Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 0-212 (Sermon)

TEN POSITIVE STEPS (Romans 12 : 9 – 21)

by Andy Campbell

In a sermon called ‘Ten Downward Steps’, I traced what I saw as ten progressively negative actions that led King David into adultery and murder. Today, using Romans Chapter 12 verses 9 – 21, I would like to do just the opposite by giving you what I see as ten positive rules for effective Christian living.

As you are probably aware, in the Old Testament, in Exodus Chapter 20, God gave Moses a section of his Law, which we know as the Ten Commandments. These basic rules set out for the people, fresh from centuries of servitude, a standard by which they could develop into a fair and just society.

Taking some license, I saw a pattern in Paul’s words, and have split them into ten steps or rules for Christian living. Let us take a look at them one at a time.

(1) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. – verse 9

For many years, my family and I have been fans of an English comedy team, Michael Flanders and Donald Swann, who wrote and sang satirical songs. In one of their pieces, there is the line, “Always be sincere, whether you mean it or not!!”. This is definitely the opposite of what Paul is asking of us as Christians. If our love for one another is to be real, it must be genuine. The love of Christians for each other was a remarkable feature of the life of the early church. “See how these Christians love one another.”

In the second part, the word, “Hate” is not a negative word, but an attitude toward things that are evil. We will see later that Paul is not asking us to hate persons. Our hate is to be directed toward the evil which drags people down.

Also the word, “Cling” in relation to the good, is an attitude. We are to hold on to the good with all of our might. The seductive attractiveness of some of evil things, is to be resisted, the sometimes, seemingly less attractive good is to be preferred. This can be especially hard for young people, who do not wish to be seen as “not with it” or “not cool”.

(2) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. – verse 10

Here we are to allow love to rule in our dealing with others. To treat others as we would wish to be treated ourselves. There is nothing worse than being afraid to approach someone because you know that they usually try to put you down, especially in front of other people. How good it is, when people accept you as you are. Always look for the best in others, it really helps build relationships.

(3) Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – verses 11,12

Tough words? What does he mean? To put it simply, keep in touch with the Lord. Don’t neglect your prayer life, nor your spiritual well-being. Remember that you are a spiritual being and not a machine. Read the scriptures, and rejoice in the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Personal and corporate prayer is important, just as gathering together for worship is a means of expressing our common faith in the grace of God shown to us in Jesus Christ.

(4) Share with God’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality. – verse 13

They say that one test of our sincerity is the way we respond to others in need. James says, if we say to a person in need, “God bless you! Keep warm and eat well,” and do nothing to alleviate their situation, then we belie our faith. God is no man’s debtor, we never lose when we share with those less fortunate than ourselves. Hospitality is one of the great Christian virtues, yet anyone can practise it.

(5) Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. – verses 14,15

Once again we have hit on hard words. It is difficult to bless someone who is hurting you. Persecution can take many forms, none of which is usually pleasant. We often need to call on God’s grace to allow us to be able to bless instead of wishing harm on our detractors. Can we rejoice when someone else is rejoicing? What about mourning when others mourn? Sometimes it is not possible to say anything to a person who is grieving, but just our presence may be comfort enough.

(6) Live in harmony with one another. – verse 16a

Can we manage this, even within our own families? Surely there are times when we disagree? An analogy that I have heard concerns a group of soloists who got together to make music, the result was an unharmonious disaster as each refused to play ensemble, but continued to attempt to play as soloists. It was only after they had heard the discordant, recorded result, that they settled down and produced a beautiful sound with all the solos in the right place. We still can be individuals, but we need to be able to accept that others have rights and talents as well as ourselves.

(7) Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. – verse 16b

Do not be conceited. The temptation to regard some people as inferior is with us all. Pride can be a big stumbling block in human relationships. It is very difficult to like a really conceited person. It is worth noting that a person’s wealth, education, or social position does not cut any ice with God, who knows the heart. The person acceptable to him has a humble, contrite heart, based on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

(8) Do not repay anyone evil for evil. – verse 17a

The “payback” is one of the most natural human reactions. “Road Rage” is a recent phenomenon which emphasizes this trait. But its effect goes deeper than that, it is rumored that the recent war in Kosovo was in part a “payback” for a massacre which occurred some 700 years ago. Look at the continuing hatred in Northern Ireland and between Arab and Jew in Palestine. It does not solve anything but provides a breeding ground for more evil.

(9) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – verses 17b, 18

The world is watching! I once read a statement which said, “The stupidity of your action is in (direct) proportion to your audience.” Which means when you really foul up, you can be sure someone will notice. Have you ever been embarrassed by being seen somewhere that you felt you should not be? Worse still, have a non- Christian say to you, “I did not think a Christian would do that.”? These words are a real challenge.

On the other hand, Paul is a realist, he knows that it is not possible to please everybody. He personally has encountered opposition which will not accept him. He also knows that we will too. Having made the effort, we must admit that some people will not accept us or our beliefs. We have to learn to live with that as peacefully as possible.

(10) Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. – verses 19-21

“The best way to get rid of enemies is to turn them into friends.” (FF Bruce.) Paul continues his theme of not acting in a negative way even towards our enemies. He knows that evil begets more evil.

In the light of the persecution which many of our Christian brothers and sisters are suffering in more than a few countries today. We may have cause to wonder if they and us could maintain the stance which Paul is asking of us. Many suffering Christians are, the resulting witness is often costly, but it is bringing glory to the Name of Jesus Christ, and is having a positive influence among the more open-minded members of non-Christian communities.

In conclusion, let me sum up my so-called “Steps”. This division into ten is my own doing; the passage spoke to me with a similarity to the Ten Commandments. I saw these words as guidelines to effective Christian witness. It is quite possible that you could view them in different ways. Of this I am sure, that Paul wrote these words for the benefit and guidance of his readers.

Personally, I am challenged by them, for they help me see how far short of the goal I often fall. But I beg of you, don’t let them discourage you, rather take heart, and see them as Guideposts which continually point us to the grace of God in our Lord Jesus Christ.

There is nothing more beautiful in this World than a life which is lived in the light of Christ and that reflects his glory to all who come in contact. May we all aspire to live in such a manner that others may see Jesus in us, and through that positive witness, want to know him also.