Ministry is Messy
Romans 12:14-21 vs 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. … 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 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.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12 is not a moral code, but result of what happens IN a persons heart that is transformed by grace.
Matthew 5:43 -48 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Replacing the OLD WAY
- OLD Way: Curse
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen
James 3:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be
Jesus' Way: Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse
- OLD Way: Payback
Jesus' Way
Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."
Galatians 6:7-8 "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Stay in your lane: Justice is Gods place.
- OLD Way: BLAME & GIVE UP
Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
- OLD Way: Let them suffer!
Romans 12:20 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.”
- OLD Way: Allow Evil to Control You
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
This is not hard = it is impossible.
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
