For he is God's minister for your 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 bring wrath on him who practices evil. Truth to Learn We are to submit to those in authority...
Romans 13:3 – Fear Prevention
For the rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil works. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from him. Truth to Learn Good works overcome fear. Behind the Words The word translated...
Romans 13:2 – Authoritative Submission
Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has ordained, 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...
Romans 13:1 – Civil Submission
Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are established by God. Truth to Learn We Christians are to submit to those in authority over us. Behind the Words The verb translated, “be subject to”...
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.”...
Romans 12:20 – Mercy, Not Vengeance
Therefore "If your enemy should be hungry, feed him; if he should be thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Truth to Learn Do not take vengeance. Instead, show mercy. Behind the Words “Heap” is from the Greek verb...
Romans 12:19 – Who’s The Judge?
not avenging yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s 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 “avenging” in the...
Romans 12:18 – Be At Peace
If 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 “possible” is dunaton, a word we’ve seen before. It refers to “power, authority, or ability.” Literally, what Paul is saying is, “If...
Romans 12:17 – Reactive or Proactive?
Repay no one evil for evil, giving thought to do what is good in the sight of all men. Truth to Learn We should be benevolently proactive, not selfishly reactive. Behind the Words The word translated “repay” is apodidomi, which is a compound word made up of apo, meaning...
Romans 12:14 – Blessing, Not Cursing
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not wish them evil. Truth to Learn Being Christ-like is really, really hard - but not impossible. Behind the Words The word translated “bless” is eulogeō, which is a compound word made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and a...