Paul
the apostle told the believing people in Rome how “authorities and
rulers” are, “the
minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be
afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain”,
and he added,
“for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute
wrath upon him that does evil”,
and he concluded, “Wherefore
you
need to be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience
sake.” In
chapter
thirteen and verse six of Romans,
Paul added one more thought to his discourse as he told the
believers, “for
this cause pay tribute (or taxes) also”
where
we read:
For
for this cause pay you tribute also: for they are God's ministers,
attending
continually upon this very thing.
The
verse begins, “For
for this cause pay you tribute also:” Paul
began with the words, “for”
which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and
therefore” “for
this cause”
or “by and on account and means of this reason” “pay
you tribute”
which means “Paul's believing readers were to bring, perform,
complete and fulfill taxes levied upon houses, lands, property and
persons” “also”
or “even so and indeed”. Paul declared that his readers were to
“pay their taxes” to the governing entities.
The
verse goes on to say, “for
they are God's ministers, attending
continually upon this very thing.”
Paul
added the words, “for
they” which
means “because and since these rulers and authorities”
“are
God's ministers”
or “are the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God
the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit's public servants”,
“attending
continually”
or “adhering to, devoted, constant and steadfastly caring” “upon
this very thing”
which means “toward and for the selfsame governing, authority and
rule”.
Paul recognized these “servants” as belonging to “God”,
and they were to “constantly and steadfastly” be concerned with
issues pertaining to His law.
When
we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see how “taxes” are to
be paid to support those who are “servants” of God who
“constantly” attend to His law. All authority is under the “rule”
of God, and those who have submitted themselves to Jesus Christ as
“Savior and Lord” are to “pay their taxes” in support of
those whom God has chosen. Those who “pay taxes” shall give an
account to God for their “submission and obedience”, and those
who receive those “taxes” shall give an account to God for how
they use those resources.
Next
time
Paul tells the believers in Rome, “render
to all their dues”,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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