Presented, October 23, 2005 pm
DO NOT AVENGE YOURSELVES
Romans 12:17-21
Tonight we continue our study in the book of Romans. We have spent considerable time dealing with Paul’s practical applications to the way Christians are to treat each other. As he concludes this section, he makes a more general appeal that applies to dealing with all mankind, INCLUDING our brethren. Tonight, we will notice some of the admonitions he here makes.
I. Repay no one evil for evil (17a)
a.
It is truly sad to see a society where so many are out to get even
because someone either wronged them, or simply did treat them the way they
THOUGHT they should be treated. We see it in politics – where opponents seeks
to destroy one another; We see it in litigation where one who has been harmed
(often by an accident) wants to destroy the life of the offender; We see it when
someone falsely accuses us or says something bad about us – and we find
something worse to say about them, often to others;
AND sadly, sometimes we see it among brethren as they try to get even with one
another because of something said or done to them.
b.
This concept is also taught in other places – 1 Peter 3:9 – instead of
cursing, we bless
1 Thessalonians 5:15 – always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for
all
Matthew 5:39 – Jesus, said – turn the other cheek when someone slaps you.
c. Instead Christians live by the “golden rule” – Matthew 7:21
d.
This attitude goes a long way in diffusing potentially volatile
situations. Some of the things we are instructed to do include:
Praying for them – Matthew 5:44
Helping them when necessary – Galatians 6:10
II. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men (17b)
a.
The KJV says, “Provide things honest in the sight of all men”
ASV – “Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men”
NASV – “Respect what is right in the sight of all men”
b.
Paul talks about our need to live honorably before all. Again this is
emphasized over and over in the New Testament
1 Thessalonians 4:12 “that you walk properly toward those who are outside…”
1 Thessalonians 5:22 – “abstain from every form of evil”
1 Peter 2:12 – having honorable conduct among the Gentiles
c. This walk involves HONESTY and honor. It the foundation of our opportunities to serve and teach others. God has ALWAYS demanded honesty. How much damage is done to the cause of Christ by brethren who are living less than honorable lives within society? Not just the one trying to teach – but also those he is associated with (e.g. – as you try to teach some one they say, “Doesn’t (so and so) attend there?” When you affirm, they begin to speak of his dishonesty, vulgarities, immoralities, etc. The result, “I want nothing to do with a church that claims (so and so) as a member”.)
III. Live peaceably with all men
a.
IF possible – do your absolute best. For the Christian, that means going
out of the way if necessary.
Everything we do should be done heartily – Colossians 3:23
Paul in Romans 14:19 will call upon these brethren to “pursue
those things which make for peace…”
Peter said the same thing, “Let him turn away form evil and do good; Let him
seek peace and pursue it” (quoted from Psalm 34:12-16) (1 Peter
3:11)
The idea of pursuing something is that we do all we can to achieve it.
NOTE: that this tells you there are times when living peaceably is NOT
possible: You cannot compromise your faith for the sake of unity. You cannot
sacrifice honesty, your integrity or principles to avoid a confrontation.
Also there are some in this life who just don’t want peace – you just make sure
you are NOT that one! There was a time when Paul went to court to defend his
life against false accusers.
b.
Live peaceably
– a word that means, “to make peace, be at peace…live in peace, harmony, accord”
(WS Dictionary)
We live in an activist society. Almost every day I hear on the news about some
activist group that makes me ashamed of their conduct and often their causes.
The methods they use to advance their cause are often offensive, hateful,
dishonest and at times illegal. And too often, we see shameful conduct in the
name of God and religion. There are times when we need to stand up (and I
suspect most of us don’t stand up enough) – but there are also times when such
behavior does more harm than good to the cause of Christ.
Paul’s message here is in accord with Jesus – Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the
peacemakers…”
James said, “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, willing to yield, …” (3:17)
As Christians we have to put up with enough troubles without compounding them.
If anyone realized this it was Paul, being the victim of much false accusations
and so called brethren who were not acting like it. Consider the example of the
Jewish leaders who pursued Paul everywhere he went stirring up the crowds – that
is a perfect example of what we are talking about here.
IV. Do not avenge yourselves – let God take care of it
a. We have already talked about the “get even” attitude so prevalent in our society. We began this lesson by noting we should not repay anyone evil for evil. These verses add a dimension to revenge. There may be times we have a legal right to “get even” with someone, but we should not always pursue that course.
b. The word “avenge” means, “to execute justice, defend one’s cause, maintain one’s right.” (WS Dictionary). Most of the time it is used in a good sense (Luke 18:3,5; Revelation 6:10, etc.)
c. Paul’s point here is we don’t act like the average man, we follow a BETTER and higher standard. There are many in our society who have the “right” to sue but all it results in is bitterness and all sorts of ungodly attitudes – often on both sides.
d.
Understand I am not saying that we should never defend ourselves – at
times we have to do that – for ourselves and more importantly, for the sake of
others, but such should not be our first resort, but our last.
And we need to weigh the spiritual consequences of our actions. Why are we
taking the actions we are taking? Is it for self-gratifying reasons? Is it
being done hastily and in anger? Will it destroy souls and lives? Whose
lives? Will it damage future opportunities to teach? Etc.
e. The text: Why should we not avenge ourselves?
i. Vs. 18 (already mentioned) – it is not peaceful
ii. Vs. 19 – we should not be ruled by wrath – James 1:19
iii. Vs. 19 – Let God take care of the punishing. Why? He is a just judge and He has ALL the facts. He will render punishment properly when it is needed – 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10
iv.
Vs. 20 – Instead – keep treating them the way you ought to treat
everyone. In fact, do good for them.
Why? The “sweet revenge” is how it “heaps coals of fire on his head.” When you
act properly, better than the average rule of society, you disarm the enemy and
make his hatefulness even more manifest. That was Peter’s point in 1 Peter 3:16
when he said, “having a good conscience, that when they defame you as
evildoers, those who revile your good conduct may be put to shame.” Also 1
Peter 2:12
V. Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. (21)
a. Paul’s conclusion. In doing these things, you overcome evil with good. WE have noted numerous godly and ungodly attitudes. There are certain attitudes God wants us to have and there are attitudes Satan wants us to possess. Which of these are ruling in our lives?
b. Consider James 3:13-18, the wisdom from below vs. the wisdom that is from above.
c.
No better example than Jesus – i.e. – restoring the ear of Malchus (Luke
22:51).
Also John 16:33 – Jesus overcame the world.
Thus we can see Paul’s exhortations describing how to treat each other as brethren and all whom we come in contact with. As Paul continues his study, he next turns to our relationship to our government.