NGH BIBLE STUDY – ROMANS – OUTLINE #29

Outline #29: The Priority of Love – Rom 13:8-14

In our passage, Paul moves on from the believer’s responsibilities toward
governing authorities to the believer’s obligations toward others. He
emphasises the priority of love in the believer’s relationships and daily
conduct. While other obligations may be fulfilled, the debt to love one
another remains. Love fulfils the law by seeking the good of our neighbour
and refusing to cause harm. Paul then stresses the urgency of living in a
manner consistent with our Christian calling, reminding believers that the
night is far spent and the day is at hand. In view of our approaching
salvation, we are to cast off the works of darkness, put on the armour of
light, and walk honestly. Rather than making provision for sinful desires,
we must put on the Lord Jesus Christ and allow His character to shape our
lives.

Outline of Romans 13:8-14

Rom 13:8 – The debt of love

Rom 13:9-10 – The definition of love

Rom 13:11-12 – The day for love

Rom 13:13-14 – The discipline of love

Themes to think about

● The ongoing obligation of love

● The functional fulfillment of the law

● The urgency of the Christian’s spiritual clock

● The priority of the Christian’s spiritual clothing

Questions for discussion

1. How does viewing love as an unpaid debt change how we interact with
difficult or unlovable people?

2. People can twist the word “love” to justify actions that actually cause
spiritual or moral harm. How does God’s definition protect us from this?

3. What could be some warning signs of spiritual sleep in a believer or in
an assembly?

4. Paul pairs “casting off” with “putting on.” Why is it impossible to
successfully drop “the works of darkness” without intentionally putting on
“the armor of light”?

5. What does making provision for the flesh (Rom 13:14) look like in everyday
life? How can we practically build better spiritual boundaries?