Let’s Throw Off the Deeds of Darkness, and Let’s Put On the Armor of Light

This passage explains how Christians under the rule of the Roman Empire should submit to the authorities, and the sovereignty of God that lies behind this. The apostle Paul urges believers to keep the law, pay taxes and obey, because even wicked rulers are established by God. This is a wise attitude that keeps the way open for the spread of the gospel, and it acknowledges that those in power have been appointed as God's servants to do good.

The sermon emphasises that believers should not be shaken by worldly power or circumstances, but should rather grow in spiritual discernment through suffering. To repay the debt of love they have received from God, believers must love their neighbours and throw off the deeds of darkness, such as reveling and sexual promiscuity. Such a holy life, while keeping the laws of the world, creates room for the gospel to go unhindered, and is the picture of one who has put on the armor of light and bears the fruit of the Spirit.

The sermon leads believers to look back on whether their present lives have thrown off the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light, and whether they have a faith that builds up their brothers.