Presented, September 4, 2005
BEHAVING AS BRETHREN (4)
Romans 12:15-16
Tonight, we continue our study of this important section of the book of Romans. I want to begin by expressing my appreciation for your patience in presenting these things. I could have summarized everything in one or two lessons, but I believe what has been said is important and things we all ought to consider. I hope this has been beneficial.
We continue our study of Paul’s practical applications, calling upon these brethren (both Jews and Gentiles) to get along with each other. Tonight four more things before we take a break for a while, until after the meeting.
I. Rejoice and weep with one another (15)
a. Two of our basic emotions (opposites) are here mentioned – happiness and sadness.
b. Do we sympathize with our brethren? Do we empathize with them when able to? Such requires a stronger relationship – what Paul is calling for here.
c. When it comes to our brethren we ought to be happy for them when good fortune comes their way. Acts 11:22-23 – as Gentiles were being converted; the church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch. When they saw God behind it, they were glad for them and rejoiced.
d.
Similarly, when they are hurting,
we hurt and grieve with them.
Consider Jesus at the grave of Lazarus. He knew what He was about to do, yet He
wept (John 11:35), for those who were there.
e.
The opposite of this is to be
jealous or envious. To engage in a competition to see who can get the most.
Such an attitude will DESTROY unity and the very things Paul is trying to
achieve.
Remember Romans 11 where Paul tells Gentiles that ungodly Jews were cut off –
but you “do not be haughty but fear…” (11:20). Jewish brethren needed to accept
the Gentiles with open arms and these Gentile brethren needed to love their
Jewish counterparts in the faith. They needed to CARE about each other.
II. Be of the Same Mind (Unity) (16)
a. This verse actually serves to summarize what Paul is saying about these brethren as they deal with one another. Following this verse, what Paul says has a broader context than just brethren (though it can certainly apply to them)
b. Paul in this saying is reminding these brethren that they need to be thinking the same way toward each other. It does not mean that we have to think the same thing on every subject. While there should be unity of thought doctrinally, there are times we will think differently (he will address this in Romans 14). But regardless, we NEED a proper mind toward one another.
c.
This is important – repeated in a
number of places, to other brethren -
Romans 15:5 – be like-minded toward one another
1 Corinthians 1:10 – be perfectly joined together of the same mind…
Philippians 2:2 – like minded… of one mind, etc.
d. How do we achieve being of the same mind?
i. Philippians 2:5 – let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. There is merit to the popular mantra a few years ago which said, “What Would Jesus Do” (WWJD). [I realize the danger in this when men take this as license to reason anything they want as something Jesus would have done -.e.g. Jesus would drive a Yugo]. Nevertheless, we need to look at His example in all things including a proper attitude toward one another.
ii. Colossians 3:1-2 - set your minds on things above. This means we have a spiritual focus in our life. It’s about what God wants instead of men. A major factor that gets in the way at times of being of the same mind is worldly reasoning. We listen to the philosophies of men in a given situation or we allow worldly matters to cloud our thinking.
e. Clearly, if we ALL have this mindset, we will find the unity Paul wants in Rome and every congregation.
III. Associate with the Humble (16)
a.
Humility is a key concept in
dealing with one another and overcoming differences. The word means one who is
“Low, not high, particularly of attitude and social positions.” (WS
Dictionary).
We understand it from a physical standpoint – one who doesn’t have much of this
life’s goods. But consider it from the standpoint of a mind – it is one who
keeps his attitude in relation to others low – not self-pity, but he understands
who he is and that we should not judge others based on superficial standards
(riches, fame, prestige, etc.)
b. Numerous passages call for our humility.
i.
Philippians 2:3-6 speaks of the
example of Jesus.
Think of that for a moment. Think of His apostles – most came from meager
backgrounds, some that conflicted with each other. One on occasion as they
disputed with each other, He said, “Now there was also a dispute among them,
as to which of them should be considered the greatest. And He said to them, "The
kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise
authority over them are called 'benefactors.' But not so among you; on the
contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who
governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he
who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One
who serves.” Luke 22:24-27
ii. 1 Peter 5:5-6 – God resists the proud, gives grace to the humble
iii. James 4:10 – Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.
c. Paul was speaking of humility when he said, “Don’t set your mind on high things.” He meant don’t be arrogant and prideful around your brethren. Don’t think you are too good to be around them because of your money, your upbringing, your education, your skin color, nationality, popularity, power, job, etc.
d. Instead, “Associate with the humble” – are you willing to associate with those not in your class? Do you find yourself embarrassed when they are around you? What about when your worldly friends are around? May this NEVER happen with your brethren! Consider the warning of James 2:1-5 which warns us NOT to show partiality.
e.
If we are to thrive as the Lord’s
church, we HAVE TO get over class envy and such things. Churches should NEVER
base membership on how much money one has, skin color, nationality, social
background, etc.
CHALLENGE: Look around – who do you associate with the most? WHY? Are
you uncomfortable around those with less than you (or in some cases more than
you)? Do you treat them differently? How do “they” feel around you? The
brethren in Rome had to get over their national differences.
One of the best ways to learn humility is by associating with those less
fortunate than you are. What usually happens in such cases is that we learn
“they” were not everything we thought they were.
IV. Do not be wise in your own opinions (16)
a. This is where Paul started – Vs. 3 – Don’t think too highly of yourself. This is one who thinks he is smarter, wiser and better than his brother.
b.
Romans 2 – Paul rebuked the Jews
because they thought they were better than the Gentiles.
Note Romans 2:1, 17-24 – the Jews thought they were it, and what the Gentiles
needed.
c. The tax collector thought he was better than the tax collector – Luke 18:9-14
d.
One reason problems occur between
brethren is this. Two brethren who disagree are both so convinced they are
right, they leave no room for any differences. While one may be right – and
that MUST be discussed and held to – we must guard against the attitude that “I
am always right and you are always wrong!” That is the attitude addressed here.
A great thing about TRUE wisdom is the realization that the more you learn, the
more you don’t know. There is ALWAYS room for improvement.
I have seen and studied with individuals whose minds were made up to the point
they admitted it.
Thus we can see some of the attitudes and actions we need to behave as Christians toward one another. It is my hope that these things have been presented with a sincere heart and desire to do what is right. I know that as I have said these things, I see a need to improve. What about you?