Chapter Summary

Believer's attitude toward civil government. Law of love toward neighbors.

Discussion Questions for Romans, Chapter 13

1. Why do you think that Paul tells us to "submit" (HCSB) to governing authorities? How does this practically play out when it comes to things like voting?
2. If government is "God's servant" (HCSB), what should our reaction be to back government, or wicked governments? In what ways does this chapter challenge your view on how to relate to government officials?
3. Why does Paul tell us that we should pay "taxes" (HCSB) when required? How do we respond when we believe that our taxes are being unwisely used? What does a good attitude toward government produce?
4. What should our response be when government does the opposite of what God intended it to do? Is it our responsibility to change or transform it? What is the Christian's response to bad government?
5. Paul writes Romans in the midst of significant persecution and evil towards Christians. Does the wickedness of the government change our response to it? Why or why not?
6. Why do you think Paul incorporates "love" (HCSB) as a major theme in the midst of talking about the government? In what ways does our expression of love towards others, even evil people, reflect the character of Christ?
7. Why does Paul say that our salvation is "nearer" (HCSB)? Is he talking about the end times? How does knowing that our life is not permanent change our perspective on our daily decisions?
8. What are the "fleshly desires" (HCSB) that Paul talks about in verse 14? How do the fleshly desires of the world differ from the characteristics of love and honesty of the Christian? How does this change the way we relate to others?
9. What does Paul mean by "the armor of light" (HCSB)? In what ways does this recall his armor of God in Ephesians? Why do you think he uses military language to describe how we are to approach the world?
10. What is the significance of the contrasting characteristics of "light" (HCSB) and "darkness" (HCSB)? How does this metaphor help us understand the difference between the holiness of God and the wickedness of the world?

Key Words/Phrase

Subjection, v. 1, and love, v. 8.

Characters

God, Jesus, Paul.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 7, 8, 10, 14.