"Role-Model Saints" Romans Pt. 14 Series

“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.