest. 

Fulfilling of the Law (13:10) - When we treat others with the same care that we have for ourselves, we will not violate God's Laws. 

Near Than When We Believed (13:11) - We will be glorified when Jesus returns which is drawing closer with each passing day.  His soon return motivates us to holy living. 

Night (13:12) - This refers to man's depravity and Satan's dominion (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:4, 5).

Day (13:12) - Refers to Christ's return and reign.

Cast Off (13:12) - Repentance and a forsaking of sin.

Walk Honestly (13:13) - Living a life pleasing to God, according to His Word, both in attitude and outward behavior. 

Rioting...Drunkenness...Chambering and Wantonness (13:13) - Wild parties, brawls, riots, sexual immorality.

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ (13:14) - The continuing spiritual process in which those saved by faith are transformed into His image and likeness.  Putting off and putting on is symbolic of thoughts and behavior.