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About-Him.Com Devotional 06-30-2012 Http://About-Him.Com Overcoming Evil With Good Thoughts on Romans 12:11-21 This is the last of three parts on our thoughts on the 12th chapter of Romans. We began with the thought of our being transformed by the renewing of our mind. This enabled us to be able to edify the body of Christ, whether by something big, or more likely something seemingly quite small and insignificant. Now we come to Paul’s exhortation on how to overcome evil with good. We as Christians are a different breed. We have a different mindset and we march to a different drumbeat. The world thinks we’re a bit odd, but we try our best to practice that which Jesus taught us in the Beatitudes. With the continual strain of daily living, and the constant bombardment of worldly media, it’s very easy for our Christian testimony to become diluted, if not polluted. So we continually go to God’s word to give ourselves a spiritual checkup. Some would say that the Sermon on the Mount is simply a lofty but unobtainable goal. However, a large part of the epistles are dedicated to exhorting Christians to live up to their profession and to demonstrate the life of Jesus, who resides within them. This is what the apostle Paul does in the text below - Romans 12:11-21. Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; We must be ever mindful that the world is watching our every word and deed. Where I worked, what the unsaved saw as a deviation from their perceived Christian standards, would bring the retort, “I thought you were a Christian.” Serious missteps would bring more caustic responses. You’d best believe that your Christian walk is being watched and analyzed constantly. Ecclesiastics 9:10 tells us that whatever our hand finds to do, we should do it with all of our might. Marie and I tried to instill in our children, by word and example, that they should always make themselves indispensable in whatever job they may be doing. Ecclesiastics 11:4 states that if we observe the wind, we will not sow and if we regard the wind, we will not reap. It other words we can always find an excuse to be slothful in work, but the Lord is not pleased with lazy Christians. 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Jesus told us that we would have tribulations in this world, but that we can be cheerful because He had already overcome the world (Jn. 16:33). This gives us hope and reassurance. It is a blessing to know that when we are burdened with cares and troubles, we can boldly approach the throne of grace to find relief (Heb. 4:16). We can be instant in prayer as we drive in our cars or work on our jobs. Our connection to the throne is always open and is safe and secure. 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. When this was written, all of the apostles and much of the ministry was itinerate. They didn’t have a Motel 6 along the way, much less a 5 star hotel to stay in. They we given shelter and food by the saints to whom they ministered. However, we are still obligated to help fellow saints in their difficulties. John asked in 1 John 3:17 how the love of God can be dwelling in us, if we have this world’s goods and shut up our bowels of compassion, when we see our brother in need. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Jesus told us to love and pray for our enemies, to do good to those who hate and misuse us, and to pray for those who despitefully use us (Mt. 5:44). We are to turn the other cheek Mt. 5:39) and go the extra mile (Mt. 5:41). We must remember that we were once the enemies of God ourselves. God in His love and mercy reached out to us. Somebody whom we were misusing was patiently praying for us. God heard their prayers and saved us. We can do no less for others. And of course Jesus practiced what He had been preaching. Isaiah 50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. We rejoice in the success and good fortune of others and likewise we feel for them in their times of grief and difficulty. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. We are to treat all people especially the saints of God as equals. James condemned how a man with fine apparel and a gold ring was treated compared to a man with vile raiment (Ja. 2:1-7). Condescending to those of low estate denotes sharing the burden of one who is suffering for the gospel. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Proverbs 15:1 tells us that a soft answer turns away wrath but grievous words stir up anger. Sometimes we feel justified to express our righteous indignation. The trouble is that our righteous indignation opens the gate for further conflict. If the individual with whom we are dealing is under the yoke of Satan, we should realize that it is futile to even try and argue with the devil. There is another way. We can overcome evil with good. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Here’s that word, “Therefore,” again, so we need to look back over the preceding verses. If we see that our enemy is hungry, feed him. If he’s thirsty, give him something to drink. Why? Because our kindness will break down his resistance. We may find that our former enemy has become our friend. This was demonstrated in 2 Kings 6:20-24. The king wanted to kill some captured Syrian invaders. The prophet Elisha forbade him to do so. He instructed him to give them food and water and to let them go home. The end result was that the bands of Syrian marauders ceased to bother the land of Israel. In more recent times: At the ending of the American civil war, when General Grant received the surrender of General Lee. He released a large portion of food to feed the starving rebel army. This act of kindness was not forgotten by many of the southern soldiers. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Free Ebooks That You Can Download. An Expository Study on the Book of Colossians The I AMs of Jesus Thoughts on the Lord's Prayer Your thoughts and Inquiries Contact@About-Him.Com Subscribe to this devotional? 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