Study of Romans 12 – Verse 17 (Part 2 of 2)

“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:17 NKJV)

    As we noted last week, there are two strong phrases that are suitably placed at opposite ends of this verse: “no one” and “all men”, let’s take time this week to look at the second phrase.

    When God commands us to “Repay no one evil for evil” – there is no exception or loophole; we are not to repay even one person with evil. But God, in His love for us and in His desire for us to grow and develop as His children, gives us a better path to follow that is to be obvious to every single person who observes us and/or interacts with us:

“…Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.”

    Now, here is the other end of the spectrum: “all men”

“all” (Strong’s Greek ‘pas’) means any, all

“men” (Strong’s Greek #444 ‘anthropos’) means man, humankind, person; male or female

“…in the sight of (all men)” (Strong’s Greek #1799 ‘enopios’) means before, in the presence of, in the eyes of, in one’s judgment of observing our words, actions, behaviours

    There is no room around this command either – there is no time outs or days off, there is no vacation time in which you can shrug off God’s armour and be excused from keeping this command – it is part of our lifetime (a.k.a. every day we are blessed with) commitment to honour God and follow His way (1 John 2:3-6).

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…” (Philippians 1:27a NKJV)

    What is it that we are to do in the sight of all people? We are to have regard for good things.

“have regard” (Strong’s Greek #4306 ‘pronoeo’) means to provide for, to take thought of, provide in advance. It encompasses the idea of thoughtful planning. ‘Pronoeo’ comes from two words ‘pro’ meaning before, and ‘noieo’ meaning think.  We are to think (or plan) before we act and speak in order to conduct ourselves properly before God and man (1 Peter 1:15-16). Consider 1 Timothy 4:12-16 and 2 Timothy 2:15. Study and meditation (recalling what we have heard/read) is great way to prepare our hearts and minds to have regard for good things.

“Good things” (Strong’s Greek #2570 ‘kalos’) means what is right, what is good, noble, beautiful, excellent, honourable. Think of all the attributes that we are to keep our mind focused on in Philippians 6:8. It envelops good works, God’s commands (that are for our good always, Deuteronomy 6:24-25), as well as things that are beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, praiseworthy, and morally good.

    A few examples of good things:

• To give thanks and to sing praises to the LORD (Psalm 92:1-2)
• Sending help to fellow Christians (2 Corinthians 8:21)
• Praying for all who are in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
• Showing piety to widowed parents/grandparents (1 Timothy 5:4)
• Doing good to all, as we have opportunity, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:9-10, see also 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, Ephesians 2:10, Titus 3:1, 8, and 14)  

“But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.” (Galatians 4:18 NKJV)

    We are to have regard for (through planning and practice) all the good things God instructs us to do each and every day of our lives, in every situation we are in. This means that we are mindful of God and His way while we are at work, at play, in traffic, in long lines, talking to a customer service rep, answering a telemarketer’s call for the first time and/or the 15^th time, when our computer doesn’t work, when our neighbour is behaving badly, when our kids/grandkids are sassy, when we are in front our screens (phone, TV, or movie), the list can go on and on. Our regard for good should not dissolve as soon as we step out of the church building, or as soon as we leave the company of our brethren – they are depending on us to do our part and stand firm in God’s commands – our souls depend on that as well!

“Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:7 NKJV)

    In each of the inclusive bookends of Romans 12:17 there are no loopholes; there are no exceptions. We are not to repay even one person with evil. Period. And we are to make sure we know what is good and uphold it (let it be evident in our words and conduct) all of the time and in every situation. Period.

“Let you love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9)

    Determine today, and every day you are blessed with, to be on vigilant guard of your thoughts, words, and actions. Be very careful that you repay no one evil for evil, instead study to truly know what God considers good, plan how you can apply it, and make it your life’s practice every moment of every day.   

You can do it! So can I!!

Study of Romans 12 – Verse 17 (Part 1)

“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” (Romans 12:17 NKJV)

    There are two strong phrases that are suitably placed at opposite ends of this verse: “no one” and “all men”, let’s take time this week to have a closer look at the first phrase.

“no one” (Strong’s Greek #3367 ‘medeis’) This is a phrase used in the New Testament to give emphasis to the exclusion or prohibition being commanded; it means no one, absolutely none; not even one.

    Are we to repay evil to anyone? No, none, not even one.

“repay” (Strong’s Greek #591 ‘apodidomi’) means to render, to give back (to its rightful owner).

    What is it that we are never to repay, not even to one? Evil, when one have done evil to us.

The Bible says it best and clearest. Read – and reread – these commands:

“See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what good for both yourselves and for all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15 NKJV)

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9 NKJV)

And now read how Jesus obeyed this very command – and how we are to follow His steps:

“…when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, now was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously…” (1 Peter 2:20b-23 NKJV)

    There is no room around this command; there are no exceptions. We are not to repay even one person with evil, even though they have done evil to us. Period.

    Determine today, and every day you are blessed with, to be on vigilant guard of your thoughts, words, and actions; be very careful that you repay no one evil for evil. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and turn to Matthew 5:44; read this verse, and then write it out – carefully. Pay close attention to Jesus’ instruction, and put it into immediate practice; in following it you can be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48).

Are you ready to replace retaliation with blessing?

You can do it! So can I!! 

Study of Romans 12 – Verse 16 (Part 3 of 3)

"Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." (Romans 12:16 NKJV)

Do not be wise in your own opinion

    Wise in your own opinion means wise in your own self/your own estimation/your own conceit

    At the beginning of this year we studied “wisdom that is from above” from James 3:13-17, we know what true wisdom is and how it is exhibited; it is solid and unchanging – quite the opposite of our varying opinions, feelings, and estimations.

    We need to be aware of our own tendencies to rely on our notions or what we think we already know; we need a humbleness of mind that is willing to acknowledge instruction (found in God’s word) and be willing to obey, learn, and grow; we need to be willing to yield (James 3:17). We cannot go through life thinking we already have it all figured out, nor can we think so well of ourselves to assume that our own individual likes or dislikes will exempt us from doing what God has commanded.

Please read and think on these passages:

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7)

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:18-19)

“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight.” (Isaiah 5:21)

“…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each one esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:2-5)

“Finally, all of you, be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” (1 Peter 3:8, ‘courteous’ in this verse means ‘humble’)

“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:26)

“…with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)

    In order to grow and flourish as a Christian, we must understand who God is and who we are before Him. We need to acknowledge that without Him we are utterly without hope. We need to comprehend the fact that He made us equal to all others (Galatians 3:26-28) and that while we may have differing talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and measures of faith (Romans 12:3-8), God blessed us with the church so that we would have fellow Christians to lean on and learn from (Hebrews 13:7, Titus 2:3-5). It is clear that there is no place for pride and conceit; humbleness is vital. We need humble hearts and minds that exhibit a willingness to listen and heed God’s instruction and commands, and a willingness to hear the helpful advice and instruction given (from God’s word) by those who call on Him out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22, Hebrews 5:12-14).

    Looking at the Romans 12:16 as a whole again, we see a clear directive: go through troubles and triumphs together, work together, and learn together. This is not the will of the strongest taking the lead, instead, it is the strong-willed and the more compliant wills, all honouring God’s will utmost in their hearts and minds. It is the stronger-willed listening and doing what God says to do, it is the compliant and weaker-willed hearing God’s word and developing a firm stand, and they help each other to do this by clinging to God’s instructions and commands together.

    Are you ready to humbly listen and follow after what is good and right in God’s sight? Are you ready to submit to God and His wisdom?   

You can do it! So can I!!

Study of Romans 12 – Verse 16 (Part 2 of 3)

"Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." (Romans 12:16 NKJV)

    Last week, we looked at the first statement made in this verse; now let’s take time to study the second:

Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.

'Do not set your mind on high things' means do not be haughty, exalted, full of pride, or arrogant

'associate with the humble' literally means let humble pursuits lead you, allow yourself to yield to humble conditions, employment, etc.

    God has commanded us, through the apostle Paul, to set our mind on things above (Colossians 3:2); these are not “high things,” these are heavenly things, where Christ is (Colossians 3:1). When you read the term “high things” in Romans 12:16, I would like you to think about the “high places” mentioned in the Old Testament; the places set up for pagan idol worship (ex: 1 Kings 14:22-23). We, too, can set up these ‘high places’ in our minds – pursuing a career or a promotion at the cost of neglecting God and His way, our family, our brethren, and/or dreaming of a fancier wardrobe, car, boat, house, cottage/cabin, neighbourhood, etc. These pursuits can come between us and God, which would make them an idol – a thing that holds our attention and distracts us from what God wants us to pursue.    

I think it is appropriate to take the time to consider what it is that God created us for:

He made us to seek Him, grope for Him, and find Him (Acts 17:26-27)

He made us to proclaim His praises (because He called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, 1 Peter 2:9)

He created in Christ Jesus to do good works (that we should walk in them, Ephesians 2:10)

And now consider exactly what is that God commands us to pursue:

Righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).

Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11)

Peace with all people (Hebrews 12:14)

What is good both for yourselves and for all (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

    Our minds are to be set on these humble pursuits (Colossians 3:1-4), these good and noble pursuits that will greatly benefit others as well as we who seek after them and develop in them. We can still work (whether inside or outside our homes), but the difference is that whatever we do in word or deed, we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, and we do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men (Colossians 3:17, 23).

    This humble mindset is one that wholly trusts in God and praises Him for His daily blessings (Psalm 25:4-5, 56:3-4, 68:19) We trust that God knows what we need, and that He will provide those needful things when we make it that our top priority to seek His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:25-34). This humble, trusting faith will help us to be content in any circumstance of life, good or bad, because our confidence is in God (Philippians 4:11-14) – love will continue to bloom wherever this humble heart is planted.

    When our humble heart exhibits love it will show us willing to do what is needed, no matter how simple or lowly the task, to help the cause of Christ and/or help a fellow Christian in need. Read and consider John 13:12-17. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, nor does not seek its own (1 Corinthians 13:4-8), it doesn’t crave the spotlight; it humbly serves and quietly provides sincere care.

    Remember, we are not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think (Romans 12:3), nor think ourselves above serving another (John 13:12-17). Take time to read and think on Jeremiah 9:23-24. Let’s flourish in knowing and understanding God so that we don’t set our minds on haughty things, but instead, associate with the humble in doing what is good! Are you ready?

You can do it! So can I!!

Study of Romans 12 – Verse 16 (Part 1 of 3)

"Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." (Romans 12:16 NKJV)

    The first part of this verse tells us that there is to be a unity in love.

Be of the same mind toward one another

'of the same mind' means to think, have a mindset
'toward one another' means reciprocal, mutual obligation

    Our love for one another should be reciprocated and mutual. The care we give should also be the care we receive, and vice versa. We are to have the same affection for, and show the same attention to, every member. Think for a moment about the congregation you are a part of: Can you rejoice with every member?  Can you weep with every member?  If there are any members with which you had to pause, or with whom you immediately gave a defense as to why you couldn't/wouldn't, then please address the problem and do not let it continue. We are to have the same mind toward one another. Take time to read and consider John 13:34-35, Ephesians 4:1-3, 1 John 4:4-5:4

    There is to be no schism (division) in the body of Christ, but that the members should have the same care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25-26). If you have received care, look for opportunities to give care. If you have been prayed for, pray for each one of your brethren. If you have helped another, allow another to help you – let them to be a blessing and bear fruit (Philippians 4:17).  Please read and think about 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

    Look for ways to care and share in your congregation – your whole congregation. Build up relationships that either don’t exist or are weak from lack of interaction or communication. Do your part to humbly love each and every one.

You can do it! So can I!!