Source: https://cmpps.org/romans-chp-129-21/
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 18:25:01+00:00

Document:
Is this kind of “love” possible without God indwelling?
1. A supernatural genuine love that comes from a transformed heart.
2. A transformed heart is reflected in our attitude (Phil 2).
Hatred of what is evil readily follows supernatural love. Am I finding myself “clinging to what is good” more often than being enticed by evil?
What does devoted in brotherly love look like?
1.	Suggests a strong family affection dictated by tenderness.
Where am I in devotion and brotherly love for my brothers? Am I making an effort to stay connected?
I’d suggest in our “natural selves” this process is dead. However, in Christ we make an effort and rely on supernatural power to be devoted and love each other.
What about those who are less loveable than others? Are we to make distinctions? Do we?
How do we curb making distinctions and love all people genuinely, especially believers?
1.	“Honor one another above yourselves.” (cf. Phil 2).
Can we have zeal and spiritual fervor without sincere genuine love?
2.	The genuinely transformed are lead by God the Holy Spirit.
Should we consider everything we do as “serving the Lord?” (cf. Col 3:22-24; Eph 6:5-8).
Therefore, I cry out to the Lord to empower me to keep “spiritual fervor” and never be lacking in zeal, even in the day to day routine.
v.12 How’s my joy as I live “in Christ?” Am I confident that God has me in His mind? Hope? Wishful thinking or full assurance?
As we engage, co-participate, make choices, in light of our blessed hope: am I, are you experiencing a supernatural determination not to give up or give in to adversity?
Does God grant us the endurance to work through our conflicts, sufferings, pain, etc. in this life? Praise God! He Does!
How is this supernatural determination maintained? (v. 12b) Do I stay in the “talk with God mode? Pray without ceasing? Do I cry out to God in “all” contexts?
Furthermore, do I recognize my need to put “all” into His hands? Do I actively put “all things” into God’s gracious hands?
Humble hearts crying out to God in prayer, relying on God to sustain, empower, and guide our lives!
v. 13 This verse demonstrates and outworking of love, especially as we continually connect with our gracious God in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is an everlasting concept that we strive to master.
v. 14 cf. Matt 5:44; 1 Peter 3:9; A supernatural reaction reflecting a transformed heart.
How tough has it been this week for me to pursue the narrow way of love?
How do we respond to persecution with words of love?
Should we accept persecution as coming from the hand of God? (cf. Matt 5:11-12).
v. 15 Reflects “being” in relationship. Do I make an effort to identify with others, hence acknowledging their emotions/feelings?
The idea presented in this context is to share with others in their feelings. It takes supernatural power and personal effort to make an interpersonal connection.
Our “natural mood” must give way to a supernatural empathy, a genuine concern for others, especially believers.
v. 16 Does living in harmony mean agreeing on every theological concept, idea, or way of living out our Christ life?
“I don’t know” or “That is new to me” or “I am learning to appreciate differences” within orthodoxy of course! What about harmony with the obvious false teacher? (cf. 1 Peter 3:15).
Does pride kill harmony? My daily struggle is to kill “self-exaltation” and nurture “other-centered.” An egocentric disposition is our natural tendency. Therefore, we need a supernatural transformation every day, some days every moment depending on the context of one’s life.
v. 17 Where is the balance between hating evil and living in harmony?
How should we live in relationship with others? How do people perceive me? Does it really matter?
It takes two to tango in conflict. Therefore, do I make every effort “depends on me” to keep the peace?
19-21 To repay evil for evil does not reflect God indwelling, but the flesh.
v. 20 Our example might bring about repentance, before God’s wrath ensues.

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