The Marks Of The Christian Series

The Marks of the Christian Life

December 4, 2024

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

Romans 12:9-21

It’s such a joy to gather together in the Word, especially when the world tries to crowd out our time in it. We’re refreshed and hungry for the truth of God’s Word. We’ve been working our way through this passage, and today we dive deeper into the practical aspects of Christian living as outlined by Paul.

Romans 12 marks a shift from the doctrinal foundations of the first 11 chapters into the practical application of the Christian faith. As much as the earlier chapters deal with justification and the great doctrinal truths of salvation, this section of Romans focuses on how we are to live in light of those truths.

1. The Foundation for Christian Living (Romans 12:1-2)

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1–2)

Before we dive into this section, let’s remember that all practical Christian living begins with our dedication to God. Romans 12:1-2 calls us to present ourselves as living sacrifices to God, and it is only upon this foundation that everything else is built. From our personal walk with God, to our relationship with the church, to how we respond to others, all of it flows from our complete surrender to Him. The rest of Romans 12 answers the call for us to be living sacrifices.

Bryan Chapell tells of two brothers who were trapped in a collapsing sandbank. As searchers rescued the younger brother, they ask him where the older brother was located. He said, ‘I’m standing on his shoulders.’ Like that brother, we live as ‘living sacrifices,’ standing on Christ’s shoulders for strength and salvation and others may stand on ours.

who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, (Galatians 1:4)

2. The Personal Circle: (Romans 12:9–13)

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (Romans 12:9–13)

In the first part of this passage, Paul addresses the believer’s personal conduct. In verse 9, he tells us to “let love be without hypocrisy,” to “hate what is evil” and “cling to what is good.” These are basic but foundational principles for Christian living. True love, Paul emphasizes, is not superficial or self-serving, but it must be genuine. As we grow in our relationship with God, our love for others should reflect the same authenticity.

The Greek word for “abhor” used by Paul in Romans 12:9 is “?p?st????” (apostygeo). This word is a compound of two elements: “?p?” (apo) – meaning “from” or “away from.” “st????” (stygéo) – meaning “to hate” or “to detest.”

Paul pairs “abhor” with “hold fast to what is good” (Romans 12:9), creating a sharp contrast between love for what is good and hatred for what is evil. This contrast shows that love for God and His ways requires an equally strong rejection of everything that opposes His will.

?p?st???? calls believers to not only avoid evil but to loathe it, with the understanding that a passionate commitment to goodness requires a deep and active rejection of all that is immoral or contrary to God’s righteousness.

Verse 10 expands this personal love to include our Christian family. We are called to be affectionate, to honor others above ourselves, and to serve with zeal. This love is not just for our fellow believers, but extends to everyone, even to those who may not show love to us in return.

Verse 12 reminds us that as we serve God and others, trials will come. These trials are an inevitable part of life, but they must not lead us to despair. Instead, we are to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and continue steadfast in prayer, keeping our eyes on the glory that awaits us.

In the midst of the horrors of World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her family, though living under Nazi occupation in the Netherlands, chose to live out a radical form of hospitality. They welcomed strangers—Jewish refugees—into their home, offering not just a place to stay, but safety, food, and love. By doing so, they followed the command of Romans 12:13, which urges us to “contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”