PROTOCOLS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE (2)

Romans 12:11-12

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   In Ephesians 5:15, Paul exhorts us to walk circumspectly.

 

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.

 

1.    The definition of circumspectly:

a.    Strong (199):  exactly

b.    Thayer:  exactly, accurately, diligently

c.    Vine:  “The word expresses that ‘accuracy’ which is the outcome of carefulness” (e-sword).

2.    The Christian life is not to be lived “any old way.”

The Christian life is not to be lived flippantly.

The Christian life is not to be lived carelessly.

3.    The Christian life is to be lived precisely, paying attention to every detail.

 

B.   In Romans 12:9-18, Paul discusses some of the details of Christian living.  Paul lists some 22 “Protocols of the Christian Life.”  Last week, we discussed the first five found in Romans 12:9-10

1.    Let love be without dissimulation.

2.    Abhor that which is evil.

3.    Cleave to that which is good.

4.    Be kindly affectioned one to another in brotherly love.

5.    In honour preferring one another.

 

C.   We want to continue our discussion of “The Protocols of the Christian Life.”  Let’s examine Romans 12:11-12.

 

I.             NOT SLOTHFUL IN BUSINESS; FERVENT IN SPIRIT; SERVING THE LORD (Rom. 12:11)

 

A.   The verse initially appears to be three statements.  However, the first two statements are connected to the last, that is, serving the Lord.

 

B.   Christians have been called to a life of service.

1.    Psalm 100:2

 

Serve the LORD with gladness…

 

2.    Hebrews 12:28

 

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

 

C.   Paul teaches us how to serve God acceptably.

1.    He begins with the negative, “Not slothful in business.”

a.    When I hear the word “business,” my mind is always drawn to Jesus’ words found in Luke 2:49.

 

…wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

 

b.    The Lord has business that He expects us to conduct on this earth.

c.    As we engage in that business, we are not to be slothful.

1)    Definition:

a)    Strong (3636):  tardy, indolent, irksome

b)    Thayer:  slugglish, slothful, backward

c)    Vine:  slow, sluggish, indolent, dull

d)    Synonyms:  dallying, idle, inactive, loafing, procrastinating, slack, tired, unenergetic

2)    Example:  cleaning out a garage

3)    Some “dilly-dally” with their Christian business. 

a)    A worship service now and then

b)    One night of a gospel meeting

c)    One day of VBS

d)    The Christmas party

2.    The flipside of the coin of service reads:  “Fervent in spirit.”

a.    Fervent

1)    Strong (2204):  to be hot, boil, glow, fervid (earnest)

2)    Thayer:  to boil with heat, to be hot, zeal for that which is good

3)    Vine:  to be hot, boil

b.    Note:  The fervency begins on the inside, fervent “in spirit.”  If we get the heart committed to zeal, the actions quickly follow.

c.    Example:  cleaning out a garage

d.    A few Christians long to be part of anything and everything.  They are boiling over with worship, good works, service, help, assistance, phone calls, and visits.

e.    Proverbs 22:29

 

Seest thou a man that is diligent in his business?  He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. 

 

II.           REJOICING IN HOPE (Rom. 12:12)

 

A.   Far too many people do far too little rejoicing.

1.    They complain.

2.    They gripe.

3.    They murmur.

4.    They express irritation.

5.    After hearing them, you would believe they live the most miserable life of any human being on the planet.

 

B.   One reason they fail to rejoice is because their eyes are fixed on this world.

1.    This world is hard.

2.    This world is not always fair.

3.    This word brings struggles, hardships, and tears.

4.    We must remember that this world is the domain of Satan.

 

C.   Paul exhorts us to “rejoice in hope.”

1.    Hope is not something we possess right now.  Paul tells us in Romans 8:24 that “hope that is seen is not hope.”

2.    Our hope lies far beyond this present world.

a.    Hope of the Second Coming (Tit. 2:13)

b.    Hope of the resurrection (Acts 23:6)

c.    Hope of heaven (Col. 1:5)

d.    Hope of eternal life (Tit. 1:2)

e.    Hope of glory (Col. 1:27)

3.    These things ought to be as real to us as the clothes on our backs.  No, we do not possess them, but one day we will.

a.    Jesus is coming back.

b.    I will not remain in the grave.  I will be raised.

c.    I will have a home in heaven.

d.    I will not live there temporarily, but forever and ever.

e.    I will be in glory and majesty and splendor eternally.

 

D.   If hope does not fill your heart with joy, you have a severe spiritual problem.

 

III.         PATIENT IN TRIBULATION (Rom. 12:12)

 

A.   Tribulation

1.    Strong (2347):  pressure        :- afflicted, (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble

2.    Thayer:  a pressing together, pressure

3.    Vine:  a pressing, pressure, sufferings due to the pressure of circumstances, or the antagonism of persons

 

B.   Our Lord never lied about the struggles, difficulties, and hardships we will experience in this life.

1.    Matthew 5:10-11

 

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

 

2.    John 16:33

 

…In the world ye shall have tribulation…

 

3.    1 Thessalonians 3:4

 

For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

 

C.   When the pressure of temptation, evil, enemies, hardship, and suffering come our way, we are to be patient.

1.    Definition:

a.    Strong (5278):  to stay under, bear (trials), fortitude, perseverance

b.    Thayer:  to remain, not to flee, hold fast to one’s faith in Christ, bear bravely and calmly

c.    Vine:  an abiding under, patience, endure

2.    Jesus is our example.

a.    Hebrews 12:2 tells us that He “endured the cross.”

b.    He bore His cross.

He hung on the cross.

He endured the pain and humiliation.

There was no cursing, no retribution, no complaining.

 

D.   Those who endure have wonderful promises granted to them.

1.    Mark 13:13

 

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake:  but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

2.    Romans 2:7

 

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life.

 

3.    James 1:12

 

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation:  for when he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

 

IV.         CONTINUING INSTANT IN PRAYER (Rom. 12:12)

 

A.   Prayer is a communication device.

Prayer is a support system.

Prayer is a lifeline.

Prayer is an ordering service.

Prayer is a 9-11 call.

Prayer is a call to the doctor’s office.

Prayer is an avenue of praise.

 

B.   With this in mind, it is not surprising that Paul exhorts the Romans to “continue instant” in prayer.

1.    These two words are just one word in the Greek language.

2.    Definition:

a.    Strong (4342):  to be earnest towards, to persevere, be constantly diligent, to attend assiduously, to adhere closely to

b.    Thayer:  to be devoted to or constant to, steadfastly attentive to, to give unremitting care to a thing, to be in constant readiness

c.    Vine:  lit., to be strong toward

3.    Pray, pray, and pray some more.

Pray today.  Pray tomorrow.  Pray next week, next month, next year.

Pray in the morning.  Pray at noon. Pray in the evening.

Pray in the bad times.  Pray in the good times.

Pray when you are strong in faith.  Pray when faith seems to waver.

4.    I Thessalonians 5:17

 

Pray without ceasing.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   Paul continues to reveal to us how many aspects of our lives the gospel is supposed to govern.

 

B.   Remember at the outset of this lesson, we found that Paul exhorts us to “walk circumspectly,” that is, accurately and correctly, paying attention to every detail.

 

C.   Paul continues that admonition with other thoughts attached (Eph. 5:16-17).

 

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.