2024 0204 Romans 12 Honour One Another

Romans 12:9-10

Romans 12:9–10 NIV

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Romans 12

verses 1-2

true and proper worship

not conforming to the world

renew your mind to that of God’s will

Spiritual Gifts

list of different gifts

prophesy - serving - teaching - encouraging

the order is deliberate as in all the lists in the Bible

gifts are given by Jesus Christ

gifts are empowered by the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:31 NIV

Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

yet there is a most excellent way

there is a greater imperative than giftings

it is the way of love

Agape

1 John 4:8 NIV

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

God is love = agape

Jesus and the Father are 1

the ultimate act of love is of Christ’s

Romans 5:8 NIV

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God’s love is sacrificial in every aspect

expresses itself in serving others first and foremost

agape love is the foundation stone for all of man’s dealings

it is the true basis of all human love

Brotherly Love - philadelphia

be devoted to one another in love

this love is perfected out of agape love

1 Thessalonians 4:9

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.

our love for each other comes from God teaching us how to love

this brotherly love comes from knowing God’s love

we must be devoted based on godly perspectives

our actions must be conformed to those of Jesus

always said that this takes time and determination, sometimes perspiration

1 Peter 1:22

obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.

Peter declares the same process

we have to obey the truth

then God’s love is made complete

1 John 2:5 NIV

But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him:

this expression of agape love cannot be faked

seen in brotherly love, appears as devoted love

sincere, real, genuine, forgiving love

Devoted Love

devoted is the word philastorgi

its sense is very affectionate, loving dearly

storgos refers to family love

here is our pattern for practical christianity

The Pattern

love your God with agape love

love one another with honour

be devoted in your love

love must flow out from self to others

you have been love by Jesus

this is the key to a prosperous fulfilled life