Romans, Session 20: Romans 12.9-21

Read the passage: Romans 12:9-21 (ESV, Bible Gateway)

This is Paul’s practical teaching on what it means to live in community with others – believers and unbelievers; those who are for us and those who are against us.

Verse 9

Paul makes an opening statement, the first book-end, which is complemented by verse 21, the second book-end and closing statement to this section.

Why is v9a crucial to keep in mind as you consider v9b?
- What might ‘abhorring what is evil’ look like nowadays?
- How can we practically go about ‘holding fast to what is good’?

Verse 10

Considering v9a and v10, what kind of behaviours do these verses rule out?
- In the church context, what areas or topics might provoke even Christians to behave differently from what we read here?

Verses 9-16

Consider these verses as a whole. In what ways should our love for others express itself?
- How does looking to Christ and His example empower us to love others?

Verse 14

This verse begins the section on interacting with those who oppose us. This advice can apply to our relationship with believers, with whom we may sometimes find ourselves at odds with. However, it seems especially relevant for our relationship with nonbelievers who oppose us and our faith.

What does it mean to “bless” someone?

Verses 17-21

It is helpful to look at these verses as a whole.

What do they tell us about how we are to respond to evil?
Check back to the questions on v9. How do these verses add to your thoughts on that verse?
What might “doing what is honourable” look like?
Why is v18 interesting (particularly the first part)? How does it help to alleviate pressure? It might help to think of examples.
In what way is v19 reassuring, particularly when considering evil that you or others have had to face?
Why is it necessary for God to be just and not just loving?

Verse 21

This verse beautifully sums up the entire passage.

What is our foundation for living this out? What truths from Romans can we come back to when we are struggling with the feeling of evil being stronger than us or “overcoming” us?

Personal reflection

Take time to review verses 9 – 21. Can you identify a particular area in your life where you are struggling to put one of these verses into practice?
- How do these verses challenge your thinking in regards to this area?
- Romans 8 tells us that “you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do”, “but letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace” (NLT). Bring this area of struggle before God in honesty and humility and ask for His transforming love and power to take hold of this area of your life.

Leader’s notes

Verse 10

Considering v9a and v10, what kind of behaviours do these verses rule out?
- In the church context, what areas or topics might provoke even Christians to behave differently from what we read here?
  Consider things like theological differences, political issues (f.ex Covid or elections or…), etc. In these areas we all risk responding in arrogance or frustration, lacking in brotherly affection and genuine love. As Christians we are called to be in the world but not of the world, to stand out in how we treat others and show them honour.

Verses 9-16

Consider these verses as a whole. In what ways should our love for others express itself?
Love honestly – v9; Love affectionately – v10: as brothers, and therefore we love even the unattractive; Love by showing honour – v10; Love by being generous and hospitable – v13; Love without bitterness – v14; Love with empathy – v15; Love with humility – v16
- How does looking to Christ and His example empower us to love others?
  Christ fulfilled all of these and far more for you – although we could never deserve and never give anything back. Looking to Him reminds us of the measure of love we have received, and this empowers you to spread it to others.

Download the complete study: Bible study on Romans (PDF) and leader’s guide (PDF)