“Living Life Today” Romans 13:1-14 & Selected Friend Day Cross Creek Community Church, Pastor Dave Martin – Oct 11, 2015

Introduction:

Marriage/Family – Civil Government – The Church God ordained three great institutions: Marriage/Family – Civil Government – The Church

1. Live Righteously under Government Authority, Rom 13:1-7 Romans 13:1-7 1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves… 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

1. Live Righteously under Government Authority, Rom 13:1-7 “When man’s law violates God’s law, obey God’s higher law” Mt 22:21; Acts 1:8, 5:28-29; Dan 6; Acts 17:24-26; Gen 9:6; Ecc 8:11; Deut 19:13; 1Pet 2:13-15

God’s timeless TRUTH… Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation…” Proverbs 11:14 “For lack of guidance a nation falls…”

2. Live Lovingly with One Another, Rom 13:8-10 Romans 13:8-10 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

2. Live Lovingly with One Another, Rom 13:8-10 “Sacrificially love your fellowman today” Mt 22:34-40; Rom 12:9-13; Jam 2:8; Gal 5:14; Lev 19:18

3. Live Expectantly of Christ’s Return, Rom 13:11-14 Romans 13:11-14 11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

3. Live Expectantly of Christ’s Return, Rom 13:11-14 “Biblical signs of the end times” Mt 24; Luke 21; Mark 13; 1Thes 4; Revelation; Dan 9; Joel 2; Eze 38-39, etc

Matthew 24:3 3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

3. Live Expectantly of Christ’s Return, Rom 13:11-14 We are seeing many “signs” in our world today Biblical prophecy is literally being fulfilled Numerous examples worldwide

Understand the present time…

Behold, I am coming soon! Rev 22:12

Living Life Today… Wake up! “…understanding the present time… wake up from your slumber” Clean up! “…clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” Go up! “… our Salvation… the day is almost here”

1 John 2:28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming