We’ve been exploring what Paul might have had in mind when he wrote:

But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed. (Romans 6.17, ESV, emphasis mine)

What is the standard of teaching? The Greek word for “standard” is typos, also translated “pattern” and “example,” the very word used in 1 Timothy 4.12:

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example

• in speech,
• in conduct,
• in love,
• in faith,
• in purity. (1 Timothy 4.12, ESV), bulleted for clarity)

Yesterday, we talked about conduct; today, love.

We all understand that love is the central message of the gospel, yes? But let’s explore a bit anyway. Andy Stanley argues in his book Irresistible that the early church’s governing behavior was love. They didn’t have “chapter and verse” like we have today, but they did know Jesus’ “new commandment:”

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13.34, 35, ESV)

Andy says that he teaches his congregation the following mantra:

WHEN UNSURE OF WHAT TO SAY OR DO, ASK WHAT LOVE REQUIRES OF YOU.

Andy has some really good applications of this principle to today’s issues. I don’t want you to miss them so I’ll finish this blog tomorrow.

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 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.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13.8 – 10, ESV)