Paul told his readers to subject themselves to the governing authorities because God appoints government officials. If one resisted the government, he resisted God and would be punished by those authorities. Governments were instituted for good, to restrain evil. If one obeyed the law, the government would reward him; but if evil, the government, God's minister, will execute judgment upon him. For conscience sake, obey. Also, pay your taxes, fear God, and honor the king.
Owe no one anything but to love each other because love is the law. All of the commandments are covered under "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," because love does not harm anyone.
Now wake up! Salvation is closer than before. Put off deeds of darkness and put on light. Walk rightly, not in drunkenness, lewdness, lust, strife, or envy.
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
COMMENTARY
Submit to government because they are ordained by God, and while many governments are made up of corrupt men, the Lord is still in control. God is not surprised by the corruption. Nonetheless, Christians are not to be in rebellion to government, although believers have opposed bad government on the theory that good government is the one ordained by God. The believer is for law and order and justice and honesty over lawlessness, injustice, and corruption (see the American Revolution). Nonetheless, it is difficult for Christians to subject themselves to corrupt governments. But they must obey the law, particularly for conscience sake.
Continuing the theme of Christian conduct, Paul commanded that Christians owe nothing to anyone but to love one another. Love is not words but action (or heart attitude) or not doing something to one's neighbor, like not coveting, not stealing, and not committing adultery. Love is the fruit of the Spirit.
And Paul also gave warning that the time is now to wake up and yield their lives to God. Looking to Christ's return should purify Christians in their heart and cause them to live for God now.
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