Engaging Takes Work

 

⁹ Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; ¹¹ not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; ¹² rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; ¹³ distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

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Love Others Sincerely (v. 9)

Romans 12:9 (NKJV)

⁹Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

Romans 12:9 (NLT)

⁹Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

Unconditional love as your way of life

1. Without hypocrisy = sincere; without wax
2. Have the type of love that holds up in the heat

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Esteem Others Highly (v. 10)

Romans 12:10 (NKJV)

¹⁰Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

Romans 12:10 (NLT)

¹⁰Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

• Brotherly love = fraternal affection and care; preferential love for the family of God
• In honor giving preference = in value, esteem, and dignity, show deference; make a pathway for others

 

Romans 12:10 (ESV)
¹⁰ Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

 

 

Serve God Fervently (v. 11)

Romans 12:11(NKJV)

¹¹not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

 

Romans 12:11 (NLT)

¹¹Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

 

• Not lagging in diligence = (KJV – not slothful); slow and tardy in the business to which you have been dispatched
• Fervent in spirit = hot as in the boiling of liquid or the glow of solids

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Face Trials Hopefully (Wait Steadfastly) – (v. 12)

Romans 12:12 (NKJV)

¹²rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

 

Romans 12:12 (NLT)

¹²Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

 

• Rejoicing in hope = cheerfully expectant and confident
• Patient in tribulation = bear up under pressure, burdens, or trouble
• Continuing in prayer = persevering in worship and communion with God

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Share With Others Generously (v. 13)

Romans 12:13 (NKJV)

¹³distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

• Distributing to the needs of the saints = sharing with God’s people who are in need
• Given to hospitality = entertaining strangers (a necessity in ancient times when ministers were itinerant and believers were fleeing persecution)
• “Open the circle”