Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Truth to Learn The proper way for a Christian to combat evil is with good. Behind the Words The word translated “overcome” is nikaō, a verb form of the noun nikē, which refers to “a conquest or victory.”...
Romans 12:20 – Mercy, Not Vengeance
Therefore "If your enemy should be hungry, feed him; if he should be thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Truth to Learn Do not take vengeance. Instead, show mercy. Behind the Words “Heap” is from the Greek verb...
Romans 12:19 – Who’s The Judge?
not avenging yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Truth to Learn There is only one Judge and we need to let Him do His job. Behind the Words The word translated “avenging” in the...
Romans 12:18 – Be At Peace
If possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Truth to Learn Christians should be peace-seeking people. Behind the Words The word translated “possible” is dunaton, a word we’ve seen before. It refers to “power, authority, or ability.” Literally, what Paul is saying is, “If...
Romans 12:17 – Reactive or Proactive?
Repay no one evil for evil, giving thought to do what is good in the sight of all men. Truth to Learn We should be benevolently proactive, not selfishly reactive. Behind the Words The word translated “repay” is apodidomi, which is a compound word made up of apo, meaning...
Romans 12:14 – Blessing, Not Cursing
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not wish them evil. Truth to Learn Being Christ-like is really, really hard - but not impossible. Behind the Words The word translated “bless” is eulogeō, which is a compound word made up of eu, meaning “good or well” and a...
Romans 12:16 – Right-minded Thinking
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not think too highly of yourselves. Truth to Learn Who we compare ourselves to affects what we think of ourselves. Behind the Words “Mind” is translated from...
Romans 12:15 – Give and Take
Rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and weep with those who are weeping. Truth to Learn Sharing in grief means taking, but sharing in joy means giving. Behind the Words “Rejoicing” comes from the Greek word chairo, which means “to be full of cheer, that is, calmly happy.” It...
Romans 12:13 – Pursuit of Generosity
distributing to the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality. Truth to Learn Selfless sharing is a sure sign of a committed Christian. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “distributing” is koinonointes, which is derived from the word koinonia, meaning “to have things in common” or “to share things...
Romans 12:12 – Guided Journey
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; Truth to Learn Hope, patience, and steadfastness can be ours in Christ. Behind the Words “Rejoicing” is translated from chairontes, meaning “to be full of cheer,” or “to be calmly happy.” The word “hope” is from elpis, which means,...
Romans 12:11 – Diligent Spiritual Service
in diligence, not slothful, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Truth to Learn A Christian’s life should be characterized by diligent service. Behind the Words “Slothful” is from oknēros, from the verb okneō, meaning “to be slow, to be lazy, or to delay.” The word translated “diligence” is spoudē,...
Romans 12:10 – Being an Example
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; Truth to Learn Christians are to treat other Christians in a special way. Behind the Words The word translated “kindly affectionate” is found nowhere else in the Bible. It is philostorgos, which is...
Romans 12:9 – Sacrificial Evidence
Let love be sincere. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Truth to Learn Here is the evidence of a living sacrifice. Behind the Words The word translated “sincere” is the Greek word anupokritos, which is a compound word made up of a, meaning “without” and a...
Romans 12:8 – Joy In Serving
the one who is exhorting, in exhortation; the one who is giving, with simplicity; the one who is leading, with diligence; the one who is showing mercy, with cheerfulness. Truth to Learn Spiritual gifts are to be used with joy in the body of Christ. Behind the Words The...
Romans 12:7 – His Gifts, His Choice
or service, let us use it in our serving; the one teaching, in the teaching; Truth to Learn We all have gifts to be used within the church, but God determines which gift or gifts we have been given. Behind the Words The word that is translated “service” is...
Romans 12:6 – Benevolent or Malignant
But having different gifts according to the grace that is given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; Truth to Learn Each Christian is gifted for the benefit of the body of Christ. Behind the Words Paul begins the verse with a coordinating conjunction...
Romans 12:5 – It’s Not Personal
so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and we are members of one another. Truth to Learn In Christ you do not exist alone, but as part of a greater whole. Behind the Words Paul starts off this verse with the Greek word houtōs, which means “even...
Romans 12:4 – Sacrificial Body Parts
For just as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, Truth to Learn We are to function in the body of Christ as He chooses. Behind the Words Paul once again starts off the verse with “For” indicating that...
Romans 12:3 – He’s Great, Not Us
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think of yourself with reasonable judgment, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Truth to Learn We...
Romans 12:2 – Transformed, Not Conformed
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, to prove in you what the good and pleasing and perfect will of God is. Truth to Learn Don’t be like everyone around you and don’t let others tell you what you should...
Romans 12:1 – Living Sacrifices
I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Truth to Learn We are to turn over ownership of our lives to God. Behind the Words The word translated “urge” is...