Living Generously: Reflecting Christ in a Broken World

 

Summary

In Romans 12, we find a powerful call to live counter-culturally, especially in a world where pride, greed, and hatred seem to dominate. As we navigate these challenging times, we are reminded of our calling to be humble, generous, and loving. Romans 12:21 urges us not to be overcome by evil but to overcome evil with good. This is a call to live as citizens of another world, bringing the life of that world into our present reality.

The passage from Romans 12:13-15 highlights three dimensions of a generous life, each reflecting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. First, we are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, mirroring the incarnation of Christ. This requires us to step out of our private worlds and engage deeply with others, sharing in their joys and sorrows. It is a call to reflect the love of God, who did not remain aloof but came close to us in Jesus.

Second, we are encouraged to release the gifts God has given us, contributing to the needs of the saints and showing hospitality. This reflects the resurrection and ascension of Christ, who opened His home to us and poured out generous gifts. We are called to do the same, opening our homes and hearts to others, especially those who are strangers or in need.

Finally, we are challenged to bless those who persecute us, reflecting the crucifixion of Christ. This is perhaps the most difficult call, as it requires us to seek the good of those who have harmed us. Yet, it is a profound expression of the grace we have received in Christ, who blessed us even when we were His enemies.

These teachings remind us that our lives should mirror the life of Christ, characterized by generosity, love, and grace. In doing so, we become agents of transformation in a world desperately in need of hope and healing.

Key Takeaways:

- Reflecting Christ's Incarnation: We are called to engage deeply with others, sharing in their joys and sorrows. This mirrors the incarnation of Christ, who came close to us in our humanity. By stepping out of our private worlds, we reflect God's love and presence in the lives of others. [07:32]

- Releasing Gifts in Generosity: Our generosity should extend beyond what is necessary or expected, reflecting the resurrection and ascension of Christ. By contributing to the needs of the saints and showing hospitality, we open our homes and hearts, mirroring the generosity of Christ who opened heaven to us. [18:05]

- Blessing Amidst Persecution: The call to bless those who persecute us is a profound expression of grace. It reflects the crucifixion of Christ, who blessed us even when we were His enemies. This challenges us to seek the good of those who harm us, breaking the cycle of evil with good. [26:16]

- Understanding Others' Positions: Compassion grows when we consider the position of those who have hurt us. By empathizing with their experiences and recognizing their blindness to God's glory, we cultivate a heart of pity rather than anger, reflecting God's compassion towards us. [32:37]

- Remembering God's Mercy: Our actions should be rooted in the mercy we have received from God. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, demonstrating His love and grace. This memory fuels our ability to bless others, even in the face of persecution. [39:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to Romans 12
- [00:36] - National Sins and the Need for Trust
- [01:25] - God's Call to Humility and Love
- [02:22] - Overcoming Evil with Good
- [03:16] - Genuine Love and Steadfast Prayer
- [03:48] - Generosity and Hospitality
- [04:28] - Definition of Generosity
- [05:25] - Generosity Beyond the Law
- [06:23] - Mirroring Christ's Life
- [07:14] - Rejoicing and Weeping with Others
- [08:10] - Engaging with Others
- [09:08] - God's Call to Love
- [10:19] - God's Self-Sufficiency and Love
- [11:27] - God's Presence in the Garden
- [12:42] - The Incarnation and Jesus' Miracles
- [13:18] - Rejoicing and Weeping in Jesus' Signs
- [14:09] - Jesus' Love for Ordinary People
- [15:23] - Jesus Weeping with Us
- [16:17] - Irrigating Your Soul
- [17:28] - Releasing Gifts in Christ
- [18:42] - Hospitality and Loving Strangers
- [19:56] - Generosity in Persecution
- [21:00] - Priority of Caring for Saints
- [22:19] - Resurrection and Ascension
- [23:45] - Christ's Generosity to Us
- [24:53] - Avoiding Selfishness
- [25:58] - Blessing Those Who Persecute
- [27:01] - Overcoming Natural Instincts
- [29:56] - Reflecting on Jesus' Example
- [32:37] - Considering Others' Positions
- [34:51] - God's Pity for the Lost
- [36:52] - Compassion in Family Struggles
- [39:09] - Remembering God's Mercy
- [40:01] - Story of Dusan
- [44:19] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:13-15
- Romans 12:21

Observation Questions:
1. What are the three dimensions of a generous life mentioned in Romans 12:13-15, and how do they reflect the life and teachings of Jesus Christ? [06:39]
2. How does Romans 12:21 challenge believers to respond to evil in the world? [02:22]
3. What examples from Jesus' life illustrate the call to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep? [13:18]
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of generosity, and what does it mean to go beyond what is necessary or expected? [05:05]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the call to "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep" mirror the incarnation of Christ, and why is this significant for believers today? [07:32]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers can release the gifts God has given them, and how does this reflect the resurrection and ascension of Christ? [18:05]
3. What does it mean to bless those who persecute us, and how does this reflect the crucifixion of Christ? [26:16]
4. How does understanding the position of those who have hurt us cultivate compassion, and why is this important in breaking the cycle of evil with good? [32:37]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you were tempted to remain aloof. How can you step out of your private world to engage deeply with others, sharing in their joys and sorrows? [08:10]
2. Identify a gift or resource you have that could be used to contribute to the needs of others. How can you show hospitality to someone in need this week? [18:42]
3. Think of someone who has hurt you. What practical steps can you take to bless them and seek their good, despite the pain they have caused you? [28:29]
4. Consider a time when you were blind to God's glory. How can remembering God's mercy towards you help you extend grace to others who may be spiritually blind? [37:38]
5. How can you cultivate a heart of pity rather than anger towards those who are lost or have wronged you? What specific actions can you take to reflect God's compassion in your interactions? [35:52]
6. In what ways can you be an agent of transformation in your community, bringing hope and healing to a world in need? [02:05]
7. Reflect on the story of Dusan shared in the sermon. How does this story inspire you to respond to hostility with kindness and generosity? [44:00]

Devotional

Day 1: Engaging Deeply with Others
Reflecting Christ's incarnation, we are called to step out of our private worlds and engage deeply with others, sharing in their joys and sorrows. This mirrors the incarnation of Christ, who came close to us in our humanity. By doing so, we reflect God's love and presence in the lives of others. This engagement requires vulnerability and a willingness to be present with others, just as Christ was present with us. It challenges us to move beyond superficial interactions and truly invest in the lives of those around us. [07:32]

Romans 15:1-2 (ESV): "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is experiencing either joy or sorrow. How can you intentionally engage with them this week to share in their experience and reflect Christ's love?


Day 2: Generosity Beyond Necessity
Our generosity should extend beyond what is necessary or expected, reflecting the resurrection and ascension of Christ. By contributing to the needs of the saints and showing hospitality, we open our homes and hearts, mirroring the generosity of Christ who opened heaven to us. This call to generosity challenges us to look beyond our own needs and consider how we can be a blessing to others, especially those who are strangers or in need. It is an invitation to live with open hands and hearts, trusting that God will provide for us as we provide for others. [18:05]

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV): "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."

Reflection: Identify one way you can show unexpected generosity to someone this week. How can you open your heart and home to reflect Christ's generosity?


Day 3: Blessing Those Who Persecute
The call to bless those who persecute us is a profound expression of grace. It reflects the crucifixion of Christ, who blessed us even when we were His enemies. This challenges us to seek the good of those who harm us, breaking the cycle of evil with good. It requires a heart transformed by grace, one that can see beyond personal hurt to the potential for redemption and reconciliation. This is not an easy call, but it is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Christ's love in our lives. [26:16]

1 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing."

Reflection: Consider someone who has wronged you. How can you begin to bless them and seek their good, even if it feels difficult?


Day 4: Cultivating Compassion
Compassion grows when we consider the position of those who have hurt us. By empathizing with their experiences and recognizing their blindness to God's glory, we cultivate a heart of pity rather than anger, reflecting God's compassion towards us. This perspective shift allows us to see others through the lens of grace, understanding that we too are recipients of God's mercy. It encourages us to respond with love and compassion, even when it is not deserved, mirroring the heart of Christ. [32:37]

Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Reflection: Think of a person who has hurt you. How can you begin to see them through the lens of compassion and grace this week?


Day 5: Rooted in God's Mercy
Our actions should be rooted in the mercy we have received from God. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, demonstrating His love and grace. This memory fuels our ability to bless others, even in the face of persecution. Remembering God's mercy towards us helps us to extend that same mercy to others, recognizing that we are all in need of grace. It is a call to live with a heart of gratitude and humility, allowing God's mercy to shape our interactions with others. [39:09]

Titus 3:4-5 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy. How can this memory inspire you to extend mercy to someone else today?

Quotes


It does seem does it not that day after day as we watch the news pride and greed and hatred seem to be paraded before us as if God Himself were lifting up our own worst national sins and showing us how ugly they really are and across our country therefore increasingly we find ourselves asking where are people that we can trust where are people who are humble rather than proud. [00:30:43]

Do not be overcome by evil God says to his people now don't slide into what you see around you don't slide into this arrogance and this greed and this antagonism that increasingly engulfs the culture that is around you instead be like salt and light have an influence in a different direction do not be overcome by evil here's what you must do overcome evil with good. [00:148:35]

Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep now our title today then is overcoming evil with generosity that's the key word that I think ties the exhortations that we have in these three verses together. [00:254:78]

Generosity to be generous our readiness to give more of something than is strictly necessary or expected in other words a generous person is a person who goes the extra mile a generous person is one who is so motivated by love that he or she will go beyond what is required by the law. [00:308:59]

Think about God in His glory and in his self sufficiency God is in heaven and he needs nothing he is completely self-sufficient all that he needs is in himself his own fellowship is amply provided within the triune nature of his own person Father Son and Holy Spirit loved from father to son to spirit God is completely self-sufficient in and of himself. [00:615:72]

Jesus Christ enters into our sorrows Jesus Christ enters into and feels the pain of your loss right now Jesus Christ at the right hand of the Father enjoys the life of the Resurrection and all of its wonder and in all of its glory but he does not look down from a distance and say hey there's no need for tears because it won't be long till the resurrection no he weeps with those who wait. [00:946:44]

Be generous by releasing the gifts that God has given to you in Christ by releasing the gifts that God has given you in Christ and here I'm looking at verse 30 contribute to the needs of the Saints and seek to show hospitality I think this is harder than the one that went before but not as hard as what's yet to come. [00:1069:97]

Generosity a readiness to give more than is necessary or expected and here Christ is calling us in the scripture to give more than is needed more than is expected in regards to our homes in regards to our time and in regards to our possessions. [00:1096:75]

Bless those who persecute you bless and do not curse them and here of course we're thinking not so much about the Incarnation nor about the resurrection and ascension but we're thinking about what happened in the crucifixion where Jesus suffered that awful awful persecution and the agony with which evil men treated him. [00:1569:67]

When someone brings pain into your life your natural instinct will not be a generous one this is true for us as Christians our first instinct still when someone is cruel when someone constantly draws attention to your weakness into your feelings always assumes the worst about you persists in destructive words and actions that are hurtful to you it is really really really hard to seek the good of that person. [00:1617:51]

Consider the position of the person who has wounded you who has done some evil against you as persecuted you there's an old writer by the name of Robert candless who makes this point well when a person has wronged you you can do one of two things you can either focus on the evil that they have done the injustice the offense of it all and the more you do that the more hard you'll become. [00:1963:62]

Remember that everything in Romans in Chapter 12 is in the light of God's mercy in the light of God's mercy bless those who persecute you bless and do not curse then it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us it was when we were still hostile towards him that he loved us and it was when we were still his enemies that he reached out and made us his friends. [00:2366:87]

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Transcript
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