Crossroad On The Journey I i

Romans 12 – Shift in Emphasis* Doctrine – Romans 1-8 Duty – 12-16 Christian character Christian conduct The inner man The outward man Condition of the Christian Consecration of the Christian Who the Christian is What the Christian does The privilege of grace The precepts of grace *Enunciation of the way of life must be followed by evidences of life *Announcement of justification by faith must be augmented by activity of life *Conduct of the Christian must be expressed in this world by his/her relationship to those with whom they come in contact *J.V. McGee – Commentary, Romans

The Holy Spirit does not direct our behavior in a “legalistic” manner. Principle The Holy Spirit does not direct our behavior in a “legalistic” manner.

The Holy Spirit provides the believer a roadmap and prompts him/her Principle The Holy Spirit provides the believer a roadmap and prompts him/her on the journey.

Connections in Romans 12 Connection to God – vss. 1-2 Connection with the Gifts of the Spirit – vss. 3-8 Connections with other believers – vss. 9-16 Connections with non-believer – vss. 17-21

Connections in Romans 12 Connection with other believers

8…If God has given you leadership ability, Romans 12 8…If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love [agape]them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 

with genuine affection [philadelphia], 10 Love [philostorgos] each other with genuine affection [philadelphia],  and take delight in honouring each other. 

work {hard} and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 11 Never be lazy, but work {hard} and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 

keep on praying [continue instant in prayer]. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying [continue instant in prayer].  

When you wake up ev’ry day, When the skies are dark and grey, TRY PRAYIN’   When you wake up ev’ry day, Try prayin’. When the skies are dark and grey,

Tho’ you’ve had a restless night, And you look an awful sight, Don’t go seeking for a fight, Try prayin’.

When you’ve had a little tiff And your neck is feelin’ stiff Try prayin’. And your neck is feelin’ stiff

Though you’d like to blow your stack, See someone flat upon their back, Don’t just up and jump the track, Try prayin’.   W. Huntley

13 When God’s people are in need, to practice hospitality. be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

…you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, James 2 (The Message) …you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off

…without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

Connections in Romans 12 Connection with other believers Connection with non-believers

These are not suggestions!! Reminder These are not suggestions!! These are principles by which we should guide our conduct

14 Bless those who persecute you. pray that God will bless them. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 

“May G*d bless and keep the tsar …as far away from us as possible!

15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

16 Live in harmony with each other…

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, Philipians 2 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 

4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

which was also in Christ Jesus… Who made Himself of no reputation, 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…  Who made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant,  and coming in the likeness of men.

16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. [lowly – not debased] And don’t think you know it all!

There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26 11 As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly. 12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable. [Provide things honest in the sight of all men] 

to live in peace with everyone. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say…

“I will take revenge;      I will pay them back,”      says the Lord. Instead…

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. give them something to drink. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.

you will heap burning coals of shame In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

4…do you despise the riches of Romans 2  4…do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering,  not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 

21 Don’t let evil conquer you, What Next? 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

11…Finally, brothers, rejoice. 2 Corinthians 13 11…Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Crossroad On The Journey I i