Romans 12:13-17 – Life as a Christian

Topic: Life as a Christian

Reading: Romans 12:13-17

13 Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.

Introduction and Overview

The reading today is a continuation of the last post. Today it concerns our life as a Christian. Life as a Christian has many demands, above and beyond what most people would do. The aim of life as a Christian is to learn to live in harmony with one another. That means that there are times we will have to be careful, thoughtful, caring, and considerate of others. Indeed, considering others better than ourselves is critical to life as a Christian.

These few verses look at more aspects of life as a Christian, adding to the previous lesson. It can be daunting in the beginning for many, because what God seeks is for us to be perfect as He is perfect (See Matthew 5:48). Life as a Christian is meant to lead us to perfection. If we are going to live with God and Jesus Christ into eternity, then we must be perfect. We cannot live like people today who are seeking whatever they can get for themselves. Such thinking leads to arguments, fighting, wars, greed and worse.

None of those attitudes and behaviours have anything to do with life as a Christian. Rather, we see in these words that our life needs to focus on the needs of others, giving, caring, helping, and understanding their needs. Life as a Christian is not easy. But it is greatly rewarding, both now and in our hope for salvation in the future.

Key points from reading:

1. We have to consider the needs of others and help them when we are able to do so.
2. Life as a Christian is about living in harmony with one another and with God
3. We also cannot be caught up in the negatives of this world such as revenge

Discussion:

1. Scripture: Romans 12:13
   • The opening verse in this section is about helping others. It tells us to contribute to the needs of the saints, that is, our brothers, sisters, and family in Christ. Life as a Christian is about helping those in needs.
   • When it says to contribute to the needs of the saints, it is not just about giving money. In fact it is probably less about money than other forms of giving. We can contribute with support, comfort, physical help, and just being a friend to listen to others when they are going through strife. We can upbuild, encourage, and pray for others. All of these are forms of contribution to the needs of the saints, and often they are more valuable than simply giving money.
   • Governments often “throw money” at problems thinking that it is helping. But too often it is not money that is needed in communities that are suffering. Too often the support needed is more personal. Life as a Christian is about understanding needs and seeking how to best help and support others based upon their needs and wants.
   • This is why this scripture also refers to the need to “practice hospitality.” Being hospitable is not about “throwing money” at people. It is about welcoming them when they have a need, supporting them in times of difficulty, and offering whatever is needed to ensure they get back on their feet physically, mentally, and spiritually.
2. Scripture: Romans 12:14
   • Life as a Christian is also not just about seeking what is best for those who are our friends and neighbours in the Lord. Life as a Christian looks for the best for everyone we come into contact with, even our enemies.
   • This verse is quite clear that we are to consider the needs of our enemies and those who persecute us. We can pray for them and provide for their needs too, as situations may arise. We do not know who the Lord has His hand upon and whether just one kind word to someone opposed to us may change their lives and attitudes. A persecutor today may be a brother tomorrow.
   • We are not called to curse those who stand against us. Recall when the disciples James and John wanted to bring down fire from heaven to consume those who would not receive Jesus as He travelled to Jerusalem. Jesus rebuked them sharply saying He had come to save lives, not destroy lives (See Luke 9:51;56 including the footnotes).
3. Scripture: Romans 12:15-16
   • Life as a Christian is about living in harmony with one another. That is the thrust of the first of these scriptures. When people are sad or mournful for some reason, we need to empathise with them. Conversely, when they are rejoicing over good news, then we should rejoice with them. As it says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
   • Think about this for a moment. When people are rejoicing we do not want to bring them down by being a sad sack. Likewise, we don’t laugh and joke around people when they are sad or weeping over some devastating event. Either course of action is inappropriate and would upset others.
   • The key to this living life as a Christian, is to live in harmony with everyone. The Christian life is a life of harmony, seeking to align ourselves with others for their benefit and upbuilding. We do not go out of our way to antagonise and upset, but try at all times to find peace, harmony, and conciliation.
   • Life as a Christian also is a life without prejudice or bias. We must remember that all of us come into the world with nothing and can’t take anything with us when we leave. No one is better and no one is worse than anyone else. We must not fall victim to conceited thoughts, pride, arrogance, and haughtiness. Many people cannot help their station in life, and those who have a higher standing in this world must remember that in God’s eyes, they are no better than anyone else.
4. Scripture: Romans 12:17
   • Life as a Christian is about seeking the good for all. Our aim is not to seek revenge or to wish and hope for evil for others. Regardless of what they do or say to or about us, there lot is in the hands of God, just as ours is. If we act in a vengeful manner, then we are not walking as Christ walked. He too revenge on no one, even those who had Him put to death. We need to learn to do the same.
   • God has said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” which we will look at in the next post. It is not our place to seek vengeance or to hurt others. That is up to God in His judgement and He knows what will have a greater effect and what is an appropriate punishment, if and where needed.
   • Rather, life as a Christian is about finding the good and nobility in all things, people, and situations. Seek the good and reject the evil as this is the essence of life as a Christian.

Prayer Points

1. Pray and ask the Lord to help you find the walk of harmony with God and others. Ask Him also to discern what is good, right, and noble in His sight.
2. Pray for harmony with others around you, and pray for their needs and wants. Seek what is best for all people, including those who persecute and oppose you, especially that they may find God.