Child dressed in police uniform saluting a police officer on the street
Authority, Bible, Evil, Fear, Good, Respect, Romans, Scripture

NO FEAR OF AUTHORITY

ROMANS 13:3

“For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;”

Okay, be honest. You’re traveling down the road at just over the speed limit and you see a police car. What do you do? You instinctively take your foot off the accelerator, right? You tap those brakes just a little and then you watch in your rear view mirror to see if they turn around and turn on their blue lights. That may depend on just how fast you were driving. The point is we all have that little fear of getting a speeding ticket.

Paul tells us in today’s verse to just drive the speed limit, and you will have no fear. Well, he didn’t exactly say that, but you get my drift. He asks, “Do you want to have no fear of authority?” And then he answers his own question. “Do what is good…” If we are obeying those in authority and doing good toward them, we will have no fear of them. Paul tells us those in authority are there for a reason – to point us toward good behavior.

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated by the phrase “cause of fear” is phobos. We get our word phobia from that. It’s a fear that causes you to withdraw. I have a fear of snakes. When I see one, I want to go the other direction. I can’t for the life of me understand why anyone would want to touch one, at least a live one. Paul is telling us that our authorities in our lives should not cause us to withdraw. Quite the contrary, we should be drawn to them if we are doing good.

Paul makes the point that authorities are not in our lives to make us fearful of doing good but rather to make us fearful of doing evil. That makes sense, doesn’t it? I feared my dad’s belt, not for doing good things to my siblings, but for doing bad things to them. And that fear was a healthy fear, not a scared to death fear. I knew he was shaping my future behavior by how he dealt with my misbehaviors.

What are you fearful of? I pray it’s not those in authority over you. I pray your response to them is a healthy respect and obedience, so you will not have to fear consequences for not obeying their guidance. May your response be exactly what Paul says in the last phrase of today’s verse. “Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;” Amen?

Thank You, Lord, for those whom You have placed over me. Help to bless them as I serve them.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Security officer holding a woman's arm as she resists in a crowded urban area
Bible, Condemnation, Opposition, Resistance, Romans, Scripture, Submission

OPPOSITION LEADS TO CONDEMNATION

ROMANS 13:2

“Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.”

I have had a lot of bosses in my lifetime. Some were great and others, well, not so great. When I was young, I didn’t understand the principle of submission. I just knew to do what the boss told me. My dad taught me that. He also taught me to respect anyone in authority over me. That included teachers, coaches or bosses. I sure do miss his advice and guidance.

Paul continues his teaching on submission to authority in today’s verse and this time makes it abundantly clear that resistance to authority is really opposition to God. The Greek word translated as “resists” is a strong word, stronger than “resists” implies. It’s antitássomai which means to be “squared of (opposite to); opposed to in principle and in practice.” (HELPS Word-studies). It’s in the Middle Voice which means this person is making a personal decision to resist. And the word “opposed” is anthístēmi which means to stand against someone or something.

APPLICATION

Opposition to God is not a smart thing, is it? Oh, but you don’t know my boss, Carl. They’re horrible! Let me ask you a question. Did you agree to work where you working? Then you have agreed to obey your authority. For some reason, God has placed them over you, if for nothing else to drive you to your knees to pray for them.

Paul gives another example of ungodly opposition in 2 Timothy 3:8. “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, worthless in regard to the faith.” Who were these men? They are said to be two of the magicians who opposed Moses in Egypt. Their opposition to Moses was really opposition to God since Moses was speaking for Him. We know how it ended for them, don’t we?

As you consider your response to today’s verse, ask yourself is there something you can do to better serve those in authority over you. I have always tried to work just as hard in the presence of my boss as when he/she was away. When we honor those God has place over us in this world, we are really honoring our Lord. When it’s difficult God understands and will give you the endurance to get through. Just be Jesus.

Lord, it’s hard sometimes to submit to our authorities when we disagree. Help me to focus on my submission to You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Medieval sword resting on parchment documents and scroll on wooden table
Bible, Scripture, Submission, Authority, Subjection, Romans

SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY

ROMANS 13:1

“Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”

I can think of no better passage in Scripture to address today’s verse than Mark 12:13-17. I know it’s a long passage but bear with me. “13 Then they *sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. 14 They came and *said to Him, ‘Teacher, we know that You are truthful and do not care what anyone thinks; for You are not partial to anyone, but You teach the way of God in truth. Is it permissible to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? 15 Are we to pay, or not pay?’ But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, ‘Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.’ 16 And they brought one. And He *said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ And they said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ 17 And Jesus said to them, ‘Pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were utterly amazed at Him.”

In Paul’s time all the ruling kingdoms were pagan kingdoms, so this was a great topic to address to first century Christians. It still applies to us today. All around us we are witnessing pure anarchy in the streets. It’s not just here in America. I hear stories from all over the world. People don’t like their government, so they revolt. As followers of Christ, we answer to a higher authority and therefore have to trust Him.

APPLICATION

Paul discusses this topic of submission to governing authorities in the first seven verses of chapter 13. Obviously, this was a question raised by more than one early follower of Christ. Were they to continue to obey Roman law? Paul basically says, “Yes.” Unless the governing authorities are telling you to do something illegal or immoral which goes against God’s law, you should obey them.

I can think of a time in the early days of the Christian movement when Peter and John faced such a question. They had been arrested by the Jewish leaders. Look what happened in Acts 4:18-20. “18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, make your own judgment; 20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” 

Now, listen carefully. There may come a time in your life when you are faced with such a dilemma. Do I obey the authorities even though I know it is not God’s Will or do I follow God and accept the consequences that come? There are many in the world who face that question daily. Let’s covenant to pray for them to have strength in the face of adversity. Until we are faced with such a question, we are to be obedient to God by being obedient to those in authority over us.

Sometimes Lord, it’s hard to submit to those I disagree with, but help me be obedient to You by being obedient to them.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Wooden cross on rocky mountain summit with sun setting behind clouds
Bible, Conquerors, Evil, Good, Overcome, Romans, Scripture

OVERCOMING EVIL

ROMANS 12:21

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Have you ever let your emotions get the best of you? You know what I mean. Something happens to upset you and before you know it, you have lost your cool and said or done something that you regret. Isn’t it best to stop and count to ten before you make a hasty, often regrettable decision? I have to count to 100 sometimes to calm myself down, lol.

In this last verse of chapter 12 of Romans, Paul wraps up his discussion of how to get along with others which he started back in verse 9. He has been giving us some very practical life skills on how to live with people, whether friends or enemies. In today’s verse, he uses a Greek verb which comes from a word we are very familiar with in the sports world. The word “overcome” is nikáō which comes “from níkē, (victory) – properly, conquer (overcome); to carry off the victory, come off victorious. The verb implies a battle” (HELPS Word-studies) We’ve all heard of Nike, right? What young boy hasn’t wanted a pair of Nike Air Jordans?

APPLICATION

Paul is telling us to not allow evil to gain victory over us, to conquer us. Instead, we are to conquer our inclinations toward evil by doing good. Remember yesterday’s verse? Do good to your enemies (give them food and water). By being intentional about doing good, the desire to do evil is conquered. This verb nikáō occurs 28 times in the New Testament. And get this – 14 of those times it occurs in Revelation. The last use is in Revelation 21:7 which says, “The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” I just love that, don’t you?

The word used for “evil” is the same word Paul used back in verse 17. It’s the Greek word kakós which really refers to the inward evil in a person. Some would define this as having a morally rotten character. It differs from poneros which refers to the effects of evil. Paul is telling us to not let this morally corrupt evil overcome us. We need to reflect the opposite and portray the love of Christ toward our enemies.

You may have someone in your life right now who tempts you toward evil. You want to repay them for all they have done to you. You want to get even. You may even wish them harm. Repent of those thoughts and do as Paul instructs. Overcome evil with good. Pray for them. Do good to them. And watch how the Lord heals your heart toward them.

O God, it’s hard to love those who hate you, but Your Son did just that. Let me show that kind of love to everyone.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Hand holding a small glowing ember with a campfire in the background
Bible, Enemies, Good, Goodness, Heart, Pain, Repentance, Romans, Scripture

BURNING COALS 

ROMANS 12:20

“‘BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.’”

Doing good to others is easy when it’s someone you love or like. Right? When your friends or family have a need or maybe just a want that you can meet, it feels good to do them good. But when it’s someone who does not like you and may have done you harm, the last thing you want to do is anything good for them. We’re going to see God’s response to that in today’s verse.

Remember, Paul has been talking about how to treat others for the last several verses (vs 9ff). Yesterday we saw that vengeance belongs to the Lord. He will handle any punishments for our enemies in His time. So, today’s verse just builds on that. Instead of seeking vengeance we are to do good to those who are our enemies. Paul says to “feed him” and “give him a drink.” Paul is quoting Proverbs 25:21-22 which says, “21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” Let’s look closer at these “burning coals.”

APPLICATION

Have you ever been burned by an ember from a fire? I have. It hurts! Fire burns and usually leaves a mark. When I was in the fourth grade (I think), we were roasting marshmallows over coals in our fireplace. Well, I used to let mine catch on fire, pull them out and blow them off. This one time I snatched it up too fast and the marshmallow stuck to my nose. Talk about painful! I looked like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for a while.

Albert Barnes explains what Paul is saying pretty well. “Burning coals heaped on a man’s head would be expressive of intense agony. So, the apostle says that the ‘effect’ of doing good to an enemy would be to produce pain. But the pain will result from shame, remorse of conscience, a conviction of the evil of his conduct, and an apprehension of divine displeasure that may lead to repentance.” Doing good to an enemy makes them feel uncomfortable and hopefully turns their heart toward God.

We have a great picture of this in 2 Kings 6.8-23. This is the story of when the king of Aram tried to capture Elisha the prophet. Remember the story? They surrounded the city where Elisha was, but God showed his servant the army of God that was there. The end result was the enemy army was stricken blind and led to the King of Israel in Samaria. Of course, the king of Israel thought they should kill them. But what did Elisha say? Give them bread and water and send them home. Great idea, Elisha! I love the end of verse 23, and I think it applies to our verse today. “And the marauding bands of Arameans did not come again into the land of Israel.” Those “burning coals” of goodness resulted in a change of heart for the Arameans toward Israel and Elisha.

To whom can you do good today? Let the pain of you doing good to someone who hates you cause the change in their hearts. God is able to do that. You are just being obedient to His Word.

Father, turn my heart toward goodness for my enemies rather than vengeance.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Lightning bolt striking ancient warriors surrounded by burning tents in mountainous terrain
Bible, Enemies, Promises, Revenge, Romans, Scripture, Vengeance, Wrath

VENGEANCE IS MINE

ROMANS 12:19

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: ‘VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,’ says the Lord.”

We’ve all heard this statement from Scripture at some point in our lives. It comes from Deuteronomy 32:35 where it reads, “‘Vengeance is Mine, and retribution; in due time their foot will slip. For the day of their disaster is near, and the impending things are hurrying to them.’” We don’t have to worry about getting our own revenge on our enemies. God, in due time, will take care of that for us.

As Paul continues to tell us how to engage with others, he warns against taking our “own revenge.” The verb here is ekdikéō which means to “dispense justice, carrying a judgment completely through.” (HELPS Word-studies). This verb is used six times in the New Testament. In this verse we are warned against becoming our own self-appointed avenger. We are not in a position to judge anyone, are we?

APPLICATION

In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells the parable of the judge who reluctantly gave the woman justice who kept coming to him asking him to do that. That is the same verb used here in Romans. The woman could not avenge herself. She was reliant on the judge to do that for her. The same is true for us. God is the one who judges, not us.

The last time this verb is used is in Revelation 19:1-2. “1 After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God, 2 BECAUSE HIS JUDGMENTS ARE TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS; for He has judged the great prostitute who was corrupting the earth with her sexual immorality, and HE HAS AVENGED THE BLOOD OF HIS BOND-SERVANTS ON HER.’” God will avenge His children. We may not live to see it done, but it will be done by a holy, just God.

Paul tells us in today’s verse to “leave room for the wrath of God.” Here is where we fail. We don’t leave room for God to avenge us. We retaliate first and then ask for forgiveness. That is not how God works. The word “wrath” is a strong word. Paul knew God had all power and was quite capable of handling his enemies. Can we do the same? If we can trust Him with our eternity, can’t we trust Him to handle our enemies? Surely, we can.

Lord, forgive me when I jump out in front of You to take vengeance on others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Two people shaking hands in an autumn park with trees and fallen leaves
Bible, Peace, Possible, Romans, Scripture

IF POSSIBLE, BE AT PEACE

ROMANS 12:18

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.”

When I was in college, I had a part-time ministry position at a small Baptist church where I served as music and youth director. This little church was my first ministry role and one I will never forget. They were so good to me as an eighteen-year-old young man. I will never forget one of the choir’s favorite anthems that they loved to sing at least once a quarter – “Nothing is Impossible.” I can still sing that chorus by heart.

Paul raises the issue of the possibility of being at peace with all people in verse 18. He writes, “If possible.” That’s exactly what the Greek says. The conjunction “if” is a conditional word. It does not denote certainty. Certain things have to occur for the following action to occur. The word “possible” is dynatós which means “able, power, or possible.” I am reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:26, “‘with God all things are possible.’”

APPLICATION

So, what is Paul pointing out as a conditional possibility? That we should “be at peace with all people.” The Greek word translated here as “be at peace” is eirēneúō which is only used three other times in the New Testament (we’ll see those below). It comes from eirḗnē, (peace). HELPS Word-studies says it is “living in the condition of God’s peace (gift of wholeness, integrity of being).”

In Mark 9:50 when Jesus was talking to his disciples and giving them some serious warnings, He ends it by saying, “‘and be at peace with one another.’” I bet Jesus had to do a lot of refereeing among those twelve, don’t you? We know Peter could be a hothead and one was a zealot known for his passion. But Jesus also knew they could learn to be at peace with one another.

Later in 2 Corinthians 13:11 Paul writes, “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, mend your ways, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” We can only be at peace with others if we have the God of peace in our lives. Just look at the attempts at peace in the world. There will never be world peace until all men bow to Jesus.

Paul tells the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 5:13b. “Live in peace with one another.” It didn’t matter who he was writing to, Paul knew they all needed this directive. He knew everyone deals with this issue. It hasn’t changed, has it? We still need to lean on the God of peace to produce that peace through us. We have to do all we can to make peace with others. That’s our part. God handles the rest.

Father, I do desire to be at peace with all men. Help me do that daily.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Roman man pointing and scolding a kneeling young man in tattered clothing in an ancient courtyard
Love, Bible, Scripture, Evil, Respect, Romans

RESPECT FOR OTHERS

ROMANS 12:17

“Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people.”

When I read today’s verse, I instantly thought of one my memory passages from our Every Man A Warrior study. 1 Peter 3:8-9 says, “8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing.” Isn’t that a fitting passage to begin our look at Romans 12:17?

As Paul continues to give us practical, everyday guidelines as believers, he directs us to do things today. One – never repay evil for evil and two – respect what is right. Those are a couple of good suggestions, don’t you think? Both of these are in the Present Tense so we should be doing this all the time, not just once or twice. They should be our lifestyle of dealing with others.

APPLICATION

The word “repay” is the Greek word apodidómi which literally means to deliver or make a payment. Even when people do evil against us it does not give us a free pass to do evil to them. Don’t forget the culture in which Paul is writing. The Roman rule over Christians was harsh. Many of the early believers were slaves to hard masters. I am sure some lay in bed at night thinking of ways to pay back their masters for their horrible treatment. So, Paul was addressing a real world problem. Paul uses the same word in 1 Thessalonians 5:15. “See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people.”

Then Paul says to “respect what is right.” The word “respect” is pronoéō which means “to think (plan) before, showing necessary forethought to act properly (in God’s will).” (HELPS Word-studies). It’s also used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 8:21. “for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of other people.” Paul uses it again in 1 Timothy 5:8 to admonish the man who does not care for his family. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Repay appropriately and respect appropriately. Are we doing that to those who wish us evil, to those who treat us harshly, to those who ignore and shun us? I never said it was easy, but it is possible or the Lord would not have told us to do it. Right? So, dust yourself when they knock you down and pray. God will give you the ability to do whatever He asks of you.

Lord, You ask some hard things of us at times, but I know with Your power I am able to do it.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Two toddlers sitting on a blanket playing with stacking rings and blocks
Bible, Scripture, Wisdom, Conceit, Humility, Harmony, Mind, Romans

GETTING ALONG WITH OTHERS

ROMANS 12:16

“Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.”

Learning how to get along with others is a skill we try to develop in our children. We teach them to share their toys and to play well with other children. We teach them to not fight and argue. And more importantly, we try to teach them that we need to treat others how we want to be treated ourselves. As my wife and I care for our two youngest grandchildren, we are teaching them to love each other and be kind to each other. Too many adults out there were never taught this by their parents.

Paul stresses these skills in today’s verse. He mentions four things in verse 16 that are essential for us as followers of Christ in order to preserve the unity in the body of Christ. I wonder if he was addressing certain individuals in these statements. He doesn’t mention any names, but he may have been told of certain conflicts among the Roman believers. But these traits he is teaching also apply to how to treat anyone, believers or not.

APPLICATION

Being “of the same mind toward one another” is an interesting statement. The Greek literally reads, “the same thing toward one another minding.” HELPS Word-studies says the Greek word phronéō translated as “minding” has to do with a mindset that is shown in outward behavior. In other words, how we think about others will be shown in how we act towards them. Paul urges us to have the same mindset, to get along. That’s a toddler skill, remember.

This skill is reflected in the following three things Paul talks about. He says for us to “not be haughty in mind.” That means to not be conceited or too high minded toward others. As Christians we are not to put ourselves above others. We need to have the same attitude as Christ (see Philippians 2:5-8). That will definitely preserve the unity of the body.

Then Paul says to “associate with the lowly.” The word “associate” is synapágō and is only used two other times (Galatians 2:13 and 2 Peter 3:17) where it is used in a negative way. The Topical Lexicon says the use of the word in today’s verse means “Believers are urged to let themselves be ‘carried along with’ the humble, rather than drifting toward social pride.”

Finally, Paul tells us to “not be wise in your own estimation.” I am reminded of Proverbs 18:1-2 which reads, “1 One who separates himself seeks his own desire; he quarrels against all sound wisdom. 2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but in revealing his own mind.” Don’t be a fool. Be wise how you treat others. Let’s all relearn those toddler skills we instill in our children and grandchildren. The world and the body of Christ would be much better. Amen?

Give me a humble heart and allow me to see others as more important than myself.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Two women sitting on a couch, holding and comforting each other while crying.
Bible, Companions, Crying, Fellowship, Rejoicing, Romans, Scripture

BE APPROPRIATE

ROMANS 12:15

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

I have been weeping the past couple of weeks with a dear brother who lost his older brother and was unable to attend the funeral in another country due to the violence around his home village. We cried and prayed together a lot. He and I have also had times of rejoicing over a new discipleship group getting launched in a church or over a new believer in Christ. He knows I will rejoice and weep with him.

Why do you think Paul puts these two directives together? Do people really have to be reminded to be appropriate with their emotions toward others? I guess so. Nothing has changed since Paul’s writing these words to the Romans. People can still be very inappropriate in their expression of emotions toward others. Rejoice when it’s time and weep when it’s time.

APPLICATION

Paul uses the same word for “rejoice” as he did back in verse 12 when we are told to rejoice in hope. I don’t need to go over that word again, do I? Go back in this blog site and read that again, if necessary. Let me point out the little preposition there. It’s the Greek word meta which really points to the after effect of the activity. That’s important to what Paul is saying. The rejoicing is done with the after effect in mind.

The same preposition is used when Paul writes “weep with those who weep.” It’s more about the after effect of the weeping you do with someone. The friend I mentioned earlier has become a dearer brother because of my weeping with him. This weeping really means to wail aloud, to really cry out loud. It’s not the quiet crying. Do not be afraid to let your cries be heard.

Rejoice or weep – which do you prefer? I think we would all prefer rejoicing, right? But there is a time and place for both. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:4 where it says, “A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Whatever you are called on to do, do it with a pure motive for the benefit of the one you are joining.

Thank You, God, for friends who will rejoice and weep with me when I need them.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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