Study Desk

For the authorities are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you like to live without being afraid of the authorities? Then do what is right, and you will receive their approval.1 Peter 2:14; 3:13;">[xr]

For they are God's servants working for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for it is not without reason that they bear the sword. Indeed, they are God's servants to execute wrath on anyone who does wrong.

Therefore, it is necessary for you to be subject, not only because of God'sGod's">[fn] wrath but also because of your own conscience.Ecclesiastes 8:2; 1 Peter 2:19;">[xr]

This is also why you pay taxes. For rulersthey">[fn] are God's servants faithfully devoting themselves to their work.to this very thing">[fn]

Do not owe anyone anything - except to love one another. For the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.Romans 13:10; Galatians 5:14; Colossians 3:14; 1 Timothy 1:5; James 2:8;">[xr]

For the commandments, "You must not commit adultery; you must not murder; you must not steal; you must not covet,"Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deuteronomy 5:17-19,21">[fn] and every other commandment are summed up in this statement: "You must love your neighbor as yourself."Leviticus 19:18">[fn]Exodus 20:13; Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 5:17; Matthew 19:18; 22:39; Mark 12:31; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8;">[xr]

This is necessary because you know the times - that it's time for you to wake up from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we became believers.1 Corinthians 15:34; Ephesians 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6;">[xr]

Accept the person who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of arguing over differences of opinion.Romans 15:1,7; Romans 15:1,7, 1 Corinthians 8:9,11; 9:22;">[xr]

The person who eats must not despise the person who does not eat, and the person who does not eat must not criticize the person who eats, for God has accepted him.Colossians 2:16;">[xr]

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 2:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; 1 Peter 4:2;">[xr]

For this reason Christ died and returned to life, so that he might become the Lord of both the dead and the living.Acts 10:36; 2 Corinthians 5:15;">[xr]

Why, then, do you criticize your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For all of us will stand before the judgment seat of God.of Christ">[fn]Matthew 25:31-32; Acts 10:42; 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Jude 1:14-15;">[xr]

For it is written,Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:10;">[xr] "As certainly as I live, declares the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will praiseconfess">[fn] God."Isaiah 49:18; 45:23">[fn]

For if your brother is being hurt by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not destroy the person for whom Christ died by what you eat.1 Corinthians 8:11;">[xr]

For God's kingdom does not consist of food and drink, but of righteousness, peace, and joy produced by the Holy Spirit.1 Corinthians 8:8;">[xr]

For the person who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people.2 Corinthians 8:21;">[xr]

Do not destroy God's work for the sake of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong to make another person fall because of what you eat.Matthew 15:11; Acts 10:15; Romans 10:14; 14:15; 1 Corinthians 8:9-12; Titus 1:15;">[xr]

As for the faith you do have, have it as your own conviction before God. How blessed is the person who has no reason to condemn himself because of what he approves!1 John 3:21;">[xr]

Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building him up.Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 9:19,22; 13:5; Philippians 2:4-5;">[xr]

For even Christ did not please himself. Instead, as it is written, "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."Psalm 69:9">[fn]Psalm 69:9; Matthew 26:39; John 5:30; 6:38;">[xr]