“Serving Saints in Need”
Romans 12:13
Previously in Romans 12
Renewed thinking always precedes consistent transformed living. Paul shifts from anchors for navigating troubled times to admonitions for ministering to troubled saints. Verse 13 ends this lengthy series of “ing” phrases with a final couplet.
Think and live wisely concerning needy saints 12:13
Lets ask three questions from this passage.
1. Who is the object?
2. What is their situation?
3. How should we respond to them?
Paul draws our attention to fellow saints. The term “saint” is a frequent designation of the specially chosen children of God. The root meaning has to do with “holy ones” or those who have been specially set aside for a special use of God. It came to refer to what was devoted to the gods, consecrated, set apart for a high calling, a special revered function, worthy, venerated, distinct, special, precious. It is even at times translated “sanctuary” (dwelling of God).
What’s in a name?
Whether we realize it or not we often live the labels we assume or that are given to us.
“Loser”, “Failure”, “Weak”, “Stupid”, “Forgetful”, “Adulterer”, “Alcoholic” “Addict”, “Sinner” and a thousand others we adopt at one time or another. Isn’t it interesting that of all the names associated with Christians or could be given to Christians, the Holy Spirit chooses to use this special label most often? “Holy one” or “sanctified one” -- “SAINT”.
Think of it! After conversion, God does not call us sinners but saints. He talks about sin and warns against sin but does not view us as sinners. Should we?
Listen to the opening part of Paul’s letter to the believers at Corinth; a letter in which he addresses some most disturbing and unchristian activities.
Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Cor. 1:1-9
But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD."
1 Cor. 1:30-31
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. 6:9-11
God labels us saints not based on our conduct but on His calling. Read that again!
God labels us saints not based on our conduct but on His calling. God views Christians as His special choice ambassadors, His distinctive people; saints.
Listen to the Spirit’s view of Christians communicated through Peter!
But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10
Such is our destiny. Such is our calling. Such is God’s choice. This is who we are in the eyes of Almighty God. So think like it. Live like it. Stop thinking and living like beggars. Stop thinking and living like worms. Stop taking the label sinner when none other than God Himself calls you SAINTS!!!!! We are not just sinners saved by grace. We are God’s set apart people who on occasion sin. But sin is not our true essential nature. We are not just beggars telling other beggars where to find bread. We are children of the King in line to inherit all of the riches of the king for eternity. We are gifted ambassadors, soldiers, laborers, stewards sent to proclaim to anyone who will listen the excellencies of Him who called us out of the kingdom of darkness into the eternal kingdom of Christ. (1 Pet 2)
Holiness is our calling and destiny and will be our continual conduct through eternity. It is God’s label, God’s estimation, God’s view of us apart from our actual daily conduct. Holy ones. Special people. Dear ones. Precious possession. Such we are right now!!!! It is God’s view of you NOW! We are His most prized possession. It is not wishful thinking. It is not some over zealous preacher’s exaggeration of our importance. It is God’s view of every believer amply illustrated and announced in the Bible. Saints by calling! Think about it!!!!
Here, Paul calls attention to a particular segment of saints within the community of holy or special people. These are saints in need. Literally the phrase reads -- “Regarding the needs of the holy ones”
The word translated “need” comes from a root word meaning “debt”. This is one who owes something to someone, to have a need, to be in need because of insufficient resources, to be in want of something. We are to think and live godly in regard to saints who suffer due to lack of resources; those who are in need. In one sense, EVERY saint lacks something and therefore needs something. All of us have need in some area of our life. Paul most likely has in mind those saints in need of financial and physical resources. Paul a bit later addresses those saints in need of spiritual strengthening and how we should think and live concerning the spiritually weaker saint.
Many of these early Christians lost everything for the sake of their commitment to Christ. They were in need of basic necessities and even shelter. Some fled the persecutions of the Jews in Israel. Paul reminds the general church family to share with those in need. Paul instructed the Ephesians to speak words to the needy that would give grace. Paul instructs the Roman church here to touch the needy that would supply help. One day, there will be no need in the life of any saint. But, for now, everyone experiences need and deficiency at one time or another to one degree or another and God calls us as family to respond to each other’s needs.
What did Paul ask the Romans to do? What does God ask us to do in regard to those in need?
“Regarding needy saints -- sharing resources”
1. Continually share resources
Paul selects a very significant word here in its continuous present tense form.
The root idea indicates a common ownership or partnership a mutual sharing, to have in common. Paul uses the Greek word “koinoneo”
1 to come into communion or fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner.
2 to enter into fellowship, join one’s self to an associate, make one’s self a sharer or partner.
In regard to saints with need, Paul calls on us to share resources. We are to partner with the needy. Their debt or need is our need. If we have resources to fill it we gladly contribute. This kind of fellowship or community was a basic distinctive of the early church.
They devoted themselves to learning, fellowship (koinonia), breaking of bread and prayers. The early disciples understood such a selfless community to the extent that, for a time, no saint among them experienced need.
And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Acts 2:44-45
And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4:32-35
This is partnership in action.
We often think that we should work hard to accumulate wealth. Listen to the Spirit’s work ethic. Think about God’s rationale for working. Is it ours?
He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. Ephes. 4:28
God calls us to work hard to have something to give away to those in need. Why does God bless some with surplus resources and other not?
Right now you have plenty and can help them. Then at some other time they can share with you when you need it. In this way, everyone’s needs will be met. Do you remember what the Scriptures say about this? "Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough."
2 Cor. 8:14-15
Many collections were taken to meet basic needs of the saints suffering in Jerusalem. Paul called on the Corinthians to contribute to the welfare of needy saints. He shared with the Corinthians how the believers in Macedonian responded in his second letter to the Corinthians. 2 Cor. 8:1-5 2 Cor. 9:6-15
Paul instructed those rich in resources to generously share with those in need.
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share (koinoeo), storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. 1 Tim. 6:17-19
What are we sending on ahead for eternity? Scripture seems to indicate that everything will not be equal in heaven. What we do here and what investment we put away here will have eternal significance. The only sure cure for materialism is generosity. Jesus clearly taught that we cannot serve God and money at the same time. Material wealth so often gets in the way of any genuine spiritual fruitfulness.
"The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity. Luke 8:14
Jesus called for a radical commitment to Him.
Jesus said to the rich young ruler, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." Matthew 19:21
Jesus said to his disciples
"So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. Luke 14:33
The heart of the issue involves ownership. Are we owners of our stuff or stewards?
We have already determined that we are bondslaves of Jesus. We need to view our possessions as the King’s resources not ours. He grants us use but could call on us to liquidate or give away at any moment. The minute we get tangled up in ownership down here, we become bound by all that accompanies ownership.
Fear, anxiety, jealousy, anger, selfishness, distraction, bondage to things, time, repairs, replacement, frustration when they don’t work right. We become slaves to stuff.
We too easily become lovers of things and users of people instead of loving people and using things to serve the kingdom. What is our attitude to those in need, the poor among us and around us? Paul referred to his official acceptance as the apostle to the Gentiles in Gal 2. It seems the Jerusalem bigwigs gave their blessing to his ministry but asked only to “remember the poor” which Paul affirmed that he was EAGER to do anyway.
What is our response and attitude toward the poor?
Proverbs cuts deeply to the heart.
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered. Proverbs 21:13
He who despises his neighbor sins, but happy is he who is gracious to the poor. Proverbs 14:21
He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him. Proverbs 14:31
One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 19:17
He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor. Proverbs 22:9
How generous are we? How willing are we to identify with the needs of other less fortunate saints? How could we practice this at Chico?
We have a benevolent fund to help needs. You have demonstrated a generous spirit on numerous occasions. As a church we delight to help others. This should not just be a church generated activity but as individual families, we should keep alert to needs among us and around us. Perhaps each family should set aside a certain amount for benevolent giving. Have fun meeting needs secretly. Ask God where to invest your offering to Him.
2. Eagerly show hospitality
Not only do we seek to meet material needs but everyone has a need to feel warmly accepted.
“regarding the hospitality -- pursuing”
The word translated “hospitality” literally means “a friend or lover to strangers”. It links the word phileo (friendship love or warm comradeship) and the word for stranger. The major passages dealing with hospitality all occur next to an exhortation to love. Hospitality specifically expresses genuine love the same as generosity expresses love. Paul instructed the Romans not just to be hospitable but to pursue hospitality. The verb used in its present continuous tense is a very strong word. It communicated the idea of pursuing someone in battle, to focus on them exclusively. In the next verse Paul uses it again in regard to those mistreating us or persecuting us. If we are upset at someone to the degree that we wish to retaliate, we develop a mental focus, an absorption regarding the person. Eagerly show hospitality or friendliness to strangers.
We are to be absorbed in offering hospitality to strangers. This is not just being hospitable when strangers come to us, but to actually pursue opportunities to be friendly to strangers. The need was great in the times because so many were homeless and many Christians were on the run or traveling without shelter. Evangelists, called to give up home and shelter, humbly depended on other believers. John commended his readers for their care of such ministers.
The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers; and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth. 3 John 1:1-8
We easily pursue people we know. We are to welcome and warmly accept even those we don’t know; actually pursue them! How are we doing here at Chico to those we don’t know? What is our attitude to strangers that come in these doors?
How much effort do we expend to engage strangers and really care for them? What place does hospitality have in your family?
Hebrews ties sharing (koinoia) and hospitality together in his exhortation to love.
Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained (as a guest) angels without knowing it. Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body. Hebrews 13:1-3
God called them to love and share and identify with those saints in need.
Paul asks us to partner with those saints in need. He instructed the Romans to identify with their need and treat strangers as friends. He includes two motivations to be friendly and generous with everyone, even strangers.
First, you never know when the person you minister to and share with might actually be an angel of God. You think entertaining angels is cool. Jesus will commend those before Him in the judgment because when He was a stranger they warmly invited Him in (showed hospitality). They will not be able to recall the incident, to which Jesus will reply, “in that you did it to the least of these you did it to me.” Mat 25:35 Abraham apparently showed hospitality to both angels and Jesus one day. Gen 18 The two men on the road to Emmaus “persecuted” Jesus to stay with them. Only in the context of their hospitality as they ate in their home did they finally discern His true identity. Jesus stands at our door and knocks to come in and eat with us. Perhaps that knock is from someone He has sent our way.
Second, we are to minister to those in need with generosity and friendliness and identify with them and their need because we belong to the same family. We are spiritually interconnected. What we do for and to others affects us.
In regard to hospitality or friendliness and ministering to the needs of the needy, Peter adds an important caution.
Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 1 Peter 4:9
“Complaint” could also be translated muttering, or grumbling.
Paul includes hospitality as a paramount criterion for selecting elders. 1 Tim 3:2
One of the conditions to place a widow on the widow care list was a proven record of hospitality. 1 Tim 5:10
I do not think most Christians today understand how essential hospitality is to fanning the flames of love and strengthening the Christian family. Hospitality fleshes out love in a uniquely personal and sacrificial way. Through the ministry of hospitality we share our most prized possessions. We share our family, home, finances, food, privacy, and time. Indeed, we share our very lives. So, hospitality is always costly. Through the ministry of hospitality we provide friendship, acceptance, fellowship, refreshment, comfort, and love in one of the richest and deepest ways possible for humans to understand. Unless we open the doors of our homes to one another, the reality of the local church as a close-knit family of loving brothers and sisters is only another theory.
The above convicting quote deserves some careful consideration this week. Take some time to reflect on what God is saying to us.
Paul presents two specific ways to demonstrate love to the saints.
Generously share resources.
Eagerly Show hospitality.
We are called to love one another. We are called to love not just in word but when a brother has a need we must meet it.
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. 1 Jo 3:16-18
Such active care for those in need demonstrates the genuineness of our faith.
What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. James 2:14-17
So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Galatians 6:10
Conclusion
As God’s special people, saints, ambassadors, witnesses, the arms and hands of Jesus in a hostile world…
What will you do with the resources God entrusts to you?
What will you do with the time God entrusts to you?
