Sincere Love for One Another

November 18, 2007 - Rev. Kevin Kelly

Romans 12:9-21

How does Romans 12:9-21 fit in the context of the rest of chapter 12, particularly verses 1-8? On a broader note, how do chapters 12-15 compare with chapters 1-11? What shift does Paul make in his writing when he starts chapter 12? Why is understanding this shift important for applying our text for today?

Chapters 12-15 contains the theme of unity/disunity. How do the qualities of sincere love contribute to this theme? Why is Paul worried about unity within the Body of Christ—the church? Why would this emphasis have been important to the believers at Rome? Why is unity/disunity still an issue today? What does Paul say to us as a church in chapter 12?

Qualities of Sincere Love

How does Paul expect us to respond to evil/sin (v.9)? How does love overcome evil and sin? Does sincere love for our brothers and sisters in Christ mean that we turn a blind eye to sin/evil? Why not? Describe some times in your life where love and goodness overcame evil and sin?

How do we honor one another when we love them sincerely (v. 10)? Is this type of love emotionally driven? Why not? The type of love Paul speaks of is an attitude and a mind-set. What does this mean? How is this different from loving simply from our emotions?

Paul reveals in verse 11 that sincere love is enthusiastic and does not lack zeal. What does he mean by this description? Why should our devotion to one another be evident in our lives? Are you enthusiastic about being able to serve other people? Why or why not? What does this statement mean to you—the more you love God, the more you will love people? Is this true for you?

In verse 12 Paul states, "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." What did Paul mean by this statement? What does this verse say to us about our devotion to one another, i.e. to not give up on people? What role does prayer play in our loving others, particularly in our loving the unlovable?

Verse 13 reveals that sincere love demonstrates hospitality. What might this verse have meant to Paul's audience in Rome? How does this verse apply today? As a church, how do we demonstrate hospitality and generosity toward one another and toward those outside our church? Why is it so important that we do this? How might you become a part of the process of loving others by committing to serve within the church?

Read verses 14-21. Paul reveals perhaps the most difficult part of sincere love in these verses. What is Paul trying to communicate to us? Why is this so difficult? When we choose not to retaliate against others, what does this say about our love for God and them? Does this mean that we are a coward? Why not? How does God respond to our patience and resilience when people wrong us or hurt us? How does this make you feel? Describe times in your life when your choosing not to retaliate opened a door for God to work in your life and in the life of the person(s) who wronged you?

Application

Thinking back over verses 9-21 and the sermon today, what are some things you are going to start doing to apply Paul’s teaching? Where might difficulties arise in your application? How will you overcome these difficulties?

Today is volunteer commitment Sunday. How does our text and sermon apply to our serving within the church? Will you choose to love others by serving in some capacity in the coming year? What excuses and fears keep you from loving others in tangible ways such as volunteering? How will you respond?