Daily Scripture Reading Romans 12:9 - 13:10
Some of God’s commands are intuitive. It makes sense that we should not murder, lie, cheat, steal, or commit adultery. We can easily buy into the charge to act with honesty and integrity.
On the other hand, there are also commands that are counter-intuitive, that are difficult to accept. Today’s passage lists several of those.
In chapter 12, Paul began giving commands to Christians. In verses 1-8 he told us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, differentiate ourselves from the world, and have sound thinking.
Rom. 12:9 ¶ Let love be without hypocrisy—by abhorring what is evil, clinging to what is good,
The Old Testament condemns those who say right is wrong and wrong is right. This verse reinforces that concept because we are supposed to abhor evil and cling to good.
There is much evil in our world which we should abhor, including, but not limited to, idolatry, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, abortion, divorce, dishonesty, violence, and greed.
As Christians, we need to cling to and promote good things such as God, the Bible, salvation, heterosexual marriage, monogamy, honesty, compassion, righteousness, and justice.
Rom. 12:10 being devoted to one another in brotherly love, giving preference to one another in honor,
Rom. 12:11 not lagging behind in diligence, being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,
Look at the phrase “not lagging behind in diligence”. For the most part, Christians should not treat other Christians as competitors. We are all on the same team. We should not be envious of our brothers’ gifts, talents, and possessions.
Having said that, in the matter of diligence, when we are less diligent than a brother, then competition should kick in and we should be motivated to increase our own diligence. We should not desire to “win” a contest in diligence, but we should be careful not to “lose” a contest in diligence either.
Rom. 12:12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in affliction, being devoted to prayer,
Rom. 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality.
Rom. 12:14 ¶ Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse.
This verse is counter-intuitive. We are naturally inclined to strike out at those who persecute us; however, we are commanded to do the opposite.
Rom. 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep,
Rom. 12:16 by being of the same mind toward one another, not being haughty in mind, but associating with the humble. Do not be wise in your own mind.
Rom. 12:17 Never paying back evil for evil to anyone, respecting what is good in the sight of all men,
This verse is also counter-intuitive. We are naturally inclined to strike out at those who harm us; however, we are commanded to do the opposite.
Rom. 12:18 if possible, so far as it depends on you, being at peace with all men,
Don’t miss the phrase “so far as it depends on you”. We should seek to be at peace with all men, but we can only control ourselves. If someone else refuses to be at peace, there is nothing we can do about that. If someone else is antagonistic against us because we speak the truth or do the right thing, we must not compromise the truth in order to be at peace.
Rom. 12:19 never taking your own revenge, beloved—instead leave room for the wrath of God. For it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.
This is a quote from Deuteronomy 32:35. Deuteronomy 32 is a song spoken by Moses to the Israelites in which he foretold the idolatry of the Israelites, their enslavement to other people, and God rendering justice because vengeance belongs to Him.
That truth applies to us in the church age. Humans are naturally inclined to seek vengeance. However, God will render justice to all. We should not seek revenge when we are wronged.
Rom. 12:20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”
Rom. 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Humans naturally fight evil with evil, but we should fight it with good instead.
Rom. 13:1 ¶ Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist have been appointed by God.
It is hard to accept that dishonest rulers are appointed by God, but this verse says all rulers are appointed by Him, even the most vile and despicable rulers.
We must obey God rather than men, so if a ruler tells us to do something that God forbids, then we must obey God. Other than that, we should obey the government.
Rom. 13:2 Therefore whoever resists that authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
Rom. 13:3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of that authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same;
Look at the first statement in this verse. This is a standard for assessing government leaders. Any leader who promotes Godly behavior is a good leader. Those who promote evil are bad leaders.
Rom. 13:4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword in vain, for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
The purpose of government is to bring wrath on those who practice evil. Any government leader who does not do that is a bad leader.
Rom. 13:5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also because of conscience.
Rom. 13:6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.
Rom. 13:7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Rom. 13:8 ¶ Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
Rom. 13:9 For this, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”
Rom. 13:10 Love does not work evil against a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.
Some of God’s commands are intuitive. It makes sense that we should not murder, lie, cheat, steal, or commit adultery. We can easily buy into the charge to act with honesty and integrity.
On the other hand, there are also commands that are counter-intuitive. It is hard to bless those who persecute us and overcome evil with good. We do not like allowing people to get away with mistreating us. However, that is what God commanded us to do.
Which of these counter-intuitive commands is hardest for you to obey?
What are some occasions where you have successfully blessed your persecutors or overcome evil with good?
What are some occasions where you gave in to your human desires and pursued revenge against someone who mistreated you?
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“Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.com.”