Developing Character (2)

27 October 2013 AM – Romans 12:13-16 – Romans – Scott Childs

Introduction: “Old Bill” was hired to sweep streets in a small town in the hills. Once a week the street sweeper came by with his brush. Bill was a friendly old fellow and Miss Gidding on the corner got into the habit all that summer of taking him a glass of lemonade and a slice of cake. He thanked her shyly and that was all.

But one evening there came a knock at the back door of Miss Gidding’s. Bill was there with a sack of peaches in one hand and a few ears of corn in the other. He seemed embarrassed as he said, “I brought you these, Ma’am, for your kindness.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t,” exclaimed Miss Gidding. “It was nothing.”

Then the street sweeper said an odd thing, “Well, no” he agreed. “Maybe it wasn’t much, really, Ma’am. But it was more than anyone else did.”

Transition: This morning we are going to examine several kinds of godly character that we need when dealing with people.

I.        We Need Godly Character When Dealing with the Needy

A.     Distributing to the necessity of saints (13)

1.      This phrase means “sharing in the needs of the saints.”

2.      Remember, Paul is primarily addressing church members. They are to ease genuine needs of other Christians.

a)      When a Christian brother or sister is genuinely short of the basic needs of life—food, clothing, shelter—we must share what we have to help them.

Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

b)      We must see their need as our need.

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

B.     Given to hospitality (13)

1.      “Hospitality” literally means “loving strangers.”

a)      Many 1st century Christians were fleeing for their lives and hiding from persecutors. Others were travelling as evangelists of the Gospel. They were often in need of hospitality—food and shelter.

b)      Today we should show hospitality towards visiting missionaries and church visitors. We should also use hospitality to get to know fellow Christians better.

2.      “Given to” has the idea of “running to catch someone.”

a)      This word is usually translated “persecute.” The enemy was running to catch and persecute.

b)      God wants us to be so eager to be hospitable that we chase every opportunity.

1 Peter 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

II.      We Need Godly Character When Dealing with the Nasty

A.     Bless them which persecute you (14)

1.      The text assumes that persecution will take place.

2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

a)      Persecution may come in the form of verbal abuse, mocking, or being lied about. Persecutors may cheat us or mistreat us. Unsaved family may reject us. Someday we may even be physically abused or face death for the cause of Christ.

b)      We must expect opposition.

2.      We are to ask God’s blessing on persecutors.

a)      It is very unnatural to say good things of those who are cruel to us.

b)      If we will pray for them, God will give us the grace needed to bless them.

B.     Bless, and curse not (14)

1.      Bless is repeated for emphasis

2.      Curse not warns against our natural temptation

a)      Victory in this is possible if we fulfil the commands in Romans 12:1-2 – surrender, separate and submit

b)      Jesus taught,

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

III.     We Need Godly Character When Dealing with the Teary

Both happiness and sadness cause tears. Both occasions call for Christian companionship.

A.     Rejoice with them that do rejoice (15)

1.      Literally, this says, “rejoice with rejoicing ones.”

2.      To rejoice is to be glad.

a)      When someone rejoices in a blessing, it will encourage him if you share in his joy.

b)      As Christians, we ought to share our joys with fellow-Christians and genuinely rejoice in their joys. This is especially true if they are fellow-church members.

B.     And weep with them that weep (15)

1.      Literally, this says, “weep with weeping ones.”

2.      To weep is “to mourn” not just to cry

a)      Jesus did this at Lazarus’ grave when he wept (John 11:35). He did not weep for Lazarus who he would raise, he wept with the sisters.

Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

b)      The Lord does not want you to put on a show, but to have genuine compassion in your heart for those who weep.

c)      People truly appreciate it when we genuinely share their teary times. This is a good time to pray with them. Even unbelievers are often willing to let you pray with them in times of sorrow.

IV.    We Need Godly Character When Dealing with the Lowly

A.     Be of the same mind one toward another (16)

1.      This is literally, “thinking the same towards one another.”

a)      We should not think of ourselves as better than others.

b)      We are to treat others as we want them to treat us.

2.      Placing one church member below another in our thoughts will affect our actions towards that person.

a)      He is not talking about excusing sin or overlooking doctrinal error. He is talking about social status.

b)      The rest of the verse explains this.

B.     Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate (16)

1.      Do not think too highly of yourselves, and despise others.

2.      Condescend or yield yourself to lowly things

a)      We must reach out to the poor as well as the rich. The souls of both are equally precious to the Lord.

b)      We ought not to become bad testimonies by being dirty, sloppy, unkempt, or careless, but we must be willing to reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves.

C.     Be not wise in your own conceits (16)

1.      Literally, “Do not be conceited” or self-centred.

a)      This particularly warns against holding a superior opinion of self, especially in comparison to the lowly.

b)      Believers must not act superior to each other or arrogantly toward unbelievers. ^Utley

Conclusion: As we deal with people, we need godly character. None of us is perfect. If God has convicted you of a character quality that is lacking in your life, spend time right now confessing your failure and asking God to help you develop the needed character.

If you are not 100% positive you are a Christian, you will not be able to develop godly character. Only God can do that in your heart. If you will trust Jesus to save you, He will change your life and make you a new person from the inside out.

Song: More Like the Master – 325