Every one of us knows the weight of owing something—a mortgage, student loans, even a neighbor’s tool. Debt nags until it’s made right. Paul says there’s one “debt” we should never finish paying: love. Not because we’re failing, but because it’s designed to be permanent—the ongoing currency of the Kingdom (Rom. 13:8–10).
Romans 12–13 shows transformed living: how we treat people (12:9–21), how we relate to authority (13:1–7), and now how we live as awake, holy, Christ-clothed citizens whose daily obligation is love. The night is fading, the day is near. Time to love deeply, live alertly, step out of darkness, and put on Christ.
I. The Debt of Love (Romans 13:8–10)
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other… Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
A. Our Only Lasting Obligation
Paul isn’t banning all borrowing; he’s banning unpaid debts—except love. Taxes get settled; honor gets given; love remains due every morning. And it never depletes you—it enlarges you (1 Cor. 13:13).
Illustration: James Harrison, Australia’s “man with the golden arm,” donated plasma over 1,100 times to protect newborns—an “unpayable” obligation that saved millions. Love is like that: not a season, a lifetime.
B. Love Fulfills the Law
Jesus said the Law and Prophets hang on love (Matt. 22:37–40). Paul ties love to the commandments: adultery, murder, theft, coveting all harm people; love seeks their good (Gal. 5:14; Jas. 2:8).
Picture a mortgage you never pay off—but every “payment” builds equity in joy, peace, and healthy relationships.
Practice:
- Start each day with this prayer: “Lord, whom will You have me love today?”
- Identify one neighbor to bless (time, resource, encouragement).
- Replace a negative reflex (critique, gossip) with a constructive act (affirmation, help).
II. A Wake-Up Call (Romans 13:11–12a)
“The hour has come for you to wake from sleep… The night is far gone; the day is at hand.”
A. Time Is Short
Paul points to the nearness of our final salvation. Every sunrise moves us toward the King’s return. Live with holy urgency (1 Thess. 5:5–6; Eph. 5:14; Mark 13:35–37).
B. Live Alert, Not Asleep
Spiritual drowsiness—comfort, distraction, sin—blunts discernment.
Illustration: A flight crew once missed critical warnings; routine dulled their alertness. Don’t snooze through your calling.
Practice:
- Set a daily “wake” habit: Scripture before screens.
- Name & remove one time-waster that numbs your soul.
- End each day with examen: “Where did I walk awake/asleep?”
III. Step Out of the Darkness (Romans 13:12b–13)
“Let us walk properly as in the daytime…”
Paul names “night” behaviors—drunkenness, sexual immorality—and relational sins like quarreling and jealousy. Darkness isn’t just scandalous actions; it’s corrosive attitudes (Col. 3:8–9).
Practice:
- Confess one hidden attitude (envy, resentment, bitterness).
- Make reconciliation your next faithful step (text, call, coffee).
- Replace a trigger environment (site, app, place) with a life-giving one.
IV. Dress for Success (Romans 13:14)
“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh…”
A. Put On Christ
Not merely subtracting sin but adding a Person—His humility, purity, courage, compassion. Let others see less of you, more of Him.
B. Starve the Flesh
Cut supply lines to temptation. Don’t “stock the pantry” for your old cravings (1 Pet. 2:11).
As you get dressed, pray, “Jesus, I put You on.”
- Mind: Truth & gratitude.
- Mouth: Blessing, not biting.
- Moves: Service, not self.
Illustration: Derek Redmond finishing with his father’s arm around him—what the world remembers is the Father’s love on display. Putting on Christ lets the world see the Father in your steps.
Conclusion
Wake up. Step out. Dress up. Pay love. The only debt we never finish paying is love—and the only way to truly live is to put on Christ.
This week:
- Identify one neighbor to love tangibly.
- Remove one provision for the flesh.
- Begin each day: “Jesus, I put You on.”
