- Overcomer Literature Trust
- Swindon
- Wiltshire
THE OUTWORKINGS OF THE TRANSFORMED LIFE
(Romans 12v9-21)
Let love be without hypocrisy. Concerning love be genuine. v9
Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Hate sin, and don’t trifle with it. v9
Be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honour preferring one another. Give others the first place; be kind and courteous. v10
Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. v10
Let our people also learn to profess honest occupations for necessary wants, Titus 3v14, said Paul, and he did not hesitate, apostle though he was, to work with his own hands that he might not be burdensome to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11v9). This dignifies the ‘honest occupations’, and shows that the Lord may be served fervently in business, as well as by preaching the gospel.
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfasfy in prayer. This is applicable to business life as well as all other circumstances, and is to be the spirit in which all trials are met. Hopeful, patient, prayerful, v12, communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality. Caring for others in the household of faith and generous in hospitality. v13 (See also 1 John 3v17, 3 John 5-7)
Bless them that persecute you, bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. v14-16
Do not retaliate, but conquer with love. Be sympathetic, glad to see others happy, and tender with their griefs. Seek the unity of the Spirit with all.
The transformed life in true self-effacement.
Set not your mind on high things. Be willing to be among the ‘nobodies’. Be contented with mean things. Be thankful for everything that comes. v16 (Psalm 34v13)
Be not wise in your own conceits. Don’t think you know everything. v16
Render to no man evil for evil. Don’t pay back people in ‘their own coin’. v17
Take thought for things honourable in the sight of all men. Think of how things look to others. v17
As much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. Be peace-makers, not peace-breakers. Refuse to touch the ‘bone of contention’ at home, and in the church. v18
Avenge not yourselves, give place unto the wrath of God. Beware of self-defence. Hush, not a word, remember Luke 18v7. V19
True Christ-likeness.
If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. v20-21. Those who hate you do the most for and melt all opposition with the fire of heavenly love (Matthew 5 v44-45).