Romans 12:9-21-Part 2

A Study of The Book of Romans

Lesson 91 Chapter 12:9 – 21

“Our relationship to society.” - Part 2 Verses 12 – 11

By Pastor Randy Johnson

1. Verse 12 “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;”
1. “Rejoicing in hope…” Notice the brilliance of God here, He ended verse 11 “…serving the Lord;” those that serve the Lord has many reason’s to “rejoice in hope” However every Christian has many reasons in life to rejoice because of the hope that we have in Christ.

a. This does not mean that everyday will be joy for the Christian, for we will all have many sad days in life, however, if we are continually looking to the future we have much to rejoice for.

b. Hebrews 3:6 “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

c. The Life Application Bible Commentary had this quote; “This means that we should look forward with happy anticipation to all that God has in store for us. We don't have to fear our future when it is in God's hands. Christ is the reason that we can be joyful.”

2. “…patient in tribulation…” this is easier when the first two (serving the Lord, and Rejoicing in hope) are a part of our lives. No matter what comes our way, we always trust the Lord and this brings us patience.

a. We that serve the Lord know that we shall also suffer as He did, therefore He is honored and glorified in our sufferings. Just knowing this gives us patience.

b. Luke 8:15 “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

3. “…continuing instant in prayer;” Prayer is the greatest comfort in a Christians life, with prayer and faith in prayer a Christian can endure anything, even death. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”

a. This is why Deacons were appointed in the first church to give the Apostles more time to pray. Acts 6:4 “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”

b. Psalms 55:16 - 17 “As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. (17.) Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.”

2. Verse 13 “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
1. “Distributing to the necessity of saints…”

a. The word “distributing” means - to share with others – I believe this is the one most single thing churches have lost today. The early churches basically lived together and shared everything. Acts 2:44 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common;” – the word “common” means - shared by all – Beloved we really do not own anything, it all belongs to God and what belongs to God belongs to us all.

b. Life Application Bible Commentary had this thought; “Because we are members of Christ's body, we must take care of one another in every way. When some are in need, others who have the means should share what they have in order to meet that need (whether financial or daily necessities). This was another trademark of believers, and it was often what drew nonbelievers to Christianity.”

c. Psalms 41:1 “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.”

d. This does not mean that one should depend on the church for total support. 1 Timothy 5:8 “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

e. However, may God help us who fail to help the needy, independently or as an entire church. Galatians 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

f. Hebrews 13:16 “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” The word “communicate” is the same word as distributing in verse 13.

2. “…given to hospitality.” This means – to entertain strangers – These are those not known by you. Whether Christians or not, we do not know who are Christians and who are not, it is like preaching, we preach to all because we do not know who are the elect and who are not. Hebrews 13:2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
2. Verse 14 “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. – This is the hard one. It is hard to bless anyone who has persecuted us; however God said to do it.

1. Matthew 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;”
2. We are forbidden to anger or to curse them in any fashion. In fact we are to pray for them. Acts 7:59 - 60 “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit (60.) And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
3. James 3:10 “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”