September 9, 2012
Evening Service

Rom 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service.  (2)  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God.

 

This morning we began answering the question “What does a living sacrifice (surrendered life) look like?”

Read Romans 12:9-12.

If any of these things are a struggle for us, please remember what James tells us.

Jam 1:22-25 But become doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  (23)  For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man studying his natural face in a mirror.  (24)  For he studied himself and went his way, and immediately he forgot what he was like.  (25)  But whoever looks into the perfect Law of liberty and continues in it, he is not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work. This one shall be blessed in his doing.

 

A surrendered life is one that is not a hearer, but a doer.  Don’t turn your back on an area that you know you fall short in; pray about it and ask the Holy Spirit to grant you victory over it.   As Paul told Timothy:

·         1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, to which you are also called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.

 

 

Rom 12:13 distributing to the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality.

 

Rom 12:13 (MSG) Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

·         The NLT words this “When God’s children are in need, be the one to help them.”  So many times we all, at times, know there is a need in someone’s life and hope someone else will take care of it. 

·         This happened on two fronts this morning with Mary filling in for Donna, and Mendy pulling the ladies together to help a sister in need.

·         Our fellowship does an excellent job of this.  We are able to help a lot of people in need in a wide variety of ways.  We are able to do that because you all are faithful to give to His work.  Remember how we are all members of the same body and we are here to help each other out. 

·         1Jo 3:17-18  But whoever has this world's goods and sees his brother having need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God dwell in him?  (18)  My children let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

·         Jam 2:15-16  If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,  (16)  and if one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them those things which are needful to the body, what good is it?

·         2Co 9:7 each one, as he purposes in his heart, let him give; not of grief, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.

·         Paul also calls us to pursue hospitality (the practice of kindly entertaining strangers or guests without reward).   The sharing of a meal is a great way to build relationship with people. 

·         Paul mentions this quality in both Timothy and Titus as a trait for bishop or pastor.

·         Heb 13:1-2 Let brotherly love continue.  (2)  Do not be forgetful of hospitality, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

 

Rom 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.

 

Rom 12:14 (MSG)  Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath.

·         No greater spiritual battle is fought than the one of forgiveness versus revenge.

·         No greater examples are given of this than of our Lord upon the cross and Stephen as he was being stoned.

·         Luke 23:34 And Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And parting His clothing, they cast lots.

·         Act 7:60 and kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, do not lay this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

·         One of those Stephen prayed for was Saul, later known as Paul the author of this letter and many others.  A surrendered life offers a forgiveness that can only come from above.

 

Rom 12:15 Rejoice with rejoicing ones, and weep with weeping ones;

·         Our life experiences are meant to be shared.  Jealousy for those who succeed is not an option and neither is ignoring one who is mourning.  Be there to honor and cry with them.  True friends talk, laugh, and cry together.

 

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Be not wise in your own opinions.

 

Rom 12:16 (MSG)  Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

·         We touched on this area this morning.  Be humble and don’t look down on anyone.  Don’t judge them by their appearance.  Love is unconditional.

·         Mat 18:4 Therefore whoever shall humble himself like this little child, this one is the greater in the kingdom of Heaven.

 

Rom 12:17-18 Repay no one evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

 

Rom 12:17-18 (MSG) Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. 

·         Here we see our natural reaction to strike back has to be overcame.

·         Mat 5:39 But I say to you, Do not resist evil. But whoever shall strike you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

·         We are to be honest in all situations.  Our conduct should always be one that reflects our Savior in a favorable light.  You are the only Bible some people ever read.

 

Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

 

Rom 12:18 (MSG)  If you've got it in you, get along with everybody.

·         We are not to be belligerent or contentious people. We should try to get along and live in peace with everyone.

·         Heb 12:14  Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one shall see the Lord;

·         Pursue peace, but notice the two provisions he puts on this; if it is possible and as much as depends on you.  Relationships are always two sided and we can only control our side.  Always seek to be the peace maker, but do not give in at all costs.  We can only do what we can and then have to give it over to the Lord.

 

Rom 12:19-21  not avenging yourselves, beloved, but giving place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord."  (20)  Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him. If he thirsts, give him drink. For in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.  (21)  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

Rom 12:19-21 (MSG)  Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."  (20)  Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness.  (21)  Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

·         As I mentioned before the battle between forgiveness and revenge is a difficult one to fight.  Out flesh cries out for justice, but the transformed life offers forgiveness.

·         1Th 5:15  See that none gives evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue the good, both towards one another and towards all.

 

Col 3:12-17  Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender feelings of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering,  (13)  forbearing one another and forgiving yourselves, if anyone has a complaint against any. As Christ forgave you, so also you do.  (14)  And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.  (15)  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you also are called in one body, and be thankful.  (16)  Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  (17)  And everything, whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.