Scripture to Read: Romans 13:9
God continues to teach us about submission, but now He shifts to us being submitted to His commandments. Now, though God had Paul list specifically from the Ten Commandments in Romans 13:9, God made sure to include this statement, “and if there is any other commandment,” making sure that there is no mistake to what He is telling us all. We are to submit to all of His commands and the authorities that He places in our lives. But then God had Paul include this in Romans 13:9, “it is summed up in this saying, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” So, all of God’s commands are summed up for us in that we are to love others. When Jesus was asked in Matthew 22:36 what was the greatest commandment, here is how Jesus responded in Matthew 22:37–40, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Jesus said the second commandment was as great as the first and that all other commandments and prophecies are based on these two greatest commandments. So, it is no surprise that God had Paul repeat what Jesus taught while He walked here on earth. To love God and to love others is still about submission. We must submit to God and His will to love as He’s commanded.
Challenge & Application
· Why does God have to command us to love others in the same way we love ourselves?
· How can you improve on loving God and others, and will you help others to follow your example?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!