What is the government’s God-given role, and what do we owe it? In this study, we examine the government as God’s minister — appointed to support good, suppress evil, and bear the sword in civil justice. We discuss our obligation to pay taxes, show respect, and how to exert a positive influence on our nation through voting, communication, and standing for righteousness on issues like abortion, euthanasia, and morality. Paul then shifts to our duty toward others, showing how the command to love your neighbor as yourself fulfills the entire law — and how violations of commands against adultery, murder, theft, and covetousness send devastating ripple effects through families, friendships, and churches. The chapter closes with an urgent alarm: it is high time to wake out of sleep, cast off the works of darkness, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh.
