“Role-model Saints”
Romans pt. 14
Opening Illustration: Role model video Illustration from Blue Fish TV – Cassie Bernell
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 to Jesus. This in turn will make us a hero in the eyes of Kingdom of God.
Scripture Text: Romans 12:1-21:
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 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:
What does it mean today to be a role-model for others to follow?
Role-model - noun - a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others.
What Constitutes a Role Model - Anyone can be role model--a teacher, a parent, a friend, an athlete, a relative. Characteristics of a role model include:
• feels obligation to better "society" or work for the common good of the community
• compassionate
• has developed powerful and effective habits of the mind and soul
• can work through challenges
• committed to what they do
• capacity to achieve goals and obtain self-fulfillment
• possesses high standards and values
• admired for courage and strength (Fromhttp://littlewaves98.tripod.com/models.html).
I ran across this Motto from RoleModel.net on the web and I want you to listen to how they define what a role-model is in our society:
“It is the mission of RoleModel.net to promote the idea that there is within each of us the ability to inspire those around us by living a life that is more outward focused than inward focused. By being selfless, we can do our part to make the world a better place, spreading love and hope through our daily actions. It is not only by what we say but more importantly by the life that we live out that shows what each of us is made of.”
Paul in Romans 12 tells us what the Christian role is to be in this society of evil and self-centeredness. He says. “Saints this is how you are to act in public and in private, in dealing with others in this society, in action and conduct in all circumstances, this is what you are to be like!”
Paul himself was a role-model: Video Clip from Bluefish TV
A role-model is someone who others want to imitate because they are so impressed with their lifestyle and their achievements.
As we just briefly explored this subject this morning who would you say has been a role model for you? Who do you think today is a role-model that others look up too?
Here is a list off the rolemodel.net website;
Tiger Woods, Christopher Reeves, Steven Spielberg, Brad Pitt, Barbara Bush.
As I look at these role-models I must try to compare them to the list that Paul gives us in Romans 12 to see if they align with what Paul describes as a role-model saint:
Paul lists 27 Characteristics of a role-model saint:
1. A role-model saint is a living sacrifice for the Kingdom of God.
a. Sacrifice – To sacrifice means to give up our life for another.
i. THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA STATES THIS ABOUT - CHRIST’S DEATH (BEING) THE APPEAL FOR A CHRISTIAN’S SACRIFICE: Christ’s sacrificial death becomes the persuasive appeal for the Christian’s sacrificial life, “Because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died; and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again” Because He died for us we should live for Him. Christ’s death on the cross exhibits His love, unspeakable, unthinkable love, for it was love for His “enemies” and that matchless love kindles love in the forgiven sinner’s heart. He (the saint) is therefore willing to do anything, even to die, for their Savior who died for them. It is a greater privilege for the saved sinner to suffer for Christ than it is to believe on Him.
ii. Sacrifice – What do we have to sacrifice to God?
1. Our very lives!
a. Christ gave us his life – how much more should we give Him our lives?
2. Our very resources – time, money, possessions, and hearts.
iii. Illustration from Dying to Self - A wealthy university graduate chose to live frugally in a single room, cooking his own meals. As a result he was able to give two million dollars to foreign missions. In explanation of his choice he wrote these words: “Gladly would I make the floor my bed, a box my chair, and another box my table, rather than men should perish for want of knowledge of Christ.” I am not suggesting that all Christians are called upon to forfeit the normal comforts of life; only, when God calls them to a life of sacrifice, they be willing to leave all and follow Him.
iv. Illustration from A Treasury of Bible Illustrations:
1. Do You Know What Sacrifice Means? Two wealthy Christians, a lawyer and a merchant, joined a party that was going around the world. Before they started, their minister earnestly asked them to observe and remember any unusual and interesting things that they might see in the missionary countries through which the party was to travel. The men promised—carelessly, perhaps—to do so. One day in Korea, they saw in a field by the side of the road a boy pulling a crude plow, while an old man held the handles and directed it. The lawyer was amused, and took a snapshot of the scene. “That’s a curious picture! I suppose they are very poor,” he said to the missionary who was interpreter and guide to the party. “Yes,” was the quiet reply. “That is the family of Chi Noui. When the church was being built they were eager to give something to it, but they had no money so they sold their only ox and gave the money to the church. This spring they are pulling the plow themselves.” The lawyer and the businessman by his side were silent for some moments. Then the businessman said, “That must have been a real sacrifice.” “They did not call it that,” said the missionary. “They thought it was fortunate they had an ox to sell.”
2. I will come back to this character trait of a Saint when I complete looking at the other 26 characteristics of a role-model saint.
2. A role-model saint lives holy in an unholy environment.
a. Holy - Applied to Christians - But it is especially in its application to Christians that the idea of holiness meets us in the New Testament in a sense that is characteristic and distinctive. Christ’s people are regularly called “saints” or holy persons, and holiness in the high ethical and spiritual meaning of the word is used to denote the appropriate quality of their life and conduct.
i. INTERNATIONAL BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA NOTES - AS SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD- No doubt, as applied to believers, “saints” conveys in the first place the notion of a separation from the world and a consecration to God. Just as Israel under the old covenant was a chosen race, so the Christian church in succeeding to Israel’s privileges becomes a holy nation In Paul’s usage all baptized persons are “saints,” however far they may still be from the saintly character.
1. THEY ALSO NOTE - AS BOUND TO THE PURSUIT OF AN ETHICAL IDEAL- But though the use of the name does not imply high ethical character as a realized fact, it always assumes it as an ideal and an obligation. It is taken for granted that the Holy Spirit has taken up His abode in the heart of every regenerate person, and that a work of positive sanctification is going on there. The New Testament leaves no room for the thought of a holiness divorced from those moral qualities which the holy God demands of those whom He has called to be His people.
3. A role-model saint lives a life that pleases God.
a. To please God should be the goal of each saint.
i. Why? Because we are grateful for His willingness to save us from our sins.
ii. Paul tells us that saints should live in such a way that their life makes God smile.
b. Pleasing God – Why is it we desire to please our spouses, our friends, our employers, our peers, our family members and the like but we never really think about doing things that make God smile.
i. Why is that? Is it because we take Him for granted?
ii. Is it because we really don’t think God minds if we live self-centered lives which just please ourselves?
1. God sent Jesus to die for us so that we could be free and in turn we accept Jesus and then live our lives totally focused on ourselves and maybe even others – but to focus on pleasing God – why would we do that?
c. May be we do not please God because everyone else will think we have lost our mind.
i. Yes, I am going to the mission field because I want to please God – are you crazy- have you lost your mind our friends and family say! Go to the mission field and suffer – that does not make sense!
d. The truth is the church needs more role-model saints who are willing to please God instead of everyone else.
i. Romans 8:8 stated: Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
1. This verse makes it clear that those who live by the sinful nature cannot please God. It’s impossible!
ii. 1 Thess. 4:1: Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.
iii. Hebrews 11:6: And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
1. To please God means we have to live with faith in God and actually believe that if we live right then God will reward us in Heaven.
4. A role-model saint does not conform to the behavior pattern of this world’s inhabitants.
a. Paul has been pushing to the Romans that a saint does not live sinfully.
i. A role-model saint does not behave like the world.
b. The world acts like the following:
i. Sinful acts: Romans 8: 5-8: Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
ii. There mindset is focused on what the world desires.
1. Galatians 5:19-21: The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
2. So how well are you doing in pleasing God?
a. Do any of the items listed above strike home in your life.
5. A role-model saint has had their mind renewed by God’s Word.
a. Renewed – Means it has changed the way it use to think. It has changed the focus of its thought life. The focus is on eternity rather on the temporary things of life. The mind understands that this life is temporary and that what matters most is doing things that make a difference in eternity.
i. Renewed minds have become influenced by the Holy Spirit. Renewed minds see with the light bulb turned on. Renewed minds have insight into the things of God. Renewed minds can see into the spiritual realm.
1. Reference Frank Peretti’s books and how they open up the mind to the spiritual forces of evil in this world.
ii. Renewed – How does this Happen?
1. By reading God’s Word.
2. By listening to God’s Word.
3. By listening to sermons from God’s Word.
4. By reading good Christian books.
a. When your mind is renewed you look at church differently – you look at services differently-you look at giving differently.
6. A role-model saint does not think they are someone special because they have a sensible view of them self.
a. A role-model saint is not prideful.
i. They do not puffy heads!
ii. They do not think they are more special than others.
iii. They understand that they are saved by grace and not because they are better than some one else.
b. This proper view of yourself will help keep you out of trouble. I have heard this phrase far to often:
i. Pastor Mike I am counseling this person of the opposite sex so I can help heal their marriage. I can not tell you how many times I have seen this situation turn into adultery and sexual immorality.
c. The Treasury of Bible Illustration notes this: The First and Hardest Lesson - “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” says Robert Fulgham’s popular essay and book. In truth, one of life’s most important and hardest lessons comes to us long before kindergarten. This lesson is painful and upsetting to learn, and it goes against what we want to think is true. But it is vital that we learn it. Many people never do. The lesson is this: you are not the center of your universe. You might as well face it. Once, a long time ago, Nicolaus Copernicus studied the sky and declared, “If man is to know the truth, he must change his thinking! Despite what we have said for years, our earth is not the center of the cosmos—but just one celestial body among many. The sun does not move around us; we move around the sun.” That was a radical adjustment—a revolution in thought. Years later, Jean Piaget studied children and declared, “Each child must experience his or her own ‘Copernican revolution.’ They must learn that they are not the center of their world.” This is a private, radical adjustment for every one. “After all,” each infant thinks, “My wants have always been met. Let life continue that way!” “Walls should move out of the way before I run into them. The floor should become soft just as I fall. Everyone should give me their toys if I want them. The rules of games should change so I can always win. And big things like cars should never drive where I might want to run or play.” Sooner or later, life does not cooperate and the child is shocked. What about us adults? Have we learned the lesson? Most of us learn it. But Satan urges us to put ourselves back in the center. And we often do, even when we know better. Jesus Christ studied His audience and declared, “If you want to enter the kingdom of heaven, you must change your thinking! Despite what your sinful nature tells you, you are not the center of your world. To find life, you must know the truth. Accommodate yourself to that; it will set you free!” That is the most radical adjustment of all. A hard lesson. The illusion is easier. It justifies selfishness. And we all like being selfish. Too bad that the selfish way is not true. Too bad that it does not bring satisfaction or life. A hard lesson. But an important one. Life goes much better once you have got it.
7. A role-model saint chooses the path of love over hate.
a. Choosing the path of love is so needed today.
i. This path is the character path of God who is Love according to the BIBLE’S TEACHING – God is described as love – so the role-model saint needs to imitate the character trait of God Himself in their life. This becomes a light to the rest of the world who chooses to live by hate.
b. Quote: “You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.”
i. Jesus chose the path of love over hate and he wants us to do the same. Could you imagine what this world could be like if people choose to love instead of to hate others?
1. A CHILD’S VIEW OF LOVE: Some children were asked, “What is love?” One little girl answered, “Love is when your mommy reads you a bedtime story. True love is when she doesn’t skip any pages. David Watson stated in His book, I Believe in the Church the following: To love all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one.… Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it safe in a casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.… The only place outside heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers of love is—hell.
c. Story: Some years ago there was a shipwreck off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. A crowd of fishermen in a nearby village gathered to watch the ship as it was smashed on the rocks. A lifeboat was sent to the rescue, and after a terrific struggle the rescuers came back with all of the shipwrecked sailors but one. “There was no room in the lifeboat for him, so we told him to stay by the ship and someone would come back for him,” shouted a young man. “Who will come with me?” shouted a young man. Just then a little old lady cried out, “Don’t go. Jim, my boy. Don’t go. You are all I have left. Your father was drowned in the sea; your brother William sailed away and we’ve never heard from him; and now if you are lost, I’ll be left alone. Oh, Jim, please don’t go.” Jim listened patiently to his mother’s pleading, then said, “Mother, I must go! It is my duty. I must go!” The onlookers watched as the men in the lifeboat fought their way toward the wreck. Anxiously Jim’s mother wept and prayed. They saw the boat start back, a frail little shell tossed about by the angry waves. At last it came close enough to hear, and they shouted, “Did you get him?” And Jim shouted back, “Yes, and tell mother it’s William!”
Conclusion:
Summary of the role-model saints characteristics covered this morning: Remember role-model saints are heroes for the Kingdom of God and they seek to make God smile with the way they live their lives.
Let’s look at another hero of the faith – Jim Elliot from Blue Fish TV.com before we review.
Review:
1. A role model saint is a living sacrifice for the Kingdom of God.
2. A role-model saint lives holy in an unholy environment.
3. A role-model saint lives a life that pleases God.
4. A role-model saint does not conform to the behavior pattern of this world’s inhabitants.
5. A role-model saint has had their mind renewed by God’s Word.
6. A role-model saint does not think they are someone special because they have a sensible view of them self.
7. A role-model saint chooses the path of love over hate.
