Person sleeping in bed with bedside table showing phone, coffee mug, alarm clock, and book
Bible, End Times, Gospel, Romans, Scripture, Sleeping, Time

KNOWING THE TIME

ROMANS 13:11

“Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed.”

I set my alarm on my phone every night in order to make sure I am awake at a certain time. Nine times out of ten, though, I wake up about five minutes before the alarm goes off. Sometimes I awaken before that. It’s like my body clock just knows the time. I can’t wait each morning to get up, get my coffee and get into the Word. I need that morning cup of joe and my morning time with the Lord.

I just love this verse. It’s so full of imagery. Before the Gospel was presented to us, the time was full of darkness and sin. But Paul says, “it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep.” In other words, “WAKE UP! Daylight’s burning!” Paul knew the importance of the day. He knew the time of salvation was near. This is a call for each of us to get up and get going. We’ve got work to do.

APPLICATION

It’s one thing to know the time you are supposed to do something and actually showing up and doing it on time. For instance, going to work on time. I have heard it said that if you’re early, you’re on time and if you’re on time, you’re late. I have always tried to be on any job I had before it was time to start working. As a supervisor I was always in my office before my employees. But I had to be aware of the time in order to do that.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8, Paul writes a similar thought to the church in Thessaloniki. “5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6 so then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, let’s be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.”

The days are dwindling, brothers and sisters. As Paul says, “salvation is near.” This salvation, many believe, refers to our ultimate salvation from sin and darkness. Can you imagine? Don’t you want that for your loved ones? Don’t you want to share the good news of the Gospel with those you know need to hear it? It’s time to wake up! The world needs to hear the message of Christ, before it’s too late.

Thank You, Lord for waking me up to the Gospel. Give me opportunities to share it with 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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Bible, Evil, Love, Neighbors, Romans, Scripture, WRONGS

DO NO WRONG

ROMANS 13:10

“Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.”

There are neighbors who just cannot get along. They fight about trees and fences. They even fight about an outside flood light. They say fences make good neighbors. I am not sure about that. Fences divide people. I understand the whole property line thing, but it is not about that. People who fight with their neighbors just want what they want no matter how others feel about it.

Paul has spent the last several verses talking about how to treat others. In today’s verse he kind of wraps up this thought before moving on to some other thoughts for the rest of the chapter (I know, he didn’t write chapters). After telling us to love each other, he says, “Love does no wrong…” the word for “wrong” here is kakos which Strong’s Concordance says means, “worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas poneros properly refers to effects), i.e. (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious — bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked.”

APPLICATION

Kakos is a primary word in the New Testament where it is used 50 times. Paul uses it 15 times in Romans alone. But one of the clear pictures of this word is found in 2 Timothy 4:14-15 where Paul uses it again. “14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Be on guard against him yourself too, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.”

You see, those who do evil against us are really rebelling against God. If you choose to do wrong to others, you also are disobeying the Lord’s command to love your neighbor. In 1 John 4:20 we are told, “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and yet he hates his brother or sister, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother and sister whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”

Just who is this “brother” or “sister” or “neighbor”? Remember the story of the Good Samaritan. It’s found in Luke 10. Jesus told this story after He was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” The one who showed love was the neighbor. The one who went out of their way, at great personal risks, was the neighbor. Are you that kind of neighbor? Can you love that way? Sure, you can. Let God love through you.

Help me, Lord, to love others as You love them and only seek their good.

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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Bible, Commands, Love, Neighbors, Romans, Scripture

TO SUM IT UP

ROMANS 13:9

“For this, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,’ and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’”

How we treat others is evidence of our faith walk. If we live our lives for ourselves disregarding the effect it has on others, I am not sure we are true believers. You have heard people say, “Well, that’s just the way God made me,” to try to justify a negative behavior. That is just a lie from the pit of hell. Excuse my bluntness. But we are told in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

Paul sums up the commandments he listed from Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 which have to do with how we treat others. Remember the first four commandments are the vertical commands as they relate to us and God. The remaining six commands are horizontal dealing with others. Paul claims all six can be summed up by Leviticus 19:18 which reads, “You shall not take vengeance, nor hold any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.”

APPLICATION

Paul uses an accounting term which would have been very recognizable to his readers. The Greek word for “summed up” is a cool word, anakephalaíomai. It is used here and in Ephesians 1:10 where Paul writes, “to bring all things together in Christ.” It means to “sum up all the parts as a comprehensive (organized) whole.” (HELPS Word-studies).

All the commands about the horizontal relationships are accomplished as we love our neighbors. For instance, you can’t commit adultery and say you love your neighbor as God does. You surely can’t murder them or steal from them. Even coveting something others have reflects a lack of love for others. Man, this is heavy stuff, isn’t it? But it really quite simple. Love others as God loves them, and you fulfill the law regarding others.

Is there someone you need to love better? Is there someone you have wronged? Make that right. Seek to love them with the love that resides in you as a follower of Christ. Keep your old self dead. It has no place in your life anymore. I didn’t say this was easy. The devil will tempt us all to lash out or show our ugly side. But just remember – Christ resides within you through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Now go love well today.

I will choose today to love my neighbor as 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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Bible, Debt, Love, Romans, Scripture

OWE NOTHING BUT LOVE

ROMANS 13:8

“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law.”

In Luke’s account of Jesus’ instructions to the disciples on how to pray (the Lord’s Prayer) it reads in Luke 11:4, “And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.” The word “indebted” is the same word used in Romans 13:8 for “owe.” It’s the Greek word opheílō which “refers to being morally obligated (or legally required) to meet an obligation, i.e. to pay off a legitimate debt.” (HELPS Word-studies) Let’s look at our indebtedness.

Paul tells us in today’s verse to NOT be indebted, to NOT owe anyone anything except love. I would love to be completely debt free. But like most people (at least here in the U.S.) I have a house mortgage and some other debts. I am indebted to others to pay off these debts. But there is one debt I should continue to pay – love for one another. After telling us in verse 7 to pay what is due to others, he drives the nail home with this verse. The most important debt to pay is love.

APPLICATION

MacLaren says about this verse, “the debt of love is never discharged. After all payments it still remains owing. There is no paying in full of all demands, and, as Bengel says, it is an undying debt.” The end of today’s verse reminds me of the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:39. He told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Do you love yourself? Then love your neighbors as well.

And what is this love with which we are love others? It’s God’s love, of course. If you haven’t discovered it yet, you will. There are some people who are just hard to love. I could name a few, lol. The good news is you don’t have to. What? That’s right. God will love them through you. You just have to die to yourself and allow Him to.

1 John 4:16 tells us, “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.” If you are a child of God, His love is in you. And if His love is in you, it wants to get out! Let it out. Keep letting it out.

Thank You, Father, for Your love which lives in me.

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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Bible, Honor, Honorablre, Payment, Repayment, Respect, Romans, Scripture, Tax

PAY WHAT IS DUE

ROMANS 13:7

“Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.”

As followers of Christ, we should be law-abiding citizens. When it comes to paying taxes and obeying the authorities, we should be the first to do so. Rebellion for rebellion’s sake is not an act approved by the Scriptures. I have always attempted to follow the law and do what it requires. I may not like a certain law, but I will do my best to obey it. It was no different in Paul’s day.

As Paul concludes these verses on submitting to those in authority, he simply says to “pay to all what is due them.” The Greek word translated “pay” is apodídōmi. I love what the Topical Lexicon says about this word. “In every usage Scripture presents a God-governed moral order in which what is owed—whether money, honor, duty, or judgment—must ultimately be returned.” Paul has been telling us since verse 1 of this chapter that all authority is placed by God. That is why we “pay” them back.

APPLICATION

Paul goes on to clarify what he is telling us here. He lists four things in particular, “tax,” “custom,” respect,” and “honor.” The word “tax” refers to a property tax. The word is only used five times. It’s used twice in Luke (20:22; 23:2) where the Jews are talking about paying tax to Caesar. I don’t know about you, but I don’t really like paying property tax. But as long as the government requires it, I don’t have much of a choice.

In contrast, the word “custom” is a tax as well but refers to a mercantile tax or revenue. The Greek word is telos which is often used as “finish” or “end.” So, this “custom” or tax was paid at the end of a transaction.

“Respect” is the same word we saw back in 13:3. Here in verse 7 it is better to use the word “respect” to translate it rather than “fear” which we saw earlier. It is true that respect is earned. I get that. But we are commanded here to pay respect to our authorities because of the position they hold, not because of their personality. Don’t forget that.

And the last payment we are to make is “honor.” The Greek word is defined as the respect due to persons of distinction. Some people have trouble showing honor to people they disagree with about something. Think of this way – you are being honorable by showing honor. Isn’t that what Jesus would do? (not to be cliché) Make your payments count!

Lord, I will strive to pay what You require of me towards 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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Bible, Minister, Ministry, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service

GOD’S MINISTERS

ROMANS 13:6

“For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.”

The first thing I think of when I think of ministers is someone who is in full-time Christian ministry. But there are a lot of different kinds of ministers. For example, in many governments, elected officials are called Minsters of Parliament (MPs). That title carries with it the authority to act on behalf of their constituents in enacting laws and voting to secure funding for their districts. They are ministers of the people.

Paul uses a word today which is translated “servants” which is only used four other times in the New Testament. The word is leitourgós which “was originally a term for public service done by an official minister of the State. In classical Greek, it means ‘one who discharges a public office at his own expense, then, generally, a public servant, a minister, servant.’” (HELPS Word-studies). This term also became used for those who were in a priestly role serving the Lord. Who are our ministers today?

APPLICATION

Speaking of himself in Romans 15:16, Paul writes, “to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” Paul saw himself as a servant of both the Lord and the Gentiles. He was willing to lay it all on the line for both. Are you?

In Philippians 2:25, Paul calls Epaphroditus a “minister to my need.” That’s the same word. Epaphroditus came to Paul to serve him but got sick and almost died. But God healed him and he was able to return to the Philippians. Epaphroditus also laid it all on the line for the Lord and for Paul. Are you willing to be a “minister” like that?

The writer to the Hebrews uses it twice (1:7 and 8:2). The first use is in a quote from Psalm 104:4, “And regarding the angels He says, ‘HE MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.’” The Hebrew word sharath translated “ministers” has a similar definition as leitourgós. Isn’t that cool that the angels are also God’s ministers who serve Him and His Son?

The final time leitourgós is used is Hebrews 8:2 where it describes Jesus in that role. We need to back up to verse 1, however, to get the full impact. “1 Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord set up, not man.” Jesus called Himself a servant, did He not?

You may be a role in which you minister to others or maybe your ministry is to your family. As followers of Christ, we are all ministers (servants) of God to do His bidding. Minister to and for Him today.

Thank You, Father, for all the ministers I have in my life, both publicly and spiritually.

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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Quote reading 'A clear conscience is the most comfortable pillow, finding peace within' with decorative floral and celestial elements
Bible, Conscience, Romans, Scripture, Subjection, Submission

FOR THE SAKE OF CONSCIENCE

ROMANS 13:5

“Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.”

Do you want to have a clear conscience? Then do what is right and good in God’s eyes. It’s really that simple. Does having a clear conscience make things easier for you? Not necessarily. People struggle all the time with their conscience. Most of those struggles are because they are not leaning on the Word of God. We know how it can guide and strengthen us. Let’s see what Paul says about this in today’s verse.

Man, I am sure this statement, “it is necessary to be in subjection,” really didn’t sit well with the readers of this letter to the Romans. What?! We should be in subjection to this tyrannical government that has enslaved us? I cannot imagine what that was like. I have read about the circumstances but that does not do it justice. However, Paul, who lived in that same circumstance, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes “it is necessary.” But let’s concentrate on the last phrase of today’s verse, “but also for the sake of conscience.”

APPLICATION

Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible says this “sake of conscience” means “to keep conscience clear, to exercise a good one void of offence towards God and men; for natural reason, conscience itself, dictates that there ought to be such order among men, that civil government should take place, and ought to be submitted to.” Did you catch that? “Void of offence towards God and men.” As followers of Christ, we are to try to avoid conflicts with others and God. That is done best by doing what is good. That’s been Paul’s guidance for the past few verses.

Paul gives a lengthy example of this in 1 Corinthians 10:25-33. You need to read this in context to get what Paul is saying. “25 Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions, for the sake of conscience; 26 FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS. 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions, for the sake of conscience. 28 But if anyone says to you, ‘This is meat sacrificed to idols,’ do not eat it, for the sake of that one who informed you and for the sake of conscience; 29 Now by ‘conscience’ I do not mean your own, but the other person’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered about that for which I give thanks? 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God. 32 Do not offend Jews or Greeks, or the church of God; 33 just as I also please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but the benefit of the many, so that they may be saved.”

There it is – “so that they may be saved.” That is why we submit to authority. That is why we avoid conflicts and try our best to not cause an offense. We want all to come to Christ and experience a glorious salvation. Keep your conscience clear by doing what is good and thereby, leading others to Jesus.

O Lord, it is hard sometimes to avoid conflicts, but for the sake of conscience I will strive to do that.

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-style dagger with decorative sheath and handle on wooden table
Avenger, Bible, Evil, Good, Romans, Scripture, Sword

THE SWORD

ROMANS 13:4

“or it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”

I was with a friend of mine this past weekend helping him pack up some things as he prepares to move. As we were packing, I noticed a sheath on the shelf and saw the hilt of what looked like a sword. He pulled it down and showed it to me. He told me he had given it to his son at his bat Mizpah when he was thirteen. It was meant to represent the sword of the Lord, His Word. What a great idea!

Paul uses the word “sword” in today’s verse to stand for the power of the authorities God has placed over us. He uses this word here and back in Romans 8:35. The sword was meant to symbolize the power to protect the innocent but to also punish the evil doers. Remember, Paul has already stated that every authority is placed by the Lord for a reason. That sword is a reminder to us that will use these authorities in our life to keep us in line.

APPLICATION

That kind of sounds like we have to live in fear, Carl. No, no, no! Paul is very explicit here in this verse. He says, “if you do what is evil” and “the one who practice evil.” Both of these are in the Present tense which implies a lifestyle, not a one time event. We all are capable of failures from time to time. God knows we will never live a perfectly sinless life. Only His Son, Jesus, was capable of that. But we are not to make evil our normal practice.

Paul uses another word of interest in this verse. He says the person who has been placed in authority serves as “an avenger who brings wrath.” The Greek word for “avenger” is ékdikos, which is defined as “someone executing a just judgment, carrying out what is right which can include administering punishment for the wicked.” (HELPS Word-studies) If they are God’s avenger against those doing evil, why should we not choose to obey, knowing that by doing that we are really obeying the Father?

Ekdikos is only used once more in the New Testament in 1 Thessalonians 4:6 where it says, “…because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you previously and solemnly warned you.” You see, it is really the Lord who avenges evil. “Submit yourself, therefore, to the Lord. Resist the devil and he will flee.” (James 4:7)

I trust the sword in the hand of the authority knowing that You place all who are in authority for a purpose.

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

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, Scripture, Submission, Condemnation, Romans, Resistance, Opposition

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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