Romans 13:08-14 – Do the deeds of the Day
1. Pay the debt – Romans 13:8-10
Paul starts this passage with the words that no debt remains outstanding, except the debt of Love. The principle of love, the agape love, and the divine love could help us not to harm anyone. Love does not commit adultery; love does not murder anyone. The one rule for all communication and relationships is love. The sum up of all the rules, regulations, and Old Testament commandments is to Love your neighbour as yourself. Love does not harm anyone. It fulfills the requirements of the law. Paul emphasizes that Love prevails over everything. Now, just think of ‘God is Love.’ The love of God prevails over everything on the earth. Against the human rebellion, trespasses, and wickedness God sent his only begotten Son. Those who live in Christ, and walk by the love of Christ would always honor one another with that same love of Christ.
2. Put away the deeds of Darkness – Romans 13:11-12
It is a clear call to all of us to put away the deeds of the darkness. He reminds the hour has come. The hour for wake up, the hour to put away slumbers. The hour to get ready for the appearance of Christ. The hour to proclaim the good news and the grace of God. The deeds of darkness are orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality and debauchery, dissension, and jealousy. The deeds of darkness are parties that do not exalt God, celebrations where human beings are glorified, and events that bring dishonor to the body, soul, and spirit. God hates these acts of darkness. The Day almost near means the urgency of holiness, and fear of God is emphasized.
3. Put on Jesus Christ – Romans 13:13-14
In order to pay the debts of love, we need the love of God. The love of God has come to us and flows through us to all through the person of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Paul says that we need to put on Jesus Christ! The presence of Christ in our lives changes our attitude and our approach to one another. The walk with Christ helps us to satisfy him rather than satisfy the self. Those who put on Christ behave like Christ, and show his Character through their daily activities. This decent behavior is accepted and watched by all. Living in Christ makes to exhibit the compassion of God to the needy, weaker, and all those who are neglected.
Discussion:
1. How to pay the debts of Love?
2. What is Darkness and its deeds in the modern world?
3. What is decent behavior in our times?
(For further studies on Romans by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan, please refer to this cite)
