Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 29, 2026
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 13. In this chapter, Paul teaches that a Christian’s outward life should be marked by willingly submitting to governing authorities as an act of submission to God, while still prioritizing obedience to Christ above all. It emphasizes that believers carry an ongoing “debt” of love toward others, fulfilling God’s law through love rather than obligation. Finally, Paul urges Christians to live with urgency in light of Christ’s return—“putting on Christ” and rejecting sinful behavior so that their actions align with their identity in Him.
WATCH
LISTEN
REFLECT
What does it practically look like in your life to “order yourself under” governing authorities while still obeying Christ first?
How do you respond when you disagree with or feel frustrated by those in authority over you?
In what ways can you actively pray for and support the leaders and systems God has placed over you?
Paul describes love as a debt we can never fully repay—how does that perspective challenge the way you treat others daily?
Who in your life is hardest for you to love right now, and what would it look like to “owe them love” this week?
How does loving others naturally lead to fulfilling God’s commands without focusing on rules?
What are some “nighttime” behaviors (patterns of sin or complacency) that you may be tolerating in your life?
How would your daily choices change if you lived with a stronger awareness that Christ’s return is closer today than yesterday?
What does it mean for you personally to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” in your current season of life?
How can you better align your actions with your identity as a Christian, especially in moments of stress, conflict, or temptation?