We’re slowly reaching the final chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans. In chapter 13 Paul appears to be more direct, more precise as to what a first-century (or any century) Christian is to look like, live like, and love like. Our section can be broken down into three headings – pay up, wake up, and suit up. The only answer and hope for each of these challenges is to “put on” Christ.

Romans 13:8-14

8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. Describe the most exciting ending to a sports game you have ever been a part of or watched. 

2. Read Romans 13:8-14. Why and how is “love” a debt we “owe” to others that can never really be paid off? Is there a reason Paul connects “love” to the commandments and fulfillment of the law?

3. Notice the words of urgency in verses 11-12 concerning the “time”. As you read over the descriptions of darkness in v. 13, how do you see this darkness spreading today? How do you personally prepare for Christ’s return in the midst of so much “darkness” (v. 13)?

4. How would you describe what it means to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and not make “provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (v. 14)? 

5. How does Paul communicate the Gospel of God’s forgiveness through Christ in these verses?

For Families with Kids

1. Read Romans 13:1-14 together. Focusing on v. 9, what did God give us so we would know how to love our neighbor?

2. Read Exodus 20:1-17. The first three commandments tell us how to love God, the other seven tell us how to love others. Looking at Romans 13:10, how is love the fulfillment of the law?

3. In v. 14, who are we to put on?

4. Jesus does not ask us to do what He does not empower us to do; if Jesus commands it, we can do it because of Him. What is one thing you can think of that Jesus commands you to do, but you keep saying you can’t? Talk to God about it as a family, and pray for Jesus to help you do it this week.