“Living Like A Christian”
Romans 12:9-21
Message by Michael J. Barnard
May 6, 2012
Teaching Aim: To demonstrate “agape” love goes hand-in-hand with the use of our spiritual
gifts and is the glue that keeps the body of Christ together. To realize that we will be
persecuted if we are following Jesus Christ, what’s important is how we respond to that
persecution. God takes the responsibility to deal with those who are persecuting us, our
responsibility is to live peaceably with everyone as far as it is possible with us.
DIGGING DEEPER INTO GOD’S WORD (BIBLE STUDY)
Part I: Agape love is the glue that holds the body of Christ together (Rom. 12:9-13)
1. In verses 6-8 Paul talks about spiritual gifts, he then immediately turns to the topic of love in verse 9,
why? The word translated “love” in verse 9 is the Greek word “agape” (a Christ-like self-sacrificial
love). Agape love is an act of the will that works for the best of others. Why is “agape love”
necessarily without hypocrisy? What is the most frequent charge against the Christians today?
Why?
2. What is Paul referring to when he says, “Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good?” (vs. 9) List some
evils that tend to slip into the lifestyle of many Christians today? What areas of evil have slipped
into your own lifestyle and need to go? Take a few moments in prayer and ask God to reveal any
areas of sin that you need to remove from your life. What steps can you take to do so?
3. The Greek word for “brotherly love” is the word “philadelphia” (vs. 10). The city of Philadelphia is
commonly known as what? Why is brotherly love and kindly affection so important in the
community of any local church? Do you find it true in your own life that sometimes your brothers
and sisters in Christ are closer to you than your own maternal family? Why? (See Matt. 12:46-50;
Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21)
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4. What does it mean for Christians to “in honor give preference to one another” (vs. 10)? Why is pride
so harmful to the Christian church and to life in general? Who is the ultimate example of true
humility? (See Phil. 2:5-11)
5. The Greek word for “fervent in spirit” literally means “to boil in spirit” (vs. 11). What would you
expect in the lifestyle of a Christian who is “boiling in spirit” as he or she serves God? Would you
consider yourself “boiling in spirit” when it comes to your service for the Lord? Why or why not?
6. In verse 12 Paul lists three attributes of the Christian who is walking rightly with the Lord, what are
they? Why can the Christian “rejoice in hope” no matter what he or she is facing? Why should we
be patient in tribulation? Have you found that the difficult times in life are valuable teaching times
spiritually? If so why? What have you learned?
7. D.L. Moody said, “Through prayer we move the arm that moves the world” (vs. 12) Why should
Christians “continue steadfastly in prayer”? Why do you think consistency in prayer is so difficult?
8. According to verse 13, should we be focusing on our own needs or on the needs of others first? Why?
How was “hospitality” in biblical days different from what we consider to be hospitality today? In
our day and age, hospitality seems to be a lost art, why do you think Christians would rather stay in
a motel room than to stay with a brother or sister in Christ while traveling?
Part II: Living like a Christian in all circumstances of life (Rom. 12:14-16)
1. It is easy to read verse 14, but very difficult to live out. Why? The Greek word for “bless” is the same
word from which we get the English word “eulogy” (to speak kindly of). According to Paul, how are
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we to respond to those people who are attacking us? How did both Stephen and Jesus demonstrate
this principle at as they were about to die? (See Acts 7:59-60; Luke 23:34) Is there someone in
your life that you need to practice this difficult principle with?
2. What does the word “empathy” mean? (See Dictionary) How is this principle seen in verse 15? Why
is empathy so important to the health of the local church and to Christians in general? Can you
think of anyone in your church who needs your encouragement or sympathy today? Will you
contact them?
3. What does Paul mean when he says, “Be of the same mind toward one another” (vs. 16). Why is it so
difficult for Christians to come together in agreement on some issues? How does pride affect the
local church and its effectiveness? (See Prov. 8:13; 13:10; 16:18-19; Mark 7:17-23) Is it the will of
God for Christians to be prideful or to be humble in their everyday lives? (See Prov. 11:2; 15:33; Col.
3:12-14; Jam. 4:6, 10; 1 Pet. 5:5) Are you struggling with an area of pride in your own life? If so,
how can you get rid of it?
Part III: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:17-21)
1. If we live the Christian life we will be persecuted, that is a promise from the Lord. How does Paul
instruct us in verse 17 to respond to that persecution when it comes? How does Jesus instruct His
followers to respond to evil in Matt. 5:39-45? How do you respond when people attack you
personally?
2. Verse 18 is one of the more important verses in the Bible and very practical. According to this verse,
how are we to respond when we are in conflict with another person? Does this mean that we
should compromise the principles laid out in God’s Word for the sake of peace? Why or why not?
What does verse 18 really teach us?
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3. When attacked or hurt by someone, the temptation is to retaliate. Is this a biblical response?
According to verse 19, what is the right response? “God is a God of perfect justice”, what does this
truth mean for your vindication if you are innocent and for your persecutor’s judgment if guilty?
4. What is the believer instructed to do in verse 20 to the person making his or her life miserable? Why?
(See Prov. 25:21-22) What did a person carrying a pan of hot coals on their head symbolize in
ancient Egypt? (See Commentaries) How can God use your kindness to bring an enemy to the point
of shame and repentance? Have you ever experienced this in your life?
5. It is very easy for us to be overcome by evil, but how does the Bible teach us to overcome evil (vs.
21)? Define the word “good”? (See Dictionary) Why is it so difficult to define? What are some
good things you can do today to make a difference in the life of someone who is practicing evil?
Why is it important for you to never compromise your walk with Christ for the sake of peace in your
attempt to help another person living in sin?
MINER’S CORNER ~ Manna to live by!
• Christian love is not to be an act, “agape” (or Christ-like) love can only be the real thing, a selfsacrificial love that is right from the heart.
• The Christian should be willing to give honor to others over our self.
• As Christians we are to live every area of our lives for God’s glory.
• The Bible instructs us to speak kindly of those who persecute us while trusting God to deal with their
sin and our vindication.
• “As much as it is possible” with us, we are to live at peace with everyone.
• God is a God of perfect justice, rest in the fact that He will perfectly deal with those who are making
our lives so difficult.
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