Fulfillment of the Law
Romans 13:8-10
Today we will look at Romans 13:8-10. To grasp the totality of the passage, we need to be mindful of the theme of the book and what Paul has discussed thus far. The theme of the book is God’s grace vs. God’s law. The Law condemns each of us for we are all guilty; however, God’s grace comes in through the person and work of Jesus Christ and forgives us because He was the sacrifice in our place. Christ set us free from guilt, sin and the punishment from it.
With that in mind, Paul tells us the command - to owe no man anything, 8a. Our debt is to God and God alone. This is why Paul says to owe no man, not one, anything. Also, if we are to owe no man anything, than there is a way we should lend to others. Duet. 23:19, 20 tells us to not lend to fellow Christians with usury. We are not to make money off of brother’s or sister’s misfortune. I will let you struggle with the totality of that passage. Again, our debt and focus is to God.
Next, we see the consequence, 8b. God tells us to owe no man anything for a reason, Prov. 22:7. When we owe, our focus and devotion is shifted. Luke 16:13 shows us that our love is hijacked when we are in debt. Our debt is to God and when we have physical debt, our love and focus is hijacked.
Last, we see the cure – love, 8b-10. When approached by the Pharisees and questioned about the greatest commandment Matt. 22:35-40, Christ responds to love thy neighbor as thyself and to love God first and foremost. When we love the Lord with all our heart, soul and minds, we fulfill the law. The law is fulfilled because God is not just concerned about what we do but our heart’s motive in doing. Love is the answer.