Romans 13:8:14
Q.1. What kind of debt do Christians owe? How did Paul sum up much of the Ten Commandments? What should be our motive for keeping the Law? Why has the focus changed? – (Rom.13:8-10)
The Bible urges us to be cautious about debt (Prov.6:1-5; 11:15; 22:26-27; Lk.14:28). There is only one kind of debt that is acceptable – Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another … (Rom.13:8). This is the opposite of the attitude prevalent in our society, where many people believe that everyone else owes them. Paul, in addressing human relationships, focused on those commands from the Ten Commandments that apply to inter-personal relationships. He summed these up with Christ’s teaching of the demands of the Law – You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet; and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying – You shall love your neighbour as yourself (Rom.13:9 c.f. Mt.22:39). Where the Jewish rabbis had added multiple laws which placed people under bondage, Jesus had simplified all the requirements of the Law, with just two – 37 He said … ” You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it,You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (Mt.22:36-40). Judaism placed the focus on external things like rules. Jesus called on us to focus on a heart relationship with Him. The Law was added to the unconditional Abrahamic Covenant, in order to point out our own deficiencies and our need of a perfect Saviour (Rom.5:20; 7:7; Gal.3:23-25).
Q.2. Should a true believer be content with just being saved? What should drive us to leave our old life behind? How did Paul propose that we can become more Jesus-like? – (Rom.13:11-14)
Paul was ever careful that his readers should not misunderstand God’s grace or take it for granted and thus presume upon God’s goodness (Rom.6:1-2; 12-15). Consistent with these concerns, Paul urged the Roman believers to press on towards holiness. He argued that every day since they (and we) have come to Christ, the consummation of the ages is nearer (Rom.13:11). This life is like the night and darkness, but the establishment of His kingdom rule, will be like day and light – The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore, let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light (Rom.13:12). Paul didn’t leave us in any doubt that God wants us to be distinct and different from the world – Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy (Rom.13:13). There is no easy way to grow to become like Jesus. Paul advised us to – put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Rom.13:14). We need to avail ourselves of all the disciplines that help us to grow closer to Jesus and refuse to give in to the deceitfulness of sin.