Romans 13

Bible Passage:  Romans 13

Romans 13 can be said to be an exhortation on how to be a true Christian. What is being a true Christian? Here Paul expounds a few points for us Christians to take note.

As a true Christian one needs to….

• Abide not only God’s law but the laws of the country
• Not only to keep the 10 commandments, but to be proactive in the love of our neighbours
• To be spiritually alert at all times so that it is possible to combat the desires of the flesh and keep purity

Have we done all these? Jesus says that we are the light to the world and hence need to shine forth the light of the Truth and the love of Christ to the people around us. To the Jews of those days, observing the laws of the country, especially to the Roman empire is hard saying. The Romans conquered their nation and they were forced to obey and pay taxes to Caesar.

Therefore the Pharisees wanted to trick Jesus in provoking His love for his people and at the same time report Him as a rebel. In Romans, it says that keeping the laws of the country is as equivalent as keeping the law of God. It also says that the laws of the country is approved or in placed by God. In Singapore context, perhaps most of us keep the laws of the country. It is not good to avoid paying taxes or to cheat on car park charges.

No government is perfect, and there are many unequal policies in place, but as true Christians we should submit to the government in things that are appointed by God. We could pray for the government, which I confess I have not be doing (and should do), especially so in this uncertain times in Singapore.

Loving our neighbours is not only about the DO NOTS as written in the 10 commandments. In this period of grace, our Lord wants us to better the old testimony. Loving man, is not just avoiding stealing, but on the other hand it is about sacrifice and giving to those in need.  Have we lent a helping hand to our brethrens?

Not commonly said though, preaching the gospel is perhaps the best way we can love our neighbours. Material help can only assist someone for a transient period of time, but preaching the gospel is a gift that last forever.

Lastly, a true Christian like Paul, is one who trains his body to depart from fleshly desires. The Bible says that with the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible to walk in the Spirit. Carnality is death, but to walk in the Spirit is life. It is not easy to walk in the Spirit as there are temptations in all directions and at all times.

However, the Bible tells us us that the Holy Spirit is our counselor, and we as counselees should be obedient to this counselor.

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (Gal 5:16)

May our gracious God and Saviour Jesus Christ continually abide in us and teach us to be true Christians.