Romans: Marks of the True Christian

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ROMANS: WEEK THIRTY ONE

Read Romans 12:9-21

Back when we first started Tirzah Magazine, our first devotional was actually through Romans 12:9-21 (you can still find a digital copy of it on Amazon!). We called the study “How to Live a Set Apart Life in the Modern World,” because this passage is truly one of the best summaries in the Bible on how to live a Godly life. The instructions found here are timeless and applicable across cultures and generations. 

Read Romans 12:9-21 and journal through the following questions this week: 

  • What does genuine and sincere love look like in action? (v. 9) See John 13:34, Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

  • Why does loving others mean hating what is evil? (v. 9)

  • What happens when we think loving someone means never opposing them? 

  • What does it mean to honor someone? How can we outdo one another in showing honor? (v. 10)

  • What does verse 11 mean? See Proverbs 31:15, Matthew 25:14-30, Colossians 3:22-4:1, Ecclesiastes 9:10.

    • Break apart the meaning of each of these clauses:

      • “Do not be slothful in zeal”: 

      • “Be fervent in spirit”:

      • “Serve the Lord”:

    • Now, put these three clauses together - how does this instruct a Christian to approach his or her life and work? 

  • Paul could have said in verse 14 to not persecute those who persecute you. What does he say instead? 

  • Verses 17-21 also speak to how to respond when someone mistreats us. How should a Christian react when he or she is hurt, mistreated or persecuted by someone? See also Luke 6:27-36, Matthew 5:43-48, 1 Peter 3:9 and Proverbs 25:21-22

  • Apply this to how we as Christians should treat those with whom we don’t agree with politically or on social issues. 

  • In which of these instructions in today’s passage are you the weakest? What practical steps can you take to strengthen yourself in these areas? 

Reflect & Respond

  • What does this passage teach me about God?

  • How does this change the way I live? 

Scripture to memorize

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” -Romans 12:12

Catch up on previous weeks here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yelena is the founder and editor in chief Tirzah. Yelena works as an attorney in tax and in her spare time, she is working on her first book for unmarried twenty-something women in extended waiting seasons and running Tirzah. She has a passion for pointing young women to Christ, and enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with her family. Yelena lives in Indiana with her husband, Daniel.

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