August 19 – Loving and Just Behavior
August 16, 2018
Sunday School Lesson
August 19
Loving and Just Behavior
Devotional Reading: Matthew 5:38-48
Background Scripture: Romans 12:9-21
Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
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.
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.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
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.
Key Verse
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.—Romans 12:9
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
- Give three examples (drawn from the teaching in today’s text) of overcoming evil with good.
- Explain why God reserves vengeance for himself.
- Correct a behavior in light of the loving and just standards stressed by Paul.
Introduction
- The Wrong Seems Strong
It is easy to despair over the prevalence of evil. One result of expanded media coverage is that we seem to get extensive coverage of an endless parade of tragedies from all over the world. The stories range from cruelty to kittens to beheadings of Christians. Media outlets never seem to tire of presenting the latest in human depravity, so much so that we can become numb to its significance.
While we might imagine we have entered a new age of tragedy, the truth is that we have been in it for a long time. Maltbie Babcock, a nineteenth-century minister, knew this all too well. He and his wife, Katherine, had two sons, but both died as infants. Babcock found solace in taking long walks in nature and in writing poetry. These two came together in a public way when one of his poems was published and set to music after his death. The combination became the beloved hymn “This Is My Father’s World.” Often recognized for its appreciation of God’s creation, the lyrics also draw an important conclusion in stating “that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.”
We only escape the results of sin and evil when we get to Heaven. Even so, the apostle Paul, like Babcock, encourages us not to sink into despair. Evil will not prevail in the end. In our lesson this week, we see Paul address the problem of evil in a direct and practical manner.
- Lesson Background
The ancient Greek philosophers pondered questions of morality in their writings. In their discussions, they considered categories of virtue and vice. The authors of the Bible provided their own teachings on these subjects. The Greek word for virtue occurs five times in the New Testament: Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:3, 5 (twice). The translation is “virtue” in four out of five instances; the sole exception is 1 Peter 2:9, which translates “praises.”
The philosopher Plato, writing 400 years before the New Testament authors, believed in four cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, temperance, and courage. These four were still held in esteem in the city of Rome in the century before Paul wrote Romans. This is clear from the writings of the Roman statesman Cicero (106-43 BC). We also find them in Wisdom of Solomon 8:7, a Jewish writing of the period: “If a man love righteousness her labours are virtues: for she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude.”
For Paul, virtue was more than just a philosophical matter. Today’s lesson looks at a passage in Romans in which the apostle becomes intensely practical. Romans 12 begins with Paul calling followers of Jesus to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (12:2). Transformed to what? What does a transformed life look like?
The first 11 chapters of Romans are filled with wonderful but heavy doctrinal instruction. With chapter 12, Paul turns his attention squarely to the practical side of living the Christian life. The teachings in chapter 12, especially in the portion found in our printed text, are almost like proverbs: brief, self-contained statements. Many are similar to Jesus’ teachings as found in the Sermon on the Mount.
- Relating with Fellow Believers
(Romans 12:9-13)
- Loving Behavior (vv. 9, 10)
9a. Let love be without dissimulation.
Paul begins this section primarily discussing behaviors between Christians within the fellowship of the church. Paul’s first virtuous teaching serves to define loving behavior among Christians. The original word translated without dissimulation is rendered elsewhere as “unfeigned” (sincere), and that is the sense here (2 Corinthians 6:6; 1 Timothy 1:5). This includes both speech and actions. We should not say we love when we don’t. We should not act like we love when we don’t. The solution, however, is not to quit talking about love or merely acting as if one loves. It is to love truly, to overcome barriers of resentment or distrust and love from the heart.
How to Say It
ApollosUh-pahl-us.
CiceroSi-suh-row.
CorinthiansKo-rin-thee-unz (th as in thin).
DeuteronomyDue-ter-ahn-uh-me.
What Do You Think?
How do you know when your love is genuine?
Points for Your Discussion
Toward fellow Christians
Toward unbelievers
9b. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Lest we think the previous line means that we ignore virtue or vice in others, Paul’s second virtuous teaching presents two actions regarding our interpersonal approach. This pair of commands does not focus on individuals themselves but on things they may do. It is the basis for the oft-quoted advice that we must “love the sinner but hate the sin” (although we realize that God sometimes hates both; see Proverbs 3:32; 11:20; 12:22; 16:5). Our love for others does not mean we encourage their sinful behaviors.
- Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.
Paul’s third set of virtuous teaching employs the Greek word that William Penn used in naming the first capital city of his Pennsylvania colony: Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. We are to care for our Christian brothers and sisters with great affection. We are friends with our fellow Christians, but friends who are willing to make sacrifices for each other (as a parent would do for a son or daughter). We are to love each other deeply with the type of love a brother or sister would have for a sibling.
This is demonstrated when we quash our natural selfishness and elevate the needs of others over our own, preferring one another. Many Bible students are aware of the dozens of “one another” passages in the New Testament. Paul writes just over half of these. Imagine a community where every person is more concerned about the needs of others than his or her own! When we put others first, we honor them.
Does Your Faith Show?
When election campaigns heat up, pay attention to how candidates talk to and about their opponents. If the typical pattern occurs, candidates appearing together will shake hands and exchange smiles. But then they will launch into vicious attacks on the other’s positions—and sometimes their persons!
U.S. presidential campaigns serve as examples. When two candidates are together in social settings, they appear fairly civil toward one another. However, their debates are characterized by scathing attacks on each other’s integrity more than by a serious discussion of the issues that face the nation at the time.
People may disagree over whether the behavior of political candidates merely reflect the divided (and divisive) temperament of the nation or, on the other hand, fuel it. There is probably truth on both sides of that argument.
Regardless, the question for us as Christians is whether our own attitudes and behavior are any better than those of the world at large. Are we hypocritical? Do we hate what is evil and hold fast to what is good? Are we patient with those who disagree with us? Whatever the situation, whether in personal interactions with Christians or unbelievers, or in those tense moments that sometimes occur in the fellowship of the church, do we exhibit a godly spirit?
—C. R. B.
- Just Behavior (vv. 11-13)
11a. Not slothful in business.
In quick order, Paul offers eight brief descriptions of the life of virtue. All eight consist of an “in ______” category (although the word in is not explicitly used in every case), along with a command related to this category. Slothful has the sense of carelessness, even sloppiness. The Greek word behind the translation business is also translated “diligence” elsewhere, and that is the sense here (as in Romans 12:8 and 2 Corinthians 8:7). Rather than speaking of his readers’ business activities, Paul is directing their attention to those qualities that are important in their relationships within the church. Christians should not treat their responsibilities to others with carelessness or neglect.
11b. Fervent in spirit.
This refers to a self-motivated excitement about living the kind of spiritual life that relentlessly seeks God. Acts 18:25 uses a similar phrase of Apollos.
What Do You Think?
How do you keep your spiritual passion high?
Points for Your Discussion
When discouragement starts to set in
When complacency starts to set in
When a Christian support system is absent
Other
11c. Serving the Lord.
When our desire to serve others grows weak, we should remember that we serve our Lord when we meet the needs of others (Matthew 25:40).
12a. Rejoicing in hope.
The gospel offers hope in ways no other religion does. The church should be a place of joy and hope, even in the midst of tragic circumstances. We need never doubt God’s love for us or that He is in control of our lives.
12b. Patient in tribulation.
Christians are not promised that their lives will be without trouble and free of worry—quite the opposite! (See Matthew 10:22; John 15:18; etc.) There are times when our faith must carry us through, when we must wait on the Lord (Isaiah 40:30, 31; Micah 7:7). Ignoring problems does not make them go away, but sometimes patient, hopeful endurance that is supported by others is the only answer we have.
12c. Continuing instant in prayer.
The Greek behind this unusual phrase is almost identical to that in Colossians 4:2a, and the translation “continue in prayer” there is the sense here (compare Acts 1:14). To have patience in the midst of trouble does not mean we are inactive. We bring our needs, both spiritual and physical, before the throne of God in our prayers.
Remember that Paul is writing in the context of the church as a whole. While we should have times of private prayer, a healthy and committed church will have members praying for each other in an informed way. Sometimes just knowing that others are praying for you brings comfort.
13a. Distributing to the necessity of saints.
The idea here is that of mutual sharing based on need (see 2 Corinthians 8:14, last week’s lesson). It describes tangible actions such as taking care of needs for food, clothing, or shelter.
This is part of the joyful fellowship of the church. We are encouraged in knowing that others in the fellowship care about us. They wait on the Lord with us. They pray for us. And they step up when we need help in managing the day-to-day pressures of living, such as providing for our families (compare Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; 6:1-6).
13b. Given to hospitality.
This means much more than being willing to have friends over to watch the big game. It means opening our homes to those going through trying circumstances, who need a place to stay or a meal (compare 1 Peter 4:9; 3 John 6-8). Even church members may at times need temporary housing.
All of these admonitions follow the idea of the more fortunate helping the less fortunate. Since the biblical idea of justice includes relief of the plight of the poor, the church is acting justly when it behaves this way (Micah 6:8). While Paul is primarily focused on relationships within the church in this section, he does nothing to forbid or discourage acts of compassion outside the body of Christ. The relationships outside the church are the focus of the next section.
What Do You Think?
In what ways can you be a role model in extending hospitality?
Points for Your Discussion
In light of scriptural directives (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9; 3 John 6-8)
In light of current possibilities and challenges
- Independent Exhortations
(Romans 12:14-16)
- Empathetic Behavior (vv. 14, 15)
- Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Historical evidence tells us that the church in Rome is suffering persecution at this point, but not from the Roman government. That affliction will begin about 10 years after Paul writes this letter. The persecutors at this time come from the non-Christian Jewish community. They target Jews who have left the synagogue for the church and who believe that Jesus is indeed the Messiah. Such persecution likely presents itself in social and economic ostracism: those Jews who choose to follow Jesus find themselves shunned.
When troubled by another person, our first impulse might be simply to endure, to weather the storm. Another reaction might be to return aggression with aggression, cursing the other and striking back. Paul disallows both responses. When attacked unjustly, he calls his readers to bless their persecutors. We don’t fight fire with fire. We respond with love and grace, in a manner consistent with Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 5:43, 44).
What Do You Think?
In practical terms, what could it look like to bless someone who is consistently aggressive toward you?
Points for Your Discussion
When it’s a coworker
When it’s a neighbor
When it’s a family member
Other
- Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Paul shifts the focus back to connections between Christians in speaking about the nature of Christians’ interdependence. Shared joy seems to multiply; shared sorrow seems to lighten the burden (compare 1 Corinthians 12:26).
- Humble Behavior (v. 16)
16a. Be of the same mind one toward another.
This is another of Paul’s “one another” passages; there are about 30 of them across all his letters. This particular one is fronted by one of the apostle’s hot-button issues: being unified in thought. The challenge to be of the same mind reverberates across his letters (see Romans 15:5; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 2:2, 5; 4:2; compare Ephesians 4:13; 1 Timothy 6:3-5). Being able to “rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (just considered) is prerequisite to being of the same mind.
But we caution that the need for unity in thought should not be interpreted to mean that church members are to be absolutely uniform in their thinking. There is room in the church for differing opinions on certain issues (examples: Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8). The call is to have a shared attitude that springs from a transformed mind (Romans 12:2).
16b. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.
The enemy of unity is pride (Philippians 2:2-4). Thinking of oneself too highly will hinder, if not prevent altogether, relationships with those of low estate (compare Romans 12:3).
16c. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Those guilty in this area become blind to the possibility that their viewpoint may be wrong (see Romans 11:25). No one wants to be around an arrogant person. Proverbs 3:7 connects a lack of conceit with fear of the Lord.
III. Relating with Unbelievers
(Romans 12:17-21)
- Peaceful Behavior (vv. 17, 18)
17a. Recompense to no man evil for evil.
We do not take justice into our own hands when we are wronged, because it is not our prerogative to do so (Proverbs 20:22; 24:29). We are to respond to unjust treatment with kindness—a consistent teaching of the New Testament (Luke 6:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9). Paul has more to say on this subject two verses below.
17b. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
The opposite of evil is things honest. Our standard is always to act with unmistakable integrity and compassion (see also 2 Corinthians 8:21). This is an important witness to the unbelieving world.
- If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Here’s how we can measure our progress in achieving the high standards at issue: the measure is the degree to which we are able to live peaceably with all men. Are you a troublemaker or a peacemaker? Do your actions provoke tense situations or calm them? Are you the person whom no one wants to cross because of your reputation for meanness, or are you one whom others trust and admire? We cannot control the behavior of others, but we can influence them by our lives of kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love (compare 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:13).
What Do You Think?
What techniques have you used to attempt to de-escalate a conflict with unbelievers?
Points for Your Discussion
Techniques that have worked
Techniques that had no effect
Techniques that backfired, making things worse
- Compassionate Behavior (vv. 19-21)
- Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
The taking of personal revenge is forbidden because of the nature of God himself. Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:35 to assure his readers that injustice will not go unpunished (this verse is also quoted in Hebrews 10:30). There is a time and place for God’s wrath. There will be repayment from the Lord himself for evil done to the people of God. God reserves vengeance to himself.
- 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.
Paul continues to address proper behavior toward antagonists by quoting Proverbs 25:21, 22a. Jesus’ teaching on love for enemies (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27) forms the basis for Paul’s thoughts here, and the verses from Proverbs reflect this.
What Paul and the author of Proverbs mean by the phrase heap coals of fire on his head is not entirely certain. Figurative uses of “coals” and “fire” in the Old Testament are connected with God’s judgment (Psalm 18:8; 140:10; etc.). If this is the connection, then unrepentant enemies will suffer the vengeance of Romans 12:19, just considered. The hoped-for repentance may come about from feelings of shame when the actions of evildoers are met with acts of kindness.
Responding to Indirect Persecution
One could make a case that America was at one time a “Christian nation,” if defined broadly enough. But various court decisions in the 1960s and 1970s have caused that designation to fall into disuse. These cultural shifts resulted in some Christians’ referring to themselves as “persecuted.” But this is, at best (worst?), what we might call indirect persecution, since it does not involve loss of livelihood, torture, and/or martyrdom that Christians have faced and are facing.
Decades after the 1970s, we experience the secularizing winds’ blowing ever stronger. An example is a certain bill that was working its way through the California legislature a couple of years ago. Among other things, it outlawed so-called discrimination in any Christian college that received government aid for students: there should be no moral behavior codes for students; no doctrinal standards for their professors; no religious content in nonreligious courses; etc.
There may be no direct persecution in such legislation, but there is abundant indirect persecution in that the result is that the truths of the Bible in general and the gospel in particular are ever more marginalized. How do we put Romans 12:20 into practice in such a context?
—C. R. B.
- Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
A two-step process is in view here. Step 1, resisting successfully being overcome of evil, is indeed a major victory! But wars are not won merely by being good at defense. There is also the absolutely vital nature of Step 2, overcome evil with good.
We see the good and do the good, thereby joining our Lord as the one who overcomes the world (John 16:33). Evil will not prevail, nor will the evil one, Satan (1 John 2:13, 14). At the final judgment, we will see the vengeance and justice of God prevail. The Bible promises it!
Conclusion
- Overcoming Evil
A prevailing message in most cultures is that “might makes right.” Usually might refers to physical power and intimidation, but it may also describe economic power. The richest person often has lawyers who know how to win court judgments. Might can also be political power.
“Might makes right” is not Paul’s position. His position flips the phrase around: “right makes might.” When Christians do right things, the mighty power of God is behind them. God is in control, and His justice will prevail. To say that the good will overcome the evil is to say that God will overcome evil.
These are comforting thoughts for those who suffer affliction and injustice in a sin-broken world. We both depend on God and pursue His agenda for repairing the brokenness, using His principles and Jesus’ teachings. This is part of what it means to represent the kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36).
- Prayer
Lord God, may we respond with love, not hate, to people who oppose You. May we demonstrate patience, not anger. May we be like Your Son, who asked forgiveness for those who crucified Him. We pray this in His name. Amen.
- Thought to Remember
Do good to those who aren’t good.
