Romans 13

We continue to look at the duty to practical Christian living that all true believers have been called to in light of the great doctrine of salvation. Paul spent 11 chapters declaring to us the doctrine of salvation. Now we are looking at the obedient, practical, godly Christian life to which we have all been called. Every aspect of the Christian life must be lived in total obedience to God's word regardless of cost or consequence.We first look on how we as Christians are called to live under a secular government. Paul first explains that God has established human government and raises up those who rule in human government. He explains God's purpose for raising up authorities and rulers. Finally, he explains our role as believers within the human government that God has established and raised up.Paul then moves from our obligation to government to our obligation to show the love of Christ in all our relationships. This includes all relationships, both within the church and without the church. As followers of Jesus Christ, love must be the ultimate expression of our lives.Paul concludes this section with a charge for us to be obedient to everything he has written, beginning with Romans 12:1 up to Romans 13:10. He challenges us to be aware that we are living in the last days leading up to the return of Christ. He exhorts us, the church, to wake up and remove the works of darkness from ourselves and dress fully in the armor of light.We are living in a time that no one in the church should question, even in the slightest, that the return of Christ is at hand. Many do say they believe Jesus is coming yet how many are actually living like Jesus is coming. What we truly believe in our heart will impact the way we live our lives. Are we living as though Jesus could return at any moment? If not, why?Start living in full obedience to Jesus Christ and His word. Know the time that you are living in. Wake up! Cast off the works of darkness and dress fully in the armor of light.