These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. God is proved thus divinely consistent with Himself in Christ Jesus, whom He has set forth a mercy-seat through faith in His blood. Those legal offerings, as they had their power from Christ, so they had their period in Christ. The Christian cannot take things in an easy-going way, for the world is always a battleground between good and evil, the time is short, and life is a preparation for eternity. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. When Christ comes into a man's life he is a new man; his mind is different, for the mind of Christ is in him. A living principle of grace is in the soul, as far as it prevails, an unbiassed unprejudiced judgment concerning the things of God. Patient in tribulation - In affliction patiently enduring all that maybe appointed. I may wish I could put things together like he does. Cannot an earthworm serve God? We are reminded that prophecy, in the Biblical understanding, isnt necessarily fore-telling in a strictly predictive sense. Those responsible for the ASV rendered 11a, in diligence not slothful. In the KJV the text says, not slothful in business. Diligence (spoude), the same term used in verse 8, is not only at the end of the prepositional phrase in the KJV, it is translated by a much different word. This is here pressed as the spring of all duty and obedience, Romans 12:1; Romans 12:2. Meet tribulation with triumphant fortitude. Just talk to the people that hand out tracks. And sometimes we find ourselves in the mood, so busy trying to examine the flaws and the faults of someone else, we totally ignore our own. Now it was manifested, and not promised or predicted merely. Surely the things of this world are not the best things; if they were, the saints, who are the favourites of heaven, would not be put off with so little of them. It is not meant of the extraordinary gifts of foretelling things to come, but the ordinary office of preaching the word: so prophesying is taken, 1 Corinthians 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 6:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:20. Not so, says the apostle. When men's passions are up, and the stream is strong, let it have its course, lest by an unseasonable opposition it be made to rage and swell the more. that is, "Thou shalt either," 1. This kind affection puts us on to express ourselves both in word and action with the greatest courtesy and obligingness that may be.. This hope is the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19) which enables the child of God to endure whatever storms may come, but not, however, without prayer. "That is difficult" says one. As we must not on the one hand be proud of our talents, so on the other hand we must not bury them. Thayer defines the word, to remain, abide, not recede or flee, to persevere, to endure, bear bravely and calmly (Wuest, 1:215). The whole church, like the twelve tribes, is instantly serving God day and night in prayer, hoping for the fulfillment of the promise of the glorious appearing. That is a reasonable service which we are able and ready to give a reason for, in which we understand ourselves. This section shows one thing clearly: Paul knew the teaching of Jesus, especially the Sermon on the Mount. Our spiritual gifts (12:6-8) must be exercised in genuine love (12:9-10). If we have no impetuous earnestness of spirit, can we expect that we shall be accepted? We need to realize that God has called some as pastor teachers. Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind, a change not of the substance, but of the qualities of the soul. A writer tells of the saying of an American negro woman. If it is possible, we will be at peace with all men. It is forbidden not only to take it into our own hands to avenge ourselves, but to desire and thirst after event that judgment in our case which the law affords, for the satisfying of a revengeful humour. Ten logiken latreian hymonyour service according to the word; so it may be read. God does not and has not made demands upon us. See here what ought to be the great care of preachersto preach sound doctrine, according to the form of wholesome words, Titus 2:8; 2 Timothy 1:13. There is laid down the most essential of all truths as a groundwork of salvation; namely, expiation. He loathes the lukewarm, will he not loath our prayers? ), Thus also God is served, not only by working for him when he calls us to work, but by sitting still quietly when he calls us to suffer. Job was the most righteous man on the earth in his day, but look at what he suffered! And if it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men ( Romans 12:18 ). That may be so. Let's find out what's wrong with us and seek to correct what is wrong with us. God hath shown us what is good: these Christian duties are enjoined; and that is evil which is opposite to them. But the Jew might argue that it was an unjust thing in principle this gospel, these tidings of which the apostle was so full; for why should one man affect many, yea, all? By the way, no one has written more capably on this than John Piper. David said, "Search me, O God," not, "Search the guy next to me, O God, and show him his faults." Did the Jews take the ground of exclusively having that word of God the law? The latter clause in the first verse of the authorised version mars the sense. 13). As He has given us through the blood of Jesus full remission, as we shall be saved by this life, as He has made us know even now nothing short of present conscious deliverance from every whit of evil that belongs to our very nature, as we have the Spirit the earnest of the glory to which we are destined, as we are the vessels of gracious sorrow in the midst of that from which we are not yet delivered but shall be, so now we have the certainty that, whatever betide, God is for us, and that nothing shall separate us from His love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets" (verses 20, 21). Truths that are more dark must be examined by those that are more clear; and then entertained when they are found to agree and comport with the analogy of faith; for it is certain one truth can never contradict another. He was the promised Messiah, born King of the Jews. "So," Paul says, "take your body; take all the tasks that you have to do every day; take the ordinary work of the shop, the factory, the shipyard, the mine; and offer all that as an act of worship to God." Were it merely Romans 3:1-31 there could not be full peace with God as there is. 1 Corinthians 4:7. Prayer has a distinct relationship to all Christian duties and graces. Finally, dont try to go it alone. Instead of meditating how to revenge one wrong, prepare to receive another. What is the great enemy to this renewing, which we must avoid; and that is, conformity to this world: All the disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus must be nonconformists to this world. g. He who shows mercy: This gift needs cheerfulness. The circumstances under which the epistle to the Romans was written gave occasion to the most thorough and comprehensive unfolding, not of the church, but of Christianity. [3.] (1.) The ancient manuscripts vary between two readings. "Strive which of you shall be most forward to pay respect to those to whom it is due, and to perform all Christian offices of love (which are all included in the word honour) to your brethren, as there is occasion. Presenting them denotes a voluntary act, done by virtue of that absolute despotic power which the will has over the body and all the members of it. "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! He instructed new believers (Acts 14:22), Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God., When the apostle Peter wrote to believers who were enduring horrible persecution, he exhorted them (1 Pet. Rejoicing in hope Of that glory of God that to each faithful follower of Christ shall shortly be revealed. It was an excellent thing for Moses to have his face shine and not know it. There is a knowledge that puffs up, which reaches after forbidden fruit. It denotes a thorough good-will in all the instances and expressions of it; not, "bless them when you are at prayer, and curse them at other times;" but, "bless them always, and curse not at all." Being devoted to prayer is the only way that you can rejoice in hope and persevere in tribulation. and the great man comes to his first Church service. "Oh, if I'd only done this. Some godly saints, such as Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, and the hymn writer, William Cowper, have suffered from severe depression. These things are matters of conscience, and depend much for their solution on the degree to which souls have attained. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. Yet we must take heed of the extreme of affected rudeness and moroseness, which some run into. Hence, therefore, it was in no way limited to any particular nation, such as those that had already been under the law and government of God. We should be glad of an opportunity to prove the sincerity of our love, 2 Corinthians 8:8. This clearly takes in man, it will be observed; and this is his grand point now. Romans 12:13 Parallel Verses [ See commentary ] Romans 12:13, NIV: Share with the Lord's people who are in need.Practice hospitality. The simple (haplous, G572) man does not desire gold, doth not ravish his neighbour, doth not care for all kinds of dainty meats, doth not wish for diversity of clothing, doth not promise himself length of days, but receiveth only the will of God. Hypocrites pray by fits and starts, the genuine Christian "prays without ceasing.". However this may be, (for it matters not much whether you regard them as connected or separated,) he first; forbids us to acquiesce in present blessings, and to ground our joy on earth and on earthly things, as though our happiness were based on them; and he bids us to raise our minds up to heaven, that we may possess solid and full joy. (vii) We are to keep ourselves from all thought of taking revenge. You'd be afraid that it was going to fall through. Now, if it was righteous in God (and who will gainsay it?) Thus corruption not only overspread morals, but became an integral part of the religion of men, and had thus a quasi-divine sanction. For God has dealt to every man a measure of faith. And may Christbe seen in me, and also in you. Whereat the Stoic replied: "Why not? It must not be, assumed too readily. 5 and 8. The Romans, living in the imperial city, which reigned over the kings of the earth (Revelation 17:18), and was at that time in the meridian of its splendour, were perhaps ready to take occasion thence to think the better of themselves. No fresh revelations from God can nullify those which preceded them; but as the prophets looked onward to what was coming, so is the gospel already come, supported by the past. Those church-officers that were the stewards of the church's alms, collected money, and distributed it according as the necessities of the poor were. He specifies the ecclesiastical offices appointed in particular churches, in the discharge of which each must study to do his own duty, for the preserving of order and the promotion of edification in the church, each knowing his place and fulfilling it. God has called some as intercessors. (v) We are to make our conduct fair for all to see. There is a debt owing to the memory of those who through faith and patience inherit the promisesto value it, to vindicate it, to embalm it. Authority and ability for the ministerial work are the gift of God.Gifts differing. Adoption begets prayer, for it brings us the spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Some read, "Serve the Lord" and some read, "Serve the time." Come now, and let us reason together, ; Isaiah 1:18. Abhor that which is evil ( Romans 12:9 ); One of the things that God said concerning Job is that he hates evil. It is subjoined to the precept of brotherly love, as directive of it; we must love our brethren, but not love them so much as for their sakes to commit any sin, or omit any duty; not think the better of any sin for the sake of the person that commits it, but forsake all the friends in the world, to cleave to God and duty. "Oh, yes, I have," said Alexander, "I have still my hopes." Here the KJV translators may have chosen business to describe every aspect of our lives. They too should live. We must take heed of having too great an opinion of ourselves, or putting too high a valuation upon our own judgments, abilities, persons, performances. Not all of them are created to do the same thing. Love is the great debt that we owe, which never can be paid, but which we should always be paying. That we may not then be wearied, the best remedy is diligence in prayer. The rest of the chapter (7-25) is an instructive episode, in which the impotence and the misery of the renewed mind which attempts practice under law are fully argued out, till deliverance (not pardon) is found in Christ. There is the business of the world, that of our particular calling, in which we must not be slothful, ; 1 Thessalonians 4:11. What was it? Hence the very fact of being renewed makes one sensible of a far more intense misery than ever, while there is no power until the soul looks right outside self to Him who is dead and risen, who has anticipated the difficulty, and alone gives the full answer to all wants. Contrive to do it so as to express thy love. Patient in tribulation.This virtue was, of course, specially needed in the troublous times through which the Church was passing. He's talking about Calvary Chapel being a part of the body of Christ general. Joy is promised to all that walk in the Spirit (Gal. Even those that seek a place of separation to the Lord outside that which is now hurrying on souls to destruction are, nevertheless, deeply affected by the condition of that Christendom in which we find ourselves. However, no matter how bleak their problems, they had 17.) If we do but know how to get in contact with the Eternal and and Omnipotent, we shall be joyful and patient in all tribulations, and bravely endure even the keen edge of death. All rights reserved. If He wanted me to have it, I would have had it, you see. If you catch a glimpse of it you will see that it throws itself forward with intense eagerness, the whole body and soul of the dog is in motion towards one object; no portion of him lingers, not so much as a glance is given to anything else, the whole creature is instant after the game which it pursues, urgently pressing, hot foot, as we say, to overtake the prey. He can meet the sinner, but He justifies the believer; and in this, instead of trenching on His glory, there is a deeper revelation and maintenance of it than if there never had been sin or a sinner. We ought to have our appointed seasons each day, but special times over and above our regular custom may stir the fire and enable it to burn more brightly. We find it written, ; Deuteronomy 32:35. If one may so say, He thus holds the man, instead of letting the man presume that he is holding fast the truth. Christ, who had gifts without measure, was meek and lowly; and shall we, that are stinted, be proud and self-conceited? to others that you do to yourselves;" so some understand it. The soul may feel the blood of Jesus to be a yet deeper want; but this alone does not give peace with God. Nevertheless, we see that we can destroy our enemy by making him our friend. Our case is urgent, and we must needs press it till our suit is gained. They had not then so much of the convenience of common inns as we have; or the wandering Christians durst not frequent them; or they had not wherewithal to bear the charges, and therefore it was a special kindness to bid them welcome on free-cost. It was crying for its mother, and why? (vi) We must keep our spirit at boiling point. 24:9), Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. The Bible never promises those who follow Christ a trouble-free life. No, for then he needs grace to carry a full cup with a steady hand. "Strive which of you shall be most forward to pay respect to those to whom it is due, and to perform all Christian offices of love (which are all included in the word honour) to your brethren, as there is occasion. Observe the common mixture in this world, some rejoicing, and others weeping (as the people, Ezra 3:12-13), for the trial, as of other graces, so of brotherly love and Christian sympathy. 1. It has been said that our one security against sin lies in our being shocked by it. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. In point of fact, as he had hinted before, their true tenure was the call of God, who was free, if He pleased, to bring in other people. We must accommodate ourselves to mean things. Him who came in humiliation, according to their prophets, they might despise; but it was vain to deny that the same prophets bore witness to His divine glory. Christ had the Spirit given him without measure. Now this is the area where we will be Thursday night, so we're not going to elaborate on this area right now, because we'll get that Thursday night. "But if [for so it should be read] thou art named a Jew," etc. "Will you sit there please?" As far as persons are concerned, there is no hindrance; Jew or Gentile makes no difference, as is expressly said, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the [passing over or praeter-mission, not] remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus" (verses 23-26). A man can meet anything when he meets it with Christ. "I'm sorry to hear of your Aunt Lucy's death," she said. Then,when he has need of thy help, and thou hast an opportunity of starving him and trampling upon him, then feed him(psomize auton, a significant word)"feed him abundantly, nay, feed him carefully and indulgently:" frustulatim pascefeed him with small pieces, "feed him, as we do children and sick people, with much tenderness. The believer, therefore, unwittingly though really, dishonours the Saviour, if he be content to walk short of this standard and power; he is entitled and called to walk according to his place, and in the confidence of his deliverance in Christ Jesus before God. Not only was Abraham justified without law, but apart from that great sign of mortification of the flesh. But these are things that we need to really be following after and seeking to do in order that we might live a life that is pleasing unto our Father. The word Paul uses for affectionate is philostorgos ( G5387) , and storge ( G ) is the Greek for family love. well, I will when I get there on Thursday night I'm going to really lay into this one. "Give place to it, that is, be of a yielding temper; do not answer wrath with wrath, but with love rather. He would not therefore have them ignorant how they had lain on his heart for a visit (ver. And this was powerfully corroborated by the testimony of another great name in Israel (David), in Psalms 32:1-11. Let not the evil of any provocation that is given you have such a power over you, or make such an impression upon you, as to dispossess you of yourselves, to disturb your peace, to destroy your love, to ruffle and discompose your spirits, to transport you to any indecencies, or to bring you to study or attempt any revenge." But I may admire the work of the finger or the thumb. So our experience of Gods mighty power is not necessarily to miraculously deliver us from the trial, but to give us joyful, thankful hearts as we persevere through it. Distributing to the necessity of saints ( Romans 12:13 ); Taking care of the needs within the body of Christ, and we do seek to do that here at Calvary. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. 30, 981, 978. 5:19-25). Because God has dealt out gifts to others as well as to us: Dealt to every man. There is no question of a people on earth, and of God's wrath breaking out in one form or another against human evil in this life. It was an excellent thing for Moses to have his face shine and not know it. First, Present them a living sacrifice; not killed, as the sacrifices under the law. Surely if equal birth-tie could ensure community of blessing if a charter from God depended on being sprung from the same father and mother, there was no case so strong, no claim so evident, as that of Esau to take the same rights as Jacob. Some of this power he hath trusted in the hands of the civil magistrates (Genesis 9:6; Genesis 8:4); their legal punishments therefore are to be looked upon as a branch of God's revengings. I cannot climb to heaven after it, nor dive into the abyss to find it; nor earth nor heaven can yield it, nor can either time or eternity produce it. NIV Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. then, go out to Gentiles? Patient in tribulation.--This virtue was, of course, specially needed in the troublous times through 7). Observe, the gospel is not simply remission of sins, nor is it only peace with God, but "the power of God unto salvation." But God has given to every man a measure of faith. i. 2. Long ago Plato had said that the good man will choose rather to suffer evil than to do evil; and it is always evil to hate. He lays down such a summary as no Jew ever gave since they were a nation. The word of God does not leave out the body in holy worship. NLT Rejoice in our confident hope. The righteousness of God, then, could now go forth in virtue of His blood. Observe here,First, What we must do. He will earnestly long for home who feels himself lost upon a moor in the midst of a midnight fog. Now all our duty towards one another is summer up in one word, and that a sweet work, love. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. But how, argues he, could this stand, seeing that Abraham had another son, just as much his child as Isaac? We are heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. We must not only not to hurt to our enemies, but our religion goes higher, and teaches us to do them all the good we can. a. b. But such thoughts altogether vanish now, because, as the Gentile was unquestionably wicked and abominable, so from the law's express denunciation the Jew was universally guilty before God. "For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. 12.Rejoicing in hope, etc. They should., Paul has linked hope, tribulation, and perseverance in Romans 5:3-5, And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.. The former is the direction, and the latter the application. Once it was far otherwise. And he's not just talking about us here at Calvary tonight, we're the body of Christ. And yet he went through false accusations, beatings, imprisonments, threats on his life, being stoned, three shipwrecks, and much more (2 Cor. Rejoice in hope. It is no longer a question of man's guilt, but of his nature. But Paul not only stimulates us to prayer, but expressly requires perseverance; for we have a continual warfare, and new conflicts daily arise, to sustain which, even the strongest are not equal, unless they frequently gather new rigor. In proportion to our faith: The ancient Greek text actually has the before faith. There are some people there is just no way you can live in peace with them. The Romans at the time that Paul wrote to them were subject to persecution, and in this verse he mentions two remedies for impatience under such afflictions, remedies which are equally effectual under all the trials of life. a. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep: This is how we can fulfill the command to be of the same mind toward one another. He addresses himself to such in this endearing language, to mollify and qualify them. To be religious is to serve God. believer more cheerful in this world; the saints' joy is Patience for God's sake, and with an eye to his will and glory, is true piety. Romans 8:1-39 displays this comforting truth in its fulness. It signifies both fervency and perseverance in prayer. A sober opinion of ourselves, ; Romans 12:3. be made without ceasing; saints should watch unto it with all 12:9-11), Paul indicates that we will face tribulation and he tells us how to endure it (12:12): rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer.. The Jews were the last in the world to take such ground as this. And He'll say, "Depart from me ye workers of iniquity, I never knew you." 4:12-13), Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. In the same vein, James (1:2-4) wrote, Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Patience for God's sake, and with an eye to his will and glory, is true piety. (7) He reckons up different virtues together with their effects, that is, hope, patience in tribulation, evenness of mind, continuance in prayer, liberality towards the saints, hospitality, moderation of mind even in helping our enemies, feeling the same as others in their adversity as well as their prosperity, modesty, endeavouring to maintain honest agreement as much as we are able with all men, which cannot be extinguished by any man injuring us. The condition of the Roman saints called for a setting forth of the gospel of God; but this object, in order to be rightly understood and appreciated, leads the apostle into a display of the condition of man. Concerning that part of our duty which respects our brethren, of which we have many instances, in brief exhortations. As He has made all, so He is heir of all. Some think the evangelical law is here called good, in distinction from the ceremonial law, which consisted of statutes that were not good, Ezekiel 20:25. There is so much me first; pushing my way to the front, wanting to get the best. We do not get very far in this world until we know what we can and what we cannot do. To go back to the hunting dog with which we set out. We have had justification, both by blood and also in virtue of Christ's resurrection. And there (for such was the point) it was the complete condemnation of this evil thing, the nature in its present state, so as, nevertheless, to set the believer as before God's judgment free from itself as well as its consequences. "Lord, to whom should we go but thee? We must not be ambitious of honour and preferment, nor look upon worldly pomp and dignity with any inordinate value or desire but rather with a holy contempt. (1.) You're confused. It was one of the great basic beliefs of the Stoics that there was a spark of God in every living creature. A man's ardour in pursuit will be in proportion to his consciousness of the value of that which he pursues. How can I know God's will for my life? It was a message that went out from God to sinners as such. Such a soft word, fitly spoken, may be effectual to turn away wrath. out and over, or be discouraged. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Of course, it could hardly be the law: that was the boast of Israel. God must be served with the spirit (; Romans 1:9; John 4:24), under the influences of the Holy Spirit. There is a high thought of ourselves which we may and must have to think ourselves too good to be the slaves of sin and drudges to this world. See. Now, this is the way in which we are to pray. I have it all over my back, but I can't grow it on the top of my head. It properly denotes the love of parents to their children, which, as it is the most tender, so it is the most natural, of any, unforced, unconstrained; such must our love be to one another, and such it will be where there is a new nature and the law of love is written in the heart. The judgments of God will fall on man as man, but the heaviest blows are reserved for Christendom. (1.) The reason for the double reading is this. Now I take this opportunity of pressing on all that are here to beware of contracted views of "salvation." "Yes'm. Those that would approve themselves Christians indeed must make religion their businessmust choose it, and learn it, and give themselves to it; they must love it, and employ themselves in it, and abide by it, as their great and main business. The free grace of God is the spring and original of all the gifts that are given to men. (vii) There is the time when mercy has to be shown. Nothing can be more simple and essential. In Laguna Canyon in their meditations how they found serenity, and peace, acceptance, beauty, love, baras, you know, tingling feelings, non-reasoned religious experiences. 4). II. Verse Romans 12:12. Please help me torejoice in hope, endure in tribulation, and persevere in prayer, as I press on to the goal of my calling. They had not then so much of the convenience of common inns as we have; or the wandering Christians durst not frequent them; or they had not wherewithal to bear the charges, and therefore it was a special kindness to bid them welcome on free-cost. Now he reminds those who have experienced this mercy that the most fitting act of worship by which they can show their thanks is to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. "Speak respectfully to them, according as their place is, not rendering railing for railing, and bitterness for bitterness." Such has been their singular fruit of promise; such even in the midst of all their misery it is at present. (i) First of all, it urges us to know ourselves. Rev., steadfastly for instant, which has lost its original sense of urgent (Latin, instare to press upon). Romans 12:12b: persevering in tribulation. Ive already shown how to persevere in tribulation, namely, by rejoicing in the certain hope of eternal life. "Which prayers, John?" Compare the feelings expressed by David in Psalm 42:1-2, "As the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee O God. (3) The morning, when we have experienced Gods protecting care, when the mind is fresh, and the thoughts are as yet clear and unoccupied with the world, when we go forth to the duties, trials, and temptations of the day; and the evening, when we have again experienced his goodness, and are about to commit ourselves to his protecting care, and when we need his pardoning mercy for the errors and follies of the day, seem to be times which commend themselves to all as appropriate seasons for private devotion. I have a deal with God. To the wrath of our enemy. Romans 12:1-8 is a summary and reminder of Romans 1-11, in which the Apostle Paul is writing an apologetic of the presence, work, and callings of God on the entire human family. And the moment you begin to be lifted up, your effectiveness for God's kingdom diminishes.Now people say, "Oh, there are still multitudes being saved." Just because God is God, the, Christian is always certain that "the best is yet to be." Consecration to God; Duty towards God; Duty towards Ourselves; Due Exercise of Spiritual Gifts; Duty towards Our Brethren; Brotherly Love; Love to Enemies. They must also be generous in giving practical help to their fellow believers (11-13).These positive attitudes must be shown also towards those who are outside the church, even to persecutors (14-16). Now that God has revealed Himself in the gospel, it is not what will suit man on earth, but what is worthy of the presence of the glory of God. Art thou desirous of bread for thy soul, be hungry, and let thine hunger eat into thy heart. (6) In addition to all this, Christians may be in the habit of praying to God without the formality of retirement, God locks upon the heart; and the heart may pour forth its secret desires to Him even when in business, when conversing with a friend, when walking, when alone, and when in society. It was offered by a poor man in Fife, and it was copied out by the Duchess of Gordon, and found among her papers when she died. Biblical joy is a solid undercurrent that is not affected by the surface storms of life. He used to offer genuine simulated diamonds. Mind that you do the same. As Ive said repeatedly with reference to 12:9-21, these commands are built on 12:1-2: Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Isaiah says: "I was found of them who sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me." ", Why we must do this. to deal with the whole posterity of Adam as involved in death because of one, their common father, who could deny the consistency of one man's saving? c. God has dealt to each one a measure of faith: This means that we should see even our saving faith as a gift from God, and that we have no basis for pride or a superior opinion of ourselves. (iii) Third, Paul is really saving that whatever gift a man has comes from God. It is the going forth of His richest blessing. But it seems to be meant of some particular church-officers, whose work it was to take care of the sick and strangers; and those were generally widows that were in this matter servants to the church-deaconesses (1 Timothy 5:9-10), though others, it is likely, might be employed. It is not forbidden to the magistrate to do justice to those that are wronged, by punishing the wrong-doer; nor to make and execute just and wholesome laws against malefactors; but it forbids private revenge, which flows from anger and ill-will; and this is fitly forbidden, for it is presumed that we are incompetent judges in our own case. The word he uses for renewal is anakainosis ( G342) . There can never be any such thing as a hopeless. Those who would safely navigate the sea of life must pray their passage to heaven. David, though a king upon the throne, was a companion for all such. We are often conscious of an earnest desire to see and converse with an absent friend, to have communion with those we love; and we value such fellowship as among the happiest moments of life. You and I are praying men, and there is nothing else we can do but wait upon the Lord. Secondly, That it concerns Christians to prove what is that will of God which is good, and acceptable, and perfect; that is, to know it with judgment and approbation, to know it experimentally, to know the excellency of the will of God by the experience of a conformity to it. It is to be, That those are best able to prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God, who are transformed by the renewing of their mind. I was reminded of that by a little boy whose father prayed in the family that the Lord would visit the poor and relieve their wants. But once youre stable, unless you absolutely need the drug to remain depression-free, I would advise weaning yourself off the drugs under a physicians supervision. And the blessedness of the gospel is, that it is (not merely an exercise of mercy, but also) divinely just. People should be able to see what is good and what is not based on our conduct. It is not possible to preserve the peace when we cannot do it without offending God and wounding conscience: The wisdom that is from above is first pure and then peaceable, There must be two words to the bargain of peace. Christ is come, and has changed all. It is not in any degree settled as to itself by His blood. (i) There is the gift of prophecy. The Church today needs leaders with zeal in their hearts. The believers zeal should not wane. "Long as they live should Christians pray. God is worshipped and honoured by our hope and trust in him, especially when we rejoice in that hope, take a complacency in that confidence, which argues a great assurance of the reality and a great esteem of the excellency of the good hoped for. Now, that isn't what the Bible teaches. There can be no doubt that the death scene of Stephen was one of the things that turned Paul to Christ. And, Thirdly, We must wish well to them, and desire their good, so far from seeking any revenge. Now if you want meditation, you need to come back to these, beginning with verse Romans 12:9 , and you need to spend time meditating on each of these and see how it can apply to your own life. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. The one requires a clearer head, the other a warmer heart. Just as the sun in the heavens is not for one people or land alone, no more is the gospel. To everyone among you: Paul will soon speak about how we should exercise spiritual gifts in the body of Christ, but a warning about humility is in order, given the inordinate pride that often arises from those who regard themselves as spiritually gifted. He mentions another branch of this bountiful love: Given to hospitality. (iv) There is exhortation. It is said to every one of us, one as well as another. Since men became enemies to God, they have been found very apt to be enemies one to another. Is it when he is in distress? The mark of the truly Christian man has always been humility. There is no hope is what they are saying. It intimates, not only that we must take opportunity, but that we must seek opportunity, thus to show mercy. Now these living sacrifices are acceptable to God; while the sacrifices of the wicked, though fat and costly, are an abomination to the Lord. Some serve (same word) idols (Galatians 4:8, see the KJV translation). The punishment of persecutors is a matter for God to decide. In his generosity, he had given away nearly all his possessions. Not to our own wrath; to give place to this is to give place to the devil. Hence these two things are closely connected together, that is, joy derived from hope, and patience in adversities. When you have found the promise lay your finger on it. Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.. He specifies the ecclesiastical offices appointed in particular churches, in the discharge of which each must study to do his own duty, for the preserving of order and the promotion of edification in the church, each knowing his place and fulfilling it. And in those trials, we must not become self-absorbed, but keep an eye out for how we can contribute to the needs of other believers and go after opportunities to show hospitality (12:13). It is not a soul's overcoming its difficulties, but a sinner's submission to the righteousness of God. Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. If His grace attract, His truth humbles, and leaves no room for vain boasting and self-confidence. The application of this was more evident to the Gentile than to the Jew. Prevalent prayer is frequently spoken of in Scripture as an agony "striving together with me in your prayers." Man is only so much the worse for knowing the truth, if he holds it ever so fast with unrighteousness. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Witness the common joy that grace gives an apostle with saints be had never seen, so that even he should be comforted as well as they by their mutual faith. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. It is not good to hope in just anything. But now to faith all this is gone not lightly, but truly in the sight of God; so that he may live on a Saviour that is risen from the dead as his new life. So with the Christian. This is placed between serving the Lord, and being patient in tribulation; for nothing tends more to animate the people of God to a cheerful serving of him, or to make them more patient under afflictions, than a hope of being for ever with the Lord: patient in tribulation; whilst the saints are in this world they must expect tribulation; their way to heaven lies through it; and it becomes them to be patient under it, not murmuring against God, on the one hand, nor reviling of men, on the other. When this is done, Thus the proof was complete. "If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by [or because of] his Spirit that dwelleth in you.". The presenting of the body to God implies not only the avoiding of the sins that are committed with or against the body, but the using of the body as a servant of the soul in the service of God. This also is a most important truth, my brethren, to bear in mind. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:13, NASB: contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing He also says that it is "through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22; compare Revelation 7:14). There is hardly any phraseology that tends to more injury of souls in these matters than a loose way of talking of salvation. Rejoicing in hope Would you pacify a brother offended? Contrive to do it so as to express thy love. How are we to attain to this urgency? It is to approve things that are excellent (; Philippians 1:10); it is dokimazein (the same word that is used here) to try things that differ, in doubtful cases readily to apprehend what the will of God is and to close in with it. Get thou a consciousness of where and what thou art apart from Christ and from the mercy of God, and then, when thou perceivest well thy need, this, with a sense of the greatness of the blessing, will much quicken thee as to instancy in prayer. He deals with the Jew from his own Scripture (verses 9-19). No, they cry, it is in Isaac's seed that the Jew was called. Upon prayer as spoken of in the text may the Holy Spirit help us now to meditate. It is here that you will find a great failure of Christendom as to this. He has more than practice; he has the something plus, the charisma which is a gift of God. Learn to defeat ill designs against you, either to change them, or to preserve your own peace. No longer are they to think and act like non-Christians. It has been said that no virtue is safe which is not passionate. "Will you sit there please?" This advice is rightly given and placed here, to teach us that we are to go to the throne of grace continually for fresh supplies of grace, and strength to enable us to exercise the grace, and perform the duties exhorted to both in preceding and following verses. Those who have taken the light burden and easy yoke of Christ (Mat 11:30) will be able to feel joyful even in the most difficult of trials. Observe how the exhortation is limited. God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. In chapter 12, Paul explains that the gospel has implications for the way we should treat one another. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More, Have You Noticed Your Gray Hair? It is to yield the members of our bodies as instruments of righteousness, Romans 6:13. [Note: See Dan R. Crawford, compiler, Giving Ourselves to Prayer.] perseverance; men should pray always, and not faint; never give If, by agreement between the ministers of a congregation, this work be divided, either constantly or interchangeably, so that one teaches and the other exhorts (that is, in our modern dialect, one expounds and the other preaches), let each do his work according to the proportion of faith. (2.) It is a believing prospect of the joy set before us that bears up the spirit under all outward pressure. Because whatever we have that is good, God hath dealt it to us; every good and perfect gift comes from above, ; James 1:17. What we have and do that is good is so far right and acceptable as it is founded in faith, and flows from faith, and no further. Do not be sluggish in zeal. He specifies both. (vii) Paul's seventh injunction may be one of two things. We must associate with, and accommodate ourselves to, those that are poor and mean in the world, if they be such as fear God. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and the instrument through which the Holy Spirit works. "Not so," replies the apostle. Christianity is not a system of promise, but rather of promise accomplished in Christ. Article download . But, besides this, there must be that real holiness which consists in an entire rectitude of heart and life, by which we are conformed in both to the nature and will of God: even our bodies must not be made the instruments of sin and uncleanness, but set apart for God, and put to holy uses, as the vessels of the tabernacle were holy, being devoted to God's service. Clinging to what is good (9b) means Christians are to spend a lot of time in prayer. But specially we ought to be constant in prayer, because such remarkable gifts are vouchsafed to importunity. And so people come for help, and of them which are members and attend here, we seek to help them. Finally, it came to be the word distinctively used of the service of the gods. We should see in this, as much as anything, a call to simple good manners among Christians. Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head ( Romans 12:19-20 ). This would be trifling, and not trading; and it is so in prayer: a little bit of praying and then a stretch of neglect will prove a delusion and a snare. We can exercise the faith. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. This is the work of the pastor, as the former of the teacher; to apply gospel truths and rules more closely to the case and condition of the people, and to press upon them that which is more practical. "If he hunger, do not insult over him, and say, Now God is avenging me of him, and pleading my cause; do not make such a construction of his wants. ii. for on your own showing, according to that word to which we all bow, you must admit that one man's sin brought in universal moral ruin and death. This focus on others also means that mercy-motivated, transformed minds are humble, not proud (12:16). Following up with the teaching of the olive-tree, he carries out the same thought of a remnant that abides on their own stock, and points to a re-instatement of the nation, And I would just observe by the way, that the Gentile cry that no Jew ever accepts the gospel in truth is a falsehood. properly signifies, and it is very significant), towards mean things, when God appoints us to them; as the old corrupt nature is carried out towards high things. The quickening power of God therefore was here set forth, of course historically in a way connected with this life and a posterity on earth, but nevertheless a very just and true sign of God's power for the believer the quickening energy of God after a still more blessed sort. It is the duty of those who have wherewithal to, to those necessities. Over the years, Ive encountered many Christians who think that God is supposed to protect them from all trials. 3). Continue, therefore, to be instant in it. THIS is placed in connection with a large number of brief but very weighty precepts. Has He mercy only for guilty Israel? Let us go back to our dog again: the dog would not run at so great a rate if he did not expect to seize his prey; but see how every limb is stretched with intensity, and he goes over hedge and ditch after his game because he has almost seized it, and though it flies before him with all its might, yet he close upon it. We should remember that spiritual giftedness does not equal spiritual maturity. This is pressed (, see to it that there be a saving change wrought in you, and that it be carried on." In those primitive times prevailing persecutions must needs reduce many of the suffering saints to great extremities; and still the poor, even the poor saints, we have always with us. There are two ways in which an elder may deliver a communion card--through the letter-box or at the fireside. WebRomans 12:12, CSB: Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. This, accordingly, is the essential spring of worship. Nay, we must be carried with a kind of impetus, by the force of the new nature (so the word. cleave [stick] to that which is good. Then the apostle introduces the ground, certainty, and character of God's judgment (verses 4-16). There is a disposition continually to imagine that what is frequently spoken of must be understood; but experience will soon show that this is not the case. The Lord had withdrawn the light of his countenance from him, and therefore this man of God slipped from under the chain to have a few minutes alone with God. The contrary to this condescension is reproved, James 2:1-4. I was a stranger, and you took me in, is mentioned as one instance of the mercifulness of those that shall obtain mercy: ten philoxenian diokontesfollowing or pursuinghospitality. It is against the "unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. But distributing to the necessity of the saints, we do feel that that is an obligation. If our Lord suffered so horribly, why should we think that we would be exempt, especially since the Bible repeatedly tells us to expect suffering? Where there is a mutual love between the members of the mystical body, there will be such a fellow-feeling. let us use them. Now all our duty towards one another is summer up in one word, and that a sweet work. God designed things so that our sin has negative emotional effects to get our attention. Gods many mercies call us to be rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer.. And this leads us to see not only where there was an analogy with those who believe in a promised Saviour, but also to a weighty difference. He begins with the great epoch of the dispensations of God (that is, the ages since the flood). It would not have been righteous in any sense to have remitted the sins, until they were actually borne by One who could and did suffer for them. We must not exercise ourselves in things too high for us (; Psalms 131:1-2), not intrude into those things which we have not seen (Colossians 2:18), those secret things which belong not to us (Deuteronomy 29:29), not covet to be wise above what is written. Are we to worship God with a divided reverence? In affliction, in perplexity, in moments of despondency, in danger, and want, and disappointment, and in the loss of friends, we shall feel the propriety of drawing near to God, and of pouring out the heart before him. You were such friends." Hence, then, we find that the whole chapter is founded on this truth. There are few bonds like that of a common sorrow. This is an argument most sweetly cogent. This, however, will be put to the test by-and-by. Acts 1:14). Even where the law was, not by it but by faith the just lived. It is also possible to serve (same word) the ways of this world (Titus 3:3). The extent is what God Himself, so to speak, possesses the universe of God, whatever will be under Christ: and what will not? "There but for the grace of God, go I," said George Whitefield as he saw the criminal walk to the gallows. Because it expected to be fed. To hope for something carries with it the expectation of receiving the object hoped for. 14, 15). Time was when none of the English, nor French, nor of any other nation believed in the Saviour. They are the temples of the Holy Ghost, 1 Corinthians 6:19. The old physicians tell us of two antidotes against poison, the hot and the cold, and they dilate upon the special excellence of each of these: in like manner the apostle Paul gives us first the warm antidote "Rejoicing in hope," and then he gives us the cool antidote, "Patient in tribulation." 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