Romans 13:1-14

Jul 27, 2025
Romans 13:1-14
Invited Matthew Miller Jose Benjamin Lawrence Ekklesia
Attachments Romans 13:1-14
Meeting records Recording

Summary
Matthew Miller discussed Romans 13, focusing on Christians' obligation to obey governing authorities as all authority is appointed by God, and emphasized that Christians should obey laws that do not contradict God's law. He then explained that love fulfills the law, guiding Christians on how to interact with their neighbors, and warned against actions driven by fear that can lead to twisting God's word and unlawful behavior. Miller concluded by urging listeners to trust God, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and cast off works of darkness and fear, highlighting that God's word is a defensive spiritual weapon.

Details
Obeying Governing Authorities Matthew Miller discussed Romans chapter 13, verses 1-14, which addresses the controversial topic of Christians obeying the law. He emphasized that all authority is appointed by God, and resisting authority means resisting God's ordinance. Therefore, individuals should be subject to governing authorities not only to avoid wrath but also for conscience's sake, which includes paying taxes and honoring those in authority. Miller asserted that Christians are expected to obey laws that do not contradict God's law, citing the example of mask mandates as something they followed because it didn't violate God's law.
Love and the Fulfillment of the Law Matthew Miller explained that after addressing obedience to government, Romans 13 instructs how Christians should interact with their neighbors in society. He stated that to love one another fulfills the law, summarizing various commandments such as not committing adultery, murder, or theft, into the single principle of loving one's neighbor as themself. Miller clarified that love does no harm to a neighbor and is the fulfillment of the law, contrasting this with actions driven by fear or twisted interpretations that lead to harmful acts like those associated with conspiracies, stressing the importance of checking one's spirit against the Ten Commandments and the fruits of the Spirit.
Trusting God and Overcoming Fear Matthew Miller highlighted that fear can cause people to overthink and twist God's word, as seen in the militia movement where fear led people to overlook legal boundaries and consider unlawful actions. He stressed that God expects trust rather than human reasoning, emphasizing that our actions should be judged by God's judgments and laws, which are rooted in love. Miller concluded by urging listeners to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" as described in Romans 13:11-14, casting off works of darkness and making no provision for fleshly desires or fear, reinforcing that the "armor of light" and the "sword of the spirit" (God's word) are defensive spiritual weapons, not physical ones.

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