Biblical reference: Romans 12; 13:1-4
When we are saved and become the Children/Sons of God we are also commisioned as His servants to spread the Word of God to all peoples of all Nations. With this new life and new assignment comes certain expectations and requirements as well will see in the following verses from Romans 12:1-21.
(1) "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Here we see that by God’s mercies we are
redeemed and in our redemption we must become living sacrifices that are holy and acceptable unto God. This is part of our reasonable service as his children to the one who has redeemed us. This means that we do not
yeild to the temptations of the flesh, the mind or the world. Instead we become overcomers to the temptation and sins of the world. Verse two tells us this.(2) "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." By not conforming to this world we become transformed in our minds and our spirits to that
which is of God.In doing so we also prove all that is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God
In verse 3 we are instructed that God’s grace is given to all of us and we should refrain from thinking highly of ourselves. It is a vain and sinful thing to think oneself better than another..even unto the sinner. We are to be ever mindful that we are no better than anyone else on this planet and that though we are saved by the Blood of the Lamb, we are still imperfect. We do not become and are not invincible once we become saved, nor are we part of an exclusive club that keeps us from all the problems, sorrows, tragedies or complexities of this world. In fact as a
child of Christ, we suffer more. This is the "Narrow Road" that is spoken of in the Bible in Matthew 7:14 . It is a road that is filled with adversty, trials and tribulations but with God beside us and if we
maintain our faith in Him that has given us each a measure of faith;, He will help us to overcome and help us to endure. For those that take the broad road, sure they will have it far more easier, but in the end there will be hell to pay...literally! (3) "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God
hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
In verses 4-6 we realize that we are all members of the Body of Christ, but different with different purposes and functions. (4)"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:" (5) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.(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". Here we see that God gives us all gifts, but not "all gifts". Each one is given a spiritual gift according to his/her
measure of faith and grace of God. Each one of us that is given a certain gift must use it wisely and to the Glory of God. We must always remember that we are part of the body of Christ and in that rememberance we must also act accordingly; so as not to demean or blemish that body. We must work in harmony with the rest of the Body of Christ in order to function properly as a whole. As we go on in our study we see that it also refers to the ministry. (7) "Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; (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. (9) Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. (10) Be kindly affectioned one to another with
brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (11) Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord."
When we minister to or teach others, Paul tells us that we should wait. Why? Because our great teacher, Jesus, will give us what we need to teach. It doesn’t come from the theological, Philisophical, or
homilitical point of view in man’s world - but from the Word of God and the Lord, Himself. We have been baptized in the Holy Spirit and the Word of the Lord not only feeds us as individuals, but it also teaches us, so that we may teach others. When we exhort we must do it in simplicity not in lod bravadoes. This means that we do not force our exhortations upon
another. We must also learn to show mercy, not with anger but with cheerfulness and love. Do not make love ungodly or different from that Which God has given you. Paul further goes on to tell us that we must
abhore(hate) that which is evil and love that which is good. If we strive for all that is good and righteous in the Lord and detest that which is evil then we are obeying the laws and commandments of God and we are not blemishing the Body of Christ. When we are kind to one another,we are showing the very same kindness that Jesus has shown us. In Matthew 22:37-39: The great commandments that Jesus gave us was this "Love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, love thy neighbor as thyself." In Matthew 5:44, Jesus also instructed us to "Love our enemies" as well. His commandment to us can also be found in John 15:12,17: "This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.These things I command you, that you love one another". We mut not be lazy or slothful in our commission or our service to the Lord and for the Lord. We serve Him who has redeemed us with a joyful heart and a fervant spirit, thereby becoming the light and example of Jesus, Himself.
The Godly Kind Of Spirit
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As God’s servants and His children, we are to have a Godly spirit and some of the things that show a Godly spirit are shown in verses 12-21. Let’s look at them. (12) "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation;
continuing instant in prayer; (13) Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (14) Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. (15) Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. (16) Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. (17) Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. (18)If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (19) Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (20) Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. (21) Be not overcome of evil,
but overcome evil with good."
What is this all telling us? It is telling us that we know that in the Lord there is always Hope and we should rejoice in that. When we are faced with trials and tribulations, be patient and continue in prayer
and he will help us to overcome.Be hospitable to those that may curse you or persecute you, seeking not vengence but showing God’s love and blessing them through it all.we are to share in their joy and their
sorrow and bring comfort to them that are afflicted. we are to be of one mind in God and return evil with good. We are not to put ourselves above another for we are all the same. To tell a person who is less fortunate than you something that is hurtful or derogatory because we may have life better than they is not only hurtful but it is also conceited and
highminded. We, who are of Christ must be honest and forthright and truthful in all things. To lie and be deceitful is not of God but of the devil. We are to live the Godly life and live peaceably with one
another, even when we do not agree with their life. it is not for us to seek vengence or to pass judgement upon one another...for that right belongs to god and God alone...no one else! We are instructed to feed the
hungry, give drink to those who thirst. we are to not only give them food and drink for their bodies but food and drink for their spirits - even if they are our enemies. Why? because if we treat our enemies with
the Love of God, he will heap hot coals of fire upon their heads. In other words,"you are killing them with the love and kindness of the Lord" and they will not understand and the will be their undoing. Remember, we are to be overcomers of evil not for evil to overcome us.
In Romans 13:1-4, God has a warning for us regarding our service to him and to his people in His name. Listen to what Paul says about it: (1) "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if
thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."
We are subjects of God and subjected to His laws and commandments and ordained by god to be His servants and subjects.If we try to be superior to God, we are no better than satan who tried to do the same thing and
has found himself condemned for all eternity. If we do not obey God’s rules and ordinances we will be condemned as well. For those who claim to be Ministers of God and only do evil, they will be condemned. God
will execute His wrath upon them who claim to be of Him and do evil things that are against Him and His people. Finally, for those who have heard the word and refused to listen and those who have heard the word
and persisted in doing evil; they will face the WRATH OF GOD.
