The precise translation of the words used not only in Romans chapter 13 but also in such passages as Titus 3:1, 2 and 1 Peter 2:13, 17 made it evident that the term “superior authorities” referred, not to the Supreme Authority, Jehovah, and to his Son, Jesus, but to human governmental authorities.

In late 1962, articles were published in The Watchtower that gave an accurate explanation of Romans chapter 13 and also provided a clearer view than that held at the time of C. T.

If the thirteen British colonies had acted as Christians and had followed Romans, chapter 13, and had been subject to the “superior authorities” and had loyally paid taxes and other dues, there would have been no American Revolution.

19. On the same basis, what would have been true of modern Russia, and so how has Christendom proved lacking in the power of godliness?

¹⁹ In like manner, if the Russian people, who considered Tsar Nicholas II the patron of the Russian Orthodox Church, had acted as Christians and had obeyed the apostolic instructions in Romans, chapter 13, there would have been no Russian Revolution in 1917.

On the other hand, most people pursue pleasures even if such conflict with Jehovah’s laws and principles.​—Romans 1:24-27; 13:13, 14; Ephesians 4:17-19.

22. While enjoying social entertainment, what warning should each of us keep to the fore in our thinking?

²² Paul urged us to be careful not to yield to the desires of the imperfect flesh, not even making plans that expose us to temptations. (Romans 13:11-14)

In Romans chapters 12 through 15, Paul goes on to explain some practical ways in which anointed Christians can live in harmony with their being declared righteous.

This means they should follow Jesus’ footsteps closely, imitating him by putting spiritual rather than fleshly interests first in their lives, thus, “not . . . planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.”​—Romans 13:14.

19, 20. (a) What fine example did Jesus leave for us? (b) How will our heeding Romans 13:14 benefit us?

¹⁹ The apostle Paul continues: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not be planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.” (Rom. 13:14)

(b) How will our heeding Romans 13:14 benefit us?

Therefore, if you have not proved yourselves faithful in connection with the unrighteous riches, who will entrust you with what is true?”​—Luke 16:9-11.

Our record of fine works will be as treasures deposited in heaven, yielding rich dividends in the form of divine approval and blessings now and life eternal in the new order of “new heavens and a new earth.”​—Matt. 6:20; Luke 16:10-13; 2 Pet. 3:13.

²¹ Showing what it means to be awake and to prove that we are “sons of day” rather than of darkness, Paul says at Romans 13:11-14: “You people know the season, that it is already the hour for you to awake from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than at the time when we became believers.

(c) How does Paul show, at Romans 13:11-14, what it means to be awake?

As in the daytime let us walk decently, not in revelries and drunken bouts, not in illicit intercourse and loose conduct, not in strife and jealousy. . . . do not be planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.”​—Rom. 13:12-14.

How are deeds associated with darkness and those associated with light set in contrast in Romans 13:12-14?

The truth inherent in that song title might be said to be included in the more weighty principle stated by Jesus Christ, the Son of God: “The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.”—Luke 16:10.

In all such matters let Christians keep in mind the principle: “The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.”—Luke 16:10.

The Son of God stressed this point at Luke 16:10, 11, 13 (NW):

Jesus pointed this out at Luke, chapter 16, when he gave the parable of the unjust steward:

16:10 233, 417

Chap. 13 166