The first half of Romans 13 tells us to give to everyone what we owe them, even to the government. The second half of the chapter gives us one more specific thing we owe everyone. Then, we are encouraged to conduct our lives as if we live in the light, not the darkness. Clothed with Jesus, we stand out.

The Christian and the government

Just those two words together might make you squirm a bit and probably with good reason. Fear not, no preacher here will tell you how to vote. You'll have to decide that for yourself. But the Spirit guides all of our lives, including our relationship with and responsibility to the government. The basic distinction between government and church is this: the government exists to promote peace and order (roads, trade, defense, etc.). The church exists to promote the Word and Sacraments by which the Spirit brings people to faith and keeps them in faith. There are more distinctions, of course, but God's Word in Romans 13 will help us appreciate the nature and authority of the church and the state God has instituted.

Lord, give me patience . . .

You know how that petition concludes, "And give it to me right now!" You know some people who are given to demonstrating patience sometimes, but no one does so all the time. Something "sets off" everyone. What is it you have no patience for? In Romans 12, the apostle Paul is inspired to give us God's plan for how we respond to his mercy. One of those responses is patience. Rather than just give us a command to be patient, he gives us practical things we can do when someone tries our patience. We’re glad you’ve joined us impatient people to receive mercy and grow in our ability to be patient.  

“Why are you so gifted?”

That question might make you sit up a little taller. I suppose that's because we focus on the last two words and congratulate ourselves. There might be something to that. After all, the Bible does say each of us is uniquely gifted by God. But let your eyes go back to the first word of that question. Rather than sitting taller, we might be looking inward. Or toward God's Word. Why? After an exhaustive explanation of God and his working among and for us, the Apostle Paul now turns his attention to us and the gifts God has given us. And he answers the question, "Why?" We’re glad you’re here gathering with fellow gifted saints to serve one another and find God's answers for why he has given you the gifts you enjoy.