 1 Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities+ and powers. For there is no authority+ or power but what comes from+ God. The authorities that exist+ are ordained by God. 2 Therefore, whoever resists authorities+ and powers, resists the ordinance of God and those who resist will receive judgment+ upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. So, do you want+ to be unafraid of the authorities+? Then do what is good and you will have praise from them. 4 For they are ministers of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, then be afraid. For they do not bear the sword in vain. They are ministers of God and avengers+ to execute wrath upon those who do evil. 5 Therefore you need to be subject to them, not only because+ of fear of their wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 It is for this reason+ that you pay tribute, also. For they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Therefore, render to all their dues: Tribute to whom tribute is due. Custom to whom custom. Fear to whom fear. Honor to whom honor. 8 Owe no one anything, but to love one another. For those who love one another have fulfilled the law. John 13:34 9 For these commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder+, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not covet, and if there is any other commandment, all are briefly summarized+ in this saying: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 19:18,19 Exodus 20:13..17 10 True love works no ill toward one's neighbor. Therefore true love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 Also, knowing the time, know that now is the time to awake out of sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent. The day is very near+. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day. Not in rioting and drunkenness. Not in chambering and wantonness. Not in strife and envying. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and do not make provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.
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