Bible Study Snacks, Romans 13:1-14

Hi, everyone!

I'd like to thank you for joining me as we continue our journey through the Book of Romans. I hope that all is going well in your life! It is also my most sincere hope that you'll find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening in your walk with God. In this session, we will study a new chapter. The chapter is Romans, Chapter 13, verses 1-14.

Here is this week's study in summary...

Continuing to instruct concerning the "transformed life," Paul now discusses the Christian's responsibilities to governmental authorities. Understanding that all governments are in power due to the providence of God, and that they serve as ministers of God to avenge the evil doer, Christians are admonished to submit to "the powers that be." This submission involves payment of taxes and having respect for those in authority.

Paul's next message deals with the importance of love and moral purity. Christians are to be indebted to no one, save to love one another. When love is properly demonstrated, even the requirements of the Law are adequately met. This admonition to love, however, is carefully balanced with the reminder that time is short and it is imperative that Christians maintain moral purity. This is done by Christians putting on the Lord Jesus and not making provision for the fulfilling of the lusts of the flesh.

Let’s pray:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Carefully read through Romans 13:1-14. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there with you, sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. Who are we to subject ourselves to (Romans 13:1)?
2. Why is it that we are to subject ourselves to them in this way (Romans 13:1)?
3. When a man rebels against this authority, who else is he resisting (Romans 13:2)?
4. What happens as a result of this rebellion (Romans 13:2)?
5. How do we get rid of our fear of the governmental authorities (Romans 13:3)?
6. What are the governmental authorities called in Romans 13:4?
7. What therefore is the responsibility of the governmental authorities (Romans 13:4)?
8. Besides fearing what the government might do to you if it catches you doing something wrong, what is the other reason we are to submit to the government (Romans 13:5)?
9. According to Romans 13:6, what are taxes for?
10. What does Paul say about all the preferential treatment the government might expect (Romans 13:7)?
11. What does Romans 13:8 say about debt?
12. What command summarizes the others (Romans 13:8,9)?
13. Complete this sentence from Romans 13:10, “Love is the ___________ of the law.”
14. According to Romans 13:11, what are we to be doing now?
15. List the behaviors he tells us to avoid (Romans 13:12-13)?
16. Memorize Romans 13:14. Put a check here once you have completely memorized it.
17. How are we to respond to those people who would encourage us to rebel against a wicked and corrupt government (Romans 13:13:1-7)? Does our response change if our own constitution mandates a rebellion against evil rulers?

Finally, after answering the study questions, re-read Romans Romans 13:1-14. Take your time and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through our studies together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri