Romans 13:8-14 | Bible Study Questions

Read Romans 13:8-14. (Since we haven't been studying Romans lately, it may be helpful to read the passages before and after this text: Romans 13:1-7, Romans 14:1-12)
Do you notice any repeated words or ideas?
What Old Testament quotes or ideas are mentioned?
Do you notice any sections or divisions in this text?
1. What themes or ideas connect those sections?

Paul says in verse 8 to "Owe no one anything...", in Romans 8:7 he was just talking about different people whom we owe things to.
1. Why do you think Paul makes this statement here in Romans 8:8? Do you think he is contradicting himself?
2. What does it mean to "owe" love to each other?
3. Why do you think Paul grounds his command to love one another in the Old Testament Law?
  1. Is that surprising to you?
Why does Paul mention the "time" and the "hour"?
1. What do you think it means that "salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed"?
2. When Paul references the coming of Jesus, do you think he is encouraging his readers towards "vertical" application (between them and God) or "horizontal" application (between them and other people)?
What does it mean to "put on Christ"?

How do Christians today "put on Christ"?
1. Are there "provisions for the flesh" that you need to cut off in your own life so that you can walk in the light?
2. How can you "cast off the works of darkness" this week?
Are you "sleepy" when it comes to your love for your neighbor? What about for other believers?
1. How can you "wake up" in your love for others?
2. What can you do this week to "walk in love" towards others?
Pray in light of this passage and about any applications you have made
Sing Jesus Friend of Sinners to God and to one another.

Read Romans 13:8-14. (Since we haven't been studying Romans lately, it may be helpful to read the passages before and after this text: Romans 13:1-7, Romans 14:1-12)
Do you notice any repeated words or ideas?
What Old Testament quotes or ideas are mentioned?
Do you notice any sections or divisions in this text?
1. What themes or ideas connect those sections?

Paul says in verse 8 to "Owe no one anything...", in Romans 8:7 he was just talking about different people whom we owe things to.
1. Why do you think Paul makes this statement here in Romans 8:8? Do you think he is contradicting himself?
2. What does it mean to "owe" love to each other?
3. Why do you think Paul grounds his command to love one another in the Old Testament Law?
  1. Is that surprising to you?
Why does Paul mention the "time" and the "hour"?
1. What do you think it means that "salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed"?
2. When Paul references the coming of Jesus, do you think he is encouraging his readers towards "vertical" application (between them and God) or "horizontal" application (between them and other people)?
What does it mean to "put on Christ"?

How do Christians today "put on Christ"?
1. Are there "provisions for the flesh" that you need to cut off in your own life so that you can walk in the light?
2. How can you "cast off the works of darkness" this week?
Are you "sleepy" when it comes to your love for your neighbor? What about for other believers?
1. How can you "wake up" in your love for others?
2. What can you do this week to "walk in love" towards others?
Pray in light of this passage and about any applications you have made
Sing Jesus Friend of Sinners to God and to one another.