Guidelines for Living Romans 14-21 Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind… I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Romans 12:3 -1- v.14 Bless (Eulogeo- Say something good, including the thoughts and actions) those who persecute (Dioko-to pursue with intent to harm) you; bless and do not curse. Read Luke 6:28…love your enemies Acts 7:59-60 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. Num 23:11-12 Balak said to Balaam, "What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done nothing but bless them!" He answered, "Must I not speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?" 1 Peter 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly 1 Cor 4:12-13 When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Why and how, then, should we seek to carry it out? 1. IT IS OUR CALLING... We have been called to follow in Jesus' steps – 1Peter 2:21-23 1 Peter 2:21-23 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps… When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 2. To bless, that we might inherit a blessing – 1Peter 3:9 1 Peter 3:9-10 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 3.We have been called to be partakers of the "divine nature" – 2Peter 1:2-4 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. -2- v.15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. John 11:33-35 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. 35 Jesus wept. -3- v.16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Phil 2:3-5 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: -4- v.17a Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Luke 6:28-29 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. -5- v.17b-18 Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Acts 17:22 Paul then stood up in the meeting …said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. -6- v.19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. v.20 "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." -7- v.21 Do not be overcome (Nikao- to prevail in victory) by evil, but overcome evil with good.