Text: Rom 12:1-21
A. Forgiveness (Romans 12:19-21)
Conflicts are unavoidable.
Even Paul and Banabas had conflicts. Acts 15:36-40
The disciples of Jesus experienced conflicts. Mark 9:33-34
Two Christian sisters in Philippi had conflicts. Phil 4:2
We cannot avoid having conflicts; therefore, we must deal with them.
Condition to receive God’s forgiveness. Matt 6:14-15
Condition for acceptable worship. Matt 5:22-25
Jesus forgave the Jews who crucified Him. Luke 23:34
Forgiving and letting go can be very difficult challenges, but it’s even more stressful to hold on to grudges. Gen 37:4, 19-21
Forgive as Christ has forgiven us. Eph 4:31-32
The Christ-like way is to forgive. Col 3:13
Confess your faults one to another. James 5:16 13. A family that cannot forgive is a broken family.
B. Affection (Romans 12:9-10)
“Be kindly affection” – “It properly denotes tender affection, such as what subsists between parents and children; and it means that Christians should have similar feelings toward each other, as belonging to the same family” (Barnes’ Notes).
Christian love should be characterized by sympathy and tenderness.
Love is gentle and kind. 1 Cor 13:4
Be courteous. 1 Pet 3:8
Have compassion. Mark 1:41; Luke 10:33; 1 Pet 3:8; 1 John 3:17
To know God is to love the brethren. 1 John 4:7-8
To walk in love. Eph 5:1-2.
When love is broken: “Mend the bond torn by pride”
A knitted love. 1 Sam 18:1
Love is tender. Eph 4:32
C. Members (Rom 12:3-8)
A family is made up of many members.
Many members but one body. 1 Cor 12:20
Every member is different. Rom 12:4
Every member is useful. 1 Cor 12:14-31.
Every member is important. 1 Cor 12:21-23
Family members help those who are weak. Rom 15:1-2; Gal 6:1-2
To consider one another. Phil 2:2-4; Heb 10:24.
To exhort one another. Heb 3:13
D. Influence (Rom 12:12-18)
Good influence glorifies God. Matt 5:13-16.
Bad Influence brings condemnation. Matt 18:6.
Good examples of Tychicus and Onesimus. Col 4:7-9.
The Thessalonians had a good name. 1 Thess 1:2-3;7-8; Prov 22:1; Eccl 7:1.
Christian conduct as “becometh the gospel of Christ” Phil 1:27
“There is a way of living which is appropriate to the gospel, or which is such as the gospel requires…If all Christians were under the influence of the gospel, there would be something in their dress, temper, conversation, and aims, which would distinguish them from others.” (Barnes’ Notes).
Our actions will have effect on others. Gal 2:11-13
Be a good example. 1 Tim 4:12
E. Labour (Romans 12:11)
Family works together. I Cor 3:9
Example of Epaphras and Epaphroditus. Col 4:12-13; Phil 2:25-30.
The case of the ‘invisible’ prophets. I Kings 19:14, 18
Busy despite persecutions. Acts 5:42
The church in Thessalonica was known for her work of faith and labour of love. 1 Thess 1:3
We are Christ’s workmanship created to do good works. Eph 2:10
We are different members but one body. Rom 12:4-8
Every member is useful in the family. 1 Cor 12:20-21
One lone stone is not a house; but together, we are 1 Pet 2:5
Let us build up this family together. 1 Cor 3:6
F. Yoke (Romans 12:1-2)
Family cliques together. Acts 2:44
We are in the same boat.
A family does things together. Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 16:19
A family has one heart and one mind. Acts 2:46; 4:32
A close knitted family is one which members are close to one another. Philem 1:7
The family is a yoke that binds us together. Rom 12:15
“When the bow breaks, the cradle will fall.”
Paul likened the family of God to a building that is “fitly framed together.” Eph 2:21; 4:16
Fitly framed together – “The Church is not a collection of loose stones and timbers; its members are in vital union with Christ, and ought to be in living and loving and considerate fellowship with each other.” (Pulpit Comm).
Blest be the tie that binds.
Conclusion
“A happy family is but an earlier heaven.” -- John Bowring 家和万事兴 - A family in harmony will prosper in everything *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*