Pondering the Bible

Owing Love: Paul's Guidance on Christian Behavior Romans 13:8–14

• Ponder GMC • Season 18 • Episode 30

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Ken Corkins and pastor Rocky Ellison continue “Pondering the Bible” (Season 18, Episode 30) by finishing Romans 13:8–14 (RSV), emphasizing that Christians should avoid debt except the ongoing “debt” of loving others, since loving a neighbor fulfills the law. They discuss how chapter and verse divisions can affect interpretation, the severe consequences of debt in Rome (including high interest and slavery), and concerns that some Christians used “debts forgiven” language to justify not repaying loans or taxes, risking Roman backlash against the faith. Paul’s summary of the commandments echoes Jesus’ teaching to love God and love neighbor, highlighting sanctification as visible behavior. They also explore Paul’s end-times urgency—living as if Christ could return soon—and his list of sins to avoid, noting both outward and internal sins like quarreling and jealousy. They conclude by previewing Romans 14:1–12 next week. 

00:00 Welcome and Setup
 00:29 Read Romans 13 8-14
 01:38 Owe Nothing But Love
 02:45 Rome Debt and Taxes
 08:00 Love Fulfills the Law
 10:34 Wake Up End Times
 14:09 Cast Off Darkness
 18:30 Final Wrap and Next Week

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Music performed by the Ponder GMC worship team.

Cover Art: Joe Wagner

Recorded, edited and mixed by Snikrock 

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