Doing life with our Christian brothers and sisters should be more compelling, more hopeful, more exciting, more redemptive, more profitable than with anyone else in the world. It would seem that even the structure of this text gives the impression that if we will live out the true marks of a Christian together, it will inevitably bleed over into our lives with those of the world. Our community in here very much impacts our mentality as we walk out there! May the Lord use our community of faith to add to the number day by day those who are being saved!
Self-Forgetfulness
Romans 12:9-10
- Genuine love - To the degree that we are bound by anything else (fear of man, hope in a reputation, hope in success, etc) we will be limited in our ability to genuinely love God and others.
- Brotherly Affection - there is something that binds us together that is greater than the issue at hand.
- Outdo one another in showing honor - “I love this ________ about you which is the grace of Christ working in you. Being with you makes me love Jesus more.
Obedience
Romans 12:11
- Not slothful in zeal - Don’t be reluctant to expend energy.
17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. —Philippians 2:17 (ESV)
- Fervent in Spirit - Inflamed towards the following of the leading of the Spirit.
- Serve the Lord - …not your need to be needed or appreciated.
Needful Hands
Romans 12:12
- Rejoice in hope - The gift of contentment in the Lord that we bring to our community
- Patient in tribulation - Is there a better way to show the worth of Jesus?
- Constant in prayer - Nothing like tribulation to teach us to pray.
Open Hands
Romans 12:13
- Contribute to need - A culminating reality when Christians get together
28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. —Ephesians 4:28 (ESV)
44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. —Acts 2:44–47 (ESV)
Show hospitality
- Will we be friends to strangers?
- Can we make room in the community we have worked so hard to foster?
Romans 12:14-21
- Do not be overcome by evil
- This is the group of people with whom I will overcome evil.