Letting Love Be Genuine
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Faith, Hope & Love
Romans 12:3-21 (ESV)
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Sermon Outline
Let love be genuine (v9)
1. How are you holding up?
vv9-16 Do your responses to the dynamics of life align with these qualities?
2. Where are you drawing strength from?
vv9, 17, 21 Is evil exerting influence? What ultimately overcomes?
Prayer of Confession
God of love and grace, when we look deep within, we are discouraged by what we see. The challenges of life don’t evoke responses of mercy and generosity, but of self-serving anger, bitterness, spite and pride. Our love is so often insincere. We have replaced genuine love with an artificial self we present to the world. Lord, we can’t bear the stress of it. We confess we have tried, but we don’t have the strength in ourselves. Plant your love deep within us, and may our lives be so fully joined with Christ that he is our strength and help. Cleanse us deep within, and do a work of genuine renovation in our lives. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What pressures have you felt in recent weeks? What are key sources of stress? What kinds of effects has these stressors had on you?
Where do you see evidences of love in your thoughts or actions? In what ways have you tried to love others in recent weeks?
Do you believe good overcomes evil? Are there ever legitimate reasons to try to use evil to your advantage?
What makes you want to give up on showing kindness and offering help to others? What makes you hopeless? Resentful? Spiteful?
What elements of your life are part of your core structure? What values, possessions, aspirations, experiences, etc. are essential to who you are? What is important but not essential?
Is God part of your core structure, or is God somewhere in your life in a less essential way? Are faith in Christ, hope in God’s promises, and love from the Holy Spirit your foundation?
How did Jesus overcome evil with good? What do you see him doing in the face of hostility and opposition?
How does Jesus overcome evil in us?
Do you believe God’s love is genuine? Do you believe the God who sees all will help you as you look to Him? Is there any reason to not be yourself before God?
What steps can you take to be more genuine? Can you let love be genuine this week? How will you prepare to do it?