Romans Chapter 13

Jennie:

Hi!

What we learn about governing authorities:
- Every person is to be subjected to them
- From God (there is no authority except from Him)
- Established by God
- If we resist them we are opposed to God (and will receive condemnation)
- They are not a cause for fear for good behavior (I'd argue with Paul, here, regarding some countries)
- They are a cause for fear for evil behavior
- We will have praise from them if we do good
- Minister of God
- Avenger, bringing wrath on those who do evil
- Necessary to be in their subjection for the sake of our conscience
- They are servants of God
- They should be given what is due them: honor, fear, taxes (darn)

Regarding others:
- Owe nothing to anyone except mortgages and student loans (just kidding. But really: do you think God would say this is a command or more of a suggestion?)
- Love others, this fulfills the law
- Love others as I love myself (which implies I have to love myself)
- Do no wrong
- Sort of strange to me that Paul then goes into putting off deeds of darkness, making no provision for the flesh. How is that connected to loving others? Selflessness maybe?

Love!