5.7. SERVING FULFILLING GOD'S LAW BY LOVE (Romans 13:8-14)

Romans 13:8 "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law."

"Owe no man anything" (Romans 13:8 ). Should there be need to borrow on a project, there would be in evidence proper security for that borrowed. His people are intended to be in a position to lend (Psalm 37:26, see verse 21). We need to practice the love teaching of Jesus in our lending to others (Matthew 5:42; Luke 6:35 ).

"Except to love one another" (Romans 13:8 ). We can never repay the debt of love which we owe to Jesus. He has, by the Holy Spirit, poured His love into our hearts - we are obligated to pour it forth in practical deeds of love to others.

"For he who loves another has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8 ). From the examples of the law (Romans 13:9 ) it is clear that God's covenant people were to perform practical deeds of love. We are told to love - for real love for others will do everything that the law requires. That we can do, because He loves by the Holy Spirit through us.

Romans 13:10 "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."

There is an urgency for the full discharge of our responsibility to love - the night is nearly over. "Our salvation is nearer than when we believed" (Romans 13:11 ).

"The future culmination of our salvation at the return of Christ is nearer every day". Ryrie

We must not allow the insensitivity of sleep to overpower us. Cast off everything that is of darkness (Romans 13:12 ). Be dressed in the armour of light (Romans 13:12 ). Walk properly as in the day (Romans 13:13 ). Clothe yourself with Christ and live His life of light and love before the lost (Romans 13:14 ). Do not make any provision for the old flesh that would hinder you being the channel of Christ.

Romans 14:1 "Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things."

One may still have scruples about the need to mix with faith certain Levitical observances. Another, strong in faith, rejects all need of such observances. The strong is to show consideration for the other, receiving his brother with unconditional love, just as he himself is also received by Christ.

Romans 15:7 "Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God."

Believers will be different in knowledge and background tradition, and in their measure of appropriating faith. But no fellow saint is to be held at arms length until we are satisfied they meet our own personal or group standards. For them to be in Christ is enough for unrestrained fellowship.

Romans 14:4 "Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand."

The important thing is not for us to dictate just what they shall do or not do in matters of personal conscience, as to eating; nor in their choosing to observe special days. We are to encourage them in seeking the mind of God in the Word and prayer, and let them arrive at full conviction of what is expected of them (Romans 14:5-6 ). Because what we do or not do is done or not done, unto the Lord whom we serve, with thanksgiving. For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself (Romans 14:7 ).

Being absolutely the Lord's our very living and dying must be unto Him. We belong to Christ alone, who died and lives that He might rule over us. (Romans 14:7-9 ). We are not to be lords of each other - or of the expressions of faith of another. Each of us is accountable to Christ, not others. Where there is blatant committing of that which the Word of God forbids it must be confronted by the church, and every attempt made to bring such to repentance.

Romans 14:10 "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."

In keeping with other manuscripts the margin of your Bible gives the translation "judgment seat of God." It is in keeping with the Old Testament quotation (Isaiah 45:23, from 2 Corinthians 5:10 ). It is clear we shall as believers stand before the judgment seat of Christ who is God the Son, to whom the Father has given all judgment (John 5:22 ).

It is affirmed we shall give account to God, not to man. This judgment is not for salvation (John 3:18; John 5:24 ). This accountability is for rewards according to what we have done in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ). The emphasis in Romans 14:12 is that each gives an account concerning himself, not of others, and to God instead of to man. All are personally responsible to Jesus Christ the Lord for the choices they make. Leaders should be careful not to usurp the role of Jesus as Lord, over their fellow believers. It is a terrible sin against the Lord and His people.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. As a Christian, what would you list as essentials for responsible citizenship (Romans 13:1-7 )?

2. What does God expect you to be - a borrower or a lender (Romans 13:8; Psalm 37:21,26 )?

3. What is it that motivates you to discharge your responsibility to love others (Romans 13:10-12 )?

4. Is there a practice in your group or church, of keeping fellow believers at arms length until they satisfy the group's expected standards (Romans 14:1; 15:7 )?

5. How are you challenged by the truth of being personally responsible to the Lord for the choices you make (Romans 14:10-12 )?