Into the Streets 5 - Love and Duty

Romans 13:8-10

Leviticus 19:18

The Big Idea: We have one debt that drives our entire social strategy and practice.
● To whom do we have a debt?
● What is the debt?
● How do we pay the debt?
● What is the power of honoring this debt?

“Debt” - An obligation to make a payment as the result of having received something of value.

To whom do we have a debt?
To God Himself.

This debt never goes away because God continually pays it forward to you, so that you can pay it forward, too.

What is the Debt?
To “love” one another

Matthew 5:46

“He that loves his neighbor as himself will be desirous of the welfare of his neighbor’s body, goods, and good name, as of his own.” - Matthew Henry

How do we pay the Debt?
Love like God loves

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

My Father IS PATIENT.
My Father IS KIND.
My Father DOES NOT ENVY.
My Father DOES NOT BOAST.
My Father IS NOT PROUD.
My Father DOES NOT DISHONOR OTHERS.
My Father IS NOT SELF-SEEKING.
My Father IS NOT EASILY ANGERED.
My Father keeps NO RECORD OF WRONGS.
My Father DOES NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL BUT REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH.
My Father ALWAYS PROTECTS.
My Father ALWAYS TRUSTS.
My Father ALWAYS HOPES.
My Father ALWAYS PERSEVERES.
My Father NEVER FAILS.

What is the power of honoring this debt?
If you love like God loves, you have fulfilled the law.

Response:
● Live debt free with others.
● Pay daily debts to God - LOVE HIS WAY.
● Pray for and expect opportunities for the Spirit to help you to agape your Oikos this week