Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly with Your God

This blog is based on issues arising from Rev. Kim's sermon on Nov. 10th, Remembrance Sunday.

Read Romans 13:1-5

1. Nero Caesar reigned from 54 to 63 A.D. Paul wrote his letter to the churches of Rome in 57 or 58 A.D., probably before Nero's persecution of them. Why do you suppose Paul raised the issue of submission to civic authorities in his letter to the Roman Christians? (Hint: look at 2 Timothy 2:1-4, Titus 3:1-2, I Peter 2:13-17, Proverbs 8:15-16, Mark 12:17)

2. Do you think each and every civic authority is instituted by God? Does God grant unlimited or limited authority to earthly governments? 

3. How is Romans 13:3-5 helpful for a Christian in the armed forces or a police force, who is concerned about being judged for breaking the commandment "Thou shalt not kill"?

4. Why did Jesus say, at Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God"?