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Key Text: Romans 13
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” — Romans 13:1 (KJV)
Introduction
How should Christians live in a world that often rejects God?
That question is just as important today as it was in the first century.
Romans 13 teaches believers how to relate to civil government, fulfill God’s law through love, and live with a sense of urgency because Christ’s return is drawing near.
These instructions were not written during an ideal political climate. Paul wrote them while the Roman Empire ruled the known world—a government that would eventually imprison and execute him.
Yet even under difficult circumstances, Paul calls believers to honor God by respecting lawful authority, loving others, and living holy lives.
Romans 13 reminds us that our greatest citizenship is in heaven, but until Christ returns, we are called to be faithful representatives of His kingdom here on earth.
God Has Established Human Government (Romans 13:1–2)
Paul begins with a command:
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.”
Government is not merely a human invention.
Paul teaches that civil authority is part of God’s design for maintaining order in society.
Why Authority Exists
God established government to:
- Promote justice
- Restrain evil
- Protect innocent people
- Preserve order
Although governments are led by imperfect people, the institution of government itself is ordained by God.
Christians are called to respect lawful authority because doing so honors the God who established it.
When Government Conflicts with God
Romans 13 is not teaching blind obedience to sinful commands.
Throughout Scripture, God’s people respectfully refused to obey rulers whenever human laws directly contradicted God’s commands.
Examples include:
- The Hebrew midwives (Exodus 1)
- Daniel (Daniel 6)
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3)
- Peter and the apostles (Acts 5:29)
Their example teaches us an important principle:
We obey government whenever possible, but we obey God above all else.
Government as God’s Servant (Romans 13:3–7)
Paul describes governing authorities as:
“The minister of God.”
Government has a God-given responsibility to punish evil and encourage what is good.
Because of this, believers should seek to be law-abiding citizens.
Paying Taxes
Paul writes:
“Render therefore to all their dues.”
That includes:
- Taxes
- Revenue
- Respect
- Honor
Jesus Himself taught:
“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
Paying taxes may not be enjoyable, but Christians honor God by fulfilling their civic responsibilities with integrity.
Love Fulfills the Law (Romans 13:8–10)
After discussing our responsibility to government, Paul turns to our responsibility toward one another.
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another.”
Love is the one debt we never finish paying.
Love Fulfills God’s Commands
Paul summarizes several commandments:
- Do not commit adultery.
- Do not murder.
- Do not steal.
- Do not covet.
Then he concludes:
“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour.”
When we genuinely love others, we naturally seek their good.
Love does not replace God’s moral law.
Love fulfills it.
True biblical love always acts in ways that honor God and bless people.
Wake Up! (Romans 13:11–14)
Paul closes the chapter with a sense of urgency.
“Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep.”
The Christian life is never meant to be lived carelessly.
Every day brings us one step closer to Christ’s return.
The Night Is Far Spent
Paul says:
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand.”
The darkness of this present age will not last forever.
Jesus Christ is coming again.
That hope should shape how we live today.
Put Off Darkness
Paul urges believers to reject sinful behavior such as:
- Drunkenness
- Sexual immorality
- Strife
- Jealousy
These attitudes belong to the old life, not the new one we have in Christ.
Put On the Lord Jesus Christ
The chapter ends with one of the Bible’s greatest practical commands.
“Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Just as we choose our clothing every morning, believers are called each day to clothe themselves with Christ’s character.
His humility, purity, compassion, holiness, and love.
The more closely we walk with Jesus, the more clearly others will see Him in us.
What Romans 13 Means for Us Today
Romans 13 speaks powerfully to our generation.
Respect Authority
Even when we disagree with government leaders or policies, Christians should demonstrate respect, pray for those in authority, and seek to live peaceably whenever possible.
Remember Your Higher Allegiance
Our ultimate loyalty belongs to Jesus Christ.
Earthly governments come and go.
God’s kingdom is eternal.
Let Love Guide Your Relationships
Ask yourself:
“What is truly best for this person?”
That question often leads us toward Christlike love.
Live with Eternity in View
Every sunrise reminds us that Christ’s return is one day nearer.
That truth should motivate us to live faithfully, serve joyfully, and share the Gospel boldly.
Living Romans 13
Ask yourself these questions this week:
- Am I demonstrating respect for lawful authority?
- Is my love for others visible in my words and actions?
- Are there attitudes or behaviors I need to “put off”?
- Am I intentionally “putting on” the character of Christ each day?
- Am I living with the expectation that Jesus could return at any time?
Romans 13 reminds us that every ordinary day is an opportunity to honor Christ through faithful living.
Final Thoughts
Romans 13 teaches that the Gospel transforms every area of life.
It shapes how we relate to:
Government.
Neighbors.
Family.
Society.
Most importantly, it shapes our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Believers are called to be citizens who honor lawful authority, neighbors who genuinely love others, and disciples who live with eager anticipation of Christ’s return.
As darkness increases around us, God’s people are called to shine even brighter.
The Christian life is not merely about avoiding sin.
It is about putting on Christ every day.
When we live that way, the world catches a glimpse of the Savior we serve.
What’s It Mean?
Romans 13 teaches that Christians are called to respect lawful governing authorities because God has established government to promote order and justice. At the same time, believers owe a continual debt of love to others, for love fulfills God’s moral law. As followers of Christ, we are to live holy lives, reject the works of darkness, and “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” always remembering that His return is drawing near.
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Want to do a deeper dive in the study of Romans? Get my book, Romans: The Glory of the Gospel and the Obedience of Faith, by making your choice of platforms below:
Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.