What a privilege to represent Jesus to such a needy world!

Romans 13 is not solely a manual on the Christian’s obligation to governing authorities. Paul continues the chapter with a focus on love, for others and for our Lord whose return is imminent. Thomas Constable, one of my professors at Dallas Seminary, puts it clearly, Chapter 13 deals with living in the world as a Christian. Paul counseled submission to human government and love for all people while we actively wait for our Lord to appear.

The way a Christian lives today speaks volumes to how seriously he takes Jesus as Lord. As John Stott rightly declares, it is not Christlikeness only that we are to assume, but Christ himself, laying hold of him, and ‘living under him as Lord.’ Romans 13 places us squarely in the middle of a fallen world. Yet, our lives can reflect, should reflect, must reflect the world to come where Jesus will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

I hope you will join me in studying Romans 13 under the Books of the Bible tab. What a privilege it is to look forward to the return of our Savior as we celebrate His first appearance in Bethlehem. May those we meet today see Jesus in us.