Shepherds Bible Romans chapter 13

CHAPTER 13 1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. # The high powers here refer to the government. In other words, the governments that are were ordered by God. How else could the beast, the political beast itself, rise up in the 13th chapter of Revelation, unless God Himself had designed if so in His plan? 2. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. # They will bring judgment upon themselves. In other words, it is not our right to overthrow any government. God has a plan. Do you want to act contrary to that plan? 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: # Rulers, such as judges or policemen, dont bother you if youre leading a Christian life, but if law breakers, youd better be afraid. Do that which is good and the government will sanction you. 4. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, he afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

# The magistrate, lets say, is acting for your own good. If you break the law, you should he afraid, for you will be penalized. 5. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. # Are you following the dictates of your conscience? Are you doing what is right and fair? 6. For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are Gods ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. # Pay your taxes also. God is keeping order, through these government officials, whereby Gods plan can come to pass. 7. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. # Respect, taxes, etc. - pay what you owe. # For those who are concerned that our government sanctions such things as abortion that is contrary to nature and ask whether it is right to continue to support it... This story will perhaps help you. A farmer has a milk cow that furnishes milk and nourishment for his family. The cow breaks into his cabbage patch and eats his harvest If he got rid of the cow, he hasnt regained the cabbage, but in addition has lost his source of milk. So be not happy in many things our government approves, but support your government. These are the last days, and this is Gods plan. The scriptures tell many of these things would come to pass.

8. Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. # Owe nothing but the debt of love. 9. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. # In other words, if you love your neighbor as yourself, youre not going to break any laws, therefore that law covers everything. # Now as we go on, think spiritually, or on the third level. Paul is writing specifically to the elect of the last days. 10. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11. And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than we believed. # Knowing the time, or recognizing the signs of the end time, then it is time to wake out of slumber or that stupor that God placed on people in the 11th chapter. When you look deeply at current events in our world, you will realize the crisis is near. I make reference to the parable of the fig tree and many others that let us know the generation of 1948 shall not pass away until all these things be fulfilled. (Mark 13:30) 12. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

13. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. # Put on what?.. take on the Spirit of Jesus and deny the lusts of the flesh. Let your spiritual body take over and do the work of God. Study the scripture, so youll know and understand His plan and what He would have you do. Obey the laws of the land.