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.
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
Sunday Morning Message:
Romans 13:1-14 - "The Law and Love"
Summary/Additional Commentary Notes/Definitions:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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