1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Here begins a new topic (12:1-15:7) wherein the Apostle Paul marks out the correct attitude and lifestyle of the new creature in Christ Jesus (Gal 6:15). The tone is urgent, vital, imperative, for this is no passive salvation. It is an active, personal, unceasing enterprise to live even as Jesus Christ when He walked this earth – in holiness, humility, wholeheartedness, sincerity and empathy. The Apostle appeals to the rational mind: “Considering the great mercies of God in the work of our redemption, is it not entirely reasonable that we deny Self and serve Him in all that He has purposed?” The call is for radical, personal exercise in the Kingdom of Christ. God alone can save a man from his sins, but these verses show that man must participate diligently and continuously after he has believed and accepted the Gospel.
I beseech you therefore brethren. If, as many theologians affirm, salvation has no human work component at all, then why does the Apostle implore us with such urgent words? These verses are meaningless under that doctrine. However, we believe that God created the universe for the purpose of developing a people who love who Him with all their heart, soul and mind (Mat 22:37); for that reason He has given every person the ability to voluntarily think, choose and do. So crucially, earnestly, we must hold fast to the Truth and live according to its precepts in all sincerity and diligence unto the end (Rev 2:26; Heb 3:6). Let no man take thy crown (Rev 3:11).
Present your bodies a living sacrifice. The most sacred element of the Old Covenant was the offering of sacrifices – five whole categories headed a wide range of ceremonies and rites that ruled virtually every detail of life in Judaism (see note Lev 1). There were animal sacrifices, grain sacrifices, land sacrifices, time sacrifices and money sacrifices. With the exception of the scapegoat ceremony, all of the animal sacrifices required the death of the victim. In the New Covenant however, sacrifice finally settles upon its highest and truest expression – that we offer daily our very bodies in holy, useful service unto God (Rom 6:13). In the Covenant of Grace, we are asked to offer up spiritual sacrifices in a spiritual house (1Pet 2:5).
This is no punctual event, it is a living sacrifice, the constant denying of Self in favor of presenting oneself acceptable to God (see note Rom 8:5). The deepest concept of sacrifice is the voluntary giving up of one’s possessions and rights (Mat 16:24). Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:33). Jesus doesn’t want half-sons (Rev 3:15-16). The concept of a continual sacrifice was foreshadowed in the Law which required the priests to offer two lambs daily in the Temple, one in the morning and the other in the evening, as a continual burnt offering to the Lord (Num 28:3-4; cf. Heb 13:15).
The constant, personal giving up of one’s desires and loves in order to do the good pleasure of God is a reasonable service. God doesn’t require silly, arbitrary works of Man, but sensible, righteous living! We ought to walk even as He walked (1John 2:6). Is the servant greater than his Lord? Of course not! So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do (Luke 17:10).
Holy, acceptable unto God. After Noah left the ark, he offered a sacrifice to God and the smell ascended to Him as a sweet savour (Gen 8:20-21; Eph 5:2; Php 4:18; 2Cor 2:15). Do my sacrifices please God in the same way? Just as a father rejoices to see his children acting in obedience and selflessness, so too our heavenly Father is pleased when His children embrace a life of righteousness, sacrifice and service to Him. Holiness is not a popular word these days, but without it no man shall see the Lord (Heb 12:14; 1Pet 1:16). If being holy makes you acceptable unto God, then being unholy makes you unaccepted.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
This verse is a discovered treasure to every soul that sincerely desires to know the way to deep fellowship with Jesus Christ (Php 3:10). We are either offering our bodies in living sacrifice to God, or we are living in conformity with the attitudes and works of the World. There is no third category! Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness (Rom 6:12-19). The Scriptures warn often of being led astray by the cares and deceits of this world (Mark 4:19), for the god of this world, Satan, is working to blind the minds of men so that they do not live according to the gospel of Christ (2Cor 4:4).
The world (aion) – think of the stronger term, this present evil world (Gal 1:4) – hates the follower of Christ (John 15:18-19) for it is the very kingdom of Satan on earth. It is a key dagger in that Trident of Evil – Satan, Self and the World. The devil offered to give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them if He would worship him instead of God (Mat 4:8-9; Luke 4:5-8). Jesus refused. Satan however, as the prince and god of this world (John 14:30; 2Cor 4:4), has taken many captive by offering them this same false promise (2Tim 2:26). Christian beware, for if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1John 2:15-17).
The World is an especially subtle and deadly snare because we must all, Christian and unbeliever, pass through life with certain connections to it. Jesus prayed not that His followers would be taken out of the World, but that they would be kept from its evil (John 17:14-16). And to that aim the Father implores, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues (Rev 18:4). The basis for this separation is keep oneself unspotted from the world’s many iniquities (James 1:27). Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you (2Cor 6:17). If God’s people do not feel that they are different from the world, then something is wrong. If God’s people do not look and act different from the world, then be concerned! Remember, the World is our enemy. Why do so many live as if God created the World for our benefit and pleasure? Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (James 4:4). We must war and wrestle against the rulers of the darkness of this world (Eph 6:12); only those who emerge victorious in this mortiferous battle are truly born of God (1John 5:4).
God has designed that His people live in this strange, unfriendly world for the purpose of proving them! He wants to find and form a congregation who truly love Him and who have shown themselves worthy (Mat 10:37-38) to be in heaven for eternity with Him. So this life is a solemn, all-important test of our love for Christ. Those who honor, fear and love Him will keep His commandments (John 14:21), and the trials of faith are a key part of His method to develop the souls of the saints so that they will become purer and purer gold (1Pet 1:7; Job 23:10). So may it be with our lives. Let us content ourselves to pass this life without thought of using the things of this world (1Cor 7:31), but wandering as strangers and pilgrims in a foreign land (Heb 11:13), desiring that better country where God has prepared a new and heavenly city just for them! (see Heb 11:16). Sing it with meaning: “This world is not my home, I’m just passing through.”
The mind of God’s people should ever be this: here we have no abiding city because our true citizenship is in heaven (Php 3:20). We are not like other people, we are different; we don’t feel comfortable here because we don’t fit in. We stand out like lights in a dark place (Php 2:15), as aliens dwelling in a foreign country (Heb 11:9). Ponder the implications of Peter’s reminder: Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (1Pet 2:9). God knew how easily Man is distracted by this fair world (2Tim 4:10). Under the Old Covenant, God helped the Jews to not forget their peculiarity and calling by asking them to make all their garments in a unique way, with a ribband of blue: and it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes (Num 15:38-41).
The vast majority of Christianity have not this mentality. Even among the plain brethren it is falling rapidly. Oh, they say they are different from the World, and their sermons warn about the wickedness of the World, but they stand exposed and convicted by converse signs.
I dare say that for Anabaptists, the most common rationalization to reject the peculiar people mindset is being subconsciously influenced by other Christian groups who confess Christ in all sincerity and honesty, yet are scarcely different from society. They live in the same way, dress the same way, go to the same places, eat and drink the same things, enjoy the same vacations and entertainments, go to the same schools and universities. They seem to be blessed by God. Why do I have to be so different?
Am I saying that we should consider all other churches as being part of the world too? Not necessarily, but not every person who calls himself a Christian is a brother, but he that doeth the will of My Father…shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven (Mat 7:21). Beware! Comparing ourselves with others is not wise (2Cor 10:12). In no case may we validate a belief or behavior simply because everyone else believes or does it. We have the Word of Truth in our hands; it is the all-important, eternal guidebook to the Father. Look not at others to determine their spiritual standing, nor to justify your own merits. Rather, focus on searching in all honesty and integrity to do all that the Father has commanded. Whether those churches/individuals are included in the Scripture’s picture of the world is no matter for us to judge. Let us, with all diligence and determination, make our own calling and election sure (2Pet 1:10). The parable of the Sower depicts the four states of every soul in relation to God, but only one was acceptable to Him.
May we ever remember that God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise…the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised…to bring to nought things that are (1Cor 1:27-28). Rejoice in being simple, contented to be a weak, foolish thing (in the eyes of the World), for God has chosen you. Today, societal groupthink has become the real arbiter of morality, instead of the unerring, absolute truth of God’s Word. He who dares to disagree with the Consensus will be vituperated and canceled.
Be not conformed…be ye transformed. These imperative verbs presume that a man possesses freedom of will and is capable of real action. Be ye transformed (metamorphoo, see Mat 17:2) This the Apostle requires of each Christian, but our efforts will never succeed without the power of God. Nor is this a flash event; it is a life-long joint work of God with Man that will be completed only when our vile body is changed into a glorious body (1Cor 15:54; Php 3:21). The only other occurrence of metamorphoo in a similar context pictures this same deliberate process: But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory (2Cor 3:18, NASB). It’s like a butterfly advancing by stages through life – egg, larva, pupa, adult – slowly being transformed from glory to glory into its final image. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Eph 2:10).
By the renewing of your mind (nous). A similar phrase is found in Col 3:10, where the new man in Christ is said to be renewed in knowledge. The mind is the supreme control center of the human body. It analyzes, decides and mandates the actions that the rest of the body will take. Humanly speaking, to actually renew (anakainosis) the mind is a momentous, inconceivable task. So while this verse indicates that man does have a role in renewing the mind, only Divine power can actually effect it. The single occurrence of anakainosis elsewhere in the New Testament indicates that fact, According to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5).
Given the function and position of the mind in relation to the human body, to renew the mind is to replace the parameters and instructions set by which it analyzes, decides and mandates the actions of the body. Effectively then, the renewing of the mind begins with being born again (John 3:3), yet like the egg that changes to a larva and then to a caterpillar before finally arriving at its mature butterfly form, this renewal of the mind is a work in progress. And as the process continues, we are able to confirm even more certainly what really is that perfect will of God for us. The seed lies latent in the ground until a drop of water provokes in it a sudden spark of life. Then, with the death of the seed a new life is born; the seed sprouts and begins to grow. Taller, stronger, bigger, until it reaches full maturity. So it is with renewing the mind – feeding on the manna of God’s Word daily; praying without ceasing; thinking on things that are true, honest, just and pure. A person becomes what he thinks. Give the mind good, spiritual things!
The mind and conscience seem to be almost synonymous. Perhaps the conscience refers primarily to the rule-set of the individual while the mind includes the thoughts and attitudes in collaboration with the conscience (see Rom 2:15; Titus 1:15). Together they are the light of the body (Mat 6:22-23). The Greek language has several words that translate to mind. In verse two, the word is nous, which is also used in the following ways: a reprobate mind (Rom 1:28) the law of my mind (Rom 7:23-25); the mind of the Lord (1Cor 2:16); pray, sing, speak with the understanding (1Cor 14:14-19); the Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind (Eph 4:17); the spirit of your mind (Eph 4:23); fleshly mind (Col 2:18); corrupt mind (1Tim 6:5; 2Tim 3:8); their mind and conscience is defiled (Tit 1:15). The word phroneo (a verb) is also translated mind (Rom 8:5) and occurs in this passage at verse 3 (see also Rom 14:6; 15:5; 1Cor 4:6; 13:11; Gal 5:10; Col 3:2). Although they are truly synonyms, phroneo seems to be used in contexts describing the attitudes and mannerisms of the mind, and nous more in the working exercise of the mind.
The one who is disconformed to the World and renewed in the mind is capacitated to learn and prove (dokimazo) what is the perfect will of God. To prove means to analyze, test and confirm (2Cor 13:5; Eph 5:10; 1Thes 5:21; 1Tim 3:10); dokimazo is elsewhere translated discern (Luke 12:56), examine (1Cor 11:28), try (1Cor 3:13; 1Pet 1:7; 1John 4:1; 1Thes 2:4). Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of truth (2Tim 2:15, NASB). The renewed mind is careful to prove God’s will honestly, sincerely and entirely. Remember that the unfaithful children of Israel also proved (dokimazo) God in the wilderness and for their wickedness were rejected by Him (Heb 3:9-11). Prove Me, God told the children of Israel, obey My commands and follow My law, then see if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it (Mal 3:10).
The World’s ideology is a jumble of vain goals and Godless values. The Christian who is foolish enough to enter therein, even for the sake of conversation, will not return the same person that he once was. To walk according to the course of this world will end in certain spiritual death (Eph 2:2). God wants a people who does not fashion themselves after the values, feelings, habits, manners and styles of this evil generation, but after the lofty example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
The first two verses of this chapter have outlined the very core of man’s duty in the final salvation of his soul: personal sacrifice, total commitment to Christ, service in His Kingdom, separation from the World, transformation of the mind, doing the Father’s will. However, those actions of faith cannot develop without the proper attitude of humility, sobriety and meekness.
There is probably no greater hindrance to true spiritual growth than thinking too highly of oneself (huper-phronein), and chiefly that means to hold in excessive regard the thoughts, beliefs and ideas that your own mind has determined. The church, though one body in Christ, is made up of many different members, and God had given each one a unique set of gifts, personality and workings of the mind (v5-6). So each member must respect and value the judgments of other members – be of the same mind, in honor preferring one another (v10,16). Paul warned the carnal Corinthians that they had become puffed up for one against another (1Cor 4:6). Obviously, we dare not hold in equal value the rationalizations of the carnal and weak! The charge is to all in the church – do not over-value your own conscience, but accept that there are different beliefs and opinions even within the body (Rom 15:7, also 1Tim 6:17; Mat 5:3-5).
A truly humble person will never take personal offense! That’s because he holds nothing of himself in such regard that he might be hurt or offended by another (Gal 6:3). Remember the example of Moses (Num 12:1-8) and consider the truthful yet dispassionate answers of Christ to the slanderers that said He had a demon. Yes, we take offense when the name of Christ is disparaged, or His body is damaged, or the Word of God is scoffed, but to allow a criticism or offense to fester within is a sign of thinking too highly of onself.
To think soberly (so-phronein) is to think wisely, to rightly analyze another point of view, to use sound judgment (see usage in Acts 26:25; Titus 1:8; 2Tim 1:7). Probably the Apostle intentionally chose these rhyme words. “Do not huperphronein, but phronein with all sophronein.” The calm, sensible, Word-based evaluations of a humble man of God are of great worth.
The measure of faith. Not that God literally allots each man a particular, varying portion of faith, but that He works within each man to develop faith in varying degrees. God has designed that each person is born with the necessary array of capabilities to cultivate the Faith that pleases Him (Heb 11:6). True, saving faith is a five-faceted Jewel forged under worldy fires of experience and trial. It is not a simple spark of belief, but a complex interworking of receiving, accepting and doing the Truth (see notes for Heb 3:12; Mat 14:31). The limits of faith are due to faults and inconsistencies in the individual and not to God. Perhaps the clearest example of God cultivating personal faith is the case of the Canaanite woman who continued to beg Christ to heal her daughter even after He called her a dog (Mat 15:22-28). Her perseverance and refusal to be offended is a lesson in how to grow in faith.
These verses call for deference and humility in the body of Christ. “Don’t think yourself better than others. Don’t require others to believe and act exactly as you do. The body of Christ is made up of many members with distinct gifts and functions, with diverse priorities and ideas, and with varying degrees of faith and maturity.” While faith is listed as one of many spiritual gifts (1Cor 12:9), it is not an optional one (Heb 11:6). Rather, the Spirit develops faith in each man according to their determination and tenacity. Faith is a synergetic experience, not a unilateral blast from above. It grows in tandem with the renewing of the mind (v2).
Study the implications of the Jesus’ answer to the Apostles’ request, Lord, Increase our faith. Instead of giving them a doctrinal formula, Jesus responded by telling them the parable of a servant who worked hard all day in the field, yet was still required to serve his master’s supper that evening before he himself could sit down to eat (Luke 17:5-10).
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
The church is represented in the Scriptures by several well-known symbols – a bride, an ark, a building, a body, a city, ten virgins – which depict a particular aspect of it. Thus, the analogy of the local church to a body emphasizes its functionality in everyday life (see 1Cor 12). Many individuals yet one creature, all sharing equal interests, goals and concerns. A body is made up of members, organs and complex systems, and its viability depends upon the health and proper working of each part. Some are visible and prominent, others are scarcely even known. All are important. An athlete with just one injured muscle might decide not to compete because he knows his body is not whole. The members of a body serve many different purposes, but they must work together to be truly effective. While a body can adapt to life with missing members, its full potential cannot be realized!
The local church, as the figurative body of Christ, functions in much the same way. Each member benefits from the contributions of fellow-members as they work together for one common goal. The whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love (Eph 4:16). In the church, we are every one members one of another (v5). There is mutual care and sharing, and if a member is hurt or missing, the others will step into the gap (1Cor 12:25-26). Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (Php 2:4).
This analogy must have presented a powerful argument to the Jew/Gentile tension in the church body at Rome and elsewhere in those early years. It speaks particularly to those Christian Jews who relied on their genealogy and Abrahamic promises unto the exclusion of Gentile “dogs.” However, the Gentile Christians must remember that God will accept the Jews (though hypocrites, blasphemers and stiffnecked) who humbly ask to receive the pardon which His Son is offering. One body in Christ, one olive tree in the Lord (ch11).
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Just as faith develops to varying proportions as God works in the soul of every man, so it happens with the gifts and talents that God has given to each person (1Cor 12:4-11). Some have the false idea that spiritual gifts are divine endowments of abnormal power such that God is virtually moving and operating the individual Himself. Nothing could be farther from the biblical explanation of gifts. These verses call for every man to use his particular God-given talents to the full proportion of his faith; not slacking or neglecting but working diligently so that his usefulness in the Body grows even more. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath (Mat 13:12). He that shows himself to be faithful in little will be blessed with more. Spiritual gifts are not static, supernatural powerbursts, but natural, God-given talents and abilities that we can control, increase and strengthen with God’s help (1Cor 14:32).
God is looking for willing, industrious men of faith. Are you able to teach? Then teach! Are you able to minister? Then do it! Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might (Ecl 9:10). Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1Cor 10:31). Prophesy according to the full potential that your level of faith with allow; minister with the best of your abilities, exhort in all truth and wisdom. And in so doing, you will grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior (2Pet 3:18). On the meaning of prophecy in the church, see my note for 1Cor 14:1.
The members of the body do not use their diverse gifts and abilities for personal benefit, nor to draw attention to themselves, but for the mutual edification of the body in general (Eph 4:12). Remember the man who hid his talent in the ground instead of putting it to good use. And don’t be so conceited to think that God needs you to minister in His church. He wants you to serve in His Kingdom, yes; but according to His methods and attitudes. The Apostle warned Timothy to withdraw himself from vain and conceited teachers (1Tim 6:3-5).
Heavenly rewards are not based on how much we achieved in this life, but on how faithfully we have worked with the graces that God has given us.
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
This verse was poorly divided. Both grammatically and thematically, the first clause belongs with the previous two verses. To exhort (parakaleo) is to comfort, beseech, encourage, counsel, entreat. While it is a commonly-used Greek word in the New Testament, its ancient meaning does not conform well to the contemporary definition (ie, see usage in v1). Are you able to comfort, encourage, beseech, counsel? Then do not neglect the full exercise of that important ministry in the church.
“Give with simplicity.” The Greek word haplotes means “sincerely, generously, in singleness of heart, without ulterior motives” (see 2Cor 1:12; 9:13; Col 3:22). By their alms-giving, the Pharisees hoped to gain men’s admiration (Mat 6:2), but the people of God give willingly and gladly (2Cor 9:7), knowing that the Father sees even the most secret thing (Mat 6:4). Not all giving is monetary. Gifts of time are often more valuable than gifts of money and possessions. Freely ye have received, freely give (Mat 10:8).
“Rule with diligence (spoude).” Meaning, an earnest, pro-active leadership as opposed to performing a duty out of necessity (see 1Cor 9:16-17). The word is repeated in v11, Not slothful in business (spoude). See 2Pet 1:5. Virtually every person must take a leadership position at some level and area of life. Fathers, mothers, deacons, teachers, workers and children – take your responsibilities to heart, help others flourish in the Way of Truth.
“Show mercy with cheerfulness.” The natural impulse is to begrudge the offender his mercy. “Well, the Bible says I have to forgive, so…[mumbling] I forgive him/her.” The wisdom that comes from above overflows with mercy, without partiality nor hypocrisy (James 3:17). Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Mat 5:7).
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
In one of the most powerful expositions ever written, the apostle Paul in 1Cor 13 taught the more excellent way (1Cor 12:31) is a life of loving others (agape) in word and deed. Genuine, unfeigned love is a voluntary, self-less act of goodwill to benefit another; a love that operates without hypocrisy, without thought to selfish gain or personal loss, and not conditioned upon being loved in return.
“Refuse to approve Evil things, but stand unflinching firm in support of all things Good.” This is an important rule in church environments and in the world’s associations. It is more than an attitude, it’s a strategy of living. Unfortunately, sinful practices sometimes weasel their way into churches and full cleansing/restoration is urgently necessary. Let us never make excuses for evil, but cling to truth and goodness always.
Christians must not sit calm and silent when Government and Society commit wickedness and condone injustices, but speak and live the truth of God’s Word, even if it means suffering the fate of John the Baptist when he condemned King Herod for unlawfully marrying his niece. However, be careful to temper the Apostle’s words here with Jesus’ command to resist not evil (Mat 5:39). The churches of Christ do not physically fight wickedness, but are called to shine forth as lights in a wicked, dark world. In the pivotal dissertation of chapter 13, Paul demonstrates that Christians are to live peaceably in the societies and governments within which they happen to dwell, not as national citizens, but as ambassadors living in a foreign country.
The wise path between speaking out against sin and error while correctly living subject to the higher powers of earthly rulers (Rom 13:1-7) is not an easy, clear one. See my notes in the following chapter. The example that the Apostles left us with their lives is compelling. They were not careful to answer contrary to earthly kings and religious leaders, and they paid a price in life-blood. How shall they hear without a preacher? (Rom 10:14). To say nothing is to be associated with them; to refrain the tongue is to follow the spirit of fear (2Tim 1:7). Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness (Is 5:20). God commissioned Jeremiah to preach unto the children of Israel and encouraged him: Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee (Jer 1:8).
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
The Apostle’s model church member is noted for unfeigned agape love for all (v9) and affectionate philadelphia love for the brethren. These Greek synonyms carry distinct connotations. The former is an undeserved love based in the will; it chooses to love without regard to consequences. The latter is a close love of genuine kinship and mutual affection; it is born naturally and comes easily. Both forms of love operate within the church body! Some people you find easy to love and others require some effort.
The fact that Christ and the Apostles wrote so often about brotherly love demonstrates just how important it is to God (John 13:35; Rom 13:8; 1Thes 3:12; 1Pet 1:22; 1John 4:21, etc). Nevertheless, many church bodies struggle with living out this principle, and how greatly it damages their testimony! Exhortations for brethren to live in love and concern for one another simply over-flow from the Epistles. Yet one of the biggest problems in the churches of Christ is bickering, contentions, jealousy, finger-pointing, gossip, envy and criticisms within its members. Young people are especially sensitive to these terrible offenses and are quickly disillusioned and embittered with the church that allows these practices to flourish. I believe it to be the number one cause for children to leave the conservative church of their parents.
Accompanying the forms of Love is that all-important attitude of humility and lowliness of mind (Php 2:3) which graciously puts others first in all things. This person demonstrates the very opposite of those callus sins we just mentioned. He doesn’t care about honor and fame, nor is he desirous of vain glory (Gal 5:26). Instead, his primary, conscious intention is to sacrifice his own dreams in order to help others unto love and to good works (Heb 10:24).
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
The genuine church member is not a lazy individual, but zealous in serving the Lord and fervent in spirit. His mannerism is convincingly authentic, his life a compelling testimony of the Truth of the Gospel. He is ready to serve the Lord wherever and whenever – in the brotherhood and before unbelievers, in season and out of season (2Tim 4:2).
Rejoicing in hope. He is happy and optimistic, his mind is not mired in earthly worries and afflictions but fixedly set on future glory (Rom 15:13). These are wonderful people to be around! Their positive attitudes give new strength to shaking hands and their infectious spirits produce firmness once again to feeble knees (Heb 12:10-14).
Patient in tribulation. How crucially important is this little phrase! Many receive the Word joyfully, but when tribulation comes they cannot endure (Mat 13:20-21). One of the last encouragements of the Apostle Paul was to Timothy, his son in the faith: Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2Tim 2:3). It is essential to run the race with patience (Heb 12:1; James 5:7), knowing that patience brings maturity (James 1:3-5). Perseverance is one of the jewels in the crown of faith. See my note for Rom 5:3.
Instant in prayer. Prayer is the most important human activity there is, nothing excepted! By humble, penitent prayer we are born again and by prayer we daily commune with our Savior. Prayer is an astonishing tool of power that changes me, you, and the world. Christ’s example of prayer and the Apostles’ own actions and words prove that (Eph 6:18; Col 4:2).
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
The body of Christ, the churches of His Kingdom, prosper when their members express these characteristics in life. They are alert to notice when a member is in need, whether it be a physical deficit or a spiritual distress. And then they are quick and willing to share from their own accounts (James 2:16). Giving time and money to the needs of others and the work of the church – such are the genuine lively stones that are building up a spiritual house (1Pet 2:5).
Given to hospitality. This is a gift that comes naturally to some but which others must gain by practice. The importance of this attitude and conduct should never be minimized! Work to show hospitality, whether opening your house to family fellowship or simply making the effort to engage others in wholesome, genuinely interested conversation. A friendly, warm, welcoming attitude is a powerful weapon for good! Some have even entertained strangers unawares (Heb 13:2). Philip Mauro, one of my favorite authors, became a Christian later in life when a friendly church doorkeeper invited him into an evangelistic meeting he happened to be walking by. He testified that he owed his salvation to that one man’s encouraging smile at just the right moment in his life (see Pro 25:11).
Bless them which persecute you, quoting Jesus’ sermon on the Mount. Pray for them, do them good. Being kind to others even in the face of mistreatment is another powerful witness for Christ, yet how to difficult to choose this action so contrary to human tendency. See notes on Mat 5:44; 1Cor 4:12; James 3:9-10.
Rejoice and weep. Solomon said there is a time to weep, and a time to laugh (Ecl 3:4), implying that one shouldn’t get them mixed up (see Pro 25:20). In a healthy church body, members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it (1Cor 12:25-26). In other words, show sincere, brotherly love in action. Empathize with all, identify with their lives, feel their emotions (see 1Pet 3:8).
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. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Earlier the Apostle warned us to not think of ourselves too highly (Rom 12:3) and to prefer others first (Rom 12:10). He continues: “Treat everyone with the same deference and respect, associating with all the brethren equally. Be sure to not show preference to the powerful man and avoid the man of low estate” (see also James 2:1).
Be not wise in your own conceits. “Do not overvalue the thinking and conclusions of your own mind.” See Prov 3:7; Is 5:21; 1Cor 3:18.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Probably the reason this principle is repeated so often in the New Testament is because it is not an easy one to fulfill. Resist not evil (Mat 5:39); See that none render evil for evil unto any man (1Thes 5:15); Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21); Not rendering evil for evil (1Pet 3:9); Avenge not yourselves (Rom 12:19); Take wrong…suffer yourselves to be defauded (1Cor 6:7). The Agape man is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil (1Cor 13:5).
Providing for honest things (2Cor 8:21). The word provide seems especially pointed to the way Christians choose to work in order to make a living (see 1Tim 5:8). The Christian’s business manners should be honest and fair (1Pet 2:12), dealt out in good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over (Luke 6:38).
In these verses, the Apostle has set a tremendous standard of living for the churches of Christ, yet how greatly have most failed to achieve that model! Someday, the great universal Church will congregate in shining perfection in Heaven and those earthly days of practice will become the criteria of testing. God is now forming a beautiful, spotless bride for His Son. Who will be chosen?
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Since He is a God of love and peace (2Cor 13:11), so should His children be also. Follow peace with all men (Heb 12:14; Rom 14:19; James 3:18). Blessed are the peacemakers (Mat 5:9). A contentious, abrasive Christian does not suitably represent his Lord, but pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones (Pro 12:18; 16:24). In effect, the Christian model of these chapters, and especially of the next dozen verses, could be called, “The Way of Peace.”
Nevertheless, mark the note of precaution: If it be possible…live peaceably. We must stand against error and wickedness even if it results in conflict and personal insults. Defending the Truth cannot be sacrificed at the altar of Peace. Jesus warned His followers, Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword (Mat 10:34). At verse 9, we commented on the important balance between abhoring evil but not resisting evil. The same principle is at work in living peaceably with all men. We cannot abhor evil and at the same time silently, peaceably watch it happen. Sometimes to follow peace would cripple the Kingdom of Christ instead of building it, and that would contradict the very purpose for living peaceably.
The example of the Apostle Paul agrees. Although a peaceful man of God, he withstood Peter to the face because he was to be blamed (Gal 2:11), and he publicly reprimanded the church in Corinth for not throwing out the sinner in their midst (1Cor 5:13). He also refused to peaceably dismiss the Roman authorities who had acted irresponsibly (Acts 16:37) and was often accused of being a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition (Acts 24:5). It is critical that we seek the wisest path as described by many good Bible principles acting together.
The effective witness of God’s people is like a householder offering good food correctly seasoned with salt (Col 4:6), not too much and not too little (Mat 5:13). It follows both the way of Peace and the way of Truth.
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. 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. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Surprisingly, the New Covenant principle of returning good for evil has a firm basis in the Old Testament (see Prov 25:21-22). While the Covenant of Law did stress the lex talionis which meted justice strictly (eye for eye and tooth for tooth), the incredible power of being kind to your enemy and defeating him with good can be seen in David’s treatment of Saul, and also in Elisha’s actions with the Syrian army (see Ex 23:4-5; 2Kings 6:18-23; 1Sam 26). God said through Moses, Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord (Lev 19:18). To Me belongeth vengeance and recompence (Deut 32:35).
Because of the dramatic changes in God’s Covenant effected by Christ’s death and resurrection, the age-unbounded principle of overcoming evil with good has been given new application among the people of God (see my note for Mat 5:1). The present Kingdom of Christ, unlike the ancient Israelite Kingdom, has no authorization to conduct legislative and judiciary affairs of civil government. Nor should her saints be involved in such matters or positions, for the conflict of interest (or unequal yoking) is simply too sharp (2Tim 2:1-4). This I saw in full clarity during the Covid-scare months of 2020-21, when church-going men that were employed by the government were forced to choose between following the rules of their earthly superiors or the Way of Truth. Many failed that simple test, having been overcome by the darkness within which they had been working (2Cor 6:14).
Give place unto wrath. Some translate, “Give opportunity for God’s wrath to act.” The punishment of evildoers is certainly no responsibility of the church, nor of her members. For centuries however, the Catholic and Protestant churches coupled with the civil arms of the State in torturing and killing many thousands of people. The churches of Christ will, at times, need to make important determinations of culpability, but they have not been charged with meting out punishments. On the other hand, the governments of the world exist under the authority structures that God has ordained, and they are expected to protect the innocent and punish evildoers (Rom 13:4; 1Pet 2:14). See my notes in the next chapter.
Overcome evil with good. This commandment of warning is as much for the Christian as for the churches of Christ. There is no neutral ground – overcome evil, or be overcome by evil. While we must physically inhabit an evil world, we dare not participate in their iniquities and errors. The temptations and pressures to compromise with the World is an ever-present, severe test which Jesus vocalized to the Father on the night of His betrayal, They are not of the world…keep them from the evil (John 17:15-16). The darkness cannot stand before the light, but must flee away (Mat 4:16; Acts 26:18). Let your light so shine before men (Mat 5:16).