Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 20

 

Marks of the True Christian

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Rom 12:20

Therefore if thine... In view of the fact that God was good to you when you were His enemy (Rom. 5:7-8), you should likewise treat your enemies with goodness. You will thus make them feel a burning sense of shame. Quoted from Pro. 25:21-22.

shall heap coals... Speaks of fire on his head refers to an ancient Egyptian custom in which a person who wanted to show public contrition carried a pan of burning coals on his head. The coals represented the burning pain of his shame and guilt. When believers lovingly help their enemies, it should bring shame to such people for their hate and animosity.

This may refer to a sense of shame or remorse engendered when we treat an evildoer kindly. Paul is discussing personal, not national enemies. He is not teaching pacifism.

Pro. 25:21-22 “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:” “For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.”

This is the very same Scripture we read in Proverbs.

Mat. 5:44-45 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

These Scriptures here in Matthew are the Lord Jesus speaking because these are printed in red in a red letter Bible. If we are to be like Jesus, then we must love people who do not deserve our love. He loved us while we were yet in sin. He gave His body on the cross for you and me, not because we deserved it, but because He loved us. We must love in spite of, rather than because, to be like Him.

In light of God’s promise to execute vengeance, a Christian should therefore feed his enemy and quench his thirst — in short, respond to his evil with Christian love. Heaping burning coals on his head, along with the first part of Rom. 12:20, is a quotation from Pro. 25:21-22. The coals on the head may refer to a ritual in Egypt in which a person showed his repentance by carrying a pan of burning charcoal on his head. Helping rather than cursing an enemy may cause him to be ashamed and penitent.

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 25

 The South Gate

And there were windows in it and in the arches thereof round about, like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits. Eze 40:25

the length was... Fifty long cubits would be 87 feet 6 inches.

This was the inside of the bigger area, which was 150 feet square. This area is 87 feet 6 inches square by 37 1/2 feet. The 150 feet square is speaking of the inner court. This other measurement is like an inner court within the inner court.

To the south gate (Eze. 40:24-27). The design and dimensions of both gates were identical to those of the gate facing east.

Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 19

 

Marks of the True Christian

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Rom 12:19

Dearly beloved, avenge... Let others inflict vengeance.

but rather give... Give room for the civil laws to be enforced and officers to do their duty. If they are unfaithful and oppressive, let the righteous judge take care of them.

In (verses 18 and 19), we see that God will take care of those who are abusive to us. We do not have to fight someone who is out to destroy us; God will do it for us. A really simple way to say this, is kill them with kindness.

Referring again to the negative (cf. Rom. 12:17) Paul then exhorted his readers not to take revenge after they are misused. Instead they should leave room for God’s wrath (lit., “for the wrath”), because God has promised to avenge His people: It is Mine to avenge, I will repay (Deut. 32:35; cf. Heb. 10:30). David’s refusal to kill Saul on two occasions when it seemed that God had delivered Saul into David’s hands is a classic biblical example of this principle.

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 24

 The South Gate

After that he brought me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures. Eze 40:24

toward the south... The south gate of the outer court wall was the same measurement and had the same kind of chambers, arches, posts, and steps as the east and north gates of Eze. 40:6-16, 40:20-22, 40:24-26.

It seems as if these measurements are for areas inside the big area of the inner court. This south gate is specifically mentioned, here.

To the south gate (Eze. 40:24-27). The design and dimensions of both gates were identical to those of the gate facing east.

Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 18

 

Marks of the True Christian

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Rom 12:18

If it be... As far as it depends on you, live at peace with all people.

We see from the Scripture above, that it is not always possible to live in peace with all men. Paul found this to be very true. He was stoned, whipped, and even left for dead when all he was trying to do was good. Sometimes it seems the more good you do, the more you are attacked by your fellow men.

Although we should do everything possible to be at peace with others, it will not always come, because it also depends on others’ attitudes and responses.

Jesus is the King of Peace. If we are truly His followers, then we want to have peace as well. There is a peace that we can have and it is a peace in our heart that no one can take away from us.

Col. 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” This is a peace that we have within when in the world around us there is no peace.

Paul then commanded believers, Live at peace with everyone (cf. “live in harmony with one another,” Rom. 12:16). But recognizing that limits exist, Paul included the words, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you. Harmony with others may not always be achievable, but believers should not be responsible for that lack of peace (cf. Mat. 5:9).

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 23

 The North Gate

And the gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits. Eze 40:23

inner court was... This refers to the 2 gates facing each other, the outer and inner court gates which had 100 cubits between them, that is, between the 2 walls.

an hundred cubits... This would be 175 feet.

The outside dimension of this inner court is 175 feet square.

The design and dimensions of both gates were identical to those of the gate facing east.

Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 17

Marks of the True Christian

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Rom 12:17

Recompense to no... Never pay back evil for evil to any man. Recompense in this instance means to repay. We could see in this that God does not want us to get even for the things people have done to us. God wants us to turn the other cheek when we have been dealt a blow on one side.

Mat. 5:39 “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

1Thes. 5:15 “See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among ourselves, and to all [men].”

We also see that the Old Testament law of an “eye for an eye”, “tooth for a tooth” was never intended to be applied by individuals in the Old or New Testaments, but it was a standard for the collective society to use to enforce good conduct among people.

Provide things honest... Do not live beyond your means. Christians are to respect what is intrinsically proper and honest. “God” also carries the idea of visibly and obviously having the right behavior when they are around others, especially unbelievers.

The exhortations in Rom. 12:17-21 relate primarily to believers’ relationships with unbelievers, speaking as they do of those who do evil toward believers (Rom. 12:17) and are the “enemy” of believers (Rom. 12:20). The Old Testament principle of justice was “eye for eye” (Exo. 21:24), but Paul commanded, Do not repay anyone evil for evil (cf. 1Pet. 3:9). On the positive side Christians are to do what is right (kala, “beautiful,” used here in the ethical sense of good, noble, and honorable). 

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 22

 The North Gate

And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them. Eze 40:22

These palm trees were, probably, speaking of the posts engraved with palm trees. The entrance was an archway. This area was elevated up from the floor 7 steps.

Ezekiel was then led from the east gate of the outer court to the north gate (Eze. 40:20-23) and to the south gate (Eze. 40:24-27). The design and dimensions of both gates were identical to those of the gate facing east.

Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 16

Marks of the True Christian

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Rom 12:16

Be of the... Live in harmony and of one accord. Same mind means to be impartial.

Mind not high... Do not be unlawfully ambitious to be rich and powerful. Do not shun the poor, courting great men. Means not to be haughty with self-seeking pride.

condescend to men... Associate with humble and godly people going through life with as little show and parade as possible.

Be not wise... Do not be conceited and vain. Tell us that Christians are not to have conceit or feeling of superiority toward fellow believers.

1Pet. 3:8 “Finally, [be ye] all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, [be] pitiful, [be] courteous:”

We see from (verses 15 and 16), that we are not to have someone as a friend just because they are wealthy or highly thought of in the community. In other words, we are not to have them for a friend because of what good they can do for us, but perhaps because we might be able to help them. If we think too highly of ourselves, we think the world and its entire people owe us something.

We need to be thinking how we can help, rather than always wanting to be helped. The best Scripture that comes to mind pertaining to this is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. In this chapter speaking of charity, it is speaking of great love for your fellow man.

1Cor. 13:1-4 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” “And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” “And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” “Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,”

1Cor. 13:8 “Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away.”

What I see in this is, if what you are doing is being done for the wrong reason, even if it is a good deed, it will do you no good. God is more interested in why you are doing something than how much you do. Your heart must be in it to please God.

The next command, Live in harmony with one another (lit., “having the same attitude toward one another”; cf. Rom. 15:5; Phlp. 2:2; 1Pet. 3:8). Being in harmony with other Christians is basic to being able to empathize with them. This idea is then presented in negative and positive details: Do not be proud (lit., “not thinking highly” of yourself; cf. Rom. 11:20; 12:3) and be willing to associate with people of low position (cf. Jas. 2:1-9). These orders are summarized in the command, Do not be conceited (lit., “Do not become wise concerning themselves”; cf. Pro. 3:7; Rom. 11:25), an attitude that makes empathy impossible. 

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 21

 The North Gate

And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits. Eze 40:21

the little chambers... Each of the 6 chambers were the size of a small bedroom.

was fifty cubits... Fifty long cubits would be 87 feet 6 inches.

breadth five and... This would be 43 feet 9 inches.

Ezekiel was then led from the east gate of the outer court to the north gate for these measurements.

Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 15

 

Marks of the True Christian

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Rom 12:15

Rejoice with them... Take a lively interest in blessings and prosperity of others without grudging.

weep with them... Show genuine compassion for others.

One of the shortest verses in the entire Bible is a good example of weeping with those who weep. Jesus had great love for His friends, Mary and Martha, and His sorrow was sharing in their pain at the loss of their brother. Jesus knew that Lazarus would rise and He was not weeping for Lazarus.

John 11:35 “Jesus wept.”

The truth of the matter is that we need to share in the griefs of our friends and, also, to rejoice with them in their victories. We must not be jealous of their victories. We need to be happy for them when they succeed.

1Cor. 12:26 “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.”

We are told be glad in the blessings, honor and welfare of others, no matter what one’s own situation and to be sensitive or compassionate to the hardships and sorrows of others.

Christians should be able to empathize with others, both believers and unbelievers. Paul commanded, Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Related to this is the next command, Live in harmony with one another (lit., “having the same attitude toward one another”; cf. Rom. 15:5; Phlp. 2:2; 1Pet. 3:8).

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 20

 

The North Gate

And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof. Eze 40:20

gate of the... The entrance, chambers, and other parts of the north gate were exactly like those of the east gate of Eze. 40:6-16 (Eze. 40:20-22).

This area was 75 feet long and 37 1/2 feet wide.

Ezekiel was then led from the east gate of the outer court to the north gate (Eze. 40:20-23) and to the south gate (Eze. 40:24-27). The design and dimensions of both gates were identical to those of the gate facing east.

Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 14

 

Marks of the True Christian

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rom 12:14

Bless them which... Bless your habitual persecutors.

Here we are told to treat enemies as if they were your friends.

One of the most important teachings on this subject is found in Jesus’ own words in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew.

Mat. 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

A Christian’s greatest desire should be to be like Jesus. The one thing that set Jesus aside from other people was that He loved us enough to die on the cross for us while we were yet in sin. He blessed us when we really deserved to be persecuted.

1Pet. 2:23 “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:”

Paul’s exhortations in this section relate to a believer’s reactions to the actions and emotions of others, whether Christians or not. The hatred displayed in persecution usually evokes response in kind, but Paul commanded, Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (cf. Mat. 5:44). Perhaps Paul thought of Stephen (Acts 7:59-60) and of Jesus Christ (Luke 23:34). They both modeled these words and responded to persecution even to death by praying for God’s forgiveness of their persecutors.

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 19

 The Outer Court

Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and northward. Eze 40:19

This area was 150 feet each direction.

The distance from the inside of the lower gateway (i.e., the east gate) to the outside of the inner court (i.e., to the threshold of the gate leading to the inner court) was (100 cubits). This area was 150 feet each direction.

Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 13

 

Marks of the True Christian

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Rom 12:13

Distributing to the... Contribute to needy saints. Comes from a Greek word that means commonality, partnership or mutual sharing, which is often translated “fellowship,” and “communion”.

given to hospitality... Make a practice of hospitality. Means the pursuing the love of strangers and not merely entertaining one’s friends. In New Testament times, travel was dangerous and inns were evil, scarce and expensive. So the early believers often opened their homes to travelers, especially to fellow believers. Church leaders should be role models of the virtue.

Acts 9:39: “Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.”

We see that Dorcas had certainly fulfilled the lesson in the Scripture above. She saw a need and took care of it. Many believe that this same Dorcas paid for a great deal of Paul’s necessities. We do know from this Scripture, that she was a very giving person. She was loved dearly by her sisters and brothers in Christ (as you can see from Acts 9:39). I will include several more Scriptures here that will demonstrate how important it is to God for us to be concerned about the needs of the saints, and in this we can also see how important it is to be hospitable, as well.

Gal. 6:10 “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

1Tim. 5:10 “Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.”

Returning to Christians’ responsibilities to other believers, Paul exhorted them, Share with God’s people who are in need (lit., “sharing [koinōnountes, ‘having in common’] the needs of the saints”). This characterized the Jerusalem church (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32, 4:34-37). This concern also motivated the church in Antioch (Acts 11:27-30) and the Apostle Paul (1Cor. 16:1-4; 2Cor. 8-9; Rom. 15:25-27) to give to the church in Jerusalem. In the same vein the apostle commanded, Practice hospitality (lit., “pursuing friendliness to strangers”). Both ministries, meeting needs and being hospitable, involve helping others.

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 18

 

The Outer Court

And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of the gates was the lower pavement. Eze 40:18

the lower pavement... The lower pavement was the one in the outer court which filled the whole space between the outer wall and the inner wall, a pavement 500 cubits across and 100 cubits deep on each of the 4 sides, which would be equal to 875 feet across and 175 feet deep. It was several steps higher than the ground level outside the outer court wall, and several steps lower than that of the inner court (Eze. 40:18-19).

The pavement seemed to go to these thirty rooms. Possibly on the outside and would not have been on the floor level.

The distance from the inside of the lower gateway (i.e., the east gate) to the outside of the inner court (i.e., to the threshold of the gate leading to the inner court) was 175 feet (100 cubits).

Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 12

 

Marks of the True Christian

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Rom 12:12

Rejoicing in hope... Let your hope be a joy to you.

patient in tribulation... Show patience in all your troubles.

continuing instant in... Live in fervent prayer to God.

The hope that we are to rejoice in is the hope of the resurrection; of Christ’s return and our ultimate redemption. We are warned not to be like those that have no hope of the resurrection.

1Thes. 4:13-14 “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”

We also know that in this life there will be tribulation. Tribulation comes to make us strong.

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

We see from this that we certainly face tribulation.

Rom. 5:3 ” And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”

Eph. 6:18 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

Prayer is the power available to the Christian. Prayer is so important that even Jesus went aside and prayed to the Father. The disciples that walked with Jesus saw the importance of prayer and asked Jesus to teach them to pray. When we pray, we pray to the Father in the name of Jesus. We are told that anything we ask in the name of Jesus will be done.

John 14:13 “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

The three exhortations in Rom. 12:12 can be understood either as independent items or as additional descriptions of how believers should serve the Lord. They are to be joyful in hope, because their hope in Christ is the basis of their rejoicing (Rom. 5:2-5; 1Pet. 1:6-9). In affliction (thlipsei, “distress, trouble, pressure”; cf. Rom. 8:35) believers are to be patient (hypomenontes, “being steadfast, having endurance”; cf. Rom. 5:3). Also Christians should continue in prayer to God for wisdom, guidance, and strength (cf. 1Thes. 5:17). Being faithful, NIV’s translation of proskarterountes, should be rendered “persisting in” or “devoted to” (cf. Acts 1:14; 2:42; Col. 4:2).

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 17

 

The Outer Court

Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, there were chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers were upon the pavement. Eze 40:17

thirty chambers were... The size of a chamber, according to Eze. 40:7, was a reed long and a reed broad, or 10 feet 6 inches square.

These 30 chambers were in another area in the outer court, not close to the other 6, which were in the inner court. This court is farthest out from the temple proper and enclosed by the outer walls.

Entering the outer court, Ezekiel saw… a pavement… all around the court with 30 rooms along the pavement. These rooms were probably spaced in even numbers along the north, east, and south walls of the temple. The use of these rooms is not stated, but they may have been storage rooms or meeting rooms for the people when they celebrated their feasts (cf. Jer. 35:2).

Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 11

 

Marks of the True Christian

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rom 12:11

slothful in business... Never be lazy, slothful, and careless.

fervent in spirit... Maintain zeal to the boiling point.

serving the Lord... Put your life into service for God whether or not you receive personal gain and applause.

Whatever a Christian does in this life is worth doing with enthusiasm and care. Sloth and indifference not only prevent good, but allow evil to prosper.

To be fervent in spirit means “to boil in spirit” or “boiling over.” This phrase suggests having plenty of heat to product adequate, productive energy, but not so much heat that one goes out of control.

Paul then provided a series of exhortations concerning a believer’s personal attitudes, attitudes that will make him more attractive to others. In Rom. 12:11 the key thought is the last clause — serving (douleuontes; diakonian in Rom. 12:7 is trans. “serving”) the Lord — and the first two clauses explain how a believer is to serve as the Lord’s “slave” (doulos; cf. Rom. 1:1): never… lacking (“not shrinking, not hesitating, not being lazy”) in zeal (en spoudē, “diligence,” rendered “diligently” in Rom. 12:8), and being fervent in spirit. Keep your spiritual fervor is literally, “being fervent, or boiling (zeontes, used only here and in Acts 18:25 of Apollos) in the spirit” (either the Holy Spirit or one’s inner life). These two commands also balance each other as negative and positive commands (cf. Rom. 12:9). As believers serve God as His slaves they should be enthusiastic and diligent.

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 16

 The East Gate to the Outer Court

And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees. Eze 40:16

and upon each... The palm trees were evidently artificial.

Since they had no glass, there are lattices. On each post … palm trees: These depict God’s desire for fruit in Israel. Palms are symbols of beauty, salvation and triumph. Palms are on the inner court’s gateposts as well (verse 31).

He described the gate in detail, with its steps… threshold, guards’ alcoves… portico facing the temple… with palm trees (Eze. 40:16) along the projecting walls.

Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 10

Marks of the True Christian

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Rom 12:10

affectioned one to... Love with brotherly affection. Meaning: to be devoted to other Christians with a family sort of love, not based on personal attraction or desirability. This quality is the primary way the world can recognize us as followers of Christ.

honour preferring one... Be forward to honor others. Is to show genuine appreciation and admiration for fellow believers by putting them first.

John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” “By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

All Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ.

1Thes. 4:9 “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.”

You see, regardless where the Scripture is, we are taught the same thing; to love as we would want to be loved.

Divine love is to be exercised with other believers. The Greek adjective philostorgoi, translated devoted, suggests family affection. As in Rom. 12:9, the second clause in Rom. 12:10 can be understood as explaining the first command. Rom. 12:10 may be translated, “With brotherly love have family affection for one another, in honor giving place to one another” (cf. Phlp. 2:3, “consider others better than yourselves”). 

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 15

 The East Gate to the Outer Court

And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate were fifty cubits. Eze 40:15

were fifty cubits... Fifty long cubits would be 87 feet 6 inches.

This area is speaking of the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate being 87 feet 6 inches across.

He described the gate in detail, with its steps… threshold, guards’ alcoves… portico facing the temple…

Romans Chapter 12 Vs, 9

 

Marks of the True Christian

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Rom 12:9

be without dissimulation... Greek: anupokritos, undisguised, a real thing (2Cor. 6:6; 1Tim. 1:5; 2Tim. 1:5; Jas. 3:17; 1Pet. 1:22). means to be sincere or to not be a hypocrite. Christian love is to be shown purely and sincerely, without self-centeredness or guile.

The Christian’s conduct in the local church toward fellow believers is to be a volitional caring for others, loving faithfully despite the response received. The love is to be genuine and unfeigned.

Abhor that which... Hate, detest, and loathe all evil. We see from this then, that it is very important for our love to be sincere. Abhor means to detest or hate. This would be an extreme dislike for something or someone.

The supreme New Testament virtue, which centers completely on the needs and welfare of the one loved and does whatever necessary to meet those needs.

cleave to that... Be cemented or glued to the good. We can see from the following Scripture just how important it is to God for us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ and to love Him.

Heb. 1:9 “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.”

The passage from verses 9-21 provide a comprehensive and mandatory list of traits that characterize the Spirit filled life. Paul presents these characteristics under 4 categories:

(1) Personal duties (verse 9);

(2) Family duties (verses 10-13);

(3) Duties to others (verses 14-16);

(4) Duties to those who consider us enemies (verses17-21).

In social relationships

This section consists of a lengthy series of short exhortations or commands. The statements relate to a Christian’s relationships to other people, both saved and unsaved.

Paul began these specific exhortations with the key ingredient for success: Love must be sincere. This is God’s love, which has been ministered to believers by the Holy Spirit (Rom_5:5) and must be ministered by them to others in the Holy Spirit’s power. “Sincere” translates anypokritos (lit., “without hypocrisy”), also used of love (2Cor. 6:6; 1Pet. 1:22), of faith (1Tim. 1:5; 2Tim. 1:5), and of wisdom (Jas. 3:17).

This first command is followed by a pair of related basic commands — Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Many Bible students consider these two clauses as explanatory of the sincerity of love, translating the verse, “Let love be unfeigned, abhorring the evil and cleaving to the good.” Hating various forms of sin is frequently mentioned in Scripture (Psm. 97:10; 119:104, 119:128, 119:163; Pro. 8:13; 13:5; 28:16; Heb. 1:9; Rev. 2:6). Turning from evil is to accompany adhering to the good (cf. 1Pet. 3:11).

Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 14

 The East Gate to the Outer Court

He made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the court round about the gate. Eze 40:14

of threescore cubits... Sixty long cubits would be 105 feet.

He described the gate in detail, with its steps… threshold, guards’ alcoves… portico facing the temple…

Romans Chapter 12 Vs. 8

 

Gifts of Grace

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Rom 12:8

he that exhorteth... Greek: parakaleo, to call aside; make an appeal to by way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, or instruction (Acts 4:36; Heb. 10:25). Is the gift which enables a believer to effectively call others to obey and follow God’s truth. It may be used negatively to admonish and correct regarding sin, or positively to encourage, comfort and strengthen struggling believers.

he that giveth... This refers to the rich that give help to others (2Cor. 8:2; 9:11-13). Denotes the sacrificial sharing and giving of one’s resources and self to meet the needs of others.

it with simplicity... Greek: haplotes (Rom. 12:8; 2Cor. 1:12; 8:2; 9:11, 9:13; 11:3; Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22). Do not give with outward show or pride. This means liberality. Simplicity, single-mindedness and openhearted generosity. The believer who gives with a proper attitude, does not do so for thanks and personal recognition, but to glorify God.

He that ruleth... Greek: proistemi, the leader; pastor; superintendent; the one over any business of the church (Rom. 12:8; 1Thes. 5:12; 1Tim. 3:4, 3:5, 3:12; 5:17; Tit. 3:8, 3:14). He that ruleth or leads is a gift Paul calls “administration”, a word that means “to guide” and is used of the person who steers a ship. In the New Testament, this word is used to describe only leadership in the home and the church. Again, the church’s leaders must exercise this gift, but it is certainly not limited to them.

with diligence; he... Greek: spoude, haste (Mark 6:25); diligent (Rom. 12:8; Heb. 6:11; 2Pet. 1:5; Jude 1:3); earnest (2Cor. 8:16); carefulness (2Cor. 7:11).

he that sheweth... Those who visit the sick and work for charity must be cheerful and sympathetic. This is one who actively shows sympathy and sensitivity to those in suffering and sorrow, and who has both the willingness and the resources to help lessen their affliction. Frequently, this gift accompanies the gift of exhortation.

with cheerfulness... Is an attitude crucial to ensure that the gift of mercy becomes a genuine help, not a discouraging commiseration with those who are suffering.

We see in all of this, that God calls each of us to do a specific job. Whether God has called you to be pastor of a church or a teacher in a Christian school, God will not call you to do a job that He will not equip you to do. What the Scriptures above are saying is that any job God calls you to do, you should do it through the power of the Holy Spirit and not in your own strength.

Eph. 4:11 “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”