The Four Eleven Foundation: 1 Thessalonians

5.5. SERVING IN THE SPIRIT OF JESUS (Romans 12:14-21)

Those who enjoy by faith righteousness, live out the spirit of Jesus before the world.

Unlike the worldly they:

will not retaliate. "Bless and do not curse". (Romans 12:14 ).

delight in the prosperity of others. "Rejoice with those who rejoice." (Romans 12:15 ).

show real sympathy to others "And weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15 ).

practice harmony toward the other (Romans 12:16 ).

are not consumed with ambitions to become rich or powerful "Don't set your mind on high things" (Romans 12:16 ).

happily associate with those less fortunate than themselves (Romans 12:16 ).

are not filled with self-conceit and self-opinionated views. "Do not be wise in your own opinion" (Romans 12:16 ).

are not revengeful "Repay no one evil for evil" (Romans 12:17 ).

live within their means "Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through" (Romans 12:17 ).

make every effort to live in peace (Romans 12:18 ).

seek no personal revenge "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord" (Romans 12:19; Deuteronomy 32:35 ). God is fair - leave it to Him.

practice feeding their enemy (Romans 12:20; Matthew 5:44 ).

get the better of evil by doing good (Romans 12:21 ).

The Spirit of Jesus lived out through us is the most powerful witness to the lost.

5.6. SERVING THE LORD IN RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP (Romans 13:1-7)

As Christians we recognise that government is necessary. God has appointed that there should be authority and rulers.

Romans 13:1 "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. ..."

As Christians we recognise and practice law and order.

Romans 13:2 "... and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves."

As Christians we recognise that law is for the protection of life and property, and the repression of crime. (1 Peter 2:14 ).

Romans 13:3,4 "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil."

As Christians keep the state law as a matter of conscience.

Romans 13:5 "Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake."

As Christians we pay honestly taxes that are due, and correct import duties (Romans 13:7 ). It is right to assess what is due and pay that gladly.

As Christians we are obedient to those who are recognised officials.

Romans 13:7 "therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. "

As Christians we are to give proper respect to all those to whom it is due.

As Christians, when required to do what is contrary to God's Word, God must be obeyed rather than men. (Acts 5:29; Daniel 3:16-18 and 6:6-10 ).

As Christians it is our duty to pray for all those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2 ).

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

Are you practicing the right attitudes towards fellow believers (Romans 12:9-13 )? Are there any attitudes in the list that you need to specially work on?
Do you serve in the spirit of Jesus? How do you fit in the picture drawn in Romans 12:14-21?