"Role-Model Saints" Romans Pt. 17 Series

Role-model Saints (Cont. pt. d)

Romans part 17

Opening Illustration: From Blue-fish TV “The church saved my life.”

Thesis: Paul in chapter 12 tells us that we must be role models saints for this world and not act worldly but instead act like living sacrifices for Jesus. This in turn will make us a hero in the eyes of Kingdom of God.

Scripture Text: Romans 12

15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Introduction:

Let’s review the character traits of a role-model saint and a hero for the kingdom of God that we have explored so far from Romans 12:

 A role model saint is a living sacrifice for the Kingdom of God.

o They have chosen to give up their life to Christ because he chose to give up His life for their salvation.

 A role-model saint lives holy in an unholy environment.

o When a person observes a saints life they see a person living different than the rest of the sinners.

 A role-model saint lives a life that pleases God.

o They live a life that makes God smile!

 A role-model saint does not conform to the behavior pattern of this world’s inhabitants.

o They instead conform to the image of Jesus Christ and seek to live godly imitating His lifestyle.

 A role-model saint has had their mind renewed by God’s Word.

o They have a point of view that has an eternal perspective and a Biblical world view rather than a corrupt self-centered mindset.

 A role-model saint does not think they are someone special because they have a sensible view of them self.

o They do not over rate themselves and live a prideful arrogant lifestyle.

 A role-model saint chooses the path of love over hate.

o The hero in the Kingdom of God imitates the character trait of God – God is love and he choose this approach to others so the saint also needs to choose the path of love over hate and behave like God does.

o Quote: “You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.”

 A role-model saint hates evil and also holds on for dear life to that which is good and godly.

o This hero does not hold onto that which is evil.

 A role-model saint is devoted to other saints through the bond of love.

o The role-model saints bond together in love like the Band of Brothers did in Easy Company and many other combat outfits in World War II.

 A role-model saint keeps their spiritual zeal for the Lord and for service to the Kingdom.

o It means we love Jesus more today than we did yesterday and we make him the focus of our life.

 A role-model saint honors others in the Kingdom over themselves.

o Role model saints honor others from their unit as they fight against the enemy of our society and to the church of Jesus Christ.

o We all need to remember that all role-model saints will be honored with the Medal of Honor in heaven for our service to the Kingdom.

 A role-model saint is joyful in their life.

o Role-model saints are individuals who are filled with joy, happiness and freedom which draws others to the Kingdom.

 A role-model saint is patient in affliction.

o Role-model saints show tremendous poise and peace under stress and pressure.

o These saints look at the Lord for help in their time of trouble and do not place the blame for their hardship on the Lord.

 A role-model saint is faithful in prayer.

o Role-model saints know that to hear from God and to be in tune with God requires that they have an open line of communication between them and the Lord.

 A role-model saint shares with God’s children who are in need – character trait number 15 (vs. 13).

o They have learned to die to self-centered ways and to use their resources to help out others in the Body of Christ who are in need.