Fulfilling the Law through Love.

Did God choose individual rulers or the position of authority?

Are Christians to submit to the government? What are the “higher powers” that Paul refers to in Romans 13?

These verses challenge the Christian to live a life pleasing to God even when we are persecuted. As believers, we are called not to think of our benefit but to prefer the other. We should seek not to elevate ourselves but the One who died for us. When we are persecuted, we should return good and not evil.

What is love? Is it a feeling? Does the Greek help define love as many Bible teachers suggest, or is it more complex? If “Creator” is inadequate to describe God, then we must ask if love could ever be defined by one word or even one sentence. One thing is for certain, love should never be defined as a feeling. That false description has unfortunately made its way into Christian circles and should be rejected. Christ said the entire Mosaic Law hung on loving God and thy neighbor – are we really ready to accept that the Law hinged on a feeling?

The apostle warns believers “not think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly.” Pride has been an issue of mankind from the beginning. As Paul moves from teaching doctrine to practical application, his first concern is that believers would think too highly of themselves after being told God set Israel aside.