
When you have finished reading click your browsers Back button.
Unfortunately, there was a problem with the recording. We apologise for the inconvenience.
Submission to
the Authorities
1 Everyone must submit himself to the
governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God
has established. The authorities that exist have been established by
God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling
against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring
judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do
right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of
the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be
afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's
servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only
because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is
also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who
give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If
you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then
respect; if honor, then honor.
Love,
for the Day is Near
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except
the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman
has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do
not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet,"
and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one
rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10Love does no harm to its
neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
11And do this, understanding the present
time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because
our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The 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. 13Let us behave decently, as in
the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality
and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe
yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to
gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
If you would like to comment on
how well or poorly this service worked for you send an eMail to :contact@lcpc.org.au.
Both positive and negative comments are very useful
and welcome.