Romans 13:8-14

Fulfilling the Law Through Love

LOVE FULFILLS GOD’S REQUIREMENTS

Romans 13:8-14

Life Application New Testament Commentary:

Paul’s practical directions for Christian living have a distinct pattern. Each time he focuses on a set of applications, whether it is gifts (chapter 12), government (chapter 13), or personal convictions (chapter 14), Paul always anticipates the question, Why should we do this? In this section, Paul teaches that love is an urgent requirement for believers. Love is not to be withheld for later. We must live as if this were our last day on earth. One day will be the last day—will Christ find us loving others?

Rom 13:8  Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law.

Does this mean that we cannot borrow to purchase a house? It does if you have the budget that can afford the payments on a three-bedroom rambler and you purchase a 6 bedroom 5 bath home in California. As long as you stay within you means of payment you are in good stead.

Rom 13:9  For the commandments say, "You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet." These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Rom 13:10  Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law.

Commonly referred to as the golden rule it is the one rule that works for everyone. Last week Chicago had 30 shootings which 13 ended up as murders. You have two people that did not love each other. But you often hear that mother of the slain child say that he was a good man, loving and kind. I believe that he may have been a good son, husband and father. The problem is that love did not fit the Golden rule. If it had he would still be alive and his shooter would most likely not be in jail. What I am trying to point out is that Romans 13:9 says you should love ALL, everyone even those that have wronged you.

Rom 13:11  This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

I am almost 70 years’ old just yesterday Mohammed Ali was stinging like a bee and now he is gone. We had a family of 4 riding in their car two young children in the back and a semi ran into them killing them all. How long you have is not written in stone it is variable. When you die, you meet judgement are you ready for that?

Rom 13:12  The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Rom 13:13  Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Rom 13:14  Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.   That is all that needs to be said.