True Christianity - Part 1

This is part 4 in a study of Romans 12. Begin with part 1: Sacrificial Lifestyle.

 

What are the marks of the true Christian? Romans 12 spells it out in detail beginning with verse 9. This verse just happens to be my life verse because it begins a very practical guide of how we should live as believers.

Most theological studies of the book of Romans will point out that Chapter 12 is the transition from the doctrinal information found in chapters 1-11 and begins the practical section of his letter to the Roman Believers. This demarcation between the doctrinal and practical can be found in several of Paul’s letters. This division does not indicate a belief by Paul that theology is separate from practice. In fact, Romans 12:1 makes it very clear that Paul saw doctrine as the foundational knowledge that was necessary for the practice of the Christian lifestyle that he expounded on in chapters 12-16.

Just as chapter 12 is a pivotal point for the entire letter, verse 9 is the pivotal point for the sacrificial lifestyle that Paul has urged us to adopt. When we become living sacrifices, we will express sincere (anupokritos: the negative of hupokrites, from which we get our word hypocrite) love (agape: selfless, unconditional expression of grace and compassion) and must cling to God and His goodness while we abhor the evil around us. 

During the time of this letter, Emperor Nero most likely had begun persecuting Christians in Rome. Paul’s call to be sincere in love could therefore have also been a call for believers to display love even though they face persecution.

If Paul had not been referring to persecution, it could have been referencing the infighting that was not uncommon within the church itself during that time. Animosity between Jewish and Gentile believers continued throughout much of Paul’s life. Once we have sincere love, we can easily love each other with phileo (brotherly love).

Paul continues with a shotgun approach to virtues that should be present in every true Christian. As a pastor, I understand Paul’s reason for urging the church to be zealous in service to God. Too many churches are filled with sloths that demand to be cared for by the small minority of fervent believers. We should not allow persecutions, or disagreements, or differences to keep us from serving God.

Paul harkens back to Romans 5:2 and 8:26-27 when he calls for us to be joyful in hope. He reminds the church of his doctrinal teachings and provides present day application. Knowing that God the Holy Spirit will intercede for us during times of difficulty can help us to weather the storms of life. Because of that hope we can wait out the storms, the persecutions, and the tribulations as we continue in our communication with the Father.

Non-hypocritical, selfless grace and compassion will also cause us to be considerate of the needs of other believers around us. Not everyone has the gift of grace, and not everyone with the gift of grace has the financial resources to care for all of the needs of those who are poor or destitute, but as all true Christians practice hospitality we are able to meet the needs of God’s people.

Continues with: 5 Ways to Do More Than Survive