Romans 13:8-14 | Bible Study Questions
Observation
What does it say?
- 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?
- What themes or ideas connect those sections?
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
- 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.
- Why do you think Paul makes this statement here in Romans 8:8? Do you think he is contradicting himself?
- What does it mean to "owe" love to each other?
- Why do you think Paul grounds his command to love one another in the Old Testament Law?
- Is that surprising to you?
- Why does Paul mention the "time" and the "hour"?
- What do you think it means that "salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed"?
- 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"?
APPLICATION
How should it change us?
- How do Christians today "put on Christ"?
- Are there "provisions for the flesh" that you need to cut off in your own life so that you can walk in the light?
- 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?
- How can you "wake up" in your love for others?
- 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.
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Romans 13:8-14 | Bible Study Questions
Observation
What does it say?
- 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?
- What themes or ideas connect those sections?
INTERPRETATION
What does it mean?
- 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.
- Why do you think Paul makes this statement here in Romans 8:8? Do you think he is contradicting himself?
- What does it mean to "owe" love to each other?
- Why do you think Paul grounds his command to love one another in the Old Testament Law?
- Is that surprising to you?
- Why does Paul mention the "time" and the "hour"?
- What do you think it means that "salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed"?
- 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"?
APPLICATION
How should it change us?
- How do Christians today "put on Christ"?
- Are there "provisions for the flesh" that you need to cut off in your own life so that you can walk in the light?
- 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?
- How can you "wake up" in your love for others?
- 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.