Romans 13

 

1 Let every person be subject to higher authorities. For there is no authority but (that which comes) from God: authorities exist (in the world because) they are ordained by God.

 

2 Whoever therefore sets himself against the authorities, resists the order (put in place) of God: and they that rebel (against authority) shall bring judgment on themselves.

 

3 For rulers are not a terror to (those who do) good works, but to those (who do) evil (works). (If you resist) will you not then fear authority? (rather if you obey by) doing that which is good, then you will have praise of the same (rulers' evil doers fear):

 

4 For they exist as servants of God for your good. But if you do that which is evil, (you ought to) be afraid; for they do not bear the sword in vain: for they are (like) the servant of God, avengers (of the good) to execute wrath on those that do evil.

 

5 Therefore, you need to be subject, not only because of wrath, but also for (your own) conscience’s sake.

 

6 Because for this reason do you also pay tribute: for they are God's ministers, attending continually on this very thing.

 

7 Render therefore to all their dues: taxes to whom taxes are due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor (is due).

 

8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled (the commandment to abide in Him and His love so that we love one another, which is) the law (God has placed in our hearts).

 

9 For in these (judgments), You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not lust (to bring forth life through the strength of your flesh); and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

 

10 (Because) love does no ill to his neighbor: therefore, love is the (end of the commandment to abide in Him) fulfilling of the law (of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which produces love that flows from a pure heart toward God to freely serve you with all the fruit of His life).

 

11 And so, recognizing the season, that it is the hour to awaken out of sleep (to clearly behold the life that God determined fitting for you in Christ): for now, is salvation nearer than when we (first) believed.

 

12 The night is nearly over, the day is drawing near: let us therefore cast off (like a garment) the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light (we have received from God).

 

13 Let us walk honorably, as in the day; not (as) in (the night) rioting and drunkenness, not (burning) with sexual passion and unbridled lust (for the life you can gather to yourselves), not in strife or envying.

 

14 But put on (the armor which God has supplied in) the Lord Jesus Christ (by beholding the only life God saw fitting for you in the face of Jesus Christ), (where you find peace and rest), and do not make provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts of your (dying) flesh (which cannot ever serve you with the endless life your heart truly desires).