Untitled Sermon

Romans 12:10

Passion (Romans 12:10)

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). The subject is still love but from a different standpoint. Two aspects of love are addressed here.

• Affection for the saints. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.” Believers are to love each other in a family way. Loving the saved is proof of salvation. “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren” (I John 3:14). Loving the brethren also tells the world that we are Jesus’ follower. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).

• Admiration for the saints. “In honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). This does not mean prejudicial preference but means to give due honor to the honorable among the saints. Loving the brethren properly will respect rank not ignore rank. The pastor, evangelist, missionary, and church officials will be given preferential respect and honor if love is proper. Too often we think love levels everybody so that we can call the pastor or church official or senior saint by their first name and think we are on equal terms with them in the function of the church. True love does not foster such disrespect.1

Treasures from Romans III. Have Affection for Others (12:10)

HAVE AFFECTION FOR OTHERS 12:10

The words “kindly affectioned” indicate a family love for one another. Christians are members of one family. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to love because we are brethren.

* 1 Thessalonians 4:9—But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

* 1 Peter 1:22—Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

We are to have a love for all brethren, regardless of their status of being either rich or poor, young or old, black or white. In honor, we are to be preferring one another. “In honor” means “in reverence, deference, or respect.” The word “preferring” means “to go before and lead.” Leaders are to lead with reverence and respect those people they lead. We are not to bash them, belittle them or baby them. The idea is that we are to be unselfish and considerate toward them.

* Philippians 2:3—Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves

Earl C. Wilier tells a story which amply illustrates the truth “in honor preferring one another.” It is a story of two men who grew up as best friends:

Though Jim was just a little older than Phillip and often assumed the role of leader, they did everything together. They even went to high school and college together. After college they decided to join the Marines. By a unique series of circumstances they were sent to Germany together where they fought side by side in one of history’s ugliest wars.

One sweltering day during a fierce battle, amid heavy gunfire, bombing, and close-quarters combat, they were given the command to retreat. As the men were running back, Jim noticed that Phillip had not returned with the others. Panic gripped his heart. Jim knew if Phillip was not back in another minute or two, then he wouldn’t make it. Jim begged his commanding officer to let him go after his friend, but the officer forbade the request, saying it would be suicide. Risking his own life, Jim disobeyed and went after Phillip. His heart pounding, he ran into the gunfire, calling out for Phillip.

A short time later, his platoon saw him hobbling across the field carrying a limp body in his arms. Jim’s commanding officer upbraided him, shouting that it was a foolish waste of time and an outrageous risk. “Your friend is dead,” he added, “and there was nothing you could do.” “No sir, you’re wrong,” Jim replied. “I got there just in time. Before he died, his last words were ‘I knew you would come.’ ” Can people depend upon us if we are needed or are you selfish or unconcerned about others? If so, you need an attitude adjustment.