A Living Sacrifice
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1 and 2 are very important verses and should be put to memory. Our Christian walk is one of service, first we must be willing to put to death the old nature. It is only possible by his mercies and by his Holy Spirit. We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and separated unto God. We cannot sacrifice an unclean sacrifice, we must live a clean and pure life to be a sacrifice. We offer ourselves and ask the LORD to remove anything that offends. Changing our behavior is necessary to live a holy life, an acceptable life and if we are His people we will not desire to sin.
Mat 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
We are to die to our sin nature and walk in the Spirit of God.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Be not conformed to this world and it's ungodly ways. How can you openly live in sin, the standard of the world, and be living for God? Jesus must be our Lord and master; we serve him doing what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. We cannot do this if we seek our own lusts and desires. We are to serve the master and he gives to us all spiritual blessings.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Transformed is the same word used to describe Jesus in His transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3); it is a glorious transformation that happens to us! Reading God's word, meditating on it and seeking the face of God is how we renew our minds. (See Phil 4:8)
That ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
His will works in us for his good pleasure.
Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
2 Th 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
2 Th 1:12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Is Christ Jesus glorified in your life, or do we seek for personal honor and glory? We serve God and he rewards us if we serve him well. The greatest shall be servant of all.
Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
We are no longer our own, we are adopted son's serving the master with devotion, thanksgiving and gratitude.
Thoughts of Self
May I point out that the presenting of our bodies as a sacrifice, that is alive, not one that is offered by death, should be a willing service for the born again Christian. Paul considered it a reasonable service. Many consider holy living to be an extreme requirement: one that it is hard to attain. This is not the thought that is presented in the text. the writer considered it a conservative way of serving the Lord God.
Hiram
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Self, is perhaps our greatest hindrance. If we are not finding fault with another we are finding fault with self. Wait! Are we not to live holy acceptable lives unto Christ? Yes, and we are not to think of ourselves more highly than we should. It is the world's way to seek honor and self glory and to point out the failings of others to make ourselves the more honorable. The Pharisees in their blindness played this game with our Lord. They tried to discedit Jesus, they were satisfied in their own system of righteousness. This is not living in the Spirit of Jesus.
We are to allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts. We are to be conformed to the image of Christ. Let every person examine their own hearts through God's mirror. If you hate another, you hate Christ Jesus. If you live your life as if Jesus had not suffered for sins, perhaps you have not received him? Are we greater than our Lord? Who is Lord over you? Is the self Lord, or a spirit of lust or pride? Has Jesus died for you or are you living apart from him? These are questions we can ask ourselves. Jesus is not blind. When he looks upon his future bride does he see a church without moral spot or wrinkle? Do we really want the fire of God to fall on us?...
One Body
Rom 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
All who are new creations in Christ Jesus are part of his body, the Church of Christ. All are needed, but not all have the same purpose. The eye may say why can't you see as I do? The ear may respond, " I hear you but I don't see." Both are part of the body with a different purpose. All people are needed in the body to make it whole. We are all members of one another, so we need grace to put up with one another. If we are in the Spiritual fruit of love, we have what God wants for us.
The church is a unified whole (one body), yet we are distinct within that one body (individually members); we are unified, but there is not a uniformity in the body of Christ. Unity should never be promoted at the expense of individuality, and individuality should never replace unity in Christ; He is our common ground, we are one body in Christ.
Individuality should not be the goal of a Christian, rather christlike character is to be of the greatest importance to the body of Christ. The individual members are to have the mind of Christ and the Fruit of the Spirit. (Gal 5:22-23)
Spiritual Gifts
Prophecy
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Though in one body, we are different in our gifts. The gifts are not learned or taught, they are gifts given by God by His grace.
This idea is related in the very Greek word for "spiritual gifts" - charismata, a gift of grace, a term apparently coined by Paul to emphasize that the giving of these spiritual gifts was all of grace. The gifts are given by Jesus and the Holy Spirit as he chooses.
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
1 Cor 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Prophecy - A discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp. by foretelling future events (Greek Lexicon)
...in proportion to our faith.
No prophecy is of our own minds, it must be entirely of faith by the Spirit of God. If not sure, then no prophecy should be spoken. The speaker has control of the prophetic message. No prophet should prophecy in a church that does not believe in this gift for this time.
Ministry
Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering:
Ministry is helping or serving.
Mat 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
Mat 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
Mat 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Mat 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
If you think you are something, then you are nothing. A minister is only doing whatever needs to be done in the power of the Holy Spirit and with the meekness and humility of the Lord.
Num 12:1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
Num 12:2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.
Num 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
Num 12:4 And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.
Num 12:5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
Num 12:6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
Num 12:7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.
Num 12:8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
Num 12:9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.
Num 12:10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
Num 12:11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
Num 12:12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.
Num 12:13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
Num 12:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
Num 12:15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Let us minister in grace and truth by his love, not accusing or Lording it over another.
Teaching
Rom 12:7 ...or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Teaching God's word by the Holy Spirit, not as the Pharisees. Jesus commented, do as they say not as they do.
Mat 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
Mat 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Mat 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Mat 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Mat 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
Mat 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
The Pharisees taught but not by God's Spirit and grace.
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
The five fold ministries for the perfecting and edifying of the body of Christ. They all work together for unity.
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
1 Tim 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 Tim 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
1 Tim 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
God help us.
2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Tim 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
It is of great importance that the teacher teach the word of God by his enabling Spirit of grace. Many false teachers will come empowered by another spirit. They will speak what people want to hear and not the gospel message. Being popular will be more important then being faithful to the calling.
2 Tim 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Tim 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
2 Tim 2:17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
2 Tim 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
2 Tim 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
We must hide the word in our heart so that we are not fooled, a teacher must speak the true word of God. He must use the word as written, not to make his own story based on fantasy. A teacher will help you see the truths of God's word, and give you a pattern to follow for your own study.
Gift of Exhortation
Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation:
to call to one's side, call for, summon to address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc. to admonish, exhort to beg, entreat, beseech to strive to appease by entreaty to console, to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to comfort to receive consolation, be comforted to encourage, strengthen exhorting and comforting and encouraging to instruct, teach (Greek Lexicon)
1 Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
Guiding into truth.
I generally contrast exhortation with mercy. Exhortation seeks solutions to a problem while mercy gives comfort and emotional support.
1 Th 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
1 Th 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
Proclaiming a message of truth requiring action.
1 Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Tim 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Encouragment and truth given to another.
Heb 13:22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
Instruction and advice. I see exhortation as truth given to build another up in the things of the Lord. Perhaps a call to action or a correction in behavior. We need exhorters along side of us. I need encouragment, as you do. Without which it is a lonely walk here below. Praise God our Lord holds our hand. Thank you Jesus. He has left us the best encourager; His Holy Spirit, the comforter. The Spirit of truth that leads us in his way.
Gift of Giving
Rom 12:8 ...he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity;
Giving and receiving go hand in hand, the more we give the more we receive.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
God cannot give you more then your ability to receive.
2 Ki 4:1 Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
2 Ki 4:2 And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
2 Ki 4:3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
2 Ki 4:4 And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
2 Ki 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
2 Ki 4:6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.
2 Ki 4:7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.
The Lord will fill up whatever you are able to receive of him.
2 Cor 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
2 Cor 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful (hilarious) giver.
2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
With the gift of giving, giving is a joy.
Whatever we give the Lord of time, money, or ministries, he will increase. Often a giver cannot receive, by grace you will learn to receive as well. To give is to be blessed in return. The gift of giving finds fulfillment in the giving. Think of this, another has the gift and if we do not receive, we cancel their joy and blessing in the giving. Allow God to bless you in our giving and receiving.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jesus gave the greatest gift, if we do not receive, then he died for nothing and we die in our sins. See how important giving and receiving are?
Gift of Ruling
Rom 12:8 ...he that ruleth, with diligence;
(Strongs Concordance)
he that ruleth, to set or place before 1a) to set over 1b) to be over, to superintend, preside over with diligence; earnest care , carefulness 1) haste, with haste 2) earnestness, diligence
The overseer of the local church must rule with diligence, not as the world, but as Christ the servant.
Mat 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
1 Tim 3:2 A bishop (Pastor) then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1 Tim 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1Ti 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
1Ti 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
(I have known several pastors with children that were into the world and gone astray. I do not fault a Pastor whose child has gone astray, this often happens. Salvation is not automatic, each child must submit. What does it mean to keep his children in subjection? Subjection is obedience. How important it is that we learn obedience to authority. The universe is set up to work by God the Father the supreme authority, next the Son, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, Angels and then the children of God. When we are glorified with Jesus we are above the angels.)
1Ti 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
1Ti 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
The Pastor is to be an undersheperd to Jesus and is to protect his flock.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
To rule is a big responsibilty, and must be done in God's Holy Spirit. He must rule and yet be servant of all. He is to feed the sheep and give his life for the sheep. He must rule in the home first, with love and wisdom teaching his children to be obedient, so that he can teach the church.
Gift of Mercy
Rom 12:8 ... he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.
mercy - to have mercy on to help one afflicted or seeking aid to help the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched to experience mercy
Mt 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
We recieve mercy and give it to another. Who is without fault?
Mat 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
Mat 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
In one sense, mercy is forgiveness.
Mat 9:27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.
Divine mercy for healing.
Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.
1 Tim 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1 Tim 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Mercy or grace.
Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Jude 1:23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Mercy is a part of the character of our Lord. It too is a gift through the Holy Spirit. We have each received mercy, that and forgiveness. We should have mercy on others as we have received mercy. It is God's love to another.
Cleave to Good
Rom 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
dissimilation - unfeigned, not pretended, no hypocrisy
2Cor 6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God,...
2Cor 6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
...abhor that which is evil - to dislike, abhor, have a horror of
So important! Why, because evil will seek to destroy you. Giving into an evil, whether a desire, thought or an action opens up a place for satan to torment you. In chat I spoke with an older woman who was a satanist. Every word spoken was to destroy me in some way. All efforts to show love and hope were countered with evil comments. We are to remove ourselves from such influences, casting down every offense that does not build us up in the things of our Lord.
2 Cor 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
cleave to that which is good - cleave - to glue, to glue together, cement, fasten together to join or fasten firmly together to join one's self to,
Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
1Co 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
We are to love with a true love and run from evil. We are to run to what is good and attach ourselves to this. The list of good things in Philippians 4:8 is a good place to look. For sure we cleave to Jesus, inseparable through his Holy Spirit and our will to obey him. We hold tight to Gods Holy word, the Bible, we eat its contents into our innermost being, we are then a part of a local body of Christ. All for one and one for all, like the three musketeers. United to that which is holy and pure; to those who build one another up in the things of God. These are character building words; the mind and character of our Lord.
Brotherly Love
Rom 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Be as a families love and affection to one another in the Lord's family, with;
brotherly love - philadelphia - love of brothers or sisters, brotherly love in the NT the love which Christians cherish for each other as brethren
1Th 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
in honour preferring one another;
Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
2 Cor 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Affectionate brotherly love is for the family of God, we cannot be on the same level of affection with the unsaved, they do not have God's spirit.
Fervent in Spirit
Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
slothful - okneros - sluggish, backward
Mt 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Perhaps we would describe this as fearful apathy and being unfaithful.
in business - spoude - diligence, haste, care, forwardness, earnest care, carefulness
2Co 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
2Co 8:16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
fervent - zeo - to boil with heat, love, zeal, for what is good ...in the spirit;
Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Speaking of Apollos; eloquent in speech and mighty in the scriptures. (vs. 24)
serving - douleuo - to be a slave, serve, do service , obey submit to...the Lord;
Mt 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Ga 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Ga 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
We are to be as Jesus, "about my Father's business", (Luke 2:49) with all diligence as faithful servants of our Lord.
Patient
Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Rejoicing in hope, expectation of good, the return of our Lord;
Phl 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
patient in tribulation, affliction, trouble, anguish, pressure;
Luk 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
2Th 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Hbr 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
continually in prayer.
Act 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing
Joy, patience and prayer; these are important parts of our spiritual life. We can rejoice knowing that we have eternal life, hoping for his soon return. We patiently endure all that comes our way as we hope and wait upon our Lord. If we are not having problems, then we are not doing anything in the spirit. Finally, prayer, pray always whether we want to or not. Live a life of constant prayer, this is our strength and guidance. Tribulations come, but also joy follows and the ultimate joy will come when we are with our Lord, home at last.
Hospitality
These are character habits that are to be found in those who are Christians. These are not so easy to live out, but given for our example to do.
Rom 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints;
You mean giving money or material needs to others in the faith? Yes, if in need. In America with easy welfare, this has not been as much a need, often the needs are met by the government, but if that stops we should be there. The church should be aware of needs, for some will not ask.
James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
given to hospitality.
This literally means, to persue people with hospitality. My mother was an example of this. The coffee pot would go on as soon as a person came to the house. Cookies or cake or pie would be brought out. They would converse, and then if late her "Southern" hospitality would ask the guest if they wanted to stay all night.
Rom 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
John 11:35 Jesus wept.
We share in anothers joy and grieve when they grieve. Jesus was our example.
My brother's wife died in her 50's unexpectedly of a heart attack. She was a caring soul, the last words she said to my brother were "I am sorry I will not be here for you". When I went to his house, I remembered the verse, Jesus wept. I did not preach, I wept with him, no more was needed.
The Same Mind
Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another.
If we are of the same mind we should be in agreement about the Lord's commands.
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.>p>
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
High things? Like hermaneutics and theological terms, using lofty terms. Keep your language simple so that all can understand. Are we thinking we are better than another? Remember God resists the proud, and exalts the humble. All need the love of God, are we better than that?
1 Cor 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Provide the truth in love.
Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Perfection or maturity comes from knowing God's word and the mind of Christ, a servant obedient mind full of love and good works. He gave his life humbling himself for us, even to the death of the cross. Can we die to self, and be living sacrifices for Jesus?
Coals of Fire
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
I suppose the opposite of peace would be fear and torment. This sounds like hell, the place of the damned and if I were headed there I would have no peace. Peace comes from God.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Is it possible to be at peace with all people? Jesus said no.
Mat 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Rom 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Leave the avenging to the LORD. Who can escape his judgment? We are not to "get even" or plot to hurt another.
Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
We are to do good to all in as much as is possible. Little acts of kindness may open a door to share Jesus. "Heaping coals" on one who treats you with disrespect, conviction because you do good to one who considers himself your enemy. Use careful discernment by the spirit of God.
Mat 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
All things are done by the leading of the Holy Spirit. Strive for peace with all people. Do good to all, let God be the judge, use wisdom and be led by the Spirit. These are not laws of stone, but laws of the Spirit to a sensitive and loving heart. Do not do anything by your own power, excercise discernment and follow the spirit.
Overcome with Good
Rom 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Jesus has overcome evil, and his spirit dwells in you and you in him.
The prayer of Jesus for us
John 17:17 Sanctify (separate, set aside unto God) them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Truth is light, Jesus is the light
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 10:10 The thief (devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Salt prevents corruption
Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
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2 Cor 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
2 Cor 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
John 11:36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
1 Cor 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1 Cor 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Cor 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
1 Cor 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1 Cor 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Mat 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
John 17:19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
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