July 2, 2023: ”The Well-Equipped Citizen”

Paul's exhortation to submit to civic authority in Romans 13:1-7 is one of the most notorious passages in the Bible. Too often, it has been wielded against those opposed to or suffering under a particular regime. However, Paul's exhortation has another end in mind. Why does Paul write these words to a church that is beginning to attract unwanted attention from the Roman regime? What kind of love is it that Paul exhorts the church to have for their neighbors? And as we celebrate Independence Day, what can such words possibly mean for us contemporary Americans? Pastor David preaches "The Well-Equipped Citizen" based on Romans 13:1-14.