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Romans 13:14 – No Plan

Posted on November 8, 2018 by Will

Rather put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plan for the flesh, to gratify its lusts.

Truth to Learn

Christians need to let the light of Christ shine in their lives.

Behind the Words

The words “put on” in this verse are from the same root word as verse twelve, where we were told to “put on the armor of light.” In verse twelve, however, it was a suggestion where as in this verse the word is in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Plan” comes from the Greek word pronoia, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in time or location” and a form of noeō, meaning “to think or to comprehend.” When used as it is in this verse it means “to think about something and make a plan or provision for it ahead of time.”

The word “lusts” is from epithumia, which is composed of epi, meaning “upon, above, or over,” often used as an intensifier, and a form of thumos, meaning “passion.” Hence, epithumia refers to an overly strong passion or desire.

Meaning Explained

Paul starts off this verse with the command, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” The verb “put on” when used with regard to clothing is easy for us to understand, but to “put on” a person seems a harsh expression in English. However, this expression was frequently used by Greek writers, meaning to take on the other person’s principles, imitate his or her example, and become like him or her. The Apostle John said something similar:

This is the message which we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1John 1:5-7)

If we “put on” Christ, then we are to walk in His light. A genuine Christian will want to walk in this light. Unsaved people, however, want to stay out of God’s light. They prefer to stay in their own world of darkness.

Paul finishes this verse with a very practical key to walking in the light. He says, “and make no plan for the flesh, to gratify its lusts.” We all have those sins of the flesh that tend to cause us to stumble time after time whether they be anger, jealousy, impure thoughts, or others. They all come from the lusts of our flesh. Paul tells us that we are to emulate Christ in both attitude and action and that we are not to expend any energy thinking about those things that excite and enflame our sinful lusts. If we want to avoid committing sins of lust, we need to stop thinking of such things. In other words, “If you’re not going to buy anything, don’t go into the store.” In fact, Paul would say, “Don’t even think about going into the store!”

Application

Dawn is coming and we need to be living as if the Light of the world has already come. We need to be a light to the dark world around us. We need to act Christ-like so the world can see Him in us. Let’s put on Christ and let His light shine!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 13:13 – Light or Dark?

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Will

Let us live decently, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and lust, not in quarreling and envy.

Truth to Learn

Our words and deeds should show forth the light of Christ.

Behind the Words

The word “live” is from peripateō, which literally means “to walk around.” Figuratively, it refers to how a person lives his or her life (walking the road of life).

“Decently” is translated from a form of euschēmōn which is made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and schema, referring to “the external form or condition.” Thus, euschēmōn refers to something that is “well formed” or that has a good external appearance. It is often translated as honorably, decently, or honestly.

“Revelry” is from the Greek word kōmos, referring to conduct involving “feasting, drunkenness, impurity (especially sexual), and gross obscenity.”

The word translated “drunkenness” is methē, which specifically refers to drunkenness brought on by too much wine.

“Sexual immorality” is translated from koitē, which generally refers to lying down in bed. It implies lying down in bed with someone else, as in sexual immorality.

The word “lust” is from aselgeia, which refers to uncontrolled or insatiable desire for pleasure.

Meaning Explained

In the previous two verses Paul told us to wake up, lay-aside the works of darkness and put on the weapons of our spiritual warfare.

Now, having put on the weapons of our warfare, we should walk properly or honorably, and Paul tells us to do this “as in the day.” A literal translation of this expression would be, “as if in the daytime.” The point he is making is that it is not daylight yet; it is still nighttime and we are surrounded by the works of darkness, but we need to wake up and perform the deeds of righteousness as if we were fully exposed to the world by bright light, knowing that our Lord and His “light” are coming to destroy darkness. That is, we should be behaving as if Christ had already come. The Apostle John recorded a similar message in the following words of our Lord:

And this is the verdict, the light has come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God. (John 3:19-21)

Paul now goes on to make a short list of the types of activities that go on in darkness by those who love the darkness. These include partying, drunkenness, sexual immorality, insatiable desire for pleasure, arguing, and jealousy or anger. These are the things that unsaved people do because they don’t have any way of restraining themselves. We, on the other hand, have the Holy Spirit, and we should be beacons in the night showing forth the light of our good deeds as an example of godliness.

Application

Do you yearn for the Light of Life, or do you prefer darkness? Are your words and actions a light to those in darkness around you? Or, do your actions resemble the deeds of darkness?

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 13:12 – Prepare for Battle!

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Will

The night is nearly over, the day is at hand. Therefore, let us lay aside the works of darkness and put on the weapons of light.

Truth to Learn

Wake up! Prepare for battle! Our Lord is coming soon!

Behind the Words

The words “is nearly over” are from the verb prokoptō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before” or “forward” and koptō, which means “to cut, strike, or impel.” Thus, the root meaning of prokoptō is “to drive forward.” Figuratively, with regard to time, it means that it is “advanced, nearly used up, or well along.”

“Is at hand” is translated from the verb engidzō, based on the noun engus (which we saw in the previous verse), meaning “near.” Hence, engidzō means “to come near” or “to approach.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, which in Greek implies a completed past action with an ongoing effect where the emphasis is on the effect. So, Paul is saying that the day has already drawn near and now is very near.

“Lay aside” is from the Greek verb apotithēmi, made up of apo, meaning “away” and tithēmi, meaning “to lay something down.” Thus, apotithēmi means “to lay something aside.”

The word translated “darkness” is skotos, which is based on the word skia, meaning “a shadow” or “shade.” Skotos literally means something shady or something dark.

The Greek word translated “put on” is enduō, which means “to sink into” or “to put ourselves into.” It is expressed in the middle voice which means that it is something that we must do to ourselves; it is not something that someone else can do for us.

The word “weapons” is hoplon, which refers to “instruments, or tools, or weapons of warfare.”

Meaning Explained

At nighttime we all sleep. While we are asleep, we are unaware of what is going on around us. We are in a dream world where nothing is real. But when we wake up, we see reality and we have to face up to it. Many of us get up before it is daylight. We do so because we know that the daylight is coming. If we were to wait for the daylight before rousing ourselves, we would be late. If we lay in bed when it is time to get up, we often fall back asleep.

This is precisely the picture that Paul is painting for us in the previous verse and the current one. The time of the return of Christ is close at hand. It is almost morning. We need to wake up and get to work. Paul tells us that we are to lay aside all of our works that are shady or those which spring from darkness, (a metonym for sinful).

Instead of doing those things that are wrong, instead of doing things that are even a little bit shady, Paul tells us to “lay them aside and put on the weapons of light.” Some translations have this as “the armour of light.” On the surface, this may sound like a defensive posture, but as we saw in “Behind the Words,” this refers to our tools of warfare against the powers of darkness. We are in a constant spiritual battle with our adversary and we need to be on the offensive, spreading the word of truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to be witnessing and we need to be building up and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Application

In case you don’t realize it, these verses represent God’s alarm clock and it just went off! It’s time to leave our dream world and prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So, let’s get up, let’s arm ourselves for the spiritual battle ahead, and let’s get to work! Our Lord is coming soon!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 13:11 – Wake Up!

Posted on November 5, 2018 by Will

Also this, knowing the time, that the hour has come for you to awake out of sleep, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

Truth to Learn

It’s time for all Christians to wake up and get busy for God.

Behind the Words

The word “knowing” is from the Greek word eidō, which refers to perception and is translated as either “to know” or “to see (to understand a truth).”

The word “time” is from kairos. There really is no English equivalent to this word which refers to “a period of opportunity” or “a season.”

“Hour” is from the Greek word hōra, which refers to “an hour” as a specific period or point in time.

The word “awake” is from egeirō, meaning “to rise up from sleep.” And the word translated “sleep” is a form of hupnos or hypnos, which literally refers to “sleep” but is used here figuratively referring to “spiritual stupor or dullness.”

“Nearer” is from the Greek word enguteron, which is the comparative of engus, meaning “near in position or time.”

Meaning Explained

Paul started off this chapter talking about the necessity of our submission to those who are in authority over us. This, he says, includes the payment of taxes to the taxing authorities and giving honor, paying the proper respect, to all authorities. He then segued into his next point of paying the debt of love to our fellow humans. One of the reasons for us loving our neighbors is the fact that it is what the second table of the Law is all about. It is how God expects us to behave toward others.

Another reason for us to treat those in authority over us with respect and for us to show true love to those around us is the fact that it is high time for us to be doing these things. As Christians, we have the obligation to be a witness to the unsaved by being Christ-like. We need to show forth the qualities that make us different from the rest of the world. When we were unsaved, we were walking around in the same hypnotized stupor as the rest of the world. Now that we have been illuminated by the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, it is time for us to wake up from this sleepiness.

We have the Holy Spirit living in us, who will teach us all things with a spiritual discernment that the unsaved are incapable of. It’s as if we have been injected with a powerful form of spiritual caffeine, and it is now time for us to wake-up and get to work out of gratitude for what He has done.

At the end of this verse Paul refers to our salvation being nearer than when we first believed. Most Christians think of salvation as occurring at the point in time when we first believed God’s message and accepted the blood of Christ as payment for our sins. In God’s record book we are already saved, but the consummation of that salvation will not occur until the return of Christ, when he raptures His church.

Application

The return of Christ could literally be any day now. Time is running out and we need to be busy for Him who bought us. In other words, what Paul is saying is:

Wake up, Christian!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 13:10 – Unselfish Love

Posted on November 2, 2018 by Will

Love does no evil to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Truth to Learn

Unselfish love is what God wants from us.

Behind the Words

“Love” is translated from agape, which refers to “good will” or “benevolence.” In other words, it refers to acts of goodness toward someone else.

The Greek word translated “evil” is kakos, meaning “that which is inherently injurious, bad, or evil.”

The word “neighbor” is from the Greek word plēsion. This word is derived from pelas, meaning “near” or “close.” Hence, plēsion refers to someone who is nearby, that is, physically close. However, this word is used generically throughout the New Testament to refer to another member of the human race.

“Fulfillment” is from the noun plērōma, from the verb plēroō, meaning “to make full, to fill up, or to completely satisfy.” Thus, plērōma refers to something that has been filled full, or as we say, fulfilled (completely satisfied).

Meaning Explained

One who truly loves his or her neighbor (fellow man or woman) will avoid all those things spoken of in verse nine. That is, they will not commit adultery, murder, steal, declare false testimony about others, and they will not have uncontrolled desires for things. As noted above, the type of love that is referred to here is agape love. This is not an emotional love like eros (sensual love) or philos (brotherly love). This is a love of the will, love in action, not a love of desire. It is expressed by doing what is best for the object of the love in spite of the personal sacrifice that it may involve. This is the type of love that God the Father showed to us when He offered His only begotten son to die a sinner’s death on the cross so that we might be saved from our sins. This is the type of love that Christ showed to the Father by freely giving Himself to pay for our sins. We owed a debt we couldn't pay. He paid the debt He didn't owe. He did it because He loves us!

If we demonstrate this type of love to others, if we consider the good of others a higher goal than our own good and we actually live that way, then we are fulfilling the intent of the Law. This is the type of living that fulfills the righteousness of God. Unfortunately, we sinful humans cannot do this all the time. That’s why we needed someone who could, and did, live this way so that he could offer Himself as payment for our sins, the Righteous One for us unrighteous ones.

But that shouldn’t stop us from trying. We should all be constantly striving to be more Christ-like each and every day of our lives. Remember, we have been bought with a price, the precious blood of the Lamb of God, and we belong to the One who bought us. Therefore, we are obliged to do all that we can to serve Him and to please Him. We obey Him and strive to do His will, not to earn our salvation (which we can’t do), or even to earn His favor (which we can’t do), but because we want to show our Lord our gratitude and submission.

Application

If our good will to others is done to establish or improve our position in God’s eyes (to gain His favor), then it is selfish. If, on the other hand, we are good to others out of gratitude for what God has done for us, then we are acting out of love.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 13:9 – Living The Second Table

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Will

For, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not bear false witness," "Do not covet," and if there is any other commandment, they are all summed up in this saying, namely, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Truth to Learn

Fully paying our love debt fulfills the second table of the Law.

Behind the Words

“Commit adultery” is from moicheuō, which refers to “sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse.”

The word “murder” is from the Greek word phoneuō, meaning “to intentionally take the life of another person without due process of law.”

“Steal” is from the Greek verb kleptō, which means “to take that which does not rightfully belong to you.” It is the word from which we get our English word kleptomaniac (someone who habitually steals).

“Bear false witness” is translated from pseudomartureō, which is made up of poseudes, meaning “untrue” and martureō, meaning “to give testimony as a witness.”

The word “covet” is translated from epithumeō, meaning “to have an overly strong desire or lust for something.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that we are indebted to each other, a debt that we should always be striving to pay. This debt is a debt of love. He ended the previous verse with, “for the one who loves another has fulfilled the Law.” He now proceeds to explain what he means by that expression. You will notice that the five commandments that Paul refers to in this verse correspond to five of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses. The Ten Commandments are often separated into The First Table (commandments 1 – 4) dealing with our relationship to God and The Second Table (commandments 5-10) dealing with our relationship to others. The commandments that Paul references in the current verse are all from the second table, the commandment to honor our parents having been omitted. These commandments encompass all that is included in our relationship with our fellow man.

Paul’s point is that all of these can be summed up in, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In fact, when Jesus was challenged by one of the scribes to proclaim which is the greatest commandment in the Law, here’s what He said:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-40)

Application

If we were constantly paying our debt of love to those around us, then we would be living as God intended all of mankind to live. In doing so we would be fulfilling the second table of the Ten Commandments. Unfortunately, as people with a sin nature, we are not able to behave this way all the time. However, that should not stop us from trying to do so.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 13:8 – The Love Payment

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Will

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Truth to Learn

We are to be constantly paying off our love debt.

Behind the Words

The word that is translated “Owe” is the Greek word opheilē, which was translated as “due” in the previous verse. It means “to be indebted to someone else.” In fact, the first part of the previous verse could be translated as “Pay back to everyone what is owed them.”

Meaning Explained

This is one of those verses that is frequently taken out of context and often misapplied. How many times have you heard it said that a Christian should never take out a loan because we are not to be indebted to anyone? I have even heard well-meaning Christians say that we are not to take out a mortgage to purchase a house because we are commanded not to owe anyone anything.

“But,” you may say, “isn’t that what this verse says, “Owe no one anything?” If that was all that there was to this verse I might agree with you. However, that is not an independent clause; rather, it is a dependent clause that needs the next clause to complete its meaning. “Own no one anything, except to love one another.” If this verse were teaching us that we are not to be indebted to anyone, then the previous verse wouldn’t make any sense (Pay to everyone what is owed them). Rather, the emphasis in this verse is not on “Owe no one anything,” but on, “love one another.” This is supported by the second half of the verse, “for he who loves another has fulfilled the Law.”

I would paraphrase this verse as: “Your obligation to others should first and foremost be to pay them the debt of love you owe them, because this is what the Law is all about.’

A certain level of debt is necessary to be fully productive in our society today, but it should never get to the level that you can’t make your regularly scheduled payments. Over-extending your debt is, in effect, lying to your debtors because you are giving your word to them that you will pay them off in a prescribed manner. If you were truly showing them love, you would deny yourself rather than make an agreement that you can’t fulfill.

There is a debt that we all owe to each other according to Paul. It is one which can never be fully repaid. Like a house payment or a car payment, this debt requires regular payments. Unlike our loan payments, however, this is one which requires payment every day, even multiple times per day.

Remember, the emphasis of this verse is on loving one another, and that is an “agape” type of love, which is more concerned for the welfare of the object of love than it is for self. So, instead of feeling guilty for being in debt the next time you pay your mortgage payment, you should feel guilty whenever you express yourself in any but a loving way to another member of the body of Christ.

Application

Most of us wouldn’t think of not paying our house payment each month. Are we that committed to making our love payment each and every day? That’s something to think about!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 13:7 – Yes, Taxes! Really!

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Will

Therefore give to everyone what is due to them: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Truth to Learn

Christians should submit to all authorities and pay taxes.

Behind the Words

“Give” is translated from the Greek word apodidōmi, which is made up of apo, meaning “off or away” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” Hence, apodidōmi means “to give away” or “to give over.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “due” is from opheilē, which means “indebtedness or that which is owed.”

The word “taxes” is from the Greek noun phoros, which we looked at in the previous verse. Today we would call it a property tax or a sales tax.

“Customs” is from the Greek word telos, which properly means “the end, termination, or completion of a thing.” Figuratively, however, it refers to “a toll, custom, or tribute, particularly what is paid for public purposes for the maintenance of the state.” This can be roughly equated to our national income tax. In the New Testament a “publican” or “tax collector” was referred to as a telōnēs (literally, a tax farmer).

Meaning Explained

Since all of those in authority over us are put there by God, including those government officials who are corrupt or dishonest, we need to show the proper submission and respect to their position. The Apostle Paul says that we are to give them what is due them (what we owe them). This is encompassed in four areas according to Paul. The first two areas are taxes imposed by authorities, including such taxes as sales tax, property tax, and state and federal income taxes.

The next area, Paul tells us, is that we are to show fear those to whom fear is due. That is, we should have a respectful fear of those who have the task of keeping the public peace and order. This most likely refers to police or military personnel who are assigned to keep the public safety. And finally, Paul tells us that we are to give honor to whom honor is due. The difference between honor and fear is that honor denotes reverence, veneration, and respect, whereas fear is that which arises from the dread of punishment.”

Jesus gave us a couple of good examples of a couple of these types of submission. The first is in Matthew 22:15-21. In this passage Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees and Herodians, asking whether or not it is proper to give tribute to Caesar. Jesus’ response was:

Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's.

The second is at the end of the 17^th chapter of Matthew. When the temple tax collectors came and challenged Peter about paying the drachma (the temple tax). Jesus told Peter to cast a fishing line into the sea and catch a fish. In the fish’s mouth was found precisely the amount to pay the temple tax for both Peter and Jesus, and it was paid.

Application

If Jesus was willing to pay tribute to Caesar and pay the temple tax to corrupt religious leaders, then we should gladly follow His example!

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 13:6 – Taxes? Really?

Posted on October 29, 2018 by Will

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 15^th 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,

Romans 13:5 – Submission by Conscience

Posted on October 26, 2018 by Will

Therefore it is necessary to be subject to the authorities, 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

“It is necessary” 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,