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By Rev Don Rivers
We have come to the end of our Winter Bible Study. We have dug into the passage from Romans 12; Dedicated Service, Living for God. I encourage you to grab your Bible and join us as we finish up. If you need one let us know and we will get you one. We have been exploring the adjustments we need to make to serve our Lord in a way that honors Him. What final thing do we need to do to secure victory? Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We have covered many topics in this Winter Bible Study; the need to live differently, to live a life that is set apart, different. A life that puts the consideration of others above our own, sacrifice. We then learned we need to think differently. God is the only one who can transform the way we think. We don’t see or understand all things. Only God has a complete picture and if we allow him to, He will guide us, He will transform us. He will provide the faith and knowledge we need to walk the path He has prepared for us. Don’t buy into the lie that we know it all.
We added the concept of teamwork to our understanding. In the same way as knowledge and the fact that we don’t know everything helps us learn to let God guide us; the reality that we cannot do everything ourselves prompts us to let others join us on the journey. When we do what God has called us to do and equipped us to do then and only then do we feel like we fit. God prepared each of us to have a certain spot on His team. He equips us to accomplish the task He prepared for us. He offers us the satisfaction and fulfilment that come from being in His will. The blessing of God is realized when we are in the place that God wants us, not the place we think we want to be.
Attitude matters; we don’t always understand that we choose our attitude. While the circumstances that surround us can sway us one way or the other we decide how we face the day. Will we look at the things that have been provided for us and be grateful? That is the external attitude. As you might expect the bar is raised significantly as we dig deeper. Our attitude is dictated by our motive, what are we really thinking.
Looking internally to that motivation. We asked ourselves; are we motivated to be a blessing to others? Let’s face it, the process in our mind determines who we think deserves to be treated well and who we really don’t care for. That process dictates how we treat others. I, for one, have trouble with the thought of blessing those who persecute me, let alone pray that God blesses them also.
The final passage in our study reveals the challenge that awaits us;
Romans 12:20-21; NLT; Instead,
“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
There is a way to respond that is different from our instinct, we call it the “High Road”. It is not an easy road to take. Most times we go for the get even road and relish the fleeting satisfaction we get. The high road does have something to offer. Taking the high road allows you to be at peace, knowing you didn’t repay evil with evil.
There is a consequence to the receiver also, they will not be able to say we are just like they are. Our response, when we respond differently, doesn’t allow them to be at peace. They had an intent for their actions and it failed to draw us into actions that dishonored God. The Scripture says that will frustrate them.
We are called to be different, to live a life set apart. We are called to sacrifice the things we want for the things that honor God. We need to think differently and allow God to lead us. We do that by putting aside our thoughts and desires and listening and following God. This study has helped us determine the difference; what is ours verses what is from God.
A Living Sacrifice to God, Romans 12; NLT;
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the Lord.
20 Instead,
“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”
21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
My prayer for each of us is that we would experience Victory! That we would live in the Peace and Joy that God offers each of us through Jesus Christ. I encourage you to seek him while he can be found.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
