Romans 12:9-21
God’s people relate in distinctly gospel-shaped ways.
Last week, Paul pivoted away from the Jewish-Gentile distinction in the church and began turning towards their shared identity and nature as brothers and sisters in the family of God. While their debate around the use of the Law in worship will continue, Paul highlights how they all ought to worship God in the way they’re living their everyday lives. In particular, he focuses the way they’re relating with others: each other and the outside world.
Jesus creates one, brand new people. And Jesus calls them to live together in a brand new way. All Christians everywhere - no matter their culture, background, or convictions - should embody the good truths of the good news in their relationships.
Questions
One of the simplest, yet most important things to recognize about this passage is that it’s not just a nice-sounding list. It is a list, but it’s a list of commands - not suggestions or hypothetical ideals. How does that make you feel?
One of the hardest things about this list is that many of the things in it aren’t paint-by-number commands. They call us to see people a certain way, practice a certain ethic, embody a certain fruit of the Spirit in any and every situation. So what do you need in order to follow these commands?
Which of the things in this list do you most long to receive in your relationships with others?
Which do you find the hardest to embody / practice / obey yourself? Why?
While most things in this passage call us to live like Christ, there’s one thing in particular we’re called to not imitate the Lord in: vengeance. Why is refusing to avenge ourselves a distinctly God-shaped response to evil and injustice?
Why is not repaying evil with what it deserves so hard sometimes?
How can evil be conquered when we choose to do good to it?
While refusing to get revenge involves restraint, how can our commitment to live in light of mercy actually be a way to unleash the gospel into the world?
While we’re not excused for refusing to obey any of these commands, no follower of Jesus embodies these all the time. And yet… Jesus himself did and still does! How does this put your heart at rest when you realize that this is how God relates with you?
How might the perfection of Jesus in all of this free you and empower you to more boldly stumble forward in following his commands in your real-life relationships this week?
Sermon Reflection Questions
Where has my pride or anger led me to repay evil for evil recently?
In what specific area do I need to trust Jesus to do for me what I cannot do for myself?
What is one tangible way I will seek to "overcome evil with good" this week and as a pattern of life?