Author: Will

Romans 13:6 – Taxes? Really?

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Romans 13:6 – Taxes? Really?

For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.

Truth to Learn

Paying taxes is part of God’s plan for government.

Behind the Words

The words “you pay” are from the Greek verb teleō, which literally means “to end.” By implication it also means “to pay in full” with regard to tributes, customs, tolls, or taxes.

“Taxes” is translated from the Greek word phoros, which is a derivative of the verb phero, meaning “to bring.” So, phoros refers to that which is brought. It usually refers to an annual tax or tribute imposed upon persons and their property.

A couple of verses back we looked at the word “minister,” translated from the noun diakonos. The word “ministers” in this verse is different, however. It is the Greek word leitourgos, which is made up of leitos, meaning “of the people” and a form of ergon, meaning “work.” It refers to a public servant, and in this case it refers to those who are God’s public servants. The English word liturgy (a set pattern for public worship) comes from this Greek word.

“Continually” is translated from proskartereō, which is made up of pros, meaning “to or toward” and kertereō, meaning “to be strong or steadfast, that is, to endure.” Proskartereō means “to continue performing a task steadfastly or faithfully.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul has been talking about the obligation that Christians have to submit to authorities who are over us whether those authorities are occupational, religious, or civil. We are to submit to them because they have been put in place by God and they are there for our protection. The only time we are to resist these authorities is when they command us to behave contrary to the way that God has commanded us to behave.

Paul now continues with this reasoning to explain that because they have been put in place by God, Himself, we also pay taxes to them. At the time this letter was written, this tribute was paid by one province or nation to a superior as the price of protection or as an acknowledgment of subjection. The Romans made all conquered provinces and nations pay this tribute, and it became a question of whether it was right to acknowledge this claim and submit to it. This question would be particularly important to the Jews and the Jewish Christians in Rome. But on the principle which the apostle has just enunciated, it was right to do it, and was demanded by the very purposes of government.

Paul goes on to proclaim that, in fact, the governments of this world are God’s servants. They are in place to perform the public service. Thus, whether they acknowledge it or not, they are God’s public servants and as such we are to submit ourselves to them.

So the question of whether or not we should pay taxes to a corrupt, ungodly government is clearly answered by Paul. Yes, because in doing so we are submitting to them and to God.

Application

Every year as April 15th approaches, Americans prepare their tax returns. During this time we become acutely aware how much tax we really pay. The temptation is to cheat and not pay as much as we owe, but Paul says, “Pay it all.”

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 13:5 – Submission by Conscience

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Romans 13:5 – Submission by Conscience

Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.

Truth to Learn

We are to submit to authorities because it is the right thing to do.

Behind the Words

“You must” is a translation of the Greek word anangkē, which means, “it is necessary.” It expresses a stronger sense than simply, “it is appropriate” or “it is proper.”

The words “be subject” are translated from hupotassō, which we saw back in verse one means “to place oneself under the authority of another.” It is frequently translated as “submit.” It is expressed here as an infinitive. Thus, a literal translation of the opening part of this verse could be “Therefore it is necessary to be submissive.”

“Conscience” is translated from the noun suneidēsis, which is from the verb suneidō. This is made up of sun, meaning “together,” but often carrying the meaning of “completely” when used in a compound word, and eidō, meaning “to know” or “to perceive.” Hence, suneidō means “to be completely aware of” or “to be conscious of.” Thus we can see that suneidēsis refers to the state of being conscious or completely aware of something. It is that state which presents us with a moral decision of doing what we know to be right or not.

Meaning Explained

Paul now summarizes the two reasons why we should be submitted to the authorities over us. He says that it is necessary for us to submit to authorities and that it is necessary for two reasons. The first reason is “because of wrath.” That is, the authorities over us have the power and responsibility to punish disobedience. It is necessary for us to be subject to and obey the authorities over us because if we refuse to submit to them and obey them, they have the God-granted power to punish us. The second reason we are to be submissive to authorities is “for conscience’ sake.” Since we are completely aware of our responsibility to submit to authorities, we have a moral obligation to do so. In other words, in order to have a clear conscience before God, it is necessary that we submit ourselves to those in authority over us.

But what about Henry David Thoreau’s eloquent treatise On Civil Disobedience? Isn’t it sometimes appropriate, in fact isn’t it sometimes necessary, to be part of civil disobedience? For Christians, according to the Apostle Paul, unless the authority is commanding us to act contrary to the Word of God, the answer is No! We have an excellent example of this type of submission in the person of the prophet Daniel. He was taken captive to Babylon, forced to take on a new name and a new language. But he did not compromise when it came to obeying what God had commanded him to do, even though it nearly cost him his life. Not only did he survive, he prospered under the authority of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian ruler, and he also prospered under the authority of the Medo-Persian king Darius who conquered Babylon. Daniel was submissive to the authorities over him because he was submitted to God.

Application

As Christians. our ultimate objective is to be submissive to God, and part of that is to be submissive to authorities because we know that it is the right thing to do.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 13:4 – Authority of Vengeance

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Romans 13:4 – Authority of Vengeance

For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

Truth to Learn

We are to submit to those in authority and give God the glory.

Behind the Words

The word translated “minister” is diakonos, which means “one who waits on tables.” It is the word from which we get our English word “deacon.” It specifically means one who serves the needs and desires of someone else, and it is most often used in reference to a spiritual hierarchy. It is sometimes translated as “servant.”

The word translated “avenger” is ekdikos, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “from” and dike, meaning “justice.” Thus, we see that this refers to someone who carries out justice, that is, a punisher or an executioner.

“Wrath” is from orgē, which we have looked at before. It refers to “excitement of the mind.” This word can be interpreted as “strong desire,” but it can also be interpreted as “violent passion, anger, or wrath.”

Meaning Explained

The first thing that we need to ascertain in this verse is who “he” is. “He” is a reference to “the authority” spoken of in the previous verse, and it refers both to the position and to the person in that position. Those who are in authority are placed there as ministers or servants in God’s hierarchy and they are there for the purpose of doing good.

In the previous verse Paul told us that the way to not fear those in authority is to do good. In this verse he addresses the other side of that coin. “But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain.” The use of the word sword here is a reference to the ability of those in authority to execute justice on those who disobey. It may, in fact, be a reference to the ability of civil government to execute capital punishment. Paul even supports this in his next phrase, “for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.”

Clearly, Paul is telling us that the power and authorization of those who are in authority over us comes directly from God for the purpose of keeping peace and punishing evildoers. But what about those in authority who are themselves evil; should we resist them? Let’s look at David as our example here. In 1Samuel 24 he was being pursued by Saul, the King, even though David has done nothing to warrant this persecution. David and his men, hidden in a cave, have the opportunity to kill Saul when he comes into the same cave to take a nap. David refuses to kill Saul because he is God’s anointed.

And he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.” (1Samuel 24:6)

If David refused to strike Saul because he was God’s anointed ruler, then we should also refuse to act against one who God has ordained to be over us.

Application

We Christians must respect those in authority over us though they have power to do evil to us. We may not like them and they may not like us, but we are to submit ourselves to them because of their position. Such submission pleases God.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 13:3 – Fear Prevention

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Romans 13:3 – Fear Prevention

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

Truth to Learn

Good works overcome fear.

Behind the Words

The word translated “rulers,” is the Greek word archōn, which literally means “one who is first, either in time or in position.” By application this word means anyone who has power or authority over us.

“Terror” is from the noun phobos, which is derived from the verb phebomai, meaning “to flee from.” Hence, phobos refers to “fear or terror.” In the current verse it could be translated as “a fearsome thing.”

The word translated “praise” is epainos, meaning “recognition, laudation, or praise.”

Meaning Explained

Let’s remember as we’re going through this portion of Paul’s letter to the predominantly Jewish Christians in Rome that it was written around 56 A.D. This was only 2 years after Nero, one of the worst Christian haters ever, came to power as the Emperor of Rome. The Christians who were living in Rome at that time would have been under the most scrutiny of any group of people in the entire Roman Empire, and you can be sure that their treatment was anything but fair. It is likely that Paul has included this portion of his letter for that very reason. Let’s see what he said.

Paul’s use of the term “rulers” here is very likely a direct reference to Nero and his henchmen. He says that the rulers are not a terror, or a fearsome thing, to the good works but to the bad ones. The purpose of any ruler is to promote good works in the people, not evil deeds. No ruler wants the people subject to him or her to be disobedient and lawless. In many cases, as was particularly true of the emperors of Rome, the rulers considered themselves above the law, but they still wanted their subjects to obey the laws.

Paul then asks a rhetorical question, “Do you want to live without fear of the people in power?” His immediate response is, “Then do good and the rulers will praise you.”

I can hear the Roman Christians’ objection even now, “But Paul, this is Nero who is intentionally persecuting Christians. You want us to submit to his authority?!” And Paul’s answer would be an unequivocal, “Absolutely!” You see, God’s plan for us includes submitting to all who are in authority over us whether they are benevolent or tyrannical. God is aware of our circumstances, and He is the one who will ultimately judge us (and the rulers) for our evil deeds and reward us for our good deeds. Keep in mind that submission and obedience are good deeds in God’s eyes. But remember, we are always to obey the highest authority and that is God, Himself.

Application

No matter how corrupt our political rulers may be, they are not likely to be as self-serving and powerful as many of the Roman emperors. But our Ruler is greater than all earthly rulers and He wants to receive all the praise and glory, for He is worthy! No matter what you may be going through or who may be causing you to suffer, let’s remember to always keep our eyes focused on Him!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 13:2 – Authoritative Submission

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Romans 13:2 – Authoritative Submission

Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

Truth to Learn

We are to submit ourselves to those in authority over us, or we will find ourselves resisting what God has put in place.

Behind the Words

The first occurrence of the word “resists” is translated from antitassō, which is made up of anti, meaning “against” and tassō, which we looked at in the previous verse meaning “to place in order.” Therefore, we see that antitassō means “to put in an orderly arrangement against.” It is the word that is used of an army put in battle formation against the enemy.

“Ordinance” is from the Greek word diatagē, which is made up of dia, meaning “through,” but which also implies thoroughness, and a form of tassō, “to arrange.” Hence, this word refers to something that is “thoroughly arranged” or “ordained.’

The second occurrence of “resists” and the word “resist” are both translated from the Greek word anthestemi, which is another compound word. This one is made up of anti, meaning “against” and histemi, meaning “to stand.” Thus we see that these two words both mean “to take a stand against” or “to resist.”

“Bring” is from a form of the Greek word lambanō, meaning “to take.” It is in the active voice in this verse indicating that it is something being actively taken as opposed to something being passively received.

Meaning Explained

Before we talk about this verse, notice the heavy use of the root word tassō (to set in an orderly arrangement) in both the previous verse and this one. It is as if the Apostle Paul is making a stark contrast between what God has put in place and what mankind tries to put in place. Paul is very fond of using such a “play on words” to emphasize the point he is making. This is especially poignant given the fact that he spent the entire last chapter teaching us to be living sacrifices, not seeking our own will, but God’s.

In the previous verse he warned us to submit ourselves to the authorities that are over us, whether religious, occupational, or civil. We are not to fight against authority, and in this verse he tells us why:

Therefore whoever opposes the authority is standing against the orderly arrangement that God has set in place, and those who take such a stand will take judgment on themselves.

In other words, if we are contemplating the resisting of any authority that we are under, whether it is religious, occupational, or civil, we had better make absolutely certain that we are not resisting what God has put in place. Remember, that the only example that God gives us where we are to resist authority is when that authority is asking us to act contrary to God’s specific instructions to us, such as an authority telling us not to witness concerning salvation through Jesus Christ.

Application

We do not have to respect or even like people who are in authority over us, but we are to respect their position of authority and submit to them. Otherwise, we are resisting what God has put in place.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 13:1 – Civil Submission

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Romans 13:1 – Civil Submission

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Truth to Learn

We Christians are to submit to those in authority over us.

Behind the Words

“Authorities” is the Greek word exousia, which refers to “one who has authority, permission, right, or power.”

The word translated “governing” is huperechō, which is made up of huper or hyper, meaning “above” or “higher,” and echō, a verb meaning “to have or hold.” So huperechō means “those who are held over, or who have prominence over, others.”

The verb translated, “be subject to” is hupotassō, which is made up of hupo or hypo, meaning “under” or “beneath” and tassō, meaning “to place in order.” Hence, this means to place under in an orderly fashion. It is a military term referring to the submission of a soldier to one who out-ranks him.

“Appointed” is from the Greek word, tassō, which we just looked at, meaning “to place in order.” It is often translated as “ordained or appointed.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense indicating a past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the ongoing effect.

Meaning Explained

Paul has just taught Christians how to live in relation to others within the church. He now turns his attention to how we should live in the world. The church members in Rome to whom Paul is writing this letter were predominantly converted Jews, and the Jews had a long history of resisting the rule of any foreign king. They believed that God alone was their king, which is why the Emperor Claudius had previously banned all Jews from Rome (see Acts 18:2).

When Paul wrote this letter, Claudius had already been assassinated, and his son Nero was the Emperor. But, even though Nero had welcomed the Jews back into Rome, he had no love for them. This was particularly true for those whom many of that day considered to be a sect of Judaism, Christians.

In light of these facts, it is amazing that Paul would admonish us all to be subject to higher authorities. The authorities that Paul is talking about can be those in the workplace, where we are to submit to our bosses and upper management, or to civil government, whether local, regional, or national. Whoever they are, we are to place ourselves under the control of those in positions of authority over us. That means that they have the right to tell us what to do, and we are to obey what they tell us. Also notice that those who are in positions of authority over us, whether on the job, in a church, or in civil government, have been put there by God. The only situation in which we are not to submit to them is when that authority commands us to do something contrary to what God has specifically commanded us to do, such as preaching the Gospel. Paul also teaches us in his first letter to Timothy (1Timothy 2:1, 2), not only are we to submit ourselves to all authorities, we are to pray for them as well! And Peter tells us that this applies whether they are good and gentle or harsh (1Peter 2:18).

Application

It doesn’t matter if we don’t like those in authority over us; we are to submit to them nonetheless. In doing so, we are submitting to the will of our Father in Heaven.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 12:21 – Good Versus Evil

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Romans 12:21 – Good Versus Evil

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

Truth to Learn

The proper way for a Christian to combat evil is with good.

Behind the Words

The word translated “overcome” is nikaō, a verb form of the noun nikē, which refers to “a conquest or victory.” Hence, nikaō means “to subdue, conquer, or overcome.” In both instances in this verse it is expressed in the imperative mood indicating something all Christians are to do.

“Evil” is from the Greek word kakos, which refers to that which is worthless in and of itself. Thus, it is often translated as depraved, wicked, or evil. It is expressed here with the definite article, so it literally refers to “the evil thing” or “the evil one.”

The word “good” is translated from agathos, meaning “profitable or beneficial.” It refers to general goodness whereas the Greek word kalos, which we looked at in verse seventeen, refers to something that is inherently good but not necessarily benefitting others.

Meaning Explained

Paul started off this chapter by stating:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

Throughout the remainder of this chapter, he has been showing us what it looks like when a person is a living sacrifice, totally submitted to God; for instance, someone who has presented his or her body as a living sacrifice to God will not repay evil for evil and will not avenge himself or herself.

In the past few verses Paul has not been giving us commandments so much as he has been showing us what the evidence of our submission as a living sacrifice looks like. And so, he wraps up this chapter with a final piece of evidence of a person who is totally submitted and committed to God. This person does not allow himself to be overcome with evil; instead, he overcomes evil with good. A literal translation of this verse could be:

Do not be conquered under the evil one, but conquer the evil one with goodness.

Some would say that “the evil one” refers to Satan, for he is sometimes referred to in that manner. In this case, however, I believe Paul is referring to anyone who does evil to you. If the result of an evil act on you causes you to do evil in return, then you have succumbed to the temptation of retaliation and you have demonstrated that you are not fully submitted to God. But, if evil is done to you and there is within you the ability to plan and carry out goodness toward the one doing evil, then you are showing that you are still lying on the alter, a living sacrifice to God, and He will use you when you live that way.

Application

It’s not easy to remain on the altar because we each have a sin nature that wants us to be in control and wants to get even with those who hurt us. However, by the power of the Holy Spirit we can remain submitted to our Lord and we can respond to the evil done to us with goodness. That’s sacrificial living. It’s pleasing to God because it allows Him to receive all the glory and all the praise.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 12:20 – Mercy, Not Vengeance

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Romans 12:20 – Mercy, Not Vengeance

Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

Truth to Learn

Do not take vengeance. Instead, show mercy.

Behind the Words

“Heap” is from the Greek verb sōreuō, meaning “to pile up.”

The word “coals” is from the Greek noun anthrax, from which we get the term “anthracite,” a type of coal which glows red-hot rather than producing a noticeable flame.

Meaning Explained

This verse is one of those which is often misunderstood and misapplied. Remember what Paul has said in the previous few verses: do not retaliate with evil when evil is done to you. Do not take vengeance because that is God’s exclusive domain. God will take vengeance on those who genuinely deserve vengeance. Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry …”

Here is Paul’s point:  because God will take care of the vengeance part, we are to take care of the part that will do the most in terms of producing ultimate good. The expression, “you will heap coals of fire on his head” has been interpreted by some to mean that by doing good to those who do evil to you, you will produce pain and suffering in them. But isn’t that just the same as taking vengeance? If we do good for the purpose of giving them pain, then we are taking vengeance and we are being hypocrites, aren’t we?

This verse is quoted from the Old Testament.

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you. (Proverbs 25:21,22)

Heaping coals of fire is a method that was used in refining metals like silver and gold. The ore was ground up, placed in an ingot, and placed on the fire. Then hot coals were heaped on top. As the ore melted, it separated into the precious metal and what we now call slag. The slag would rise to the top, and if the coals on top were hot enough, the slag would burn off, thus producing a purified metal. This is the analogy that many early Rabbis provided in explaining these two verses in Proverbs.

So now let’s apply this to what Paul is teaching us. If we are not to retaliate, letting God handle the vengeance part, then what are we to do? Nothing for the time being! Just wait! It is entirely possible that the one who has done evil to you will have a need, the most basic of which are hunger and thirst. When he, or she, has that need and comes to you for help, don’t send him away with harsh words and an empty stomach; instead, provide for his needs in a humble, loving way because in so doing you are being a witness to the love that God has for us. Your deeds of kindness may produce repentance and reconciliation with God. Thus, in doing good to those who have done evil to you, you may be doing that which will purify them just like heaping coals of fire on the refining process.

Application

What Paul has described here is the act of mercy, doing something good to someone who doesn’t deserve it. Because God has shown us such great mercy, we should be constantly on the lookout for ways of showing mercy to others. Let me challenge you to show mercy to someone this week.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 12:19 – Who’s The Judge

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Romans 12:19 – Who’s The Judge

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Truth to Learn

There is only one Judge and we need to let Him do His job.

Behind the Words

The word translated “avenge” in the first part of this verse and “Vengeance” in the second part is ekdikeō. This is made up of ek, meaning “out of” or “from” and a form of dike, which means “justice,” “judgment,” or “that which is right.” Hence, ekdikeō means “to hand out your own justice.” In other words, it means to take punitive action against someone whom you have judged to be guilty of causing you harm.

“Wrath” is translated from the Greek word orgē, which refers to “excitement of the mind.” This word can be interpreted as “strong desire,” but it can also be interpreted as “violent passion” or “anger.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now caps off what he has been saying in the past two verses. Not only has he told us that we should be proactive about doing good things to others and peacefully coexisting with them, he now commands us, “do not avenge yourselves.” Why not? Because when we take matters into our own hands we sinful humans are notorious for making incorrect judgments based on our biased perception of the facts. God, on the other hand, is a perfect judge and always judges rightly based on the real truth.

A similar admonition was given to the Jews:

You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:18)

The second phrase in today’s verse, “but rather give place to wrath” is a literal translation, but it has been the subject of much discussion among Greek scholars as to what it really means. In the Greek text there is a definite article before “wrath” so it reads “the wrath,” which is likely a reference to God’s wrath. Based on all the evidence I would paraphrase the first part of today’s verse as, “instead of stepping in and taking on the responsibility of executing judgment for yourself, back-off and let God decide who’s guilty.” Paul follows this phrase with a quotation from Deuteronomy 32:35,

Vengeance is Mine, and retribution; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them.

God promises that He will take retribution on those who oppose Him and cause harm to His children. But He will do so in a righteous manner, pouring out His wrath on those who deserve it based on truth.

Application

Instead of executing revenge on those whom we think have wronged us, let us humble ourselves before Almighty God and trust that He understands the situation correctly and trust that as our Holy Father, He will do what is right and just.

God, grant us the ability to resist the temptation to retaliate. Give us the love of Christ that we might be forgiving even of those who truly wrong us, and give us the faith to understand that You always judge rightly.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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Romans 12:18 – Be At Peace

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Romans 12:18 – Be At Peace

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Truth to Learn

Christians should be peace-seeking people.

Behind the Words

The word translated “it is possible” is dunaton, a word we’ve seen before. It refers to “power, authority, or ability.” Literally, what Paul is saying is, “If you have the ability” or “If it is within your power.”

“As much as depends on you” is translated from the Greek words to ex humōn. This literally translates to “the thing out of you” or “that which comes from you.” It could be interpreted as “the from you part” or “the part that you are responsible for.”

The words “live peaceably” are from the Greek verb eirēneuō, which is derived from the noun eirēnē, meaning “peace.” So, eirēneuō means “to be at peace.” It is interesting to note, however, that the root of this word is probably the verb eirō, which means “to join.” Hence, to be at peace with someone implies that you are joined together with them for your mutual benefit. It does not simply imply a passive act (that you leave each other alone) but an active one (that you join together with another person to produce good).

Meaning Explained

Following up on Paul’s previous instruction to us; not being reactive (giving evil for evil) but being proactive (preparing good things for others), he now gives us some more instruction on how the members of the body of Christ should behave.

He says, “If you have the ability, your part is to join together with others in peaceful coexistence.” Paul is not implying that some Christians have the ability to be at peace with others while other Christians don’t; rather, he is expressing the reality that not all people will allow others to live peaceably with them. We have all known people who behave out of anger toward everyone else, unwilling to let anyone be nice to them. And there are others who have an intense hatred for all Christians, refusing to be at peace with us. Thus, it is not always possible for us to be at peace with others.

Paul’s point is that we should make every effort to be at peace with all men. Our part of any relationship, the part that we are held responsible for, is to make every effort to be at peace with all people, even those who hate us, even those whose lifestyle is drastically different from our own, even those who don’t believe in God and who live in a manner that we know is not pleasing to Him, even those who intentionally make life difficult for us. We are not responsible for the actions of others, but we are responsible for our own actions. And we don’t have to compromise our own beliefs and values to do so.

Application

Once again we can look to our Lord Jesus as the example of this kind of living. Consider this: even though He got angry at the money changers in the temple and verbally condemned the Pharisees for being hypocrites, He did not make any selfish acts of hostility against anyone. We should model our behavior after His.

And – just as He does, we should hate the sin but love the sinner!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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