AUTHORITIES
Romans 13.1-5
Paul reveals here that authorities of all sorts do not appear just by themselves or due to elections but established by GOD. Word "established" also may be understood as "permitted." In general view Paul talking here about righteous authority that protect goodness and punish evil.
Unfortunately, such righteous authority is very hard to find on Earth, but from the evidence of the Bible in certain times indeed had been some righteous authorities and kings who fear the Lord.
Paul from the point of Faith in GOD recommended obedience to authorities whatever it may be, religious or secular, as long as it is not interfere with the Word of GOD.
But some authority directly hostile to GOD and to His Principals and Ideals, and commit to do more evil than good, breaking all the principals even elementary human secular morality of Conscience. Such authorities, and they are very many, go directly against GOD'S, Teachings and His Principals and Ideals.
So, a Christian has to choose which of secular rules and laws he or she should obey and which of them do not obey. For a true Christian it is very clear, Christians must obey those rules that do not go against GOD'S Principals and Ideals.
Disobedience to authorities on the basis of their evil has been constantly approved by GOD and all the prophets, because if we obey ungodly and evil authorities, in this case we are not different than any secular man and woman who have no GOD in their hearts and live according to secular law ignoring in the process the Law of GOD.
In short words, we may subdue ourselves to the earthly authorities only to a point, where the earthly law does not oppose and not go against our Christian principals and ideals given to us by our Lord.
PAYING TAXES, DUES, AND FEES
Romans 13.6-7
Verse 6 called authorities as, "the servants of GOD" which is true, if only they and their rulings and laws do not go against GOD'S Word and His Laws.
This subject touches one of the most central cores of our relationship with our authorities and with our GOD. The question, "Should we pay taxes or not?" is everlasting question, but it really already sums up and answered by Jesus Christ Who by His answer separated State from GOD saying:
'Then render to Caesar the thing that are Caesar's, and to GOD the things that are GOD'S' (Matthew 22.21) (Mark 12.17) (Luke 20.25) (Romans 13.7).
This answer put the end to all debates and arguments concerning paying taxes to authorities, and while it seems unjust to people and looks like extortion and abuse of power by authorities, Jesus Christ and Paul teach to obey the rule, because physical wealth belongs to Caesar, but Spiritual Wealth belongs to GOD.
This is one of many rules that Christians can obey and not complaining about it, but not every secular rule acceptable for Christians and it should be remembered by all.
Verse 8 also gives good advice, "Owe nothing to anyone." This themes also relate to Psalms, Proverbs, and to Ecclesiastes, in which Solomon mentioned many times not put yourself in debts, but manage you finances, your affairs, and you life properly without making yourself slave to others and to the system. Those who are smart, certainly will take such advice for everything it worth.
LOVE
Romans 13.8-10
Love is the most essential, the most important and the most vital quality of all good qualities in GOD. Love is actually a combination and a full package of Hope and Faith (1Corinthians 13.13) and of every goodness of GOD. So, if a person have Love and act and live according to Love, that person. knowingly or unknowingly already fulfill the Law!
The GOD is Love, His Law is Love, and His acts and deeds based on Love, Faith, Righteousness, Justice, and Mercy, all driven by His Love, and if a person have such Love for GOD, the Law of Love already written in his/her heart (spirit) and there is no need for such person to read and obey the written Law, because he or she already has that Law in their spirit and they obey it from the heart, and not by the Book.
It does not mean that we also should love evil and those who do it, but in general relationship between neighbor or coworker or even in the family love plays essential part and shows true Christian values and the love of GOD to all humanity who has conscience and at least some basic moral standards.
Love is not blind, it Loves those who may deserve Love, but those who are not deserve Love even GOD'S Love would not help. Certain people deserve condemnation and punishment for their wickedness and evil deeds.
It is written that GOD punish those whose He love. They learned good deal from their punishment and no longer dare to commit the same sin again and GOD loves them for that. But some people never get it and continue to sin, such people GOD do not love.
It is said in the Holy Book, everyone will judge according to their own deeds, and those who deserve Love and Mercy will have Love and Mercy, but those who do not, will suffer and perish.
THE ARMOR OF LIGHT
Romans 13.12.14
The explanations and understanding of the words "armor of Light" is very simple and easy to understand.
'Armor" means GOD'S Spiritual Qualities: Love, Hope, Faith, Justice, Mercy, Compassion, and so on. With these GOD'S Qualities we clothe ourselves (take them as tools) in order to protect ourselves from all sorts of evil and temptations. With these GOD'S Qualities we also can protect and others by showing them how to use GOD'S Spiritual Qualities of Armor against evil and wicked people.
Just like metal armor protects its owner's body from physical harm, and so Spiritual Armor of GOD'S Spiritual Qualities protects our spirit from spiritual harm of godless people and their enticements and temptations in this godless world.
The word "Light" also means the Word of GOD and its Spiritual Commandments that enlightening souls of those whose spirit willing to accept and adapt the Holy Words of GOD and implement them in their lives. Spiritual Light always shine in those who have it and it pleasant for those who can see it. But for darkness of the people's souls the Spiritual Light of a Christian is annoyance, irritation, and aggravation, and they really hate it, it makes them angry.
Verse 14 summarizes this theme in one short statement saying, "Put on the Armor of Christ on yourself." Means protect yourself and others from the evil of this world.