A Study of Romans 12 – Verses 10-13: A Summary

Note: I’m a Bible student just like you. I read and study, reread and restudy passages. Sometimes, as in this very study of Romans 12, I write a few posts and then something suddenly connects and I understand the passage more clearly or I see another facet of it that amplifies its value and importance. I get so excited about these discoveries that I want to share them immediately, and this impulsive enthusiasm can cause confusion and extra-long posts for you to read – for that I humbly apologize. If the Lord wills, and I decide to publish this study as a class book or a personal study book, you can be assured that it will be more organized than how I am currently writing and presenting it. Thank you for bearing with me as we study this exciting chapter together.

    Now, I think it is worthwhile to take a breath and take the time to again look at the importance of Romans 12:10-13.

    Romans 12, verses 10 through 13 are one sentence and one thought. We are given the command, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,” and the nine instructions that follow, when put into action, will enable us to accomplish that command.   

We will be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love…

…when we give preference to one another – showing our brethren that they matter and are a valuable part of the congregation/work by taking time to listen, sorrow, rejoice, study, and pray with them; thinking of them more than ourselves (1 Corinthians 12:25-26, Romans 12:15, James 5:13-20).

…when we do not lag in diligence – having an earnest determination to do what God commands and instructs, so much so that our brethren can count on us/trust us to work alongside them (consider 1 John 5:2-3, Hebrews 10:35-39). When there is work to be done we will join in the effort.

…when we are fervent in spirit – having an unshakeable faith and trust in God can encourage others to “taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8). We need to build a foundation – by the renewing of our minds in obedience to His word and will – through which we prove to ourselves (and others) that God’s will is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 24:12-13). Enthusiasm is contagious and when it is founded in truth and unshakeable trust, it’s an excellent way to share the glories of the gospel with others, and reinvigorate those who already know!   

…when we are serving the Lord – our determined diligence and fervent spirit keeps us serving God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28), and we are a good example and steady encouragement to our brethren (1 Timothy 4:12, 15-16).

…when we are rejoicing in hope – storms will come (Matthew 7:24-27), but our hope is firmly anchored in God (Hebrews 6:17-20), trusting in His promises in this life (1 Corinthians 1:3-4, Philippians 4:6-9, Hebrews 4:16) and His exceedingly great and precious promise of life beyond this life (1 Peter 1:3-9, 2 Peter 1:2-11, 1 John 3:1-3). Our joy is magnified and multiplied when we can rejoice in hope with our brethren – we remind each other of our hope and build each other up as we prepare ourselves for eternity!   

…when we are patient in tribulation – “a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12); when we are with our brethren, we can, with God, withstand that which threatens to overpower us (Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 5:8-11); we can bear up under the burden with elegance (Psalm 144:12), knowing God is with us (1 Peter 2:23) and blessing us every step of the way (Psalm 68:19).

…when we continue steadfastly in prayer – we don’t give up on prayer, we continue in it without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Luke 18:1-7), and are vigilant in our earnest prayers with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2-3). We can pray for our brethren (making intercession for them) and for those who have dedicated themselves to preaching (Ephesians 6:18-19).  

…when we are distributing to the needs of the saints – having a heart to provide what is needed for our brethren, whether material or spiritual, we do what we can to fill the need. When we first give ourselves to the Lord, we will be more willing and able to give to our brethren in their need (2 Corinthians 8:1-5, Acts 2:41-46). We will pray, study, comfort, and listen; we will cook, clean, garden, wash windows, and drive. We will show up and we will give support, and when needed we will provide monetary help (Romans 12:6-8, 2 Corinthians 9:7-12, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Acts 4:32-37).  

…when we are given to hospitality – we open our heart and our home to others, we share God’s blessings with them – actually, we insist upon it (Acts 16:15) – wanting to comfort, edify, and ease the burden of travel and/or expense. We invite our brethren into our homes – especially if they seem like strangers to us! – and we are quick to welcome visitors to a meal and, if you have the room, a place to sleep (Matthew 25:34-46). We strive to keep the visiting preachers so that they have not only a place for quiet study, but also a place to be edified with sincere care.   

    God, in His wisdom (Ephesians 3:10), established the church so that we could have the ready help we need to walk the narrow way (Matthew 7:13-14), so we can run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1-2), so we can wholly understand what kindly affection with brotherly love means – and clearly see how it differs from the meagre affections of the world. Our brethren are our help and our training ground – together we can learn to properly obey God!

    In Romans 12:10-13, we have both the command and the instructions needed to accomplish it - are you ready to begin?

You can do it! So can I!!