Why Should I Be Involved In Church?
Rules for Christian Living
Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
Next Paul lists some characteristics that every believer should develop in his dealings with other Christians and with the unconverted. Love should be without hypocrisy. It should not wear a mask, but should be genuine, sincere, and unaffected.
We should abhor all forms of evil and cling to everything good.
In this setting evil probably means all attitudes and acts of unlove, malice, and hatred. Good, by contrast, means every manifestation of supernatural love.
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
In our relations with those who are in the household of faith, we should demonstrate our love by tender affection, not by cool indifference or routine acceptance.
We should prefer to see others honored rather than ourselves.
Once a beloved servant of Christ was in a side room with other notables before a meeting. Several had already moved onto the platform before it was his turn. When he appeared at the door, thunderous applause broke out for him. He quickly stepped aside and applauded so that he would not share the honor that he sincerely thought was intended for others.
Romans 12:11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
Moffatt’s colorful translation of this verse is: “Never let your zeal flag, maintain the spiritual glow, serve the Lord.”
Here we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 48:10: “A curse on him who is slack in doing the Lord’s work!” (NEB).
’Tis not for man to trifle; life is brief And sin is here.
Our age is but the falling of a leaf, A dropping tear.
We have not time to sport away the hours;
All must be earnest in a world like ours. —Horatius Bonar
Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
No matter what our present circumstances may be, we can and should rejoice in our hope—the coming of our Savior, the redemption of our bodies, and our eternal glory.
We are exhorted to be patient in tribulation—that is, to bear up bravely under it. Such all-conquering endurance is the one thing which can turn such misery into glory.
We should continue steadfastly in prayer. It is in prayer that the work is done and victories are won.
Prayer brings power in our lives and peace to our hearts.
When we pray in the Name of the Lord Jesus, we come the closest to omnipotence that it is possible for mortal man to come. Therefore we do ourselves a great disservice when we neglect to pray. Why Don't we pray more?
Romans 12:13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Needy saints are everywhere—the unemployed, those who have been drained by medical bills, forgotten preachers and missionaries in obscure places, and senior citizens whose resources have dwindled.
True Body-life means sharing with those who are in need.
Hospitality is a lost art. Small homes and apartments are used as excuses for not receiving Christians who are passing through. Perhaps we do not want to face the added work and inconvenience.
But we forget that when we entertain God’s children, it is the same as if we were entertaining the Lord Himself.
Our homes should be like the home in Bethany, where Jesus loved to be. What are some other hinderances to hospitality in our homes?
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
We are called to show kindness toward our persecutors instead of trying to repay them in kind.
It requires divine life to repay unkindness and injury with a courtesy. The natural response is to curse and retaliate.
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Empathy is the capacity for sharing vicariously the feelings and emotions of others.
Our tendency is to be jealous when others rejoice, and to pass by when they mourn.
God’s way is to enter into the joys and sorrows of those around us.
Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
To be of the same mind toward one another does not mean that we must see alike on nonessential matters. It is not so much uniformity of mind as harmony of relationships.
We should avoid any trace of snobbishness and should be as outgoing toward humble, lowly folk as toward those of wealth and position.
Again, the apostle warns against a believer being wise in his own opinion. The realization that we have nothing that we did not receive should keep us from an inflated ego.
Romans 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
Repaying evil for evil is common practice in the world. Men speak of giving tit for tat, of repaying in kind, or of giving someone what he deserves.
But this delight in vengeance should have no place in the lives of those who have been redeemed.
Instead, they should act honorably in the face of abuse and injury, as in all the circumstances of life.
To have regard means to take thought for or be careful to do.
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Christians should not be needlessly provocative or contentious.
The righteousness of God is not worked out by belligerence and wrath.
We should love peace, make peace, and be at peace.
When we have offended others, or when someone has offended us, we should work tirelessly for a peaceful resolution of the matter.
Macdonald, Farstad Grady Scott, Hindson, E.E.
