Be Not Overcome with Evil #

Romans 12:17-21

Introduction

The previous verses we looked at in this chapter really dealt with the believer and his interaction with other believers. I put together a check list for keeping track of your life. The verses we will look at tonight, really deal with living among a lost world that practices evil against you.

By way of introduction, the phrase, “Recompense to no man evil for evil.” sets the tone and theme for these verses. It opens with reference to evil, and closes with reference to evil, and tells us how to behave when faced with evil.

David lived in that kind of a world for much of his younger days when Saul pursued him. He also exemplified this passage in “Recompense to no man evil for evil.” Paul also was very knowledgeable of living amongst people who wished him harm. Jesus of course is our ultimate example as He exemplifies this perfectly in His life. These are great examples for us to look at, learn from, and live out their examples.

Sometimes christians take this to mean that they should never stand up for themselves. That is not the intention of this passage. It is clearly instructing us to NOT get caught up in an evil way of life.

Most new drivers today, wouldn’t know about following road markers, they simply do what their phone tells them! However, you used to have to pay attention to the signs, and follow what they said. Route 241 (Left Arrow). Road markers to navigate the Christian life.

I. Live Passively (Rom 12:17) #

A. Reaction #

When someone attacks us, our natural reaction is to retaliate.
Proverbs covers a lot of this.

B. Self Control #

There is undoubtedly an element of self control in this.
Not allowing the emotion of anger to control us.

C. Spirit Control! #

Gal. 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

The truth is we should live our life controlled by the Spirit of God!

Eph. 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

1. As alcohol takes control of a person, and they don’t act like themselves… that is how we are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit #

That is the larger part of denying ourselves, and submitting our self to God!

II. Live Properly (Rom 12:17b) (honestly, genuinely) #

A. Genuine #

1Pet. 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

III. Live Peaceably (Rom 12:18) #

A. Possible “If it be possible” #

1. It is not possible to please all people! #

Prov. 15:18 ¶ A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Froward man – (perverse, non compliant, ungovernable, disobedient)

Prov. 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Transgressor (sinner) -

Prov. 17:19 ¶ He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

B. Peaceably #

Prov. 15:1 ¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Matt. 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Romans 12:17