Romans 13

The night is far gone; the day is at hand; do not slumber, but fight the good fight!

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Read Romans 13. Which part of Romans 13 inspires you the most?

​Note: "Salvation" in 13:11 refers to the final phase of our salvation realized at the return of our Savior. The word "salvation" could be used to describe different phases of our spiritual journey: (1) Justification — saved from the Penalty of sin (in the past, when we accepted Christ); (2) Sanctification — saved from the Power of sin (in the present, as we struggle with temptations); and (3) Glorification — saved from the Presence of sin (in the future, when Christ returns).

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1. Submission to the Authorities: Do you find it hard to submit to authorities? Why or why not? How could understanding God as the ultimate authority help you in your submission? Please note that submitting to authorities includes even obeying traffic laws (i.e. observing speed limits, complete stop at stop signs, etc.). How could you improve in this or similar areas of submission? 

2. Debt of Love: “Owe no one anything, except to love each other” (13:8). How does loving others relate to owing a debt? Could you think of a particular person or two whom you would like to pay back your debt of love in the near future? How do you plan to do it?

3. Wake Up: “...understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber...let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently...” vv.11-13. How would you define or categorize the present time? In what way(s) that you need to “wake up”? What are some of the deeds of darkness that you need to put aside?

4. Your own insight: (fill in yourself)

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Meditation and Application:

Meditate on the above questions along with the necessary actions. Commit to love and to fight a good fight with the armor of light (i.e. deeds of holiness; uprightness, Christ-honoring living, etc.).