Grace Bible Church

4000 E. Collins Rd. P.O. Box #3762 Gillette, WY 82717 (307) 686-1516

“Preaching the Living Word through the Written Word (2Tim 4:2)”

SACRIFICIAL LIVING AMONG UNBELIEVERS

(Romans 12:17-21) 10/19/08

Grace Bible Church, Gillette, Wyoming

Pastor Daryl Hilbert

I. SACRIFICAL LIVING MEANS NOT REPAYING EVIL (17)

A. Having given a series of practical applications among believers (Ro 12:9-16), Paul now gives instructions on how the believer is to conduct himself around unbelievers.

B. However, these responses go against man’s natural inclinations. The natural man has no desire to apply these principles nor can he understand them (1Co 2:12-14). God’s ways are higher than man’s way’s (Is 55:8-9) and nothing brings that truth out more than the biblical response to unbelievers in the world.

C. Paul’s admonition is to never (mêdení – negative of a numeral; not once) give back evil for evil. Paying back evil for evil is to return an offense with an equal or greater offense. The term “pay back” (apodídōmi – give back) is a word that can be used for obligation, taxes, or recompense. The world sees evil as an obligation to be paid back to someone who deserves it. However, this is not the Christian ideal. The believer is to treat others, including the world, in the same manner God has shown His grace to him (Ep 4:32).

D. The believer is also to perceive and act upon what is good in the sight of all men (Ga 6:10). This does not mean that a believer is to look to the world for his ethics. A believer is to act in a good way no matter what evil comes against him from the world. Even sinful man understands core values because he was born with God-consciousness and a moral-consciousness. (Ro 2:16). However, sinful men can sear their consciences (1Ti 4:2) and unfortunately Christians can behave worse than pagans do (cp. 1Co 5:1). The believer’s testimony is based on his response of moral goodness.

II. SACRIFICAL LIVING MEANS LIVING PEACEABLY WITH ALL MEN (18)

A. Paul recognized the simple truth that not everyone in the world wants to get along with everyone else. But the Christian must make every attempt that is humanly possible to get along with everyone.

B. Paul qualifies his instruction by saying “if possible” or “if you are able” and “so far as it depends on you (.lit. “at least out of your part”). The believer may not get along with everyone, but it should not be a result of his negligence.

C. Living peaceably may not characterize everyone, but it should characterize the believer in all of his relationships (Col 3:15).

III. SACRIFICAL LIVING MEANS NOT BEING VENGEFUL (19)

A. The believer is not to avenge himself. To avenge (ekdikéō – cary out personal justice, revenge) means to taking justice into your own hands and not necessarily through just means.

B. The Christian must realize that he is not the judge (Ja 4:12) and must not judge because we are all guilty before God (cp. Ro 2:1-3).

C. Paul says the believer is to make room for the wrath of God. Since God is judge, He will bring about the right justice at the right time. If a believer interferes, God may remove his wrath. However, sometimes God proves repentance through His kindness (Ro 2:4).

D. As judge, God says that vengeance (“carrying out justice) belongs to Him. God will repay. Do not think that individuals get away with evil. God will render to each person according to his deeds (Ro 2:6).

IV. SACRIFICAL LIVING MEANS MEETING YOUR ENEMIES’ NEEDS (20)

A. Paul quotes a principle from Proverbs 25:21-22. The principle is not only to bring no harm to your enemy, but to actually meet your enemy’s needs.

B. The illustration is that of hunger. The word for hunger (peináō – lit. hungry, fig. strong desire) is used to describe Jesus after forty days of fasting (Mt 4:2). In Biblical times where poverty was prevalent, it no doubt was a literal application. Thirst was also a literal application in Biblical times, but the idea still stands that the believer is to meet the needs of his enemies and pray that he would come to Christ (Mt 5:44).

C. The result will be to bring burning coals upon the head of your enemy. This refers to the conscience of your enemy. His conscience will burn by his the obvious ill-treatment of one who does not deserve it.

V. SACRIFICAL LIVING MEANS OVERCOMING EVIL WITH GOOD (21)

A. Paul uses an imperative to instruct the believer not to allow himself to be overcome by evil. One is overcome (nikáō – conquer, win, be victorious) by evil when he “gives up” in the battle against evil or “gives in” and retaliates.

B. Paul contrasts that idea with another imperative. The imperative is to (lit.) “keep on overcoming evil with good.”

C. Showing God’s goodness to those who do not deserve it is the basis of grace. Believers are not only to receive God’s grace for themselves, but they are to be an example of it to unbelievers (Col 4:5).