Behaving - Being a Christian
INTRO DISCUSSION: What does it mean to act like a Christian?
Christian: little Christ; little Jesus…
We read these first verses last week individually as to how they related to each motivational gift. Let's read now as a block..
Romans 12:9-21 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.
They are so practical in nature, as is what follows…
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.
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.
Now look over these verses again, this time paying particular attention to the verbs. Verbs show action or state. Most of these verses tell us to do something or be something.
What verses come to mind as you read each verse?
16Be 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.
Acts 10:34 (NKJV) Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
Philippians 2
James 2
Proverbs 28:21
17Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard (provide) for good things in the sight of all men.
Wisdom and stature, favor with God and man…
Nathan to David: “ You have given the enemies of God reason to blaspheme.”
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Jesus is the Prince of peace…
When a man’s ways please the Lord…
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.”
Proverbs 25:21-22
Beatitudes
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Sin crouches at the door…
Yield yourself as a servant of righteousness...
Have you heard this? Actions speak louder than words.
How we live speaks to the unsaved culture often more than what we say!
John 14:9–11 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
1 Peter 3:1–2 (NKJV) Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.
1 Peter 3:15–17 (NKJV) But sanctify the Lord God (Christ as Lord) 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.
We must testify; if necessary use words!
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