A - What is Paul's view ofauthority and those who exercise it (vv. 1-5)?

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for thereis no authority except that which God has established. The authorities thatexist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoeverrebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, andthose who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulershold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you wantto be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and youwill be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servantfor your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the swordfor no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment onthe wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to theauthorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter ofconscience.

B - How would Paul's view ofgoverning authorities apply to wicked and perverse rulers such as Nero orHitler?

C - What are some reasons Paulgives for submitting to those in authority (vv. 1-5)?

D - In verse 8 Paul says,"Let no debt remain outstanding." Does this mean Christians shouldnever incur any type of debts (mortgage, car and so on)?

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authoritiesare God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Giveto everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, thenrevenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love oneanother, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

E - In verses 11-14 Paul usesseveral vivid images to describe "the present time." How does eachone give us a picture of how we should (or shouldn't) live?

9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,”“You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] andwhatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Loveyour neighbor as yourself.”[b] 10 Lovedoes no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

11 And do this,understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake upfrom your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we firstbelieved. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Letus behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not insexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather,clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how togratify the desires of the flesh.[c]

Applyingthe Word

F - In verses 6-7 Paulsuggests some practical ways we should submit to those in authority. What otherexamples can you think of?

G - Do you think it is everappropriate to resist rather than to submit to the authorities? Explain.

Think back over thischapter. In what ways do you need to "clothe yourselves with the LordJesus Christ"?

Respondingin Prayer

Submission does not come to us naturally. Pray thatyou will learn to submit.

1 Corinthians 6:11

And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”