Romans 13:8-14

< Back to Romans Index


TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Believers Are Exhorted to Walk in Love and Light

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Love and not debt should characterize the Christian.

  2. Light and not darkness should characterize the Christian.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let's stay out of financial debt.

  2. Are you ready for the Lord's return?

QUESTIONS

  1. Is there a debt that should remain outstanding?

  2. Define the word, "agape."

  3. Which verse in this section sums up all the commandments of love?

  4. How can a Christian be characterized by light?

  5. If you really love someone with God's love, you will not do him harm. Give an example of this.

ANSWERS

  1. Yes. We can never pay the debt of the love of God. See Romans 13:8.

  2. Agape means the voluntary denial of self in the interest of others.

  3. Romans 13:9.

  4. By putting on the protection of the armor of God, by walking in the light, and by denying lustful things. See Romans 13:12-13.

  5. If you love your spouse with agape love, you will not commit adultery. If you really love your neighbor, you will not covet what he has.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Are there legitimate cases to borrow money? Where is the line of keeping yourself out of debt? What does this mean for you in practical, day-by-day living?

  2. Are you ready for the Lord's return? What does His return mean to you?

CHALLENGE

  1. Agape love - how do you show it?

KEY VERSES

  • "He who loves has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8, 10

  • "Let us walk properly...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh." Romans 13:13-14

Romans, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsRomans 13:8-14