Understanding Our Debt to God
Key Verse: Romans 8:12
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are debtors.”
Opening (1 Minute)
Read Romans 8:12 aloud:
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.”
Introduce the topic:
What does it mean to be a “debtor”? A debtor is someone who owes something to another. As Christians, we are no longer debtors to sin because Christ paid our sin debt. But now, we owe God something even greater—a debt of love and devotion.
Ask yourself:
- What does it mean to owe God everything?
Step 1: Questions for Reflection (3 Minutes)
Reflect on the Two Types of Debt Mentioned in the Passage:
- The Debt of Sin:
- Sin created a debt we couldn’t pay. Jesus paid it all on the cross, declaring, “It is finished!”(John 19:30).
- Read Colossians 2:14: “He erased the certificate of debt… and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.”
Reflect: How does it make you feel to know that your sin debt is paid in full?
- The Debt of Love:
- Because Jesus paid our sin debt, we now owe Him a debt of love, gratitude, and obedience. This is not a burden but a joyful response to what He has done.
- Romans 12:1: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.”
Ask yourself:
- Why does paying off one debt (justice) make us owe more in love?
- How can you show love to God in your daily life?
Step 2: Key Points to Consider (2 Minutes)
Think About What You Owe to God in These Areas:
- His Power:
- God has helped you stand strong through trials. He has preserved your spiritual life and kept you moving forward even when life was difficult.
- Reflect: Can you think of a time recently when God gave you strength to persevere?
- His Love:
- God’s love for you never wavers, no matter how often you fall short. He loves you today just as much as He did when He sent Jesus to die for you.
- Reflect: How has God shown His love to you this week?
- His Faithfulness:
- Though you have changed a thousand times, God remains constant. His unchanging nature means you can trust Him completely.
- Reflect: How has God shown His faithfulness to you recently?
Step 3: Personal Application (1 Minute)
Take a moment to reflect and write down one specific way you can express your gratitude to God today. Consider actions like:
- Spending time in prayer or worship.
- Showing kindness to someone as an act of love for God.
- Surrendering a specific area of your life to Him as a “living sacrifice.”
Optional Follow-up Activity:
Draw or write a “receipt” listing two things:
- What Jesus paid for (e.g., “My sin debt is paid in full”).
- What you still owe (e.g., “My love and devotion to God”).
Step 4: Prayer Focus (Optional, 1 Minute)
Take a moment to pray, thanking God for:
- Paying your debt of sin through Jesus’ sacrifice.
- His unchanging love and faithfulness, even when you fall short.
- The strength He gives you daily to walk with Him.
Here’s a simple prayer:
“Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to pay the debt I could never repay. Thank You for loving me endlessly, even when I fail. Help me to live as a living sacrifice, responding to Your love with my devotion, gratitude, and obedience. Amen.”
Key Takeaway Scripture
“You are not your own; you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.”
—1 Corinthians 6:19b-20