“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.” Romans 13:6 “Pay taxes” is a command that Jesus also provides in Matthew 22:15–22. “God’s servants” is a priestly term that elevates both the source of authority and the responsibility of those in power. Paul…
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Corinthians 3:6 The letter is a reference to the old covenant … that is, the Ten Commandments, written on stone. “Ministers” is a Greek word meaning “slave”…
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1 God has ordained that there should be “governing authorities”, and every believer is to be subject to these various authorities, even if these authorities are…
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 “But you” … these words provide a direct contrast to the previous verse, a contrast between those who believe…
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9 The covering of an offense in this verse is not in the context of sin and salvation vis-a-vis one’s relationship to God. The intention of this verse is to speak of the interrelations of friends, and the…
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 “Be alert” means to be alert…
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.: Ephesians 2:8-9 “By grace” indicates God’s generous mercy toward the undeserving. Christians have been saved by grace. The grace of God is the source…
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 “Brothers” is a term not exclusive to men; it includes all siblings. An affectionate greeting (used 10 times in Romans) showing Paul’s…
“For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the Word that was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:24-25 The term “flesh” simply means our unredeemed existence. Bodily life…
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 “The word of God” remains forever and always accomplishes the work that it is sent to do. The person…