The Unfulfilled Obligation | Romans 13:8-10

Scripture

• Romans 13:8–10

About this sermon

Introduction: When we studied Romans 12:9-21, we made the point that the entire section represents a description of the love of God in action. Standing at the head of that entire section is the opening exhortation to be sure that our love is sincere. Paul, in Romans, moves from doctrine to devotion. From teaching to practice. From knowledge to worship. ALL OF THAT CAN BE SUMMED UP IN THE WORD LOVE. The aim of our instruction is love. NAS 1 Timothy 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. The outcome of the proper operation of the spiritual gifts is a functional expression of the love of God. NAS Ephesians 4:15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. Walking through Romans 12:9-21 you see love in the personal sphere, love in the sphere of the church, and how the love of God is to be displayed in a hostile world. DOES THE INSTRUCTION ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN’S RELATIONSHIP TO GOVERNING AUTHORITIES (Romans 13:1-7) HAVE ANYTIHNG TO DO WITH THIS? We saw that there is a clear logical progression with respect to the subject of peace. How do you strive to live at peace with all people? One way is to be a model citizen. One way is to believe God about His sovereignty in the realm of human government, and to keep a humble and submissive attitude. But is there a connection with an emphasis on love? Is the Christian’s obedience as a citizen a matter of loving God? Does the connection between these two sections include an emphasis on love? I believe it does. John Calvin believed so also. Listen to what he writes: John Calvin – “He then who introduces anarchy, violates love; for what immediately follows anarchy, is the confusion of all things.” Calvin is making the point that love cares not only for itself, but for others. Anarchy is not loving because the fruit of it is widespread disruption. Calvin – “What else does the whole law forbid, but that we do no harm to our neighbor? This, however, ought to be applied to the present subject; for since magistrates are the guardians of peace and justice, he who desires that his own right should be secured to everyone, and that all may live free from wrong, ought to defend, as far as he can, the power of magistrates. But the enemies of government show a disposition to do harm.” Again, not denying that there will be times of exception where one must choose to obey God rather than men, but making a CLEAR DISTINCTION between THAT ATTITUDE, and the reckless one that is simply rebellious toward governing authority. There is no love in rebellion. BUT IF WE DOUBTED THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THOSE TWO SECTIONS, WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT OF LOVE, THE NEXT SECTION MAKES THE CONNECTION UNMISTAKABLE. Paul picks up on the word “ὀφειλή” — translated “due” in verse 7 (NASB) or “owed” (ESV). The word speaks of a debt. He picks up on that word (and the idea that the Christian is to render to all what he owes them — taxes, revenue, respect, honor) and now connects it with the matter of love. • THE NEVER EXHAUSTED OBLIGATION (vs.8a) To give the sense of this verse, William Hendriksen suggested that it be translated “Do not keep on owing anyone anything.” …except to love each other. What Paul is saying here is powerful and memorable. • THE EXTENT OF OUR OBLIGATION TO LOVE We have obligations that we can say we have met. In fact, we need to fulfill them