in diligence, not slothful, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; Truth to Learn A Christian’s life should be characterized by diligent service. Behind the Words “Slothful” is from oknēros, from the verb okneō, meaning “to be slow, to be lazy, or to delay.” The word translated “diligence” is spoudē,...
Romans 12:10 – Being an Example
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; Truth to Learn Christians are to treat other Christians in a special way. Behind the Words The word translated “kindly affectionate” is found nowhere else in the Bible. It is philostorgos, which is...
Romans 12:9 – Sacrificial Evidence
Let love be sincere. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Truth to Learn Here is the evidence of a living sacrifice. Behind the Words The word translated “sincere” is the Greek word anupokritos, which is a compound word made up of a, meaning “without” and a...
Romans 12:8 – Joy In Serving
the one who is exhorting, in exhortation; the one who is giving, with simplicity; the one who is leading, with diligence; the one who is showing mercy, with cheerfulness. Truth to Learn Spiritual gifts are to be used with joy in the body of Christ. Behind the Words The...
Romans 12:7 – His Gifts, His Choice
or service, let us use it in our serving; the one teaching, in the teaching; Truth to Learn We all have gifts to be used within the church, but God determines which gift or gifts we have been given. Behind the Words The word that is translated “service” is...
Romans 12:6 – Benevolent or Malignant
But having different gifts according to the grace that is given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; Truth to Learn Each Christian is gifted for the benefit of the body of Christ. Behind the Words Paul begins the verse with a coordinating conjunction...
Romans 12:5 – It’s Not Personal
so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and we are members of one another. Truth to Learn In Christ you do not exist alone, but as part of a greater whole. Behind the Words Paul starts off this verse with the Greek word houtōs, which means “even...
Romans 12:4 – Sacrificial Body Parts
For just as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, Truth to Learn We are to function in the body of Christ as He chooses. Behind the Words Paul once again starts off the verse with “For” indicating that...
Romans 12:3 – He’s Great, Not Us
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think of yourself with reasonable judgment, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. Truth to Learn We...
Romans 12:2 – Transformed, Not Conformed
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, to prove in you what the good and pleasing and perfect will of God is. Truth to Learn Don’t be like everyone around you and don’t let others tell you what you should...