May 3, 2020
Originally Presented: July 13th, 2008
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-10
It is accurate to say, "Christianity is something we are." To be a Christian is to possess the objective standing of being righteous before God by virtue of our being in Christ by faith. So it is true that Christianity is something we are, but it is equally true that Christianity is something we do. We must make the connection between our objective standing in Christ and the implications that standing has in our living.
Romans 12:9-21 contains a series of commands and exhortations for the way we live our lives. There is an urgency about these short statements and Paul's rapid fire, staccato style here displays his urgency. "Abhor what is evil ... be devoted to one another in brotherly love ... rejoice in hope ... persevere in tribulation ... be devoted in prayer ... contribute to the needs of the saints ... bless those who persecute you ..."
Churches often have many people who affirm the Christian faith, but do not live the Christian faith. Viewed rather loosely, verses 9-13 are how Christians should live within the church and verses 14-21 are how Christians should live outside the church.
Having repeatedly written of God's love for us (cf. Rom 5:8; 8:36,39), Paul now exhorts us to love each other (Rom 12:9,10). Many people speak of love when love is not a reality. Christians are to love in truth, without hypocrisy. Such sincere love is not possible without learning what it is to abhor evil and cling to what is good. There is a passion in the verbs 'abhor' and 'cling'. This is not a verbal affirmation of right and wrong. It is a deep seated hatred of our sin (and all sin) and a ardent delight in holiness.