Be this, however, as it may, the command is explicit that we be not slothful in business. 7). (2)You cannot be too serious in them (Luke 17:10). It is said that you cannot expect a man to act in business as he would in his household. Complete devotion to His cause.4. WHERE IS IT NECESSARY? Unto the wicked God saith, "What hast thou to do to declare My statutes? --ROMANS xii. --Romans xii. 2). Conclusion: "And now, are you, that are grouped into a church, living, with real glow and fervour, a religious life? FERVENCY IS THE LAW OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT, FEELING, AND LIFE. In the two former the same verb is employed: and in the third the word for 'wise' is cognate with Alexander MaclarenRomans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. It must be health which fights disease. --ROMANS xii. THE ENTHUSIASM OF THE REFORMER. We are apt to speak of the moil and tug of business life as though it were an inquisition or a prison into which a man is thrown, or an unequal strife where, half-armed, he goes to contend. Cheerful effort.4. For our earthly callings are the appointments of God; and are therefore means through which you are to work out your salvation; and consequently the servant, the mechanic, the merchant, and the scholar must "do with their might whatsoever their hand findeth to do."IV. WHAT IS IT TO BE FERVENT IN SPIRIT? prayer is the life-blood of duty, the secret sap of holiness, the fountain of Charles Haddon SpurgeonSpurgeon's Sermons Volume 25: 1879Jowett -- Apostolic OptimismJohn Henry Jowett, Congregational divine, was born at Barnard Castle, Durham, in 1864, and educated at Edinburgh and Oxford universities. Do men feel the fire and the flame? ALL THE CONCEPTIONS OF RELIGIOUS LIFE THAT ESTEEM STRONG FEELING TO BE VULGAR ARE UNCHRISTIAN AND UNPHILOSOPHICAL; they are utterly unallied to the whole nature of grace, or to the disclosure of God's feeling in the human soul; and yet there are a great many who have such a conception. Just like some medicine is good for you but may not TO EXPLAIN THAT FERVOUR OF SPIRIT SO REQUISITE IN THE EXERCISES OF DEVOTION, AND ENFORCE IT WITH A FEW ARGUMENTS.1. The performance of duties in (1)Prayer (1 Corinthians 14:15). It is not wealth inherited that is the mightiest lever, but that which is gained by work. But think about it a minute. But whether it be the dry heat or the wet, it comes to the same point namely, feeling, carried up to the point of disclosure.I. )Serving the LordJ. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. God's mercies must move us to offer ourselves.3. "As we have Many Members in one Body, So we Being Many are one Body in Christ" (Rom. What was the distinguishing characteristic of Abraham, of Elijah, of Samuel, of Daniel, and of the others? I. DILIGENCE IN BUSINESS. As our fervour should be employed in the service of God, or in those duties that God hath plainly commanded, so it ought likewise to aim for His glory, otherwise it is unhallowed passion, which debaseth everything that proceeds from it. It is a permanent and abiding principle of action, a beam from the Sun of Righteousness, which, bright at the outset, shineth more and more, till it reaches the fulness of its meridian splendour.2. Be not wise in your own conceits.' 16 Be not wise in your own conceits. Religion consists not so much in the super-addition of certain acts of worship to the duties of common life, as in leavening the latter with the spirit of the former, and life's common work will be accepted as worship if we set about it in a religious spirit. in the leadership of the church. G. While many nations are sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, on us hath the Sun of Righteousness arisen in full glory. 1. "He that Ministereth Let us Wait on Our Ministering" (Rom. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. "How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was Thus far the Apostle has been laying down very general precepts and principles of Christian morals. One thing is certain, that the most serious Christians, when they came to die, have always lamented their former negligence; and the time is at hand when all the world shall confess that holy diligence was the truest wisdom.(R. Walking in holiness and righteousness before Him (Luke 1:74, 75).5. Beveridge.Here is 1. 9-10 (R.V.). Do you enjoy religion? That's what we want to look at today. Thus far the Apostle has been laying down very general precepts and principles of Christian morals. Do you love God, or do you only say you love Him? It will demand a good temper to overcome the bad temper in my brother. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. There are two particular evils which we must either conquer or be ruined by them. IISecond Sunday after EpiphanyText: Romans 12, 6-16. )PeoplePaul, RomansPlacesRomeTopicsAglow, Behind, Business, Diligence, Diligent, Fervent, Fervor, Flag, Indolent, Lagging, Lord's, Quick, Required, Servants, Serve, Serving, Slothful, Slow, Spirit, Spiritual, Thoroughly, Warm-hearted, Zeal, ZealousnessOutline1. Earthly affairs must not employ all our time. Preliminary to all holy service must be regeneration. Think what Italy was fast becoming when Savonarola thundered against her corruption and apostacy. One thing is certain, that the most serious Christians, when they came to die, have always lamented their former negligence; and the time is at hand when all the world shall confess that holy diligence was the truest wisdom.(R. The place where conduct comes in the letter is profoundly significant, and, if Alexander MaclarenRomans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. That we should be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; because it is absolutely impossible that we can do too much. Do you enjoy religion? A good man is the guardian angel of his country. --ROMANS xii. The best friends are not those that for ever hang upon your neck, but those whose whole life and occupation have found out how to serve you by the ten thousand amenities of love. And we, too, in these days have seen Charles Mackenzie leave the comforts of Cambridge to die amid the pestilent swamps of the Zambesi, and Coleridge Patteson, floating, with his palm branch of victory in his hand, over the blue sea among the Coral Isles. He made us (Proverbs 16:4).2. Readily and willingly (1 Chronicles 28:9).5. V)Transfiguration'Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.' 20 Col 4:7-11 What can we learn from the Personal greetings? Beloved, are you ministering to Christ? In the Church.2. WHY SERVE THE LORD?1. Consider(1)They are great works you perform (2 Corinthians 2:16). His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. That this gracious temper extends its regards to all God's commandments. It marks the changes of the soul in its aspect towards God. Think of John Eliot, the lion-hearted "apostle of the Indians," and his motto that prayer and painstaking can accomplish everything. But the text affirms that the two things are compatible; that religion is not so much a duty as something that has to do with all duties, not for one day, but for all days; and that, like breathing and the circulation of the blood and growth, it may be going on simultaneously with all our actions.3. Jesus is the only way to restore our relationship with God, and so He is the only way we can truly serve God as well. lifethat he can do with you as he pleases and that he has S. Storrs, D.D. The place where conduct comes in the letter is profoundly significant, and, if Alexander MaclarenRomans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. Sell goods for Christ, and let it be seen that a man can be a Christian in trade." If you can breathe into the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ such a vitality of faith as that the members of it are living in a fervent and burning zeal of Christian charity, you need not trouble yourself about doctrinal beliefs; they will take care of themselves. --ROMANS xii. --ROMANS xii. 5. In the first centuries every Christian looked on it as a part of his life to be God's missionary, and for centuries the Church produced men like and Columban. Just as there is no spot on earth but a holy heart may hallow, a base one desecrate; so many actions materially great and noble may, because of the spirit that pervades them, be ignoble and mean, and vice versa. IIThird Sunday after EpiphanyText: Romans 12, 16-21. WHY SHOULD WE UNDERTAKE IT? We have here again the same triple arrangement which has prevailed through a considerable portion of the context. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." True devotion strengthens our obligations to a holy life, and superadds a new motive to every social and civil duty. The religious side of human nature must glow. Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.' So, on the other side, "be not slothful in business"; for such I still believe to be the true meaning of the words, in spite of criticism. Milligan.1. Amid such obstacles, what but a zeal that knows no bounds would enable us to resist and overcome the enemies of our salvation!IV. Do you love your fellow-men as yourself, or do you only say that you do in routine? analyzed. Business sweetens pleasure as labour sweetens rest. There are some moral and spiritual truths which it seems to be almost impossible to impress upon the practical life of the world, although they meet with a sort of universal acceptance. Maintains us (Acts 17:28).3. If you serve Him He will cause all things to serve you (Romans 8:28).6. PDF Serving The Lord - Sermon Outlines. Org Has He a place at your table? Besides, in the ordinary course of events, "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution" in one kind or other. In the former verses the Christian Alexander MaclarenRomans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. Love to God is the principle, the law of God is the rule, and His glory the end of all its operations. THE ENTHUSIASM OF THE MISSIONARY. They W. 16 Be not wise in your own conceits. Learnt from the example, caught from the Spirit of Christ, the same love for the guilty and the wretched, which brought the Lord of glory down to the lowest depths, was kindled by His Spirit in the heart of all His noblest sons. It is no easy matter "to pluck out a right eye, and to cut off a right hand." For the purpose of bringing down God's blessing upon our secular employments. This advance in Catherine BoothGodlinessLinksRomans 12:11 NIVRomans 12:11 NLTRomans 12:11 ESVRomans 12:11 NASBRomans 12:11 KJVRomans 12:11 Bible AppsRomans 12:11 ParallelRomans 12:11 Biblia ParalelaRomans 12:11 Chinese BibleRomans 12:11 French BibleRomans 12:11 German BibleRomans 12:11 CommentariesBible Hub, (4)Rejoicing in Him (1 Peter 1:8). I shall only add on this head, that by serving the Lord here, we have an earnest and anticipation of the happiness of the heavenly state. He who lays aside for Christ a portion of his daily wage of work, preaches to the world and thereby advances the cause of the Redeemer. Nothing will last but that which is wrought by Divine power.5. Again and again this Divine fire has died out of the world; again and again has it been rekindled by God's chosen sons. )Diligence in businessJ. Lyth, D.D. But the opposition became so We are to have "fervid charity"; not languid and somnolent charity, but a charity that flames, that boils. Improving all for His glory.II. IIThird Sunday after EpiphanyText: Romans 12, 16-21. THE PRESENT NEED OF THIS SERVICE. Readily and willingly (1 Chronicles 28:9).5. V)Transfiguration'Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.' 14. But feeling must develop itself somehow. Within, our hearts are deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; then we have depraved appetites to restrain, and passions fed by indulgence to subdue. )Fervency of spiritJ. Surely it is as much the element of a Christian to do good as for a fish to swim, or a bird to fly, or a tree to yield her fruits. Its obligation is indispensable; its beauty is supreme, and its utility is universal. xii. The natural element of godliness. An unfaithful workman may introduce into your dwelling disease and death. Think of Adoniram Judson and the tortures he bore so cheerfully in his Burmese prison. It is hard to give advice without seeming to assume superiority; it is hard to take it, unless the giver identifies himself with the receiver, and shows that his counsel to others is a law for himself. These are businesses of the greatest concern (Deuteronomy 30:15). In the first centuries every Christian looked on it as a part of his life to be God's missionary, and for centuries the Church produced men like and Columban. There is perhaps no chapter in the New Testament, certainly none in this epistle, with which we are more familiar than this one which is introduced by the text; and yet, however familiar we may be with the statements, if we read them carefully and study them honestly they must always come to us not only in the J. Think, too, of the effort of Clarkson, Wilberforce, Sharp and Garrison in their efforts to liberate the slave. To be serious and earnest in 1. And yet, when a man comes that wakes up the congregation, there are a great many men that look up and say, "Who knows whereunto this thing will grow?" The connecting word with which the chapter opens "therefore" "I beseech you, therefore" looks both backwards to the chapters preceding and forwards to the verses that follow. And we, too, in these days have seen Charles Mackenzie leave the comforts of Cambridge to die amid the pestilent swamps of the Zambesi, and Coleridge Patteson, floating, with his palm branch of victory in his hand, over the blue sea among the Coral Isles. A man's capacity to do business is improved by religion. Series: Action [#68] A fate; a fear; a dread; an abstraction; a machinist; a power hid behind government; a law; a something; a nothing. all should have a heart to announce the good news when appropriate There is no place where God puts you where it is not your duty to say, "How shall I perfume this place and make it beautiful as the rose?" If the Parliament of England will not deal with them, then the people of England must deal with them.(Archdn. These three closely connected clauses occur, as you all know, in the midst of that outline of the Christian life with which the Apostle begins the practical part of this Epistle. for remember that which is uppermost in thy heart is thy master. Sometimes our communion with God is cut off, or interrupted because of something wrong with a brother, or some lack of unity in the body of Christ. As is the spirit of devotion and communion with God, such is the man.(H. Only the redeemed ones are reckoned by the Lord as servants in His household. IINovember the Twenty-Eighth How to Fight Evil"Overcome evil with good." The Scriptures abound in exhortations not merely to serve the Lord, but to do so with fervency and zeal, to work while it is day, for the night cometh, when no man can work. It is, to take the highest view, the replenishing it with power from on high. May the Spirit of light, life, fire, and power come down into the hearts of every one of the members of this church, and of all disciples of every name gathered together this morning, brushing the ashes of the past away, kindle on the old altar a new flame that shall never go out.(H. ALL THE CONCEPTIONS OF RELIGIOUS LIFE THAT ESTEEM STRONG FEELING TO BE VULGAR ARE UNCHRISTIAN AND UNPHILOSOPHICAL; they are utterly unallied to the whole nature of grace, or to the disclosure of God's feeling in the human soul; and yet there are a great many who have such a conception. Title: Choose For Yourself xii. And they "He that Ministereth Let us Wait on Our Ministering" (Rom. Shame be on us if we prove ourselves degenerate sons! Satan cannot cast out Satan. 19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. IINovember the Twenty-Eighth How to Fight Evil"Overcome evil with good." Gods people must be sure to keep fervent in spirit, which literally means that they must be at the boiling point in their hearts and in their passion for the Lord. If God is glorified by his sufferings, the fervent Christian hath gained his end.3. Here he lays one of his most mystical conceptions as the very foundation on which to rear the great structure of Christian conduct, and links on to one of Alexander MaclarenRomans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)Still Another Triplet'Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. There are three conditions in which the water in that engine may be. 19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. The eye expresses it, the hand expresses it. As our fervour should be employed in the service of God, or in those duties that God hath plainly commanded, so it ought likewise to aim for His glory, otherwise it is unhallowed passion, which debaseth everything that proceeds from it. WHERE IS IT NECESSARY? If we have not been accustomed to pray for the brethren, we shall not be "given to hospitality"; much less shall we "bless them which persecute us." We try to get at the Lord, but we cannot, because we are separated from some member of the Lord's body, or because there is not the freedom of His love flowing through every organic part. Men agree with them, they re-echo them, they applaud them; they do everything, in fact, but exhibit them as the moving, inspiring, and guiding truths of their daily practice. There are two forms which enthusiasm has assumed the enthusiasm for humanity, and the enthusiasm for individual salvation. Here the sun faintly beams, as in the dubious twilight; there he shines forth in full meridian glory.II. WHATEVER IS WORTH DOING AT ALL IS WORTH DOING WELL. And we, too, in these days have seen Charles Mackenzie leave the comforts of Cambridge to die amid the pestilent swamps of the Zambesi, and Coleridge Patteson, floating, with his palm branch of victory in his hand, over the blue sea among the Coral Isles. As I do not think of gravitation when I move my limbs, or of atmospheric laws when I breathe, so with religion and daily work. Religion is not a matter of easy acquirement. Heavenly spirits enjoy unbroken rest, but they find their rest in serving God day and night. 1. HOW SHOULD WE SERVE HIM?1. This advance in Catherine BoothGodlinessLinksRomans 12:11 NIVRomans 12:11 NLTRomans 12:11 ESVRomans 12:11 NASBRomans 12:11 KJVRomans 12:11 Bible AppsRomans 12:11 ParallelRomans 12:11 Biblia ParalelaRomans 12:11 Chinese BibleRomans 12:11 French BibleRomans 12:11 German BibleRomans 12:11 CommentariesBible Hub, (2)Hearing (Ezekiel 33:31). Revenge is especially forbidden.Dictionary of Bible ThemesRomans 12:111185God, zeal of2224Christ, the Lord5064spirit, emotional5840eagerness8115discipleship, nature of8344servanthood, in believers8370zealRomans 12:9-216690mercy, response to God'sLibraryA Reasonable ServiceTEXT: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." The eye expresses it, the hand expresses it. Reverently (Hebrews 12:28, 29; Psalm 2:11).2. --ROMANS xii. He who enlists surrenders his will to the discipline of the army and the bidding of the Captain. God's mercies must move us to offer ourselves.3. Living the dream generally means that someone is living his or her best life; that he or she is achieving the goals he wants to achieve; that he has all the material comforts and/or relationships that he wants to have with no regrets. Our devoting ourselves wholly to Him and His way (2 Corinthians 8:5; Matthew 6:24).2. Fidelity.3. (b)Regulated by His Word. Only (Matthew 4:10).6. Love, and many other duties are required of us.19. Think what Italy was fast becoming when Savonarola thundered against her corruption and apostacy. Saved to Serve Sermon Sermon outline by Tom Moore on the Christian's obligation to give attention to God's service. Think of Adoniram Judson and the tortures he bore so cheerfully in his Burmese prison. But he doesn't say here in verse 19 why he cried so often. "You have been very fortunate." Conclusion: We gaze on the loveliness and quiet of the country, and fancy that there is the place to lead an unworldly life. xii. 2023 SermonSearch. Verse 20: Serving the Lord means LIVING FOR WHAT PROFITS THE 1. To serve God is 1. )Religious fervourR. "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? Leaving the greatest of all, look at Joseph, Moses, David and Daniel. V)Grace and Graces'Having then gifts, differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7. It denotes an uncommon application of mind, and a warmth of zeal bordering on transport, that moves every faculty of the soul, and carries all before it in the pursuit of what we highly value and desire. B. SimpsonDays of Heaven Upon Earth July 22. What was the distinguishing characteristic of Abraham, of Elijah, of Samuel, of Daniel, and of the others? He had told the disciples that it would be extremely difficult Especially should the Christian be free from the sin of idleness. Amid such obstacles, what but a zeal that knows no bounds would enable us to resist and overcome the enemies of our salvation!IV. What man has done more for multitudes of souls than John Pounds, the Plymouth cobbler, who became the founder of ragged schools? in the original. Due.2. It is your commercial, intellectual, and moral salvation. It is, to take the lowest view, the drag-chain on the wheels of the soul on its secular incline. Jesus consistently preached that we should serve others and seek their good over our own. Then for one thousand years the darkness was only broken by here and there a man like St. Louis of France, or St. . --ROMANS xii. Heavenly spirits enjoy unbroken rest, but they find their rest in serving God day and night. Walker.I. Logan. Besides, in the ordinary course of events, "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution" in one kind or other. In the former part of this letter the Apostle has been building up a massive fabric of doctrine, which has stood the waste of centuries, and the assaults of enemies, and has been the home of devout souls. But life is above all price; and a man who is fit to preach at all, must be fit to preach because he has the power of inflammation. Neither rank nor wealth can confer a prerogative to be idle. THE DIFFICULTIES CONNECTED WITH THE SERVICE OF GOD REQUIRE IT. A. Fidelity.3. Paul does so here, led by the delicate perception which Alexander MaclarenRomans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. Lyth, D.D. In these verses we pass from the innermost region of communion with God into the wide field of duties in relation to men. That God deserves the most zealous and active service we can pay to Him.2. This is the truest and fullest act of worship we can give to our Father. That applies to the state John Henry JowettMy Daily Meditation for the Circling YearThe Sacrifice of the Body'I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.' V)A Triplet of Graces'Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.' Self-consecration.2. Intro: This passage of scripture deals with the time when Jesus had told the rich young ruler to sell out the god of riches in his life and follow Jesus, if he chose to go to heaven. because Christian truth is not just knowledge to be analyzed and 9-10 (R.V.). 6-8. Is it possible to render unto God more than His goodness gives Him a right to claim? THERE IS NOTHING IN THE BUSIEST LIFE, AS SUCH, WHICH IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE CLAIMS OF PERSONAL RELIGION. Yet this is what is required of us, and that which has always distinguished the hard-working saints of God from the common run of men. Such, then, are the Christian's duties to himself. ""So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." "As we have Many Members in one Body, So we Being Many are one Body in Christ" (Rom. The Scriptures abound in exhortations not merely to serve the Lord, but to do so with fervency and zeal, to work while it is day, for the night cometh, when no man can work. (3) God's servants are always such as are born in His house as well as bought with His money. 13-15. Prayerfulness. If God is glorified by his sufferings, the fervent Christian hath gained his end.3. Continually (Luke 1:75).III. xii. There are undercurrents in the ocean which act independently of the movements of the waters on the surface: so there may dwell the abiding peace of God beneath the restless stir of your worldly business. III. That in the pursuit even of such objects as are innocent and useful in themselves you cannot hope to be successful unless you PURSUE THEM ACCORDING TO A REGULAR PLAN. In verse 31 he says, "I did not cease night or day to For how else can we cast out evil? The best scholars have been trained in cities. Its obligation is indispensable; its beauty is supreme, and its utility is universal. He made us (Proverbs 16:4).2. That to which you bring diligence, conscience, taste, and gladness becomes transformed. Spurgeon. But if you spend all your force upon the externalities of doctrine and of church organisation, you will have a huge casket with a spurious jewel in it.III. 15. LET THE EXAMPLE OF THE SAINTS ANIMATE YOU TO CULTIVATE IT. Then for one thousand years the darkness was only broken by here and there a man like St. Louis of France, or St. . The natural element of godliness. G. Salter.Among the wonders which science has achieved, it has succeeded in bringing things which are invisible and impalpable to our senses within the reach of our most accurate observations. It implies 1. Paul does so here, led by the delicate perception which Alexander MaclarenRomans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap.
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