Romans 13

Chapter Summary

Romans 13 begins by instructing believers to submit to the governing authorities, as they are established by God (Romans 13:1). The chapter explains that rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad (Romans 13:3), and that believers should pay their taxes and respect those in authority (Romans 13:6-7). The second part of the chapter focuses on loving one's neighbor, fulfilling the law through love (Romans 13:8-10), and living with urgency, knowing that the day of salvation is near (Romans 13:11-14). The chapter concludes with a call to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14).

Context for the Chapter

Romans 13 is part of the larger epistle to the Romans, which is a systematic presentation of the gospel and its implications for believers. This chapter fits into the section of the book that deals with the practical outworking of the Christian faith, following the theological foundations laid in the first eleven chapters. The chapter's themes of submission to authority and loving one's neighbor are crucial for the believer's life in the world, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereignty and love.

Heart Application

As believers, we are called to submit to governing authorities, not out of fear, but out of a desire to honor God. This chapter teaches us to respect those in power, to love our neighbors, and to live with urgency, knowing that our time on earth is short. May we put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, living out our faith in obedience to God's will.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Romans 13 teaches that believers should submit to governing authorities because all authority comes from God. We should respect those in power, pay our taxes, and love our neighbors. As we put on the Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to live out our faith in obedience to God's will, making no provision for the flesh. This chapter emphasizes the importance of living with urgency, knowing that the day of salvation is near (Romans 13:11-14).

Voices from the Church

“The magistrate is the minister of God, appointed to restrain the wicked and to protect the good, and to this end, he is armed with the sword, which is the symbol of his power.”

— John Calvin

“Let us remember that we are not our own, but belong to Jesus Christ, and that our lives should be lived in obedience to Him, and for His glory.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Submission to Governing Authorities (Romans 13:1-7) — The chapter begins by instructing believers to submit to the governing authorities, as they are established by God. This principle is rooted in the fact that God institutes all governing authorities.
2. Loving One's Neighbor (Romans 13:8-10) — Love is presented as the fulfillment of the law, and believers are encouraged to love their neighbors as themselves.
3. Living with Urgency (Romans 13:11-14) — The chapter concludes with a call to live with urgency, knowing that the day of salvation is near. Believers are encouraged to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh.
4. Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14) — The chapter ends with a call to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the believer's identity in Christ and the need to live out this identity in obedience to God's will.
5. Conclusion (Romans 13:1-14) — The chapter as a whole teaches believers to submit to governing authorities, love their neighbors, and live with urgency, all while putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and making no provision for the flesh.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that all authority comes from God, emphasizing His sovereignty over all institutions. This doctrine is crucial for understanding the believer's relationship with governing authorities.

The Importance of Love

Love is presented as the fulfillment of the law, and believers are encouraged to love their neighbors as themselves. This doctrine reflects the broader biblical emphasis on love as a fundamental aspect of the Christian life.

The Call to Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to authority, teaching believers to respect and obey those in power as a way of honoring God. This doctrine is rooted in the fact that God institutes all governing authorities.

The Believer's Identity in Christ

The chapter concludes with a call to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the believer's identity in Christ and the need to live out this identity in obedience to God's will. This doctrine reflects the broader biblical emphasis on the believer's union with Christ.

Lessons from Romans 13

1. The Importance of Submission — This chapter teaches that believers should submit to governing authorities, recognizing God's sovereignty over all institutions. This principle is crucial for understanding the believer's relationship with the state.
2. The Power of Love — Love is presented as the fulfillment of the law, and believers are encouraged to love their neighbors as themselves. This principle reflects the broader biblical emphasis on love as a fundamental aspect of the Christian life.
3. The Call to Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to authority, teaching believers to respect and obey those in power as a way of honoring God. This principle is rooted in the fact that God institutes all governing authorities.
4. The Believer's Identity in Christ — The chapter concludes with a call to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the believer's identity in Christ and the need to live out this identity in obedience to God's will. This principle reflects the broader biblical emphasis on the believer's union with Christ.
5. Living with Urgency — The chapter teaches believers to live with urgency, knowing that the day of salvation is near. This principle is crucial for understanding the believer's relationship with time and their priorities in life.

Themes from Romans 13

1. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches that all authority comes from God, emphasizing His sovereignty over all institutions. This theme is crucial for understanding the believer's relationship with governing authorities.
2. The Importance of Love — Love is presented as the fulfillment of the law, and believers are encouraged to love their neighbors as themselves. This theme reflects the broader biblical emphasis on love as a fundamental aspect of the Christian life.
3. The Call to Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to authority, teaching believers to respect and obey those in power as a way of honoring God. This theme is rooted in the fact that God institutes all governing authorities.
4. The Believer's Identity in Christ — The chapter concludes with a call to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the believer's identity in Christ and the need to live out this identity in obedience to God's will. This theme reflects the broader biblical emphasis on the believer's union with Christ.
5. Living with Urgency — The chapter teaches believers to live with urgency, knowing that the day of salvation is near. This theme is crucial for understanding the believer's relationship with time and their priorities in life.

Questions for Meditation

1. How does the concept of authority relate to the believer's life, and what are the implications of submitting to governing authorities?
2. What does it mean to love one's neighbor, and how can believers fulfill the law through love?
3. How does the believer's identity in Christ relate to their obedience to authority, and what are the practical implications of putting on the Lord Jesus Christ?
4. What does it mean to live with urgency, knowing that the day of salvation is near, and how can believers apply this principle in their daily lives?
5. How can believers balance their submission to authority with their obligation to obey God, and what are the biblical principles that guide this balance?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Romans 13

	Sermon	Description
	The Revival Hymn by Compilations	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land
	(1 Peter - Part 11): Wherefore, Gird Up Your Minds and Be Sober by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant. He uses the analogy of a violinist who neglects to tune his instrument, resulting
	Four Loves by C.S. Lewis	C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic lo
	A Call to Repentance by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a water wheel in an old-fashioned mill to illustrate the importance of removing hindrances and obstacles in order for the church to
	Preaching Prohibition by Billy Sunday	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of truth and the consequences of lying. They emphasize that the United States seems to have lost sight of this, with corruption
	(Dangers in the Way Series): Resisting the Worlds Propoganda by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly as Christians, being watchful and cautious to avoid falling into the traps set by the devil. He spec
	(Pdf Book) Touching Godliness Through Submission by K.P. Yohannan	K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound importance of submission to God and His delegated authorities, arguing that true godliness is rooted in humility and obedience. He highlights
	Don't Miss Your Miracle by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to God and being open to His calling. He shares personal anecdotes of individuals who were impacte
	Prohibition (Edited) by Billy Sunday	In this sermon, the preacher highlights the negative impact of excessive taxation on alcohol in America. He argues that the government's decision to impose a $2 tax on whiskey and
	Open Air Meeting - Part 1 by Billy Sunday	This sermon by Mr. Kelly Sunday focuses on the Christian support of Prohibition, highlighting the attempt to bind the American people to profit-driven industries like breweries and

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans 13

In his commentary on Romans 13, Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of submission to governing authorities, recognizing that all authority comes from God. He notes that believers should obey those in power, not out of fear, but out of a desire to honor God. Henry also highlights the importance of loving one's neighbor, emphasizing that this principle is central to the Christian life. He encourages believers to live with urgency, knowing that the day of salvation is near, and to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, making no provision for the flesh. Throughout the commentary, Henry emphasizes the practical implications of these principles, encouraging believers to live out their faith in obedience to God's will. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?