In this episode, Mallory digs into Romans 12:9-13 to unpack the perspective-shifting treasures the passage holds. How do we live and love like Jesus in the middle of a broken world?
“Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest upon reciprocity.” (C.S Lewis)
Romans 12:9-13
- Persistent theme: “The need for a humble and peaceable attitude toward others, whether fellow Christians or non-Christians."
Verse 9 “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
- The original Greek means “not playing a part”
- Love is not simply a matter of emotion, but instead a matter of the will.
- “Whatever attracts the mind from God, whatever draws the affections away from Christ, is an enemy to the soul” (Ellen White)
- “We must not only do that which is good, but we must cleave to it. It denotes a deliberate choice of, a sincere affection for, and a constant perseverance in, that which is good.” (Henry Commentary)
- In this chapter, Paul is focusing on our responsibility as christians to “live a life of love in the midst of a fallen world.” (Moo pg. 84)
- I can’t be FAITHFUL and CYNICAL at the same time.
Verse 10- Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
- Honor means A high internal attitude of respect, courtesy, or esteem for.
- How often do we willingly yield to our brothers and sisters as a way of showing honor to them?
- Our honor of others cannot be conditional or based on reciprocity.
- "We have to remember that the only person qualified to throw a stone- didn’t."
- We often judge others by their impact but judge ourselves by our intentions.
Verse 11- “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
- Zeal: “a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way” (Erik Raymond)
- “Do not slack in your faithfulness and hard work…”- It’s good to consider, have I been slacking in my faithfulness?
Verse 12- “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
- We rejoice in HOPE - not in circumstances or outcomes.
- Patient: “denotes not a passive putting up with things, but an active, steadfast endurance.” (Morris)
- “Some virtues are seen only in affliction.” (Webster)
- Suffering is inevitable, Joy & hope amidst suffering is not.
- God cares for us holistically.
- “We can continue to spend all of our energy fighting the waves or we can choose to adjust our sails.” Its a posture of patience amid trials.
- CS Lewis quote- “We ought to give thanks for all fortune; if it is good, because it is good, if bad- because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.”
Verse 13- Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
- Mother Theresa quote - “God gives us things to share, He doesn’t give us things to hold.”
- “consume less, share better.”
- Great tragedy of aloneness in our society
There is an immense need for the Spirit’s intervention if we are to live Christian lives…
F. S. Fitzgerald — 'I hope you live a life you're proud of. And if you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.”
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