Romans 12
Our Relationship with God (1,2):
Surrender your body to God - Romans 12:1
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
How does Romans 12:1 starts?
It starts with "therefore".
(Warren Wiersbe) In all of his letters, Paul concluded with a list of practical duties that were based on the doctrines he had discussed. In the Christian life, doctrine and duty always go together. What we believe helps to determine how we behave. It is not enough for us to understand Paul's doctrinal explanations. We must translate our learning into living and show by our daily lives that we trust God's word.
The key idea in this section is relationships. The term "relational theology" is a relatively new one, but the idea is not new. If we have right relationship to God, we will have a right relationship to the people who are a part of our lives.
1 John 4:20 - "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar".
How many major "therefore" Paul has used to conclude major doctrinal points so far in this letter to Romans?
So far Paul has used three major "therefore" to conclude major doctrinal points in this letter to Romans.
(Warren Wiersbe) This is the fourth "therefore" in the letter.
Romans 3:20 is the "therefore" of condemnation, declaring that the whole world is guilty before God.
Romans 3:20 - Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Romans 5:1 is the "therefore" of justification and
Romans 5:1 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Romans 8:1 the "therefore" of assurance.
Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
In Romans 12:1, we have the "therefore" of dedication, and it is this dedication that is the basis for the other relationships that Paul discussed in this section.
What is true dedication?
As Paul described it here, Christian dedication involves three steps.
Your give God your body - Romans :12:1
You give Him your mind - Romans 12:2a
You give Him your will - Romans 12:2b
What is Paul urging/beseeching all believers to do?
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.Paul is urging to present our bodies a living sacrifice.
What does "present your bodies a living sacrifice" mean?
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.How did you use your body before you become a believer in Christ?
(Warren Wiersbe) You give God your body(v.1). Before we trusted Christ, we used our body for sinful pleasures and purposes
NLT: Eph 2:1-3 - 1 Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. 2 You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God's anger just like everyone else.
What is special about your body once you become a believer in Christ?
(Warren Wiersbe) Now that we belong to Him, we want to use our body for His glory.
The Christian's body is God's temple (1 Cor 6:19-20) because the Sprit of God dwells within him (Romans 8:9).
1 Cor 6:19 - Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
NLT: Romans 8:9 - But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all.)
It is our privilege to glorify Christ in our body and magnify Christ in our body (Phil 1:20-21).
1 Cor 6:19b-20 - 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
Phil 1:20-21 - 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Think for a moment: Why Jesus took on Himself a body?
(Warren Wiersbe) Just as Jesus Christ had to take on Himself a body in order to accomplish God's will on earth
John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
Luke 22:42,44 - 39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." 41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." 43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
What we need to do with our body as a believer in Christ?
Here are two things we need to do with our body:
(Warren Wiersbe) We must yield our bodies to Christ that He might continue God's work through us. We must yield the members of the body as "instruments of righteousness" (Romans 6:13) for the Holy Spirit to use in the doing of God's work. The Old Testament sacrifices were dead sacrifices, but we are to be living sacrifices.
Romans 6:13 - And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
(Warren Wiersbe) The verb "present" in this verse means "present once and for all." It commands a definite commitment of the body to the Lord, just as a bride and groom in their wedding service commit themselves to each other. It is this once-for-all commitment that determines what they do with their bodies.
There are many in the Bible offered their bodies a living sacrifice and obeyed God even to their death and they help us understand what this really means:
(Warren Wiersbe) Of course our Lord Jesus Christ is the perfect illustration of a "living sacrifice," because He actually died as a sacrifice, in obedience to His Father's will. But He arose again. And today He is in heaven as a "living sacrifice," bearing in His body the wounds of Calvary, He is our High Priest (Heb 4:14-16) and our Advocate (1 John 2:1) before the throne of God.
(Warren Wiersbe) Isaac (Gen.22) willingly put himself on the altar and would have died in obedience to God's will, but the Lord sent a ram to take his place. Isaac "died" just the same- he died to self and willingly yielded himself to the will of God. When he got off that altar, Isaac was a "living sacrifice" to the glory of God.
All prophets, Job, David, Abraham, Paul, the Apostles, and almost all believers who dedicated their lives for the service and calling of God.
Gal 2:20-21 - 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."
So, we need to totally sacrifice/surrender our body to God once for all and live for Him
Luke 9:23 - Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Romans 6:13 - And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
1 Cor 6:19 - Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
Why do we need to present our bodies a living sacrifice?
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.We need to present our bodies a living sacrifice because:
God spared believer's life by His tender mercies.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.(Warren Wiersbe) It is right response to all that God has done for us-- "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God" (italics mine); and
(Harrison) "Whereas the heathen are prone to sacrifice in order to obtain mercy, biblical faith teaches that the divine mercy provides the basis of sacrifice as the fitting response."
(David Guzik) By the mercies of God reminds us that we do this because of the mercy shown to us by God (described well in Romans 1-11), and that we are only able to offer ourselves to God as He works His mercy in us. God commanded us to do this, and He makes it possible for us to do it.
Think of all the mercies of God Paul has explained to us thus far:
Justification from the guilt and penalty of sin
Adoption in Jesus and identification with Christ
Placed under grace, not law
Giving the Holy Spirit to live within
Promise of help in all affliction
Assurance of a standing in God's election
Confidence of coming glory
Confidence of no separation from the love of God
Confidence in God's continued faithfulness
(Newell) In light of all this mercy - past, present, and future - Paul begs us to present your bodies a living sacrifice. "We must believe that these Divine mercies have persuasive powers over our wills."
Application: What we need to do?
God showed mercy when we were disobedient:
Romans 11:30-32 - 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.
God's mercies available to all everyday:
Lamentations 3:22-23 - 22 Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man to bear The yoke in his youth. 28 Let him sit alone and keep silent, Because God has laid it on him;
So, be merciful with others:
James 2:13 - 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
It is our daily responsibility to surrender our bodies as a living sacrifice to God.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.(Warren Wiersbe) this commitment is "our reasonable service" or "our spiritual worship." This means that every day is a worship experience when your body is yielded to the Lord.
(David Guzik) The ancient Greek word for reasonable (logikos) can also be translated "of the word" (as it is in 1 Peter 2:2). Reasonable service is a life of worship according to God's Word.
The sacrifice of an animal was reasonable service, but only for the one bringing the sacrifice - not for the sacrifice itself. Under the New Covenant we have far greater mercies, so it is reasonable to offer a far greater sacrifice.
Wholeheartedly offering our bodies to God should become the life style for all the believers.
How perfect does a believer's sacrifice need to be?
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.Believer's sacrifice need to be holy, acceptable to God.
(David Guzik) God intends it to be a holy and acceptable sacrifice. The standard for sacrifices made to God under the New Covenant are not any less than the standard under the Old Covenant.
In the Old Testament, every sacrifice had to be holy and acceptable to God
He shall bring a male without blemish (Leviticus 1:10)
But if there is a defect in it, if it is lame or blind or has any serious defect, you shall not sacrifice it to the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 15:21)
The idea of a sweet aroma to the Lord is almost always linked to the idea of an offering made by fire. There is a "burning" in this matter of a living sacrifice. It also shows that Paul has in mind the burnt offering, in which the entire sacrifice was given to the Lord. In some sacrifices, the one offering the sacrifice and the priest shared in the some of the meal, but never in the burnt offering.
The holiness we bring to the altar is a decision for holiness, and yielding to the work of holiness in our life. As we present our bodies a living sacrifice, God makes our life holy by burning away impurities.
All true believers in Christ are holy and acceptable to God because the day we accepted Jesus Christ we become the righteousness of God in Christ or by faith we received God's righteousness.
1 Peter 2:5 - 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
2 Cor 5:21 - For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
NIV: Romans 3:21 - This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference
Romans 9:30 - 30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.
Phil 3:9 - 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
So, God is not looking for traditional, ritual or pretending Christians but God is really looking for the believer who are whole heartedly willing to give/surrender/dedicate their lives to God.
Application:
Is it hard to sacrifice?
Yes.
Why it is hard to sacrifice?
Do not quit because it always involves pain/suffering but endure
1 Peter 3:17 - 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,
1 Peter 4:16 - Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
1 Peter 4:19 - Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Surrender your mind to God - Romans 12:2a
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
What should believers not do?
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Believers should not be conformed to this world.
Does this mean believers/Christians confirm to the world?
Yes, believers/Christians confirm to the world because all lived that way before accepting Jesus Christ.
How do believers conform to this world?
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.(David Guzik) This warns us that the "world system" - the popular culture and manner of thinking that is in rebellion against God - will try to conform us to its ungodly pattern, and that process must be resisted.
Support immorality:
To please others or not to offend others many believers support same sex marriage, transgender, abortion, adultery, living together
Some believers while they are in the midst of secular group they may try to be cool/gentle and to avoid odd man out situation they may not object immorality even though they really not support those immorality.
Not stand for truth:
Some believers while they are in the midst of other Christian group they may try to be cool/gentle and to avoid odd man out situation they may not object wrong basic interpretation of word of God even though they know the right interpretation and really burdened to share.
Trying to be cool/gentle and to avoid odd man out situation while they are among non-bleievers they may not object if a non-believer teach them that there are many ways to heaven even though they know that Jesus is the only way to heaven.
Live a prideful life
Spiritual Pride: some believers show off God given gifts of the Holy Spirit and trash other believers saying since I am closer to God so God gave these gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Physical Pride: some believers show off all blessing of God as if they have earned by their hard work to the secular people and to Christians they say that God blessed these because of they have done many things to God.
Partying often to please your flesh/feelings and slowly stopping/replacing Bible Studies, Home Fellowships, Church activities, ....
To mingle with coworkers, friends or neighbors:
Drinking alcoholic substances.
Watching immoral stuff such as immoral movies, immoral TV Series, immoral late night talk shows
Watching sports is fine but some replace Church and God's service with sports.
Speaking swear/curse words, profane talks, vulgar jokes,...
Keeping only goals such as Carrier, job position/title, money, or any worldly things without even consider any spiritual goals.
Wearing outfits that confirms to the world standard instead of modest dressing:
1 Tim 2:9 - 8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.
1 Peter 3:3 - 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
NLT: Deut 22:5 - “A woman must not put on men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s clothing. Anyone who does this is detestable in the sight of the LORD your God.
In addition to these most Christians live Christian life without relationship with Jesus Christ.
What should believers do?
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Believers should be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
(David Guzik) This is the opposite of being conformed to this world. The battle ground between conforming to the world and being transformed is within the mind of the believer. Christians must think differently.
"I don't want to be conformed to this world. I want to be transformed. How do I do it?" By the renewing of your mind.
What does transform mean?
(David Guzik) This is the ancient Greek word metamorphoo - describing a metamorphosis. The same word is used to describe Jesus in His transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3; Matthew 17:2). This is a glorious transformation!
The only other place Paul uses this word for transformed is in
2 Corinthians 3:18 - But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. For Paul, this transformation and renewing of our minds takes place as we behold the face of God, spending time in His glory.
It is not just outside change or change in the public and have private secret sinful life.
(Warren Wiersbe) It describes a change from within.
Why do believers needs to be transformed by the renewing of mind?
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Believers needs to be transformed by the renewing of mind by this way they will not confirm to the world
(Warren Wiersbe) The world wants to control your mind, but God wants to transform your minds (see Eph 4:17-24; Col. 3:1-11).
World offers worthless junk and the eternal suffering in Hell but God offers peace and eternal life:
1 John 2:15-17 - 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
How do believers renew their mind?
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Since we all are born as sinners
We all have corrupt sinful mind because,
We all live without knowing the truth God has revealed us through His Word in the Bible.
Eph 4:17-18 - 17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk,
in the futility of their mind,
18 having their understanding darkened,
being alienated from the life of God,
Once we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior our mind needs to be washed by the Word of God:
Jesus works behind the scene in each and every believer by washing/renewing them with His word:
Eph 5:26-27 - 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Jesus also appoints teachers to teach the word of God to renew believers mind:
Eph 4:11-16 - 11 And He [Jesus] Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
It is our responsibility to renew our mind by reading, understanding and meditating the word of God:
Eph 4:17-24 - 17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness (NLT: 19a They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure ...), to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. 26 "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor [great cry with harsh words], and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice [evil behavior or wickedness]. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
Col. 3:1-11 - 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
How do believers transform by the renewing of your mind?
We must surrender our mind to God and renew our mind through reading, understanding and meditating the word of God:
In general just reading and gaining knowledge will puff up and we will live in a spiritual pride. So, we need to apply these in our lives:
1 Cor 8:1 - Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
We desire to apply in our life by being polite, kind, loving, keen to listen, faithful, truthful, patient ... but when reality comes we blowout or pretend to be a great Christian:
Why do we do that?
Because nothing good dwells within us because we live in sin nature. So, we do not have power to accomplish it.
Romans 7:15-23 - 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Where to receive that power?
God is faithful and just to give His power by filling/baptizing/anointing us with His Holy Spirit to any believers who asks Him:
Luke 11:13 - If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"
What we need to do with this power?
God give life to our mortal bodies by the power of the Holy Spirit:
Romans 8:11 - But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
How God give life to our mortal bodies by the power of the Holy Spirit?
God give life to our mortal bodies when we use that power of the Holy Spirit to put to death the sinful deeds of our body:
Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Do we naturally put to death our sinful deeds by the power of the Holy Spirit once we become the believers?
No, that is why Paul said in Gal 5:17
NLT: Gal 5:17 - The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.
All believers have choice to choose:
NLT: Romans 6:16 - Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.
We need to use our free will to choose to obey the Holy Spirit's leading. Holy Spirit will give supernatural strength to accomplish it. Just yield to the Holy Spirit and submit to His leading:
NLT: Gal 5:16-26 - 16 So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit [NKJV: Walk in the Spirit]. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. 18 But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, 20 idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
By this way God's Holy Spirit transform us from glory to glory.
2 Cor 3:18 - But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
How do you know whether you are confirming or transforming?
(Warren Wiersbe) If the world controls your thinking, you are conformer; if God controls your thinking, you are a transformer.
NIV: Romans 8:5-8 - 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Surrender your will to God - Romans 12:2b
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Why do Paul wants all believers to surrender their body and mind to God?
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable 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, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.So, that believers may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
In other words believers needs to surrender their body and mind to God
to confirm to the will of God or
to do the will of God
What we really need to do to do the will of God?
We need to surrender our will to God. This is what Jesus said in
Luke 9:23 - Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
So, in addition to surrendering our body and mind we need surrender our will to God. Because your will controls your mind and mind controls your body:
(Warren Wiersbe) Your mind controls your body and your will controls your mind.
Is it easy to surrender our will to God?
No, it is not easy to surrender our will God because we usually exercise our own free will.
(Warren Wiersbe) Many people think they can control their will by "willpower," but usually they fail. (This was Paul's experience as recorded in Rom. 7:15-21).
How will you surrender your will to God?
As we saw earlier we need to yield to the Holy Spirit leading and submit or chose to obey Him. He will give power to surrender our will.
(Warren Wiersbe) It is only when we yield the will to God that His power can take over and give us the willpower (and the won't power!) that we need to be victorious Christians
We surrender our wills to God through disciplined prayer. As we spend time in prayer, we surrender our will to God and pray, with the Lord, "Not my will, but Thy will be done." We must pray about everything.
How God lead us to do His will?
Holy Spirit leads us according to God's unique plan for you:
John 16:13-14 - 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
Isaiah 30:21 - Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
Luke 12:11-12 - 11 Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
God puts His desire in our hearts when we delight in Him and work towards His will:
Ps 37:4 - Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
NLT: Phil 2:13 - For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
Phil 1:6 - being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Jeremiah tried to quit His ministry because of opposition, persecution and threat but since God put His burden/desire in his heart so he could not quit as he feels and served Him passionately as God led:
NLT: Jer 20:9 - And I can't stop! If I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in! 10 I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me "The Man Who Lives in Terror." And they say, "If you say anything, we will report it." Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip. "He will trap himself," they say, "and then we will get our revenge on him." 11 But the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him they will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will be shamed and thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.
Jer 20:9 - Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. 10 For I heard many mocking: "Fear on every side!" "Report," they say, "and we will report it!" All my acquaintances watched for my stumbling, saying, "Perhaps he can be induced; Then we will prevail against him, And we will take our revenge on him." 11 But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten.
God leads us by revealing His will while we pray in Spsirit:
Romans 8:26-27 - 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Application:
What are some of the pitfalls of Christians that makes them to think that they are not confirming the world even though they really confirming the world?
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.Most of the Christians focus on outside change (kind/gentle/polite/respect/wise/knowledgeable) or change in the public setting but live a sinful private life.
This pretending lifestyle is very common among many Christians.
They will be satisfied with this outside change end up there forever instead of transforming their life by renewing of mind through the word of God.
Another subtle problem many Christians have is that they know the word of God but instead of renewing their mind by that and live a transformed life they keep all rituals or follow all the traditions and live under the Law without the relationship with the God almighty.
Living as per our feelings is the way we all lived before accepting Jesus Christ. So, once we accepted Jesus Christ most of us follow the same pattern and obey God only if the feel good or comfortable:
(David Guzik) The problem with many Christians is they live life based on feelings, or they are only concerned about doing.
The life based on feeling says, "How do I feel today? How do I feel about my job? How do I feel about my wife? How do I feel about worship? How do I feel about the preacher?" This life by feeling will never know the transforming power of God, because it ignores the renewing of the mind.
The life based on doing says, "Don't give me your theology. Just tell me what to do. Give me the four points for this and the seven keys for that." This life of doing will never know the transforming power of God, because it ignores the renewing of the mind.
God is never against the principles of feeling and doing. He is a God of powerful and passionate feeling and He commands us to be doers. Yet feelings and doing are completely insufficient foundations for the Christian life. The first questions cannot be "How do I feel?" or "What do I do?" Rather, they must be "What is true here? What does God's Word say?"
Examine yourself by answering following questions?
Did you forgive anyone before accepting Jesus Christ?
Are you forgiving everyone who offended/hurt/backstabbed/... once you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
Ask similar questions to all other moral teachings in the Bible and answer. By this way you will know whether you are growing in the Lord by transforming or confirming the world.
Summary:
(David Guzik) As we are transformed on the inside, the proof is evident on the outside, as others can see what the good and acceptable and perfect will of God is through our life.
Paul here explains how to live out the will of God:
Keep in mind the rich mercy of God to you - past, present, and future (by the mercies of God)
As an act of intelligent worship, decide to yield your entire self to Him (present your bodies a living sacrifice)
Resist conformity to the thoughts and actions of this world (do not be conformed)
By focus on God's word and fellowship with Him (be transformed by the renewing of your mind)
Then, your life will be in the will of God. Your life will prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
You may know what the good and acceptable and perfect will of God is, but you can't prove it in your life apart from the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
(Warren Wiersbe) The world wants to change your mind, so it exerts pressure from without. But the Holy Spirit changes your mind by releasing power from within.
God transforms our minds and makes us spiritually minded by using His word. As you spend time meditating on God's word, memorizing it, and making it a part of your inner man, God will gradually make your mind more spiritual (see 2 Cor 3:18).
To have a right relationship with God, we must start the day by yielding to Him our bodies, minds and wills.
For many years I have tried to begin each day
by surrendering my body to the Lord.
Then I spend time with His Word and let Him transform my mind and prepare my thinking for that new day.
Then I pray, and I yield the plans of the day to Him and let Him work as He sees me through.
Our Relationship with fellow believers (3-16):
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Honest self evaluation (V3):
What is measure of faith?
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.To become believer/follower of Jesus Christ or to enter into the Kingdom of God/Heaven everyone needs to put their 100% faith (faith without any doubt) in God.
Romans 4:20-22 - 20 He [Abraham] did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness." 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
Following taken from the article which walk through detail study about Faith:
What is child like faith?
What is mustard seed like faith?
What is great faith?
Is there any difference between child/mustard seed like faith and great faith?
What is little faith?
Is Jesus saying that they have little faith or they have 25% of faith or very less faith?
Is your faith displayed in all our circumstances?
To put their faith in God, He has given every human being the basic necessary things or ability/capacity to believe in Him
God has created everyone with the instinct knowledge to know Him
Romans 1:19 - 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
God has created everyone with longing for eternity/afterlife in their heart or void/emptiness in heart that only God can fill:
Ecc 3:11 - He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
NLT: Ecc 3:11 - God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end.
Since, God has given every necessary thing to believe in Him or put their faith in Him so even if anyone put their faith in God cannot boast. Instead of suppressing the truth or inner convictions of existence of God they choose to put their faith in God out of their free will. God will bless them for doing so but believers in Him cannot boast.
Romans 4:1-5 - 1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
Eph 2:8-9 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
(David Guzik) 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.
Those who put their faith in God and entered into the Kingdom of God/Heaven are called believers in Christ, followers of Christ or Christian.
God has called every believers in Christ to accomplish His purpose.
2 Tim 1:9 - who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Eph 2:10 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
So, based on complexity of calling/task/purpose God also giving more faith called the gift of faith to accomplish His calling/task/purpose.
1 Cor 12:9 - 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Not only that God also gives more gifts based on complexity of calling/task/purpose/ministry.
Romans 12:3-8 - 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Eph 4:7,8,11 - 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." ... ... ... 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
Why God gave these gifts?
Eph 4:12-16 - 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
1 Cor 12:11,18,28-30 - 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. ..............
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. ..............
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
How should the believers not think about themselves? or How should a believer not think of himself/herself?
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.The believers should not think of themselves more highly than they ought to think
How should the believers need to think about themselves? or How should a believer think of himself/herself?
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.What does sober mean?
English dictionary meaning of Sober is
not intoxicated or drunk.
habitually temperate, especially in the use of liquor.
free from excess, extravagance, or exaggeration: sober facts.
showing self-control: sober restraint.
In Greek (G4993) it is called sōphroneō and it means
to be of sound mind
to be in one's right mind
to exercise self control
to put a moderate estimate upon one's self, think of one's self soberly
to curb one's passions
In general being in clear/sound mind/conscience without not intoxicated or drunk.
What does think soberly mean?
Think clearly, think honestly, think truthfully, think with sound mind.
Be honest in evaluating yourselves.
NLT: 3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
(Warren Wiersbe) Each Christian must know what his spiritual gifts are and what ministry (or ministries) he is to have in the local church.
(David Guzik) Paul does not advise any kind of masochistic attitude, but rather he tells us to see the truth about ourselves. When we see ourselves as we really are, it is impossible to be given over to pride.
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.
We should remember that spiritual giftedness does not equal spiritual maturity. Just because a person has substantial spiritual gifts does not mean they are necessarily spiritually mature or a worthy example.
The believers should not think of themselves more highly than they ought to think but think rightly/honestly/correctly about themselves based on God given talents & gifts.
Is it a good practice for the Christians to think too lowly about themselves than they are?
No.
How highly or how lowly can a believer think about himself/herself?
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.(Warren Wiersbe) It is not wrong for a Christian to recognize gifts in his own life and in the lives of others. What is wrong is the tendency to have a false evaluation of ourselves. Nothing causes more damage in a local church than a believer who overrates himself and tries to perform a ministry that he cannot do. (Sometimes the opposite is true, and people undervalue themselves. Both attitudes are wrong.)
The gifts that we have came because of God's grace. They must be accepted and exercised by faith. We were saved "by grace, through faith" (Eph. 2:8-9), and we must live and serve" by grace through faith." Since our gifts are from God, we cannot take the credit for them. All we can do is accept them and use them to honor His name. (See 1 Cor. 15:10 for Paul's personal testimony about gifts.)
I once ministered with two men who had opposite attitudes toward their gifts: the one man constantly belittled his gifts and would not use them, and the other man constantly boasted about gifts that the die not possesses. Actually, both of them were guilty of pride, because both of them refused to acknowledge God's grace and let Him have the glory.
Moses made a similar mistake when God called him (Ex 4:1-13). When the individual believers in a church know their gifts, accept them by faith and use them for God's glory, then God can bless in a wonderful way.
Gal 6:3-4 - 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
Exodus 4:1-13 - 1 Then Moses answered and said, "But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'The Lord has not appeared to you.' " 2 So the Lord said to him, "What is that in your hand?" He said, "A rod." 3 And He said, "Cast it on the ground." So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail" (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), 5 "that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you." 6 Furthermore the Lord said to him, "Now put your hand in your bosom." And he put his hand in his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, like snow. 7 And He said, "Put your hand in your bosom again." So he put his hand in his bosom again, and drew it out of his bosom, and behold, it was restored like his other flesh. 8 "Then it will be, if they do not believe you, nor heed the message of the first sign, that they may believe the message of the latter sign. 9 And it shall be, if they do not believe even these two signs, or listen to your voice, that you shall take water from the river and pour it on the dry land. And the water which you take from the river will become blood on the dry land." 10 Then Moses said to the Lord, "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." 11 So the Lord said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say." 13 But he said, "O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send." 14 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: "Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do. 16 So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God.
Application:
How do you think about yourself?
Can you share at least two or more positive and negative things (strength and weakness) about you? or Can you tell about you?
God's gifting to serve one another (V4-8)
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Do we have single member (body part) in our body?
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,No, we have many members in our body.
How many major external members we have in our body?
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,Eye
Ear
Hand
Leg
Do all the members of our body have the same function?
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,No, all the members do not have the same function.
Describe the functions of few members in our body:
Eye - sees or perceive and communicates to our brain or mind.
Ear - hears and communicates to our brain or mind.
Hand - feeds, carry objects, type/write,...
Leg - walks, climb, stand, sit,
Why Paul is talking about our body and body parts here?
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.In the next verse Romans 12:5 Paul is explaining that how believers are spiritually connecting to each other to form one body in Christ.
How our body and members of our body spiritually relates?
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.All believers together forms one body in Christ.
Each believers are members of the body in Christ.
Each members/believers has their own functions.
Or Not all members/believers has the same functions.Believers in Christ are the spiritual body parts of one body in Christ (The Universal Church)
1 Cor 12:12 - For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
1 Cor 12:27 - Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
The day you believe you become members the body in Christ.
How do believers become one in Christ:?
What makes any two person sibling?
Any two person born for same parent makes them sibling.
They are related through blood. We generally call this as blood relation.
What makes two believers in Christ as brothers and sisters?
God's Spirit units us to one body so those who born of His Spirit (John 3:5) are brothers and sisters in Christ.
1 Cor 12:13 - For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
NLT: Romans 8:9 - But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all.)
Romans 8:15,16 - 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
All the believers in Christ are spiritually related. God's Holy Spirit units the believers together.
Who defines/assigns the function for the each members i.e. believers in Christ?
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
6a Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,God the Father and His son Jesus Christ defines/assigns the function/ministry/task as per His unique plan He has for us.
1 Cor 12:18,28 - 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.Eph 4:7,8,11 - 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." ... ... ... 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
What will be given to the believers to accomplish the tasks/functions defined by God?
6a Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,Capability/Ability/Gifts are given to the believers to accomplish the tasks/functions defined by God.
Who will give these gift to accomplish the tasks/functions assigned by God?
6a Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,God the Holy Spirit gives these gifts freely according to the grace that is given to us.
1 Cor 12:11,18,28 - 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
In what basis Holy Spirit has given these gifts?
Based on the complexity of the function/ministry God has given these gifts to the believers to accomplish the tasks/functions defined by God.
(David Guzik) Having then gifts: The difference and distribution of gifts is all due to the grace that is given to us. Spiritual gifts are not given on the basis of merit, but because God chooses to give them.
This idea is related in the ancient Greek word for "spiritual gifts": charismata, which means a gift of grace. This term was apparently coined by Paul to emphasize that the giving of these spiritual gifts was all of grace.
So, if you have a gift then God has given at least a function/responsibility/ministry.
Or if you have at least a function/responsibility/ministry then God the Holy Spirit will give you required gifts to accomplish that.
Paul provides more complex detail in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.
1 Cor 12:4-14 - 12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?
How this principal spiritually relate to us?
1 Cor 12:17 - If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
Does our body function if we replace all our body parts with one body part?
No
How this principal spiritually relate to us?
Does this one body in Christ means uniformity?
No, it is unity with diversity because God didn't give same functions/responsibility/ministry to all. We are united in Christ with different calling.
1 Cor 12:17 - If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?
(David Guzik) The church is a unified whole (one body), yet we are distinct within that one body (individually members). In the body of Christ there is unity but not uniformity.
19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism [dvision] in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.How this principal spiritually relate to us?
Can we ever promote/diminish unity at the expense of individuality?
No, we should not promote/diminish unity at the expense of individuality. Emphasizing your gift and function
(David Guzik) Individually members of one another: We err when we neglect either aspect; unity should never be promoted at the expense of individuality, and individuality should never diminish the church's essential unity in Christ; He is our common ground, we are one body in Christ.
1 Cor 12:21 - And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."
26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Do we suffer when any one member of our body suffers?
Yes
1 Cor 12:26 - And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
How this principal spiritually relate to us?
If a believer suffers due to illness then we all suffer without the presence of that brother and because that brother suffers without ignoring.
If a believer honored due to great work done with the help of the God then we all rejoice with that brother without envying or feeling jealous.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
God the Father and Jesus Christ assigns the functions/responsibilities to each and every believers.
Summary:
Each believers are like parts of a physical body.
All believers together forms one body in Christ (the Church) and Christ is the head of the church.
Like how each body parts doesn't have the same function same way each believers doesn't have same function but have unique function/responsibility/ministry/calling which God prepared before the foundation of the world.
Eph 2:10 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
2 Tim 1:9 - who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Acts 13:2 - 1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
To accomplish His purpose/calling God gives talents and spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Cor 12)
What are those gifts? and How to use those gifts to accomplish the tasks/functions defined by God?
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.The gift of Prophecy:
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.What does prophecy mean?
6b if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;In general prophecy mean foretelling the future. More than foretelling in Biblical terms it means forth-telling the heart and mind of God which He already revealed in the Bible. It is a declaring the truth.
(Jon Courson) Prophecy means more than foretelling. It primarily means “forth-telling”—expounding the Word, declaring truth. The Word burns within the heart of those with the gift of prophecy. They know what should be shared and feel a pressing need to speak out.
(David Guzik) We are reminded that prophecy, in the Biblical understanding, isn't necessarily "fore-telling" in a strictly predictive sense. It is more accurately "forth-telling" the heart and mind of God, which may or may not include a predictive aspect.
This warns us against flippant, "stream of consciousness" prophecy that has no difficulty saying, "Thus says the Lord" at the drop of a hat.
What is the difference between forth telling and foretelling?
Actually, foretelling and forth telling are two different things. To foretell is to tell something of the future, yes. But to forth telling is to give a message from God; not specifically about the future; just something from God. i.e., Jonah and the Ninevites; John the Baptist telling people to repent.
Example for foretelling in New Testament:
Acts 21:11,13 - 10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' " 12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Jesus predicts Peter's denial for 3 times.
Example for forth-telling in New Testament:
From where Prophecy originates?
2 Peter 1:20-21 - 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
What does "prophesy in proportion to our faith" mean?
6b if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;It may mean that God may reveal us something to say to an individual or church body that stretches our faith to proclaim/declare it boldly.
(David Guzik) Prophecy must be practiced in proportion to our faith. God may give us something to say to an individual or church body that stretches our faith.
Can we say that the proportion of faith is the proportion of the faith of the recipient/audience of the prophecy?
In KJV it is rendered little differently. It does not add our before faith:
KJV: Romans 12:6 - Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Some interpret "the proportion of faith" to be the proportion of the faith of the recipient/audience of the prophecy.
Is this correct? Why?
No, because the fulfillment of prophecy depends upon the faith of the recipient/audience.
I heard some preacher/prophet saying that I have prophesized to this brother but it didn't fulfilled because that brother doesn't have enough faith to receive/accept the prophecy.
Think for a moment if God asked a prophet to prophesy to dry bone or to a dead person then how the prophet can expect the faith from the dry dead bone or the dead body.
Ezekiel 37:3-8 - 3 And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" So I answered, "O Lord God, You know." 4 Again He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews[strength; power;] on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord." ' " 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.
Don't forget prophesy originate from God and it is fulfilled by God unless he gives prophecy with a condition.
2 Peter 1:21 - for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
The Bible also warns if a prophet prophesy and if it didn't fulfilled as prophesized then that prophet is a false prophet.
Deut 18:21-22 - 21 And if you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?'-- 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously[NLT: without my authority]; you shall not be afraid of him.
It is most probably mean prophecy must be according to "the faith" i.e. the accepted body of doctrine held among believers:
(David Guzik) The ancient Greek text actually has "the" before faith. Paul may be cautioning that prophecy must be according to the faith, in accord with the accepted body of doctrine held among believers.
Deut 13:1-5 - 1 "If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods'--which you have not known--'and let us serve them,' 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. 5 But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to entice you from the way in which the Lord your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put away the evil from your midst.
How do you identify whether the thought comes from above from God or not?
God never give any prophecy that is contrary to His word which He already prophesied.
James 3:15-17 - 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
By faith boldly prophesy if it is from God:
(David Guzik) If we can't prophecy in faith and trust that God has really spoken to us, we shouldn't do it at all.
Can we desire to have this gift?
Nothing wrong in desiring best gifts to bless others.
1 Cor 12:31 - But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
1 Cor 14:1 - Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
What is the major advantages of the gift of prophecy?
1 Cor 14:3-5 - 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
What are the challenges believers face in the gift of prophecy?
If a prophet foretelling future with positive message then it is good and blessing the prophet
But if God leads to prophesy bad or negative message to a person or to the body of believers (the Church) then it is really a challenge.
Samuel prophesied against the king Saul.
Nathan prophesied against the king David.
Daniel prophesied against the king Nebuchadnezzar .
Jeremiah prophesied against the last four Israel kings Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah.
His mission was to testify to a sinful and stubborn people who were both misled and uninterested in returning to the ways of God.
Forth telling the truth is not easy always. Expounding the word and declare it to people without a twist is requires boldness. Without power of the Holy Spirit it is impossible.
Declaring the truth to those who are caught into tradition/denomination/wrong teaching will hurt and strangles the relationship.
God hates divorce.
Malachi 2:16 - "For the Lord God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says the Lord of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously."
We are saved by faith alone not by works. Work is the outcome of true and genuine saving faith:
Eph 2:8-9 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
The gift of Ministry:
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.What does ministry mean?
7a or ministry, let us use it in our ministering;In general ministry means service.
Does this mean specific service/ministry to God?
(David Guzik) This has in view the broader picture of simply serving in practical ways. Paul sees this as important ministry from the Holy Spirit as well.
(William MacDonald) Ministry is a very broad term meaning service for the Lord. It does not meant the office, duties, or functions of a clergy man (as commonly used today). the person who has the gift of ministry has a servant heart. He sees opportunities to be of service and seizes them.
The Greek word used is diakonia (G1248).
In Acts 6 it is twice applied
To Physical things: Acts 6:1 - Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution [G1248 - KJV: ministration].
To Spiritual things: Acts 6:4 - 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry[G1248] of the word."
As per William R. Newell its being placed as it is, indicates that those who, like the house of Stephanas, in 1 Cor 16:15, minister to the saint's material needs.
1 Cor 16:15 - 15 I urge you, brethren--you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints-- 16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.
2 Cor 9:12 - For the administration [G1248] of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,
We can again see this in Jesus, the apostles, Tabitha/Dorcas:
(Jon Courson) Prophecy declares truth. Ministry depicts truth. Jesus modeled this over and over again when He would first teach and then touch. He would teach truth and then touch people as an illustration of what He taught. Ministering simply means serving. I think of Dorcas in Acts 9. When she died, the early church went into an upheaval. Why was she so loved? Because she was a minister in the truest sense of the word. Others declared truth and warmed people’s hearts; Dorcas depicted truth by sewing people’s garments and warming their bodies.
Example:
Acts 9:36-43 - 36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
We can say this gift as the gift of ministering/serving.
This is closely relates to the gift of help and administration:
1 Cor 12:28 - And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
Application: Does this mean only those believers who has the gift of ministry/service need to minister/serve the kingdom of God?
No, all believers are called to serve.
Gla 6:9,10 - 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Matt 20:26-28 - 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Those believers who has the gift of ministry/service will serve as per the leading of God without expecting any return and they cannot sit idle without serving.
The gift of Teaching:
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.What does Teaching mean?
7b he who teaches, in teaching;The Greek word used for teach is didaskō (G1321). It means impart instruction, instill doctrine into one, explain/expound the word of God the truth systematically.
(Jon Courson) A teacher defines truth. A prophet might share sporadically; but a teacher shares systematically. “You’ve heard it said of old, you’re not to commit adultery. But let Me define what that means,” said Jesus (see Matthew 5:27, 28). And people marveled, for He taught with authority.
(William MacDonald) A teacher is one who is able to explain the word of God and apply it to the hearts of his hearers. Whatever our gifts is, we should give ourselves to it whole heartedly.
Is preaching is same as teaching?
No, the Greek word used for preach is kēryssō (G2784). It means
to be a herald, to officiate as a herald
to proclaim after the manner of a herald
always with the suggestion of formality, gravity and an authority which must be listened to and obeyed
to publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done
used of the public proclamation of the gospel and matters pertaining to it, made by John the Baptist, by Jesus, by the apostles and other Christian teachers
What the Bible teacher needs to teach?
We know that Jesus is teacher:
John 1:38 - 35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi" (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are You staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).
Do you know why Jesus came to the earth?
John 18:37 - Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
Likewise Bible Teachers need to teach the truth.
Why the Bible teacher needs to teach the truth?
Those who know the truth will not be under the controller of any leader but will be under the fold of the revealer of the truth who is our God almighty.
John 8:32 - 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
What it means that "the truth shall make you free"?
No one can deceive us and we will be develop the the thick relationship with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
2 Tim 4:3-4 - 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
Application:
Are you looking for a teacher who teaches the truth or who teaches whatever you want to hear?
We will be bondslaves/bondservant to Christ instead of slaves to human leader.
Romans 1:1 - Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
This is the reason Jesus gives this gift to us.
Who will have this gift of teaching?
Jesus Christ gives these gifts through Holy Spirit:
1 Cor 12:11 - But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Romans 12:4-6a - 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;
Do all pastors have the gift of teaching? or Who will have this gift?
Yes, all pastors must have the gift of teaching that is the reason Jesus Christ gives the gift called "pastor-teacher":
Eph 4:11-16 - 11 And He [Jesus] Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
How Jesus taught the truth?
Jesus taught with authority.
Matt 7:29 - 24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall." 28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
So, those believers who has gift of teaching will teach the word of God with authority because Jesus will be with them always.
Matt 28:18-20 - 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
How often Jesus taught the truth?
Matt 26:55 - In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me.
What specific truth the teacher needs to teach?
John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 5:39-40 - 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
Rev 19:10 - And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
NLT: Rev 19:10 - Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, "No, don't worship me. For I am a servant of God, just like you and other brothers and sisters who testify of their faith in Jesus. Worship God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus."Col 1:15-18 - 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
2 Peter 1:1-4 - 1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Teachers needs to teach/preach Christ centered teaching/message:
Read the book titled Christ-Centered Preaching, by Bryan Chapell.
Gal 1:16 - 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
Col 1:28 - Him [Jesus] we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
(William R. Newell) Proper teaching would see that the saints become familiar with the wonders of the Old Testament, and love it.
The prophecies, both of the Old Testament and of the book of The Revelation should also be taught, remembering that "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy"' and that every true Christian teacher should be able to say: "It is good pleasure of God to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him" (Gal 1:16); "that in all things Christ might have the preeminence" "that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."
Is systematic verse by verse teaching is very important? Why?
Systematic verse by verse teaching is very important because through this believers will study the whole counsel of God.
John 5:39-40 - 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.
Rev 19:10 - And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
NLT: Rev 19:10 - Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, "No, don't worship me. For I am a servant of God, just like you and other brothers and sisters who testify of their faith in Jesus. Worship God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus."Acts 20:27,32 - 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. 32 So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
2 Peter 1:1-4 - 1 Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Jesus did a detail systematic topical study on the road to Emmaus. In that He explained/expounded the word of God in detail:
Luke 24:13-32 - 13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 17 And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?" 18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?" 19 And He said to them, "What things?" So they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." 25 Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." And He went in to stay with them. 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"
Stephen taught through the Bible in Acts 7.
Is topical teaching is equally important?
Topical teaching is also equally important as systematic verse by verse teaching. Church must teach both the ways.
What additional gift God bless with the gift of teaching?
God bless all Bible teachers with this gift of teaching and gift of Prophecy because the gift of Prophecy has ability to declare or forth telling truth or the word of God.
Is there any warning associated with this gift of teaching?
James 3:1 - My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
Application: Does this mean only those believers who has the gift of teaching need to teach the truth?
Acts 18:23-27 - 23 After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia (Paul’s third missionary journey begins) in order, strengthening all the disciples. 24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; 28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Are you bold and wise enough to correct if a leader teaches wrongly certain important theological points?
Are you teachable like Apollos?
The gift of Exhortation:
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.What does gift of Exhortation mean?
8a he who exhorts, in exhortation;What does exhort mean?
Exhort in Greek called "parakaleō" (G3870) and it means:
to admonish
to encourage, strengthen, beg, comfort,
to encourage to apply/do what they have studied/learnt from the Bible.
Its English meaning from dictionary is
to urge, advise, caution earnestly, or admonish urgently.
Eg:
Romans 15:30 - 30 Now I beg [KJV: beseech] you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 16:17 - Now I urge [KJV: beseech] you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
2 Cor 9:5 - Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.
(William MacDonald) Exhortation is the gift of stirring up the saints to desist from every form of evil and to press on to new achievements for Christ in holiness and in service.
(Jon Courson) Exhortation develops truth.
(Greg Laurie) The meaning of the word exhortation is to come alongside a person. The gift of exhortation encompasses the ideas of advising, pleading, encouraging, warning, strengthening, and comforting. Maybe there is a fellow believer who is going through a hard time. Those who have the gift of exhortation are somehow blessed by the Lord with the insight to see the need and know what to say.
But exhortation could also involve correction. When you see a fellow brother or sister going the wrong way and you say, “Brother, I love you enough to say, don’t go down that road. I see you are on the wrong path,” that is exhortation.
On the other hand, it could be someone who is discouraged, who thinks God can never use them and you come and undergird them and say, “You can do it. I know you can do it.” And you tend to motivate and stimulate and excite others.
We read in Acts 14:22 how Paul and Barnabas would visit the churches, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.’”
Maybe you have heard a sermon and afterwards you are just so uplifted. You are probably experiencing the effects of the preacher’s gift of exhortation. And sometimes people who have the gift of teaching also have the gift of exhortation—so on one hand they are telling you how to do it, but on the other hand they are encouraging you to do it as well.
What way exhortation differ from teaching?
(David Guzik) Teaching has in mind instruction, while exhortation encourages people to practice what they have been taught; both are necessary for a healthy Christian life.
Jesus taught His disciples the truth and demonstrated that He is son of God by doing many miracles but when reality comes disciples panicked instead of trusting Him:
(Jon Courson) The one with the gift of exhortation is often one who gives a kick in the proverbial seat of the pants. “O, ye of little faith,” Jesus said when His disciples were fearful in the storm” (Matthew 8:26). How I need brothers and sisters who come by me with a word of exhortation. Yes, sometimes they irritate me—but they’re needed very definitely!
What happens when a church/fellowship has gifted teacher but no one to exhort?
Knowledge always puffs up unless otherwise we apply that in our life by taking the humble position:
(David Guzik) Those who are taught but not exhorted become "fat sheep" that only take in and never live the Christian life.
1 Cor 8:1 - 1 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him
What happens when a church/fellowship has gifted exhorter but no gifted teacher?
Teacher defines/reveals the truth. Due to lack of truth believers will be slave to the leaders or world system and they will do whatever they think is right or whatever leaders teachs.
(David Guzik) Those who are exhorted but not taught become excited and active, but have no depth or understanding to what they do and will burn out quickly or will work in wrong ways.
2 Tim 4:3-4 - 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
2 Tim 3:5 - 1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away
John 8:32 - 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
What should be our response?
Be doers of the word, but not hearers only:
James 1:21-27 - 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
To be a doers of His word we need to renew our mind with His word by surrendering our body, mind and will and allow God to work through us:
Romans 12:1-2 - 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable 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, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Application: Are you doers of the word, or just hearer?
The gift of Giving:
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.What does gift of Giving mean?
8b he who gives, with liberality;What does give mean?
Give means to hand to someone, to pay, to impart, to grant, to pay.
To whom believers needs to give?
Believers needs to give to God
What believers needs to give?
Believers needs to give whatever God blessed either in kind or money.
Gen 4:4-5 - 3 And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
Jesus acknowledges that Pharisees/Scribes gives mint as tithe.
Matt 23:23 - Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.
The gift of Giving means that God gifted the believer to give generously without expecting any return back.
(William MacDonald) Giving is the divine endowment which inclines and empowers a person to be aware of needs and to help meet them.
(David Guzik) This refers to someone who is a channel through whom God provides resources for His body.
How much do a believer needs to give?
As per Old Testament every believer needs to give at least 10% of their gross income i.e. crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple/God.
It is called tithing.
Gen 4:4-5 - 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
Gen 14:20b - 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave him a tithe of all.
Leviticus 27:30 - And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's. It is holy to the Lord.
Deuteronomy 14:24 - 24 But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the LORD your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the LORD will choose to put his Name is so far away), 25 then exchange your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the LORD your God will choose. 26 And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household.
NLT: Deuteronomy 14:24 - 24 “Now when the LORD your God blesses you with a good harvest, the place of worship he chooses for his name to be honored might be too far for you to bring the tithe. 25 If so, you may sell the tithe portion of your crops and herds, put the money in a pouch, and go to the place the LORD your God has chosen. 26 When you arrive, you may use the money to buy any kind of food you want—cattle, sheep, goats, wine, or other alcoholic drink. Then feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and celebrate with your household.
2 Chronicles 31:5 - As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.
Malachi 3:10 - Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
Following taken from GotQuestions.org under title: What does the Bible say about Christian tithing? Should a Christian tithe?
Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5).
In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes—one for the Levites, one for the use of the temple and the feasts, and one for the poor of the land—which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent. Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system.
The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving.
There is nothing wrong tithing or giving 10%. It is good practice.
Let us see what New Testament teaches about giving.
What Jesus says about how much to giving?
Luke 21:1-4 - 1 And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2 and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. 3 So He said, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had."
Here Jesus really appreciate her and using her as an example because she gave everything she had. After giving she totally depends on God's provision.
Jesus repeats the same teaching to the rich man asking him to give everything and follow him by fully trust him.
Matt 19:21- 16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" 17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 19 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' " 20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Why Jesus expects everything from believers?
This is the truth. He created us, given us all talents and blessed us materially, financially, physically,... So, whatever we have belongs to God. Unless otherwise He bless us we cannot make money, we cannot live peacefully. He is our provider (Jehovah Jireh). We are saved because of His love, grace and mercy.
Gen 22:7-18 - 7 But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." Then he said, "Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" 8 And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." So the two of them went together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" So he said, "Here I am." 12 And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, "In the Mount of The Lord it shall be provided." 15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said: "By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son-- 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."
Matt 6:30-33 - 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
That is the reason Macedonian believers gave themselves to the Lord:
NLT: 2 Cor 8:1-5 - 1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.
What it means that they "give themselves to the Lord"?
It means they gave everything belongs to them to God.
Everything here includes their desires, plans, asserts, finance, health, ...
This shows that everything belongs to you is belong to God (2 Cor 8:5)
If we know and understand our loving God or if we taste and see our God then there is no problem to give everything to our God.
That is the reason Paul hear is saying "give liberally/generously"
(Jon Courson) Giving expands the work. Giving with simplicity means giving with no strings attached. “I want to know where this money’s going,” some demand. “I’ll only give if it goes here, or for that, or if you agree to do this.” Don’t give that way. Rather, give with simplicity. “Simplicity” can also be translated “liberality.” Maybe God has blessed you with the gift of giving. If so, exercise it with generosity!
It is good practice to give minimum 10% of our gross income plus give generously based on the need comes or give as per God's leading.
So, always be ready to give everything to the Lord as he lays burden in our heart to give generously.
Do the recipient of God's gift or tithe needs to give back to God?
Yes, Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries/Apostles or any ministers serving God and receives salary from the church or nonprofit organization needs to tithe from their income they received.
Numbers 18:26 - Speak thus to the Levites, and say to them: 'When you take from the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them as your inheritance, then you shall offer up a heave offering of it to the Lord, a tenth of the tithe.
Do all believers needs to give liberally?
Yes.
How to give liberally?
8b he who gives, with liberality;Give yourself to the Lord:
NLT: 2 Cor 8:1-5 - 1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us —I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.
Give generously by completely trusting God:
Heb 11:4 - By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
Give cheerfully not grudgingly:
2 Cor 9:7 - So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Plan for generous giving as God lays burden in your heart (2 Cor 9:5):
2 Cor 9:7 - 1 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; 2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority. 3 Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; 4 lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Give in proportion to what we have. Calculate tithing from your gross income (before tax) i.e. minimum give 10% plus generous giving/offering based on God's blessing and leading:
2 Cor 8:11 - Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.
Set aside tithe and offering once you receive income. Do not delay:
1 Cor 16:2 - 1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
Warning: (David Guzik) This is an important spiritual gift that must be exercised with liberality. When someone who is called and gifted to be a giver stops giving liberally, they will often see their resources dry up - having forgotten why God has blessed them.
2 Cor 9:6 - But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Luke 12:48 - But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
Application:
Did you give yourself to the Lord?
Are your ready to give away whatever God is asking you to give?
Matt 19:21- 16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" 17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18 He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 19 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' " 20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Are you giving liberally?
The gift of Leading:
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.What does gift of Leading mean?
8c he who leads, with diligence;What does lead mean?
In Greek lead is called proïstēmi (G4291). It means
to set or place before
to set over
to be over, to superintend, preside over
to be a protector or guardian
to give aid
to care for, give attention to
profess honest occupations
Its meaning from our English dictionary is
to go before or with to show the way; conduct or escort:
to lead a group on a cross-country hike.to conduct by holding and guiding:
to lead a horse by a rope.to influence or induce; cause:
Subsequent events led him to reconsider his position.to guide in direction, course, action, opinion, etc.; bring:
You can lead her around to your point of view if you are persistent.
In the KJV Bible it is translated this word in this verse as ruleth.
Romans 12:8 - Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
In the KJV Bible it is translated as rule (5x), maintain (2x), be over (1x).
Does this leading means lord it over the people?
No.
Matt 20:25-28 - 20 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. 21 And He said to her, "What do you wish?" She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom." 22 But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able." 23 So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father." 24 And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
(William MacDonald) The gift of leading is almost certainly connected with the work of elders (and perhaps also deacons) in a local church. The elder is an under shepherd who stands out in front of the flock and leads with care and diligence.
(Greg Laurie) A leader has to see the big picture. And the Lord will often give to the leader the vision of what needs to happen in the future to encourage the people to move in that direction. He wants to work with people to discover their gifts, help them to work with one another, and then they all move in that direction.
So how do you know if you are called to lead? Well, why don’t you just go lead and see if someone follows you? It’s a good way to know.
It is not easy to be a leader. But if God has called you to be one, you’d better develop thick skin, because you will be criticized by people, but take the role seriously and do the best job you possibly can do.
How to lead diligently?
8c he who leads, with diligence;What does diligence mean?
In Greek diligence is called spoudē (G4710). It means
haste [speed], with haste
earnestness, diligence
earnestness in accomplishing, promoting, or striving after anything
to give all diligence, interest one's self most earnestly
Its meaning from our English dictionary is constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.
In the KJV Bible it is translated as diligence (5x), haste (2x), business (1x), care (1x), forwardness (1x), earnest care (1x), carefulness (1x).
It means accomplishing the task given by God by earnestly putting all your efforts and energy with the help and direction of God.
(Jon Courson) The winner of the “Best Use of Duct Tape” contest used duct tape to patch the wing of the plane he flew from Guatemala to Honduras. There are people in the body like that. They know how to patch things up. They know how to make things fly. They have a feeling for how things should happen. Theirs is the gift of ruling, of governing, of doing all things decently and in order—exemplified beautifully in the life of Jesus and seen practically when He instructed His disciples to make the multitude sit in groups of fifty in order that He could feed them (Luke 9:14).
Do leader needs to submit to anyone?
Yes
To whom leaders need to submit?
The leader needs to submit to their leader, that leader to their leader, ... and if a leader does not have anyone to submit that leader must submit to the almighty God.
Eph 6:9-10 - 5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Let us see how leaders in the Bible leads diligently:
David
David inquired the Lord before he goes to war or make any major decision.
Paul
Romans 1:9-13- 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established-- 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.
(Warren Wiersbe) At the close of the letter (Rom. 15:30-33), he asked the believers in Rome to pray for him as he contemplated this trip; and it is a good thing that they did pray!
Rom. 15:30,32 - 30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Why Paul was asking permission to God?
Paul is a bondservant (willing become servant/slave) to God. So, he wants to do what God says to do. He follows the footsteps of Jesus Christ and saying "not my will let God's will be done".
John 6:38 - For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
John 5:19 - Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.
Matt 26:39 - He (Jesus) went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
Luke 22:42 - saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
Application: Are we asking permission to God?
If we willingly surrender our self to God as a slave/servant like how Paul surrender himself to God as bondservant we will ask permission to God. He is Lord we are not. His ways are way higher than our ways.
Can a Godly anointed leader make any decision as per their feelings?
Acts 18:9-11 - 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, "Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." 7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. 9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city." 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
God intervenes because He loves us. Trust Him. He will lead in right path because He know everyone's heart.
Can a matured Christian leader do something special for the almighty God as per your their desire?
David is man after God's own heart because he obeyed God as per His direction.
David requested God to build a temple for Him:
2 Sam 7:2 - that the king [David] said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains."
What is Nathan's response?
2 Sam 7:3 Then Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you."
Is this what God wants?
No.
2 Sam 7:4-6 - 4 But it happened that night that the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, 5 "Go and tell My servant David, 'Thus says the Lord: "Would you build a house for Me to dwell in? 6 For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day, but have moved about in a tent and in a tabernacle
Even though David desired to build the temple but God didn't permit David to build the temple. David didn't ignore or rebel against God but he just obeyed God.
If happens to David don't ever thing of doing anything special for God assuming that God will be pleased by your act.
So, before doing anything special or great to God go and check with Him.
Therefore do not serve God or lead your life as your heart leads or as per your desire but seek God and He will direct our paths.
NLT: Prov 3:6 - Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
Do a leader discouraged and/or give up?
Yes, it is easy for leaders to become discouraged and feel like giving up.
Jeremiah discouraged and tried to quit His ministry because of opposition, persecution and threat but since God put His burden/desire in his heart so he could not quit as he felt but served Him passionately as God led:
NLT: Jer 20:9 - And I can't stop! If I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in! 10 I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me "The Man Who Lives in Terror." And they say, "If you say anything, we will report it." Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip. "He will trap himself," they say, "and then we will get our revenge on him." 11 But the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him they will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will be shamed and thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.
Jer 20:9 - Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. 10 For I heard many mocking: "Fear on every side!" "Report," they say, "and we will report it!" All my acquaintances watched for my stumbling, saying, "Perhaps he can be induced; Then we will prevail against him, And we will take our revenge on him." 11 But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten.
Even though we or leaders may discouraged and give up but God never tired of dealing with us:
NIV: Revelation 3:2 - Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God
What is the big warning for the leaders and to all Christians?
But never please others by compromising to please God:
Gal 1:10 - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
1 Thes 2:4 - But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.
Paul didn't please the apostle Peter when he was doing wrong:
NLT: Gal 2:11-16 - 11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong. 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who don't bother with circumcision. But afterward, when some Jewish friends of James came, Peter wouldn't eat with the Gentiles anymore because he was afraid of what these legalists would say. 13 Then the other Jewish Christians followed Peter's hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was influenced to join them in their hypocrisy. 14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter in front of all the others, "Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you trying to make these Gentiles obey the Jewish laws you abandoned? 15 You and I are Jews by birth, not 'sinners' like the Gentiles. 16 And yet we Jewish Christians know that we become right with God, not by doing what the law commands, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be accepted by God because of our faith in Christ -- and not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be saved by obeying the law."
Saul pleased people but not please God:
1 Samuel 15:24 - 1 Samuel also said to Saul, "The Lord sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words of the Lord. 2 Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. 3 Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.' " ... ... ...
9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed. 10 Now the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, 11 "I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments." And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the Lord all night. 12 So when Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul, it was told Samuel, saying, "Saul went to Carmel, and indeed, he set up a monument for himself; and he has gone on around, passed by, and gone down to Gilgal." 13 Then Samuel went to Saul, and Saul said to him, "Blessed are you of the Lord! I have performed the commandment of the Lord." 14 But Samuel said, "What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?" 15 And Saul said, "They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and the oxen, to sacrifice to the Lord your God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed." 16 Then Samuel said to Saul, "Be quiet! And I will tell you what the Lord said to me last night." And he said to him, "Speak on." 17 So Samuel said, "When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord anoint you king over Israel? 18 Now the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, 'Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.' 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the Lord?" 20 And Saul said to Samuel, "But I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal." 22 So Samuel said: "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king." 24 Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and return with me, that I may worship the Lord." 26 But Samuel said to Saul, "I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel." 27 And as Samuel turned around to go away, Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore. 28 So Samuel said to him, "The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. 29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor relent. For He is not a man, that He should relent." 30 Then he said, "I have sinned; yet honor me now, please, before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the Lord your God." 31 So Samuel turned back after Saul, and Saul worshiped the Lord. 32 Then Samuel said, "Bring Agag king of the Amalekites here to me." So Agag came to him cautiously. And Agag said, "Surely the bitterness of death is past." 33 But Samuel said, "As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women." And Samuel hacked Agag in pieces before the Lord in Gilgal. 34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house at Gibeah of Saul. 35 And Samuel went no more to see Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, and the Lord regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.
Aaron pleased people in the place of pleasing God:
Exodus 32:1-5 - 1 Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, "Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." 2 And Aaron said to them, "Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me." 3 So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, "This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!" 5 So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, "Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord."
Application: Are you pleasing people or pleasing God?
Application: Are you walking with God and doing the will of the God the Father?
God puts His desire in our hearts when we delight in Him and work towards His will:
Ps 37:4 - Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
NLT: Phil 2:13 - For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
Phil 1:6 - being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Matt 11:28-30 - 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
The gift of Mercy:
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.Some are gifted with mercy. At the same time mercy is important to all.
What does Mercy mean?
8d he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.Its meaning from our English dictionary is
compassion, pity, or benevolence:
Have mercy on the poor sinner.an act of kindness, compassion, or favor:
She has performed countless small mercies for her friends and neighbors.
In Greek this mercy is called eleeō (G1653).
It means
to help one seeking aid
to help the afflicted,
to bring help to the wretched
In the KJV Bible it is translated as have mercy on (14x), obtain mercy (8x), show mercy (2x), have compassion (1x), have compassion on (1x), have pity on (1x), have mercy (1x), have mercy upon (1x), receive mercy (1x).
Mat 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. G1653
Mat 9:27 - And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy G1653 on us.
Mat 15:22 - And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy G1653 on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
Mat 18:33 - Shouldest not thou also have had compassion G1653 on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity G1653 on thee?
Mar 5:19 - Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion G1653 on thee.
2 Co 4:1 - Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, G1653 we faint not;
Phl 2:27 - For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy G1653 on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Jde 1:22 - And of some have compassion, G1653 making a difference:
...
As we saw the usage in previous verses mercy means being compassionate, pitiful to those who are in need and help them.
(William MacDonald) The gift of mercy is the supernatural capacity and talent of aiding those who are in distress. Those who have this gift should exercise it with cheerfulness. Of course, we should all show mercy and do it cheerfully.
(Jon Courson) If you’re expanding the work by giving, do it generously and with simplicity. If you’re expanding the work by ruling, do it diligently. If you’re expanding the work by showing mercy, do it cheerfully. Those who care for people in the hospital, those who sympathize with those going through a traumatic relational experience, or those who cry with those experiencing the heartbreak of divorce have the gift of mercy. If you wish to study these things further, look at Jesus. See how He ministered mercy; how He ruled diligently; how He gave sacrificially; how He moved in prophecy. Study Jesus, and you’ll find the perfect example of how these gifts are to function in His body of believers.
It didn't stop there. or it is not just helping those who are in need but there is more deeper meaning to it.
What is that?
In English dictionary mercy also defined as
compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power;
In Greek it also means to bring help to the wretched
1Ti 1:13 - Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, G1653 because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
1Ti 1:16 - Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, G1653 that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
1 Pe 2:10 - Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had G1653 not obtained mercy, G1653 but now have obtained mercy. G1653
Mercy also translated from another Greek word eleos (G1656).
It means kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them
of men towards men: to exercise the virtue of mercy, show one's self merciful
of God towards men: in general providence; the mercy and clemency of God in providing and offering to men salvation by Christ
the mercy of Christ, whereby at his return to judgment he will bless true Christians with eternal life
In KJV it is translated only as mercy (28x).
Mat 9:13 - But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, G1656 and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mat 12:7 - But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, G1656 and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
Mat 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, G1656 and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Following relates to salvation:
Tit 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy G1656 he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Jas 2:13 - For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; G1656 and mercy G1656 rejoiceth against judgment.
1 Pe 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy G1656 hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Mercy also translated from Greek word hilastērion (G2435). It is used 2x. These directly points to Jesus' atonement sacrifice.
Heb 9:5 - And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; G2435 of which we cannot now speak particularly.
Rom 3:25 - Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation G2435 through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Following are two Greek words also used to translate mercy:
Mercy also translated from Greek word oiktirmōn (G3629). It is used 2x.
Mercy also translated from Greek word oiktirmos (G3628). It is used 5x.
Jesus demonstrated mercy by forgiving all our sins that leads to punishment or judgment and He didn't stop there but loved us by giving His life for us.
Tit 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy G1656 he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Eph 2:4 - But God, who is rich in mercy, G1656 for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
In general mercy means "not getting what we deserve" because we deserve only punishment or eternal suffering in hell for our sins. Only because of God's mercy those who believe in Jesus Christ will escape from judgment and enter in to heaven.
What is the difference between mercy and grace?
Mercy is not getting what we deserve (those who believe in Jesus will not be punished/judged/condemned which we all deserve) but
Grace means getting what we not deserve (No one is righteous but we receive/get righteousness which no one deserves just by believing in Jesus Christ).
Who needs mercy?
Sinners disobedient,... who deserves punishment.
God showed mercy when we were disobedient:
Romans 11:30-32 - 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy.
Does this include believers in Christ?
Yes, even though believers in Christ are righteous in Christ but in our thought process we sin continuously whenever we are not filled with the Holy Spirit (or without Jesus). We all need mercy all the time.
It is not onetime thing. Believers needs to keep obtain mercy continuously because we deserve punishment because we sin in our thought level ie prideful, envy towards others, anger in our heart without cause, lust in our eyes, ....
Does God show mercy based on any condition?
No, His mercy is available without any condition.
God's mercies available to all everyday:
Lamentations 3:22-23 - 22 Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man to bear The yoke in his youth. 28 Let him sit alone and keep silent, Because God has laid it on him;
So, we can go boldly to God and receive it. It doesn't matter whatever sin you did. He will show mercy.
Heb 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, G1656 and find grace to help in time of need.
1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions.
Mercy will be upon them to those who fear God:
Luk 1:50 - And his mercy G1656 is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
God and People will show mercy if you are merciful to others:
Mat 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. G1653
2 Sam 22:26 - 26 "With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless; 27 With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd. 28 You will save the humble people; But Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down.
Always look of mercy if you to keep yourself in love of God:
Jde 1:21 - Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy G1656 of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Does all believers commanded to show mercy?
Yes, all believers commanded to show mercy:
Like how God showed mercy on us while we were disobedient we need to show mercy to all. Also God commanded us to be merciful with others:
Luk 6:36 - Be ye therefore merciful, G3629 as your Father also is merciful. G3629
Luk 10:37 - And he said, He that shewed mercy G1656 on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Because of God's mercy believers escape from the judgment. In general mercy means "not getting what we deserve" because we deserve only punishment or eternal suffering in hell for our sins. Only because of God's mercy those who believe in Jesus Christ will escape from judgment and enter in to heaven.
James 2:13 - 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
NLT: James 2:13 - There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
There is another verse exactly conveys the similar meaning: It is in Lords prayer...
Matt 6:12,14,15 - 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Forgiving is part of showing mercy. In other words we cannot show mercy without forgiving them.
Application: Is showing mercy is serious or important to Christians?
Yes, it is important to every Christian.
This proves or confirms our salvation experience.
Application:
Are you merciful to others?
Are you living holding bitterness in your heart?
How to show mercy cheerfully?
8d he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.What does cheerful mean?
Its meaning from our English dictionary is
full of cheer; in good spirits:
pleasant; bright:
hearty or ungrudging:
The word cheerful is translated from the Greek word hilaros (G2431).
joyous,
prompt to do anything
In KJV it is only used in one place
2 Co 9:7 - Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful G2431 giver.
Here the word cheerfulness is translated from the Greek word hilarotēs (G2432). It means
readiness of mind,
In KJV it is only used here in
Rom 12:8 - Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. G2432
(David Guzik) This gift needs cheerfulness. It can be hard enough to show mercy, but even harder to be cheerful about it. This reminds us that the gift of showing mercy is a supernatural gift of the Spirit.
(William MacDonald) A Christian lady once said, "when my mother became old and needed someone to care for her, my husband and I invited her to come and live with us. I did all I could to make her comfortable. I cooked for her, did her washing, took her out in the car, and generally cared for all her needs. But while I was going through the motions outwardly, I was unhappy inside. Subconsciously I resented the interrruption of our usual schedule. Sometimes my mother would say to me, 'You never smile anymore Why don't you ever smile?' You see, I was showing mercy, but I wasn't doing it with cheerfulness."
Application: Are you showing mercy cheerfully?
What gift do you have? or How can you know which gift is yours?
(Jon Courson) I believe the Lord is looking for an army of sharpshooters who will zero in on their target and say, “This is where I function,” as they make the development and exercise of their spiritual gift their priority and passion. How can you know which gift is yours? I believe the answer is amazingly simple: If you suddenly became pastor of Applegate Christian Fellowship, what changes would you make?
If you would grab the microphone and call the fellowship to activism, if you would try to get folks fired up to share the gospel, if you have a burden to speak forth God’s Word to a hurting society, chances are yours is the gift of prophecy.
If, on the other hand, you would divide the fellowship into small groups in order that members of the body might serve one another and meet one another’s spiritual needs, yours is most likely the gift of ministry.
If, given the opportunity, you would lead the fellowship in a study of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, of homiletics [the art of preaching] and hermeneutics [the science of interpretation, especially of the Scriptures], of eschatology [the study of end times] and ecclesiology [the study of church doctrine], yours is probably the gift of teaching.
If your primary concern would be funding worthy causes for needy people, if your energy would be spent organizing bake sales and car washes, yours is the gift of giving.
If your heart would go out to hurting people, if your passion lies in hospice ministry, jail evangelism, or crisis hotlines, yours is the gift of mercy.
If, however, the first thing you would do would be to head for the church office and straighten things out in order that the fellowship would operate more smoothly and effectively, yours is the gift of ruling.
What would you change, what would you do if you were in charge?
Your answer will give you a good clue as to what your spiritual gift is. The problem is, I have a tendency to analyze others in light of my gift, wondering why they’re not functioning as I do. Great is the day and mature will be the church family who will simply say, “She’s different,” or, “He’s different”—and that’s as it should be because they’re functioning the way God made them.” That’s the point Paul is making here. Find your gift, develop it, and let others function in theirs.
Which gift is greater?
(Warren Wiersbe) Each believer has a different gift, and God has bestowed these gifts so the local body can grow in a balanced way. But each Christian must exercise his or her gift by faith. We may not see the result of our ministry, but the Lord sees it and He blesses.
Note that "exhortation" (encouragement) is just as much spiritual ministry as preaching or teaching.
Giving and showing mercy are also important gifts.
To some people God has given the ability to rule, or to administer the various functions of the church. Whatever gift we have must be dedicated to God and used for the Good of the whole church.
Are these gifts are given only to matured believers?
No
Why God is giving these gifts?
God is giving talents and spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Cor 12) to the believers to accomplish His purpose/calling and for the benefits of others .
1 Cor 12:7 - But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
Can a church emphasize any particular gift beyond all other gifts?
(Warren Wiersbe) It is tragic when any one gift is emphasized in a local church beyond all the other gifts. "Are all apostles? are all workers of miracles? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?: (1 Cor 12:29-30)"
The answer to all these questions is no! And for a Christian to minimize the other gifts while he emphasizes his own gift is to deny the very purpose for which gifts are given: the benefit of the whole body of Christ. "Now to each man the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" (1 Cor. 12:7.NIV).
What will happen if we didn't use these gifts as God instructed?
We will showoff to other believers and live a prideful life. Paul address these in 1 Cor 12 and explains this clearly in 1 Cor 14.
(David Guzik) Knowing this should be an insurmountable barrier to pride in the exercise of spiritual gifts. However man, in the depravity of his heart, finds a way to be proud about spiritual gifts and insists on exalting men for how God has gifted them.
(Warren Wiersbe) Spiritual gifts are tools to build with, not toys to play with or weapons to fight with. In the church at Corinth, the believers were tearing down the ministry because they were abusing spiritual gifts. They are using their gifts as end in themselves and not as a means toward the end of building up the church. They so emphasized their spiritual gifts that they lost their spiritual graces! They had the gifts of the Spirit but were lacking in the fruit of the Spirit-love, joy, peace, etc. (Gal. 5:22-23).
Application:
Whatever your calling is give yourselves to it whole heartedly and use those gifts as per God's leading to fulfill your calling.
Summary:
God gives talents and spiritual gifts to accomplish His purpose/calling (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Cor 12)
In addition to these God will start to work with us and accomplish it as He planned. If we believers rebel and didn't coordinate then like Joana He will deal with our stubbornness through disciplining process.
NLT: Phil 2:13 - For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
Our responsibilities in serving one another (V9-16):
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 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.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
What is the most important thing believers need to have than having the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
1 Cor 12:31 - But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
What is that?
The most important thing believers need to have is Love than having the gifts of the Holy Spirit
1 Cor 13:1-3 - 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Warning: Can a man serve without love relationship with God?
Yes.
Matt 7:22-23 - 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Application:
Do not boast yourself by showing off your gift of the Holy Spirit.
Remember that God has given these gifts for the benefit of others.
Learn how to use the gifts.
Most importantly never use the gift without sacrificial/unconditional love.
That is the reason Paul is teaching about Love here
9a Let love be without hypocrisy.
What does love mean?
9a Let love be without hypocrisy.Its meaning from our English dictionary is
a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
sexual passion or desire.
a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.
In Greek this love is called agapē (G26).
It means
affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love
love feasts
In the KJV Bible it is translated as love (86x), charity (27x), dear (1x), charitably (with G2596) (1x), feast of charity (1x). Following few list:
Rom 5:8 - But God commendeth his love G26 toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1 Co 13:4 - Charity G26 suffereth long, and is kind; charity G26 envieth not; charity G26 vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1 Jo 4:18 - There is no fear in love; G26 but perfect love G26 casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. G26
Mat 24:12 - And because iniquity shall abound, the love G26 of many shall wax cold.
Jhn 5:42 - But I know you, that ye have not the love G26 of God in you.
Jhn 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love G26 one to another.
Jhn 15:13 - Greater love G26 hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Jhn 17:26 - And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love G26 wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
Rom 5:5 - And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love G26 of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
There are many words for love in Greek but we have only one word in English.
Greek word agapaō (G25) which is root word of agapē (G26) translated in KJV as love (135x), beloved (7x). It is also means sacrificial love as above.
Mat 5:44 - But I say unto you, Love G25 your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mat 5:46 - For if ye love G25 them which love G25 you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Jhn 21:15 - So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou G25 me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Jhn 21:16 - He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou G25 me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Mat 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love G25 the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Mat 22:37 - Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love G25 the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:39 - And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love G25 thy neighbour as thyself.
Jhn 3:16 - For God so loved G25 the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jhn 3:19 - And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved G25 darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Jhn 21:20 - Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved G25 following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
Rom 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love G25 God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Greek word phileō (G5368) translated in KJV as love (22x), kiss (3x). It means to like, to treat affectionately or kindly, to welcome, befriend.
Jhn 21:15 - So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou G25 me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love G5368 thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Jhn 21:16 - He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou G25 me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love G5368 thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Jhn 21:17 - He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest G5368 thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest G5368 thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love G5368 thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Mat 6:5 - And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love G5368 to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Mat 10:37 - He that loveth G5368 father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth G5368 son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Mat 23:6 - And love G5368 the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
Mat 26:48 - Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, G5368 that same is he: hold him fast.
Greek this word philadelphia (G5360) translated in KJV as brotherly love (3x), brotherly kindness (2x), love of the brethren (1x). It means love of brothers or sisters, brotherly love. See more details in Romans 12:10a.
Greek word storgē (στοργή) used with 'a' prefix a and with phileō. It means "love, affection" and "especially of parents and children". It's the common or natural empathy, like that felt by parents for offspring. Used in Romans 1:31, 12:10; 2 Timothy 3:3
Greek word érōs (ἔρως) not used in the Bible. It means romantic love or "love, mostly of the sexual passion.". The Modern Greek word "erotas" means "intimate love."
In general this agape love means sacrificial or unconditional love.
As per God's teaching this agape love is the evidence of once salvation. That is the reason Paul clearly wrote in Gal 5:22 that fruit of the Holy Spirit is Love and rest of the characters are outcome of this love.
Gal 5:22-23 - 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
In other words this love contains all other qualities. This love also clearly defined in
1 Cor 12:4-8 - 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
What does "hypocrisy" mean?
9a Let love be without hypocrisy.Hypocrisy is well explained in English dictionary:
a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess.
a pretense of having some desirable or publicly approved attitude.
In general hypocrisy means pretending/faking in front of others as if we have something which in reality we didn't have that at all.
The root Greek word for "hypocrisy" is called hypokrinomai (G5271).
It means
to take up another's statements in reference to what one has decided for one's self
to reply, answer
to make answer (speak) on the stage
to impersonate anyone, play a part
to simulate, feign, pretend
In the KJV Bible this Greek word is translated as feigned (1x).
Luk 20:20 - And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign G5271 themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
Another Greek word used for "hypocrisy" is hypokrisis (G5272).
It means
an answering, an answer,
the acting of a stage player, dissimulation, hypocrisy
In the KJV Bible this Greek word is translated as hypocrisy (5x), dissimulation (1x), condemnation (1x).
Mat 23:28 - Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy G5272 and iniquity.
Mar 12:15 - Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, G5272 said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
Luk 12:1 - In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. G5272
Gal 2:13 - And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. G5272
1 Ti 4:2 - Speaking lies in hypocrisy; G5272 having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Jas 5:12 - But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. G5272
1 Pe 2:1 - Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, G5272 and envies, and all evil speakings,
Here in Rom 12:9a it uses a Greek called anypokritos (G505) for "without hypocrisy".
It means
unfeigned (feigned means pretended; sham; counterfeit),
undisguised, or sincere
In the KJV Bible this Greek word for "without hypocrisy" is translated as unfeigned (4x), without dissimulation (1x), without hypocrisy (1x).
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
In NIV "without hypocrisy" is translated as sincere:
NIV: Romans 12:9a - Love must be sincere.
New Testament also uses a Greek word for "hypocrite" is hypokritēs (G5273).
It means
one who answers, an interpreter
an actor, stage player
a dissembler, pretender, hypocrite
In the KJV Bible this Greek word is translated as hypocrite (20x). All are used by Jesus..
Mat 6:2 - Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites G5273 do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Mat 6:5 - And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites G5273 are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Mat 6:16 - Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, G5273 of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Mat 7:5 - Thou hypocrite, G5273 first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
Mat 15:7 - Ye hypocrites, G5273 well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
Mat 16:3 - And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, G5273 ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
Mat 22:18 - But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? G5273
Mat 23:13 - But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! G5273 for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Mat 23:14 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! G5273 for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
Mat 23:15 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! G5273 for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Mat 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! G5273 for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Mat 23:25 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! G5273 for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Mat 23:27 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! G5273 for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Mat 23:29 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! G5273 because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
Mat 24:51 - And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: G5273 there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mar 7:6 - He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, G5273 as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
Luk 6:42 - Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, G5273 cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
Luk 11:44 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! G5273 for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
Luk 12:56 - Ye hypocrites, G5273 ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?
Luk 13:15 - The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, G5273 doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
Is the love with hypocrisy is real love?
No
Is it common for Christians to pretend to be loving others?
Yes, it is very common
(David Guzik) Of course, love with hypocrisy isn’t real love at all; but much of what masquerades as “love” in the Christian community is laced with hypocrisy, and must be demonstrated against.
How do you/anyone pretend to be loving others? or How do anyone love with hypocrisy?
Outwardly we say hi/hello or voluntarily talk with a person as if we are really loving that person but in reality we didn't love that person at all.
Put our smiley face in front of others and serve them as if we are really loving them.
In general believers become hypocrites to please others instead of pleasing God. We can see this in following passage:
Gal 2:11-16 - 11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
List few examples from the Bible who pretend to be loving:
Delilah pretend loving Samson for her country men's sake. Delilah's love towards Samson is not real.
Saul did that to David once God lifted David among his people. Saul invited David to play music but he really hated him due to envy and even tried to kill him many times. At the same time David respected Saul and loved unconditionally.
Judas Iscariot pretend to be loving Jesus and hanging around Him but finally betrayed Jesus.
Why Christians pretend to be loving others? And why it is common among Christians?
Christians pretend loving others because God commanded to love their neighbors (everyone) unconditionally but they couldn't love others truly/unconditionally/sacrificially as God expects/commanded.
Matt 22:39 - And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 15:12 - This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Romans 13:10 - Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
It is easy to love someone who loves us, respect us or who express their need to you.
It is not easy or it is very hard to love someone
who hates you,
who didn't respect you, or
who didn't express their need to you.
Did God exclude these from loving unconditionally?
No, but God even challenges us to love those whom offend you, hate you, or persecute you.
Mat 5:44-46 - 44 But I say to you,
love your enemies,
bless those who curse you,
do good to those who hate you,
and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Are we fooling God by pretend loving others?
No
Then, whom we are fooling by pretend loving others ?
We are fooling ourselves not God.
Is it possible to love others sacrificially/unconditionally as God expects?
Yes, if he commanded us then it should be possible to love others unconditionally.
How to love others unconditionally as God commands and expects?
Go to the throne of grace and ask God to get rid of your bitterness or by the power of the Holy Spirit put to death your bitterness:
Romans 8:13 - For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Do you think once the bitterness is gone then you will love that person automatically?
No, now we will try to be in safe distance, still expect them to love so that you love them back.
Other person also expect the same from you even if he/she did it have the bitterness toward you.
Both like to reconcile each other but will not come forward.
Now either pride/prestige or ego come into play...
To break through this we need to experience the greater love from God that urges us to love others:
2 Cor 5:14 - For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died
How to experience this God's love?
We need to receive this agape love from God just by filling by His Holy Spirit.
Romans 5:5 - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
By filling in the Holy Spirit we experience God's love and we love God and love others unconditionally (obey/keep God's commandment):
1 John 4:19 - We love Him because He first loved us.
Matt 22:39 - 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
1 John 4:20-21 - 20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
That is the reason Jude says we need to keep ourselves in the love of God:
Jude 21 - keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Paul also says that we need to be filled with Holy Spirit and keep experience the love of Christ:
Eph 5:18 - And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
Jesus said that He gives the Holy Spirit if anyone love Him and keep His comandment:
John 14:15 - "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
What is the danger of living as a hypocrite?
Jesus lists few outcomes of being hypocrite
Matt:23:25-27 - 25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.
Mark 7:6-9 - 6 He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' 8 "For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men--the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." 9 He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.
Matt:23:23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.
Matt:23:13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
Matt:23:15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
Matt:23:14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.
Warning: As per Jesus hypocrite is not only going to hell but like Satan pulling many others with them to hell. If you are hypocrite then you need question your salvation.
Application:
Are you showing love without hypocrisy? or Is your love is real/sacrificial/unconditional?
Are you experiencing the love of Christ in your heart?
Are you loving God unconditionally first?
Are you loving others unconditionally after loving God?
Summary:
(John Courson) Find God’s will by giving your life to Him and by keeping your mind on Him. Don’t think too highly of yourself. Just flow in the gifting God has given you. And above all, and in all, let love be without dissimulation or hypocrisy.
(Warren Wiersbe) Loving participation (vv. 9-16). Here the emphasis is on the attitudes of those who exercise the spiritual gifts. It is possible to use a spiritual gift in an unspiritual way. Paul makes this same point 1 Corinthians 13, the great "love chapter" of the New Testament. Love is the circulatory system of the spiritual body, which enables all the members to function in a healthy, harmonious way. This must be an honest love, not a hypocritical love (Rom 12:9); and it must be humble, not proud (Rom 12:10).
9b Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
What does Abhor means?
Its meaning from our English dictionary:
to regard with extreme repugnance or aversion (a strong feeling of dislike, opposition); detest utterly; loathe; abominate.
In Greek this abhor is called apostygeō (G655).
It means
to dislike, abhor, have a horror of
In the KJV Bible it is used only here in this verse.
In NIV it is translated as hate:
NIV: Romans 12:9b - Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
How to treat the evil?
(John Courson) The Greek rendering of this verse is: Treat evil as you would treat a cow pie [a piece of cow dung]. How many of you say, “My kids might get involved with cow pies, so I’m going to keep some cow pies in my room in order that I can study them. It’s my calling as a parent”? That’s absurd. Yet it’s exactly what people are saying when they say, “I gotta know what’s happening on the screen or in the magazines. Gotta keep current.” No you don’t. Treat evil like a cow pie. It’s abhorrent, repulsive, disgusting.
What are all evil things that believers needs to hate/detest?
Evil things that believers needs to hate/detest are listed though out the Bible. Here are few:
Exodus 20:1-17 -
Worshiping any other God other than our Triune God the Father, Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
idol worship
using God's name in vain
not keeping Sabbath or the Lord's day
not honoring father and mother
murder,
adultery,
steal,
false witness,
covetousness.
Jesus taught many in the Gospels (Matt 5,6,23) - Few of them are here:
lust in flesh, public giving, public prayer, not paying tax, pretending/being a hypocrite
1 John 1:16 - For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.
Col 3:8,9 - 8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
Eph 5:19-21 - 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Romans 1:26-27 - 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
This is not end here is another evil thing loving eloquent speakers/teachers/prophets even if they are not speaking the truth or following a pastor or leader who leads the church on their own authority (Jesus warns many churches in Rev 2 & 3):
NIV: Jer 5:31 - 29 Should I not punish them for this?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this? 30 “A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: 31 The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?
2 Tim 4:3,4 - 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
Titus 1:10-16 - 10 For there are many who rebel against right teaching; they engage in useless talk and deceive people. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. 11 They must be silenced. By their wrong teaching, they have already turned whole families away from the truth. Such teachers only want your money. 12 One of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, "The people of Crete are all liars; they are cruel animals and lazy gluttons." 13 This is true. So rebuke them as sternly as necessary to make them strong in the faith. 14 They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned their backs on the truth. 15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are defiled. 16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are despicable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.
This is not end we can go on and on... so go through the Bible God will show what to hate.
Instead of hating/detesting these if you are practicing these then you are doomed or if these are part of your lifestyle then you are doomed.
Application:
Are you hating/detesting evil? or Are you enjoying/not hating evil?
What are all good things that believers need to cling?
There are many good things that believers need to do as the Bible teaches. Here are few:
Col 3:10-17 - 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and
forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were 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 whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Do believers expected to suffer for doing good than for doing evil?
Yes.
1 Peter 3:13-17 - 13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Do the believers in Christ needs to practice both?
Yes.
(David Guzik) In some ways, it is often easier for us to either abhor what is evil or cling to what is good rather than doing both. The godly person knows how to practice both.
One way to practice both is to overcome evil by doing good:
Romans 12:21 - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 16:19 - For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.
How to overcome evil with good?
Paul and Peter gives few examples in
Eph 4:20-32 - 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.
26 "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.
28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
1 Peter 3:9-12 - 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Application:
Are you hating/detesting evil? or Are you enjoying/not hating evil?
Do you love to do good? or Do you not like to do good?
Are you ready to suffer for doing good than for doing evil?
Summary:
(WM) 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.
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
10a Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,
What does brotherly love mean?
In English it is two different words. It is clear that it is not romantic love or the love due to lust in flesh.
In Greek this brotherly love is called philadelphia (G5360).
It means
love of brothers or sisters, brotherly love
in the NT the love which Christians cherish for each other as brethren
In the KJV Bible it is translated as brotherly love (3x), brotherly kindness (2x), love of the brethren (1x).
Rom 12:10 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; G5360 in honour preferring one another;
1 Th 4:9 - But as touching brotherly love G5360 ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
Heb 13:1 - Let brotherly love G5360 continue.
1 Pe 1:22 - Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, G5360 see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
2 Pe 1:7 - And to godliness brotherly kindness; G5360 and to brotherly kindness G5360 charity.
So, brotherly love means loving others without lust in flesh. In other words loving others as if your brothers or sisters.
Is there any limitation in this brotherly love? What is that if there is any?
Yes, if your brother/sister hurts you then you will hurt them back or stay away from them if you only this brotherly love.
What is the remedy?
Believers needs to transform from brotherly love to sacrificial/unconditional agape love.
2 Peter 1:7 - 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love (agapē - G26).
How to be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love?
10b in honor giving preference to one another;Believers need to be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love by honoring them and giving preference to one another.
Does this giving preference to one another mean leaders, teacher, preacher, ... needs to give their responsible position to others?
No.
Why they do not have to give preference to others?
Because Jesus called them for that responsible position. So, they need to hold on to that position as long as God wants them to be there.
1 Cor 12:18 - But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.
1 Cor 12:28 - And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.
Eph 4:11 - And He [Jesus] Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
Romans 12:4-8 - 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
If God called then they should have burden and strong desire to do that task:
Matt 11:30 - 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Ps 37:4 - Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
NLT: Phil 2:13 - For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
If you are called for some responsible position do not compromise by assigning/delegating that responsibility to others even though they are talented.
Jeremiah tried to quit His ministry because of opposition, persecution and threat but since God put His burden/desire in his heart so he could not quit as he feels and served Him passionately as God led:
NLT: Jer 20:9 - And I can't stop! If I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am weary of holding it in! 10 I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me "The Man Who Lives in Terror." And they say, "If you say anything, we will report it." Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip. "He will trap himself," they say, "and then we will get our revenge on him." 11 But the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him they will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will be shamed and thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.
Jer 20:9 - Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. 10 For I heard many mocking: "Fear on every side!" "Report," they say, "and we will report it!" All my acquaintances watched for my stumbling, saying, "Perhaps he can be induced; Then we will prevail against him, And we will take our revenge on him." 11 But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten.
Gal 1:10 - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
How to give preference to one another?
(Warren Wiersbe) "Preferring one another" means treating others as more important than ourselves (Phil 2:1-4).
Phil 2:1-4 - 1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
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.
Application: List few examples that you can give preference to others:
While gathering as a family give preference to others to choose TV program/channel
While travelling as a group give preference to other to choose restaurants, ...
While planning for outreach, Christmas program, ... give preference to others to give their suggestion.
During the Bible Study discussion give preference to others to talk
Summary:
(David Guzik) This is a command, that Christians should not have a cold, stand-offish attitude. In honor giving preference to one another shows that the displays of affection are genuine.
We should see in this, as much as anything, a call to simple good manners among Christians.
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
What does diligence mean?
In Greek diligence is called spoudē (G4710). It means
earnestness in accomplishing, promoting, or striving after anything
Its meaning from our English dictionary is constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind.
It means accomplishing the task given by God by earnestly putting all your efforts and energy with the help and direction of God.
You can read more details from What does diligence mean? in Romans 12:8 notes.
Romans 12:8 - he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
What does fervent mean?
In English it means
having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm
hot; burning; glowing.
In Greek this fervent is called zeō (G2204).
It means
to boil with heat, be hot
used of water
metaph.
used of boiling anger, love, zeal, for what is good or bad etc.
fervent in spirit, said of zeal for what is good
In the KJV Bible it is translated as be fervent (1x), fervent (1x).
Act 18:25 - This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent G2204 in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Rom 12:11 - Not slothful in business; fervent G2204 in spirit; serving the Lord;
It means boiling, hot, glowing, fire, zeal.
What does fervent in Spirit mean?
(David Guzik) Fervent in spirit could be translated, “with respect to the spirit, boiling.”
It means
hot in Spirit
fire in Spirit
zeal in Spirit
Practically fervent in Spirit mean be sensitive or yielding to the Holy Spirit and doing as per the leading of the Holy Spirit (God's Spirit).
1 Peter 1:22 - Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,
As a new believers we are requested to walk as per the leading of the Holy Spirit:
Romans 7:6 - But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.
Is 30:21 - 18 Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him. 19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; You shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; When He hears it, He will answer you. 20 And though the Lord gives you The bread of adversity and the water of affliction, Yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore, But your eyes shall see your teachers. 21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
NLT: Gal 5:18-26 - 16 So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit [NKJV: Walk in the Spirit]. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. 18 But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law. 19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, 20 idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
Why believers in Christ must not lagging in diligence and fervent in the Spirit?
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;Believers in Christ must not lagging in diligence and fervent in the Spirit to serve the Lord just by following the leading of the Holy Spirit:
11c serving the Lord;
Being fire for the Lord by doing things as per the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Do believers in Christ really need to be diligent and fervent in Spirit?
11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;Yes.
Act 18:25 - This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent G2204 in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Matt 6:32,33 - 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
(David Guzik) If we are called to warm relations and good manners, we also know that we are called to hard work. The church is no place for laziness.
Gla 6:9,10 - 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Matt 20:26-28 - 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
(Warren Wiersbe) Serving Christ usually means satanic opposition and days of discouragement.
Paul admonished his readers to maintain their spiritual zeal because they were serving the Lord and not men.
When life becomes difficult, the Christian cannot permit his zeal to grow cold. "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Rom 12:12, NIV).
How to maintain their spiritual zeal while serving the Lord? or How to serve the Lord diligently and fervent in Spirit? or
How to overcome satanic opposition and discouragement?
12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;12a rejoicing in hope,
What is hope?
Hope is believing something without doubt that will happen in future and waiting for that. Hope produces patience.
Romans 8:23-25 - 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
For more details read What is hope? topic from the notes of Romans 8:23-25.
1 Thes 1:3 - 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,
NIV: 1 Thes 1:3 - We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:2,4 - 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Why believers in Christ needs to be rejoicing in hope?
Believers in Christ needs to be rejoicing in hope, because the hope does not disappoint us. While we are waiting in hope we continually experience the love of God.
In other words we experience His presence while we living here in the earth continually.
For more details read Does hope disappoint us? topic from the notes of Romans 5:5.
Romans 5:5 - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
(David Guzik) The call to hope usually has in mind our ultimate reward with Jesus.
Paul says we serve God rejoicing in hope, not rejoicing in results.
This shows how we are commanded to do all these things with an eye towards heaven.
This is how we fulfill the command for hope, patience and steadfast character described here.
12b patient in tribulation,
Please go through the Tribulation article that answers below questions:
What is tribulation?
(Warren Wiersbe) Our English word "tribulation" comes from a Latin word tribulum. In Paul's day, a tribulum was a heavy piece of timber with spikes in it, used for threshing the grain. The tribulum was drawn over the grain and it separated the wheat from the chaff. As we go through tribulations, and depend on God's grace, the trials only purify us and help to get rid of the chaff.
(Morris) First, he uses strong words. Tribulations is "a strong term. It does not refer to minor inconveniences, but to real hardships".
The cause of distress either physical or mental.
Is tribulation, persecution, suffering, trial and temptation all the same?
Tribulation and persecution, are similar can be used interchangeably.
Suffering is less intense version of tribulation.
When anyone go through tribulation trial and temptation are part of it. Or trial is subset of tribulation.
Do Christian escape from tribulation?
2 Tim 3:12 - Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
What are all the ways believers in Christ may come across tribulation?
Who causes the tribulation?
Why believers in Christ needs to be patient in tribulation?
...
If we understand tribulation with experience then we can glory in tribulation otherwise it is impossible to glory in tribulation.
Romans 5:3 - 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
(David Guzik) Difficult times do not excuse us when we abandon hope or patience or continuing steadfastly in prayer. Trials do not excuse a lack of love in the body of Christ or a lack of willingness to do His work.
Leon Morris explains these two important words. Patient “denotes not a passive putting up with things, but an active, steadfast endurance.” Tribulation “denotes not some minor pinprick, but deep and serious trouble.”
12c continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Continue steadfastly in prayer is very important.
1 Thes 5:17 - pray without ceasing,
Application:
How do you pray continuously and steadfastly?
What challenge do you have to pray continuously and steadfastly?
Summary:
(John Courson) Verse 12 is a beautiful garden of growth, listing as it does the three sweet peas of praise, patience, and prayer.
Plant these seeds in your heart, and you’ll do well throughout your walk.
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
What does distributing to the needs of the saints mean?
It means Share with the Lord’s people who are in need (NIV: Romans 12:13a).
Can you list few needy saints always around you?
(WM) 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 are dwindled [keep reduced]. True Body-life means sharing with those who are in need.
What does “hospitality” mean?
In English it means
the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers.
the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.
In Greek this hospitality is called philoxenia (G5381).
It means love to strangers.
In the KJV Bible it is translated as hospitality (1x), lover of strangers (1x).
Rom 12:13 - Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. G5381
Heb 13:2 - Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: G5381 for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
(John Courson)It means to be a “hospital” for the hurting, lonely people who come your way.
What does given to hospitality mean?
Given to hospitality means
It is not just show hospitality or just invite them to home and take care of them.
It is not just "Practice hospitality" as translated in NIV.
Here given in Greek is diōkō (G1377). It is the same word used to translate persecute in Romans 12:14.
It means follow after someone, to pursue or to press on. For more details read What does persecute mean?
(David Guzik) The ancient Greek word for hospitality is literally translated “love for strangers.” In addition, “given” is a strong word, sometimes translated “persecute” (as in Romans 12:14).
The idea is to “pursue” people you don’t know with hospitality. This is love in action, not just feelings.
(WM) Never grudging a meal or a bed to those who need them" (JBP).
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.
In general "distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." means
(David Guzik) Our care and concern will demonstrate itself in practical deeds done for others, either going to them (distributing to the needs of the saints) or inviting them to come to us (given to hospitality)
And continue pursuing them by keep showing the love of Christ.
Is showing hospitality and entertaining guest are the same?
No, entertainment is one of the tool to be used to show the hospitality.
How entertaining guest differ from showing hospitality?
(John Courson)
Entertaining says, “I want to impress you with my home, my decorating, my cooking.”
Hospitality says, “This house is simply a gift from my Master. I use it however and whenever He desires.”
Entertaining needs to impress.
Hospitality aims to serve.
Entertaining puts things before people, saying, “As soon as I get the house clean, I’ll start inviting people over.”
Hospitality puts people first, saying, “No furniture? No problem. We’ll picnic on the floor.”
Entertaining subtly declares, “This house is mine—an expression of my personality, and my ingenuity.”
Hospitality whispers, “What’s mine is yours. Enjoy it anytime.”
Truly, hospitality is practical Christianity.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
What does persecute mean?
In English it is means
to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, especially because of religious or political beliefs, ethnic or racial origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
to annoy or trouble persistently.
In Greek this persecute is called diōkō (G1377). It means
to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away
to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after
to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal
to pursue (in a hostile manner)
in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one
to persecute
to be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of something
without the idea of hostility, to run after, follow after: someone
metaph., to pursue
to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavour to acquire
In the KJV Bible it is translated as persecute (28x), follow after (6x), follow (4x), suffer persecution (3x), miscellaneous (3x).
Mat 5:10 - Blessed are they which are persecuted G1377 for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11 - Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute G1377 you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12 - Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they G1377 the prophets which were before you.
Mat 5:44 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute G1377 you;
Mat 10:23 - But when they persecute G1377 you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Rom 9:30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed G1377 not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
Rom 9:31 But Israel, which followed G1377 after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given G1377 to hospitality.
Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute G1377 you: bless, and curse not.
Rom 14:19 Let us G1377 therefore follow after G1377 the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
1 Co 14:1 Follow G1377 after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
...
Persecute here means that someone harass, attack, annoy or trouble persistently until the believer in Christ stop preaching, teaching, following, standing for Christ.
Who persecute the believers in Christ?
Mostly non-believers persecute the believers in Christ.
(David Guzik) Of course, not all persecution comes from outside the church.
Jesus told us the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service (John 16:2).
When will the believers in Christ be persecuted?
The believers in Christ will be persecuted when they
Stand for truth or Jesus Christ even when everyone object.
Preach the truth or the gospel boldly even when opposition comes.
Jews persecuted Stephen and stoned to death:
Acts 7:51-60 - 51 "You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it." 54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Teach the truth from the Bible even when the fellow believers disagree.
Gal 5:11 - And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.
Paul faced kind of persecution not physically but mentally through fellow believers who opposes Paul's teaching about faith alone is enough for the salvation:
Acts 15:1-5 - 1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. 3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."
Acts 15:6-12 - 6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: "Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they." 12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles.
Acts 15:13-21 - 13 And after they had become silent, James [brother of Jesus] answered, saying, "Men and brethren, listen to me: 14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: 16 'After this I will return And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, And I will set it up; 17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things.' 18 "Known to God from eternity are all His works. 19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath." [NLT: 21 For these laws of Moses have been preached in Jewish synagogues in every city on every Sabbath for many generations."]
What does Paul teach here?
Paul is teaching to the believers that "Bless those who persecute (attack, offend, bug, annoy, nag, ...) you; and do not curse them."
Is this a new teaching that Paul is admonishing all believers to follow?
No, this has been taught through out the Bible.
Can you list few important scriptures that teaches to "Bless those who persecute you and do not curse"?
Jesus also quotes many Old Testament scriptures and teaching the same:
Matt 5:39 - 38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Matt 5:44 - 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Paul is teaching the same again at the end of the chapter quoting the Old Testament scripture:
Romans 12:19 - Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. [Lev 19:18 ; Pr 20:22 ; 24:29; Dt 32:35; Ge 50:19 ; 1Sa 26:10 ; Ps 94:1 ; Jer 51:36]
What is the real challenge to bless and not curse those who persecute you?
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.Think for a moment: What could be the natural response of anyone who were attacked or offended by someone?
Either they will attack or offend them back immediately or they will look for the opportunity to pay them back.
What happens next?
Both will attack or pay back each other and this will continue forever... and it never ends.
We need to break this cycle.
How to break this cycle?
To break this cycle someone needs to give up or stop repaying.
That is the reason Bible teaches do not pay back those who persecute, attack or offend you deeply. Instead Bible teaches to do good to them and bless them:
Romans 12:21 - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
What happens when we do good or bless them?
1 Peter 2:15 - For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--
Sharing the nature or love of God to those who persecute:
Matt 5:45-47 - 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?
Not only this Jesus adding more to it:
Matt 5:10-12 -
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
What does these passages really teach us?
In General
(David Guzik) We are not to have a hateful attitude towards anyone, not even towards those who persecute us.
In particular:
We should not hold the vengeance or bitterness
We need to forgive them.
We need to love them.
We need to do good to them.
Does God bring good out of persecution? or Why does God allow persecution?
Yes
After Stephen martyred great persecution arose and God used that to spread the evangelist to preach the gospel ends of the earth:
Acts 8:4 - 1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
God uses persecution and trials to strengthen your faith:
1 Peter 1:6-7 - 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
NLT: 1 Peter 1:6-7 - 6 So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. 7 These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
How to bless those who persecute you?
Get rid of your bitterness by going to the throne of grace in prayer or by the power of the Holy Spirit put to death your bitterness:
Romans 8:13 - For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Mark 11:24 - 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Forgive them whole heartedly with the help of God:
Matt 6:12,15 - 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Love them and do good to them with (i.e. after experiencing) the love of God:
Keep experience the love of God
How to experience this God's love?
We need to receive this agape love from God just by filling by His Holy Spirit.
Eph 5:18 - And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
By filling in the Holy Spirit we experience God's love and we love God and love others unconditionally (obey/keep God's commandment):
Romans 5:5 - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Or keep yourselves in the love of God:
Jude 21 - keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
This love of God within us keep urges us to love others unconditionally:
2 Cor 5:14a - For the love of Christ compels us,
Application:
Are you blessing those who offend or persecute you?
How are you blessing those who offend or persecute you?
Summary:
That is why John Courson titled next section Romans 12:17-21 as Vengeance is the Lord’s department. Man’s responsibility is to love.
(WM) 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.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
15a Rejoice with those who rejoice,
What does rejoice mean?
In English it means
to be glad; take delight (often followed by in):
to rejoice in another's happiness.to make joyful; gladden:
a song to rejoice the heart.
In Greek this it is called chairō (G5463).
Chairō means
a primary verb;
to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonally,
especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well:—farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hail, joy(- fully), rejoice.
In the KJV Bible chairō is translated as rejoice (42x), be glad (14x), joy (5x), hail (5x), greeting (3x), God speed (2x), all hail (1x), joyfully (1x), farewell (1x). .
Mat 2:10 - When they saw the star, they rejoiced G5463 with exceeding great joy.
Mat 26:49 - And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, G5463 master; and kissed him.
Jas 1:1 - James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. G5463
In general rejoice is very similar to Joy (Chara - G5479) which means being happy regardless of circumstance.
When we need to rejoice?
We need to rejoice always:
NKJV: 1 Thes 5:16 - Rejoice always,
NKJV: Phil 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
How we can rejoice always?
Rejoice in happy moments:
Rejoice when we hear the good news, when long waited prophesy is fulfilled, ...
Mat 2:10 - When they saw the star, they rejoiced G5463 with exceeding great joy.
Luk 1:14 - And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice G5463 at his birth.
Luk 10:20 - Notwithstanding in this rejoice G5463 not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, G5463 because your names are written in heaven.
Mat 5:12 - Rejoice, G5463 and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Rejoice when we receive some help
Phl 4:10 - But I rejoiced G5463 in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
NKJV: Phil 4:10 - But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
Rejoice when you reap the fruit of your labor (or Rejoice when the believers whom you discipled growing spiritually strong):
2 John 1:4 - I rejoiced G5463 greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
Col 2:5 - For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying G5463 and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
1 Th 3:9 - For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy G5463 for your sakes before our God;
If you do not have any happy moments to rejoice then rejoice with those who rejoice.
Romans 12:15a - Rejoice with those who rejoice,
Rejoice in suffering:
1 Pe 4:13 - But rejoice, G5463 inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad G5463 also with exceeding joy.
Col 1:24 - Who now rejoice G5463 in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Is it easy to rejoice with those who rejoice?
15a Rejoice with those who rejoice,Yes, most of the time we rejoice with those who rejoice. But sometimes it’s harder to rejoice with those who rejoice.
Why we are not always able to rejoice with those who rejoice?
15a Rejoice with those who rejoice,We will not rejoice when we compare our blessing with those who rejoice for greater blessing than us. This cause us to envy or jealousy toward them.
(John Courson) Sometimes it’s harder to rejoice with those who are rejoicing than it is to weep with those who are weeping.
“How come she lucked out?
How come they got that?
Why does he get the big breaks?” we wonder all too often.
How to rejoice with those who rejoice?
15a Rejoice with those who rejoice,Spend time by being with them and
Listening to the reasons of their rejoice
15b and weep with those who weep.
What does weep mean?
15b and weep with those who weep.In English it means
to express grief, sorrow, or any overpowering emotion by shedding tears; shed tears; cry:
In Greek this weep is called klaiō (G2799).
It means of uncertain affinity; to sob, i.e. wail aloud (whereas G1145 is rather to cry silently):—bewail, weep.
to mourn, weep, lament
weeping as the sign of pain and grief for the thing signified (i.e. for the pain and grief)
of those who mourn for the dead
to weep for, mourn for, bewail, one
In the KJV Bible it is translated as weep (39x), bewail (1x).
Mat 2:18 - In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping G2799 for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Mat 26:75 - And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept G2799 bitterly.
Mar 16:10 - And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. G2799
Luk 6:21 - Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep G2799 now: for ye shall laugh.
Luk 6:25 - Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. G2799
Is it easy to weep with those who weep?
15b and weep with those who weep.No, it is not easy.
Sometime we weep with those who weep but most of the time we won't. Basically we avoid them.
Why we are not comfortable to weep with those who weep?
We do not know how to comfort, what to say or how to respond.
We expect them to come out of their sorrowful mode immediately but it will take time to be comforted and get healed.
(John Courson) Paul doesn’t say, “Preach to those who are weeping.” No, he says, “Weep with those who are weeping.” Concerning those who are weeping, we don’t have to preach at them or speak something profound to them. We just need to weep with them without questioning God’s goodness in the process.
How do you weep with those who weep?
15b and weep with those who weep.Simple thing we can do is be available and listen to their cry. If God leads you and gives you opportunity then comfort them as per His leading otherwise just listen to them and pray with them.
Jesus did the same when Lazarus died
John 11:33,35 - Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!"
Following got from https://www.GotGuestions.org/Jesus-wept.html
John 11:1–45 concerns the death and resurrection of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha and a friend of our Lord. Jesus wept (John 11:35) when He gathered with the sisters and others mourning Lazarus’s death. Jesus did not weep over the death itself since He knew Lazarus would soon be raised and ultimately spend eternity with Him in heaven. Yet He could not help but weep when confronted with the wailing and sobbing of Mary, Martha, and the other mourners (John 11:33). The original language indicates that our Lord wept “silent tears” or tears of compassion for His friends (Romans 12:15).
Summary:
(WM) 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.
Spend time with those who rejoice or weep by listening to their rejoice or cry. Then you will rejoice or weep with them.
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.
What are the three main things Paul is stating in this verse?
16a Be of the same mind toward one another.
16b Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.
16c Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Let us go through this in the following order:
16c Do not be wise in your own opinion.
What makes you to be wise in your own opinion?
Pride and selfishness makes us to be wise in our own opinion.
Why we should not be wise in our own opinion?
It makes us to stay in pride and selfishness.
We should not be wise or adamant in our own opinion because out opinion may not be true.
At the same time
if you are sharing the truth even when opposition comes then you need to stay strong and be adamant about it if God leads to be that way because it is not your opinion but it is the truth.
or if God leads you to do or say something even when opposition comes then you need to stay strong and be adamant to accomplish that with the help of God. In this is case it is not your opinion but the command or truth from God.
In case if we are not sure that whether the thought that came to our mind is from God or not then it may be our opinion. Pray that if it is from God then let Him bring that to pass.
How we should not be wise in our own opinion?
Don't be adamant about your opinion but listen to others opinion.
Following section of this verse explains this clearly
16a Be of the same mind toward one another.
16b Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.
Let us go through this in detail below.
16a Be of the same mind toward one another.
What does "be of the same mind toward one another" mean?
We need to set our mind or change our mind to do whatever other person like or want to do.
Romans 12:10 - Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
(David Guzik) It is a simple command to be considerate of the feelings of others instead of waiting for them to be considerate of your feelings.
This require us to give up our own pride and selfishness and listen to others opinion.
Do we need to be of the same mind toward one another in everything?
No, we do not want to be same mind with those who
compromise moral values
give false witness (It happens in Jury duty, or you were pressurized by friends/peers to join them for majority).
devices plan that leads to sin
want to sin
(WM) To be of the same mind to ward one another does not mean that we must see alike on nonessential matters. It is not a so much uniformity of mind as harmony of relationships.
In what we need to be the same mind toward one another?
Paul given this in
Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
(David Guzik) This is how we can fulfill the command to be of the same mind toward one another.
List few things that we need to be of the same mind toward one another:
Rejoice with those who rejoice.
Mourn/Weep with those who mourn/weep.
Sing with those who sing carols.
Help with those who help others.
Give with those who give for good cause.
Share with those who share time for others need.
Support with those who support moral values.
Pray with those who pray for others.
Reach out with those who reach out non-believers.
Study with those who study the Bible.
...
16b Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.
What does "set your mind on high things" mean?
It means setting our mind on
Rich people - Make themselves goal to be rich like some billionaire. For that they spend time reading and knowing about them and follow their strategy to become billionaire.
Popular/Famous - Make your goal to become popular/famous like celebrities, ...
High class society - Be specific in associating only with high class society and try their level best to conform to the high class society. Never even talk with people who are little lower than them.
Worldly things - Be particular to buy valuable and latest things (phone, diamond, gold, luxury car, ...) and showoff that they are rich person. Hoarding or keep accumulating things without giving away your old stuffs.
...
In general it means stay focused on climbing social, intellectual, or spiritual ladders.
(John Courson) Don’t try to climb any social, intellectual, or spiritual ladders.
If we associate with high things such as high class people then weill try to compete with them and be prideful.
Where do we need to set our mind?
We need to set our mind in heavenly things that will not lead to pride and selfish but make us to stay humble.
We are seated in heavenly places:
Eph 2:6 - 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
So, we need to set our mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 1:2 - 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When we set our mind on heaven then we realize that we are rich in Christ. Then things of this world will become nothing compare to the riches in heaven and you will not attached with worldly things but we will stay humble
(WM) We should avoid any trace of snobbishness and should be as outgoing toward humble, lowly folk as toward those of wealth and position.
When an illustrious Christian arrived at the terminal he was met by leaders from the church where he was to speak. The limousine pulled up to take him to a plush hotel.
"Who usually entertains visiting preachers here?" he asked. They mentioned an elderly couple in a modest home nearby. "That's where I would prefer to stay," he said.
How to "another and associate with humble"?
Jesus Christ lived exactly like this and set an example for us:
Phil 2:3-8 - 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Matt 11:29 - 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
(David Guzik) Paul cautions us to have a humble mind-set. In refusing to set our mind on high things and in associating with the humble, we simply imitate Jesus. Do not be wise in your own opinion reminds us of how far we still have to go in actually being like Jesus.
Always ask a question What Would Jesus Do (WWJD)? in any situation that you are not sure what to do.
What will God do when we remain humble?
We inherit the earth and the kingdom of heaven
Matt 5:3 - "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:3,5 - Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
God will lift us up:
James 4:10 - Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
This is exactly what God has done to Jesus Christ:
Phil 2:9-11 - 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Summary:
(John Courson) Whenever you can, to the degree you possibly can, live peaceably with all men.
(Warren Wiersbe) Finally, Paul reminded them that they must enter into the feelings of others. Christian fellowship is much more than a pat on the back and a handshake. It means sharing, the burdens and the blessings of others so that we all grow together and glorify the Lord. If Christians cannot get along with one another, how can they ever face their enemies?
A humble attitude and a willingness to share are the marks of a Christian who truly ministers to the body. Our Lord ministered to the common people, and they heard Him gladly (Mark 12:37). When a local church decides it wants only a certain "high class" of people, it departs from the Christian ideal for ministry.
Here is the basic few steps:
Do not live in prideful life focusing on yourselves.
16c Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Set your mind on heavenly things and stay focused on eternity:
16b Do not set your mind on high things, ...
Have a same mind with those who walk in the Holy Spirit and
16a Be of the same mind toward one another.
live a humble life.
16b ... but associate with the humble.
Our Relationship with Our Enemies: Vengeance is the Lord’s department. Man’s responsibility is to love.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
What do believers in Christ need to do when they were deeply offended or harmed by someone?
17a Repay no one evil for evil.
(David Guzik) Repay no one evil for evil recalls Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:38-45. We are to love our enemies and treat well those who treat us badly.
(WM) 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 they deserves. But his 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 circumstances of live.
17b Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
What does "Have regard for good things in the sight of all men" mean?
In English regard means:
to look upon or think of with a particular feeling:
to regard a person with favor.to have or show respect or concern for.
to think highly of; esteem.
to take into account; consider.
to look at; observe:
She regarded him with amusement.to relate to; concern:
The news does not regard the explosion.
This mean give high importance to doing good things.
(David Guzik) Have regard for good things in the sight of all men is a way to live out the idea of praising what is good. People should be able to see what is good and what is not based on our conduct.
(WM) To have regard means to take thought for or be careful to do.
NIV: Romans 12:17 - Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
NASB: Romans 12:17 - Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
Why did God saved us?
God saved us to do good works, which God prepared long before that we should walk in them:
Eph 2:10 - 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
God called us to do His own purpose:
2 Tim 1:9 - who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
Acts 13:2 - 1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Why Paul says if it is possible to live peaceably with all men?
(Murray) “If it be possible indicates that it may not always be possible.”
Is it possible for the Christians to live peaceably with all always?
No, it is not possible for the Christians to live peaceably with all always
Why it is not possible for the Christians to live peaceably with all always?
In general we all are selfish human beings and so it is natural that we will hurt or offend each other.
Some may reconcile truly
Some may take more time to reconcile.
Some may pretend reconciling truly but in their heart they really develop or keep the hatred or bitterness.
Some may not reconcile truly
What should be the believers responsibility?
Believers are called to be a peace maker:
Matt 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
(David Guzik) Live peaceably with all men reminds us that though we are in contrast to the world, we do not seek out contention. If it is possible, we will be at peace with all men.
(WM) 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.
What believers in Christ should not do even when they were deeply offended or harmed by someone? Why?
19a Beloved, do not avenge yourselves,
What does "do not avenge yourselves" mean?
It is a reference from
Lev 19:18 - You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
It means "do not take revenge/vengeance"
NASB: Romans 12:19 - Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.
NIV: Romans 12:19 - Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
19b but rather give place to wrath;
What does "but rather give place to wrath" mean?
(David Guzik) The one who trusts in God will not think it necessary to avenge themselves. They will leave the issue of vengeance to God, and give place to wrath – giving no place to their own wrath, and a wide place to God’s wrath.
(WM) We must resist the tendency to avenge wrongs that are done to us. The expression give place to wrath may mean to allow God to take care of it for you, or it may mean to submit passively in a spirit of non resistance. The rest of the verse favors the first interpretation - to stand back and let the wrath of God take care of it. Vengeance is God's prerogative. We should not interfere with what is his right. He will repay at the proper time and in the proper manner Lenski writes;
God has long ago settled the whole matter about exacting justice from wrong doers. Not one of them will escape. Perfect justice will be done in every case and will be done perfectly. If any of us interfere, it would be the height of presumption.
NASB: Romans 12:19 - Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.
When someone offended or harmed you physically or mentally do not hold the bitterness or grudge within your heart. If you hold the bitterness then you will look for opportunity to hurt them back. Naturally we will repay evil for evil.
Allow God to defend for yourself:
Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me," Says the Lord.
Do not pretend or hold the grudge/bitterness in your heart but prayerfully look for and wait upon the Lord for the divine opportunity.
(WM) When we have offended others, or when some one has offended us, we should work tirelessly for a peaceful resolution of the matter.
19c for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
It is a reference from
Deut 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.'
NLT: Deut 32:35 - I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.’
This is also quoted in
Heb 10:30 - For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The Lord will judge His people."
When will God repay?
God will repay in His won time.
Even if we die God will not forget but repay on our behalf:
Rev 5:8 - Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
Rev 8:3-4 - 3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.
Rev 20:12 - 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
Do God repay if a person become a believer?
One exception is that if that person who deserves punishment become believer then God may not repay:
Jeremiah 31:34 - No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."
Hebrews 8:12 - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Hebrews 10:17 - then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Psalm 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Is 1:18 - "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
Is :43:25 - "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.
The new believer must have reconciled with the person whom he offended or harmed.
How then God will repay believers who offend or harm other believers?
If a believer harmed another believer give this matter to God. He will repay by disciplining the believer in His time.
Heb 12:5-1 - 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
What will believers need to do after leaving the vengeance or our bitterness to God?
20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head."
What does heap coals of fire on his head mean?
(David Guzik) Is the heaping coals of fire on his head something good in the eyes of our enemy or is it something bad? It most likely refers to a “burning conviction” that our kindness places on our enemy. Or, some think it refers to the practice of lending coals from a fire to help a neighbor start their own – an appreciated act of kindness.
Nevertheless, we see that we can destroy our enemy by making him our friend.
(John Courson) In Paul’s day, when a fire went out in a home, it was difficult to reignite it. Therefore, if someone’s fire went out, the women would carry live coals in clay jars upon their heads to share with the person who had no fire. Thus, the implication here was not of burning one’s enemy, but of warming him in order to ultimately win him to the kingdom.
(WM) Christianity goes beyond non-resistance to active benevolence. It does not destroy its enemies by violence but converts them by love. It feeds the enemy when he is hungry and satisfies his thirst, thus heaping live coals of fire on his head. If the live coal treatment seems cruel, it is because this idiomatic expression is not properly understood. To heap live coals on a person's head means to make him ashamed of his hostility by surprising him with unconventional kindness.
This is a reference from
Prov 25:21,22 - 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.
If you do this God will reward you.
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(David Guzik) With this mind-set, we will do good to our enemies, looking for the most practical ways we can help them. This is the way we are not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(WM) Darby explains the first part of this verse as follows: "If my bad temper puts you in a bad temper, you have been overcome of evil."
The great black scientist, George Washington Carver, once said, "I will never let another man ruin my life by making me hate him." As a believer he would not allow evil to conquer him.
(WM) But overcome evil with good. It is characteristic of Christian teaching that it does not stop with the negative prohibition but goes on to the positive exhortation. Evil can be overpowered with good. This is a weapon we should use more frequently.
Stanton treated Lincoln with venomous hatred. He said that it was foolish to go to Africa in search to f a gorilla when the original gorilla could be found in Springfield. Illinois. Lincoln took it all in Springfield. Illinois. Lincoln took it all stride. Later Lincoln appointed Stanton as war minister, feeling that he was the most qualified fo rth office. Ager Lincoln was shot. Stanton called him the greatest leader of men. Love had conquered!"
1 Peter 2:15 - For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--
1 Peter 3:13-17 - 13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 4:16 - Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
1 Peter 4:19 - Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Summary:
(Warren Wiersbe) The believer who seeks to obey God is going to have his enemies. When our Lord was ministering on earth. He had enemies. No matter where Paul and other apostles traveled there were enemies who opposed their work. Jesus warned His disciples that their worst enemies might be those of their own household (Matt 10:36). Unfortunately some believers have enemies because they lack love and patience, and not because they are faithful in their witness. There is a difference between sharing in "the offense of the cross" (Gal 5:11; 6:12-15) and being an offensive Christian!
The Christian must not play God and try to avenge himself. Returning evil for evil, or good for good, is the way most people live. But the Christian must live on a higher level and return good for evil. Of course, this requires love, because our first indignation is to fight back. It also requires faith, believing that God can work and accomplish His will in our lives and in the lives of those who hurt us. We must give place to "the wrath" - the wrath of God (Deut. 32:35).
A friend of mine once heard a preacher criticize him over the radio and tell things that were not only unkind, but also untrue. My friend became very angry and was planning to fight back, when a godly preacher said. "Don't do it. If you defend yourself, then the Lord can't defend you. Leave it in His hands." My friend followed that wise counsel. and the Lord vindicated him.
The admonition in Romans 12:20 reminds us of Christ's words in Matt 5:44-48. These words are easy to read but difficult to practice. Surely we need to pray and ask God for love as we try to show kindness to our enemies. Will they take advantage of us? Will they hate us more? Only the Lord knows. Our task is not to protect ourselves but to obey the Lord and leave the results with Him. Paul referred to Proverbs 25:21-22 as he urged us to return good for evil in the name of the Lord. The "coals of fire" refer perhaps to the feeling of shame our enemies will experience when we return good for evil.
As children of God, we must live on the highest level-returning good for evil. Anyone can return good for good and evil for evil. The only way to overcome evil is with good. If we return evil for evil, we only add fuel to the fire. And even if our enemy is not converted, we have still experienced the love of God in our own hearts and have grown in grace.