SF518 - WANTED GODLY MEN (Romans 12 9-13)
SF518
WANTED GODLY MEN
Romans 12:9-13
INTRODUCTION
We are suffering in America from a great vacuum in leadership.
We have very few great leaders in our government... in education... in business... in the church.
Because we have very few godly men.
Our children and families suffer every day because of men who have refused or relinquished their God given role as leaders, spiritually, socially and morally.
We have two perverted concepts of what it means to be a real man...
The macho - rambo type
The wimpy - Melba toast, hen - pecked type
The Bible paints and entirely different picture.
God abhors a bully and cannot stomach a luke warm person. What God desires is a man who reflects His image at home, at work and at church.
Paul sets before us the supernatural characteristics of such a man in our text...
1A. A GODLY CHARACTER (9)
1B. Self - Denial (9a)
Perfect love
“Love” = agape, centers on the needs and welfare of the one loved and will pay whatever personal price is necessary to meet those needs
Pure love
“Must be sincere” = without hypocrisy. Must not be contrived our put on.
(1 John 3:14) We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.
2B. Self - Discipline (9b)
To resist sin
“Hate what is evil” = evil is the opposite of love.
(Psalms 1:1) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.
(1 Timothy 6:11) But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
By retain good
“Cling to what is good” = cling- to bind, glue, good - inherently right and worthy.
(Philippians 4:8) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable‑‑if anything is excellent or praiseworthy‑‑think about such things.
2A. GODLY CONDUCT (10-11)
1B. In Relation to the Saints (10)
To dwell above, with saints in love,
That will indeed be glory;
To dwell below with saints we know,
Well, that’s a different story!
Loving devotion (10a)
This carries the idea of a warm, family love.
(John 13:35) By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Humble evaluation (10b)
(Philippians 2:3) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
“Honor” = to show genuine appreciation and admiration.
2B. In Relation to our Service (11)
By our actions (11a)
“Zeal” = not lazy in zeal and intensity.
(Ephesians 5:15‑16) Be very careful, then, how you live‑‑not as unwise but as wise, {16} making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
By our attitude (11b)
“Spiritual fervor” = zeo - to boil
“Serving...” = douleuo, bond-slave
3A. GODLY CONVICTIONS (12)
1B. Seen in our Praise (12a)
“Hope” = a future certainty, this is the very essence of faith!
(2 Timothy 4:8) Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day‑‑and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
2B. Seen in our Patience (12b)
(Romans 8:18) I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
3B. Seen in our Prayers (12c)
“Faithful” = steadfast, unwavering
(1 Thessalonians 5:17) pray continually;
4A. GODLY CONCERN (13)
1B. By our Generosity (13a)
“Share with...” carries the idea of fellowshipping in, or sharing in the needs of others.
We are to share in the pain and difficulty that others have.
2B. By our Hospitality (13b)
(1 Peter 4:9) Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
This involves opening our homes as well as our hearts.
APPLICATION
Men do you have a godly...
Character
Conduct
Convictions
Concerns?
Ladies how about you...
Without these traits you will never please God with your life.