A Living Faith Chapter Five
Romans 12:9-21
In the spring of His second year of ministry, Christ ascended one of the many large hills just north of the Sea of Galilee to preach the greatest sermon ever proclaimed. Now it was during this incredible sermon that Christ spoke these words:
Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Indeed, the culture in which Christ lived afforded many a "Pleader with a Cause." In the tradition of Socrates, these men traveled from place to place seeking disciples. These men taught their "hidden wisdom." And thus, God's people were to beware of these false prophets – those who erroneously proclaimed not just any supposed truth, but also "thus saith the Lord!"
And how were God's people to distinguish between a true and false prophet?
Matthew 7:16, 18, 20, "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? . . . A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. . . . Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
A true prophet of God has been redeemed by God’s grace, given a new life, and is indwelt by the Spirit of God; therefore a valid test of a true prophet is the fruit of their lives. It is legitimate to ask that their lives testify to their redemption. It is necessary to question whether their lives demonstrate the salvation and faith of the Lord Jesus Christ because these things testify whether they are indeed a prophet of God. Now brothers and sisters, this same question can be asked of us: of Christ truly has redeemed us then it naturally follows that our lives will reflect this redemption. We will be men and women of a living faith!
And yet concretely what does this mean? What are the attributes of a living faith? This morning we are addressing a passage that answers these questions: Paul is discussing the elements of a living faith. Thus far we have examined a living faith’s affections,
1 its devotion to the body of Christ,2 and now we are probing its service in the kingdom of God.3 In the context of a living faith’s service in the kingdom of God we have seen that we must not be spiritually lazy, we must maintain our spiritual vitality, and we must serve the Lord on His terms, and that we must maintain a joyful expectancy. Today we are going to investigate the living faith’s ability to withstand the pressures of this age.A Living Faith Withstands the Pressures of this Age. Romans 12:12
Romans 12:12, "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer."
The phrase patient in tribulation literally translated means with regard to tribulation.
4 Tribulation is a very important word in the New Testament. It comes from a word that denotes literal pressure, and that of a severe kind. As you may recall, the verb was used of pressing grapes in wine-making till they burst. From this perspective, the nuance of this word is quite expressive. Picture a wine press slowly squeezing a grape. As the pressure mounts, the grape slowly begins to disfigure and lose its shape. And when the pressure becomes so intense that it loses its ability to hold its integrity, the grape bursts! That is the idea behind this word – pressure! It is not a minor discomfort, but an acute suffering. In fact, it is a suffering/pressure that all in Christ will have in this life.John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation:
Acts 14:22, "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation
Indeed! Through much pressure we enter the kingdom of God; its inevitable. As children of God we know what weighs in the balance in this life : the value of a soul, the end of all things and the calling and purpose of every man. We know that one of the most profound questions that could ever be asked is this: how ought a mortal man respond to a holy and infinite God? We know what life will be like – and could be like – if people repented of their sins and turned to Christ. Yet, we know that no good thing dwells within us and that the things we want to do we do not do.
7 We know that every time we sin we bring disgrace on our God.8 We know that every moment spent on ourselves is time wasted for the kingdom of God.9 We understand that only God is worthy of praise, yet we struggle with worship.10 Theologically we understand that God makes no mistake, yet we receive Providence as a bitter pill.11Thus we suffer from pressure – pressure that arises from a desire to be holy when we are not. We are crushed by the need to redeem the time in a state that denies eternity. We are burdened to serve the Lord in a world that opposed our God. We are strained in our worship of the Lord because we by nature seek to worship ourselves. Indeed, the life of the child of God in this world is like a life lived in a wine press: constant, and at times, unbearable PRESSURE!
Paul himself said these things:
2 Corinthians 11:28, "Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches."
1 Thessalonians 3:1, "Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone."
Paul at times was overwhelmed by the pressures of this life. Now ". . . with regard to the pressure that all in Christ experience," Paul calls us to persistence – "with regard to tribulation, persevere!" The word for perseverance is not a new word to us. It comes from the Greek term
13 used of an army's holding a vital position at all costs. It essentially denotes active fortitude! It is not a passive resignation or even a strong enduring it is a good offense. It indicates these things: strength to bear up under stress, and the persistent application of this strength. Thus, it can be rendered thus: "remain instead of fleeing. . . continually stand your ground, actively hold out."
As children of God – as ones who possess a living faith -- we are called to a life of steadfastness and endurance. Though the pressures of this state of sin and misery weigh heavy upon us such that we are tempted to give up, succumb, give in and throw up our hands and quit; nevertheless, we must stand our ground, hold out, and keep from fleeing. A living faith will do nothing less.
How do we do this? How do we live this? Have not we all at times buckled under the pressure of this life? Where does the strength for this kind of fortitude come from? The answer to these questions is two-fold: the first part is answered in John 13:1-4, and the second is found in Romans 12:12.
Notice the first: John. 13:1-4.
John 13:1-4, "Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself."
This passage describes our Savior who at this moment knew that the end of His life had come. Christ knew that Satan soon would have a field day. Christ also knew that He would soon undergo the greatest suffering imaginable: separation from the Father. In fact, it would not be but a couple of hours that this pressure would build up to such a point that Christ would sweat drops of blood,
14 and cry out for strength to the Father.15In light of this pressure notice what the Savior did: He put aside His garments, girded Himself, took a towel and washed the disciples feet. How is it that Christ could persevere in his suffering? He put aside His garments.
You see while the disciples were arguing about which of them was the greatest – for it was the lowliest servant that washed the feet – Christ demonstrated true perseverance in suffering by washing their feet. Christ gave this example for us because he had the hope of the resurrection. He lived in light of tomorrow’s grace.
And it is this hope that the Spirit of God uses to strengthen and protect us. .Indeed! Living faith is a persevering faith because it lives today in light of tomorrow's graces! Listen to the Hebrew writer's encouragement to ones suffering the pressures of this life:
Hebrews 10:32-34, "But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance."
How were these believers able to endure such great afflictions? They had a biblical hope! When Paul wrote of the pressures of this age he referred to this hope as one that helps us to exult in our tribulations.
Romans 5:3-5, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
Romans 8:18, "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
In fact notice, the very context of our passage, it is no coincidence that before Paul's command in this text to "persevere under pressure" that we, "rejoice in hope." Tribulation makes way for hope. Indeed, when we actively parade before our eyes the incredible plans that God has for us – His sovereignty, calling, and purpose – we are enabled BY GRACE to stand though the pressure is unbearable! Yet, the other resource we have in our fight to "persevere in tribulation" is found in Paul's next characteristic of the living faith: a living faith leads us to a life of prayer.
A Living Faith Leads Us to a Life of Prayer.
Romans 12:12, "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer."
Continuing instant in prayer is rendered devoted to prayer in the New American Standard. This phrase continuing instant in prayer
16 is the most comprehensive word for prayer in the New Testament. Here Paul exhorts us to a life of prayer by literally saying, with regard to prayer be devoted.Now the word for prayer
17in this text is the most frequently used word to describe prayer in the New Testament. Notice that in the Scripture there are at least six words used to describe prayer. There is the word for prayer18 which expresses a wish. It comes very close to being a vow. It is used in these contexts:Romans 9:3, "For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh."
Acts 18:18, "And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow."
There is the word for prayer
19 that is a entreaty or supplication. This prayer is one of asking or requesting.1 Peter 3:12, "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."
1 John 5:16, "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
There is the word for prayer
20 that is used when petitioning a superior.1 Timothy 4:5, "For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."
There is the word for prayer
21 which is a dependence, devotion, and communion with God. This is the word used in our text.22 The primary emphasis of this word is that expresses a God-ward look of dependence and communion. In other words prayer is depending upon God to do what He says He is going to do. Prayer and faith are very closely related. Notice Matthew 26:36-39:Matthew 26:36-39, "Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."
When a person comes to a biblical view of God's sovereignty, one of the first questions which arises is this: if God is sovereign why pray? Yet, how much more difficult the questions becomes when we think of prayer in relation to Christ: if God is sovereign, and Christ is God, why did Christ pray? The reason why Christ prayed, and primarily why we ought to pray, is not because prayer is primarily requesting
23 rather, it primarily is an act of dependence upon and communion with God! This is why Christ was always praying! For Christ, prayer was communion with God as a result of His dependence upon Him!Thus when we read that Christ prayed early in the morning,
24all night and often,25 during the day,26from afternoon until evening,27 during the evening,28 when He was physically tired,29 when He incurred rejection,30when He was misunderstood,31during spiritual conflicts,32 when He was in the garden,33 and even when He was dying.34 Christ’s utter dependence upon the Father resulted in a life of prayer! And it is for that reason that we ought also to pray!Prayer primarily speaks of a relationship of dependence upon and communion with God. And dependence upon and communion with God consequently expresses itself in prayer! "Continuing instant in prayer" is this God-ward look of dependence that Paul is calling us to! Continuing instant carries the idea of persistence and/or faithfulness. It literally means to be strong toward something. Not only does it denote a constancy with which we are to pray with, it also denotes an urgency to maintain this life of dependence. Effort therefore must be exerted to maintain our prayer life.
When it comes to being men and women of prayer – being people who rely upon God – our call is to a daily all-out devotion. This is a life which moment-by-moment lives in reliance upon God!
35 Such a life is characteristic of the life of living faith!Now for many this morning, the call of this text is foreign to us. Your life is a constant worry. You struggle and fret about tomorrow. You worry about your past. You worry about today. You wonder about tomorrow. Your life is characterized by strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissension, faction, envy and numerous other sins. Thus, we are not prepared to face the battles that await us in our walk with God! How does one cultivate a life of prayer? How can one live a life dependent upon God?
Examine Your Life to See if You are in the Faith.
Let me give you a couple of suggestions. First, you must make sure of your salvation. If Christ is not your Lord and Savior, how could you be one who relies upon God? How could you be devoted to a life of prayer if you do not know Christ as your Savior? Ask yourself, am I in the faith? Do I have eternal life? If the answer to these questions is not, then go to God in prayer this day and ask Him to grant you repentance and faith. Confess your sins to God. Turn from your life of self-dependence to a life of Christ dependence. Rely upon Christ's work on the cross as the satisfaction for your sins. Follow Christ. Truly, God will forgive you and make you His child.
Reckon This World to be in a State of Sin and Misery.
Secondly view this world as it really is – a state of sin and misery. This world is not a friend of grace. Rather it is fallen, in opposition to the things of God, and unreliable and undependable. That is why the man of God is sober minded,
36 and knows that life is not a game. The man of God realizes that the important things of life are not the project, fun, plans, work but life and death. Thus the man of God lives dependent upon GodBrothers and sisters do not make the tragic mistake of looking to this world. Let us not make light of this world – it really is a tragic and sad place. Let us distance ourselves from the Robert Schuller mentality that intimates that life is good and should be enjoyed with gusto. Listen only God is good, not life! God does not give us life to enjoy, but that we might enjoy Him! When we view this world as it really is – at enmity with God – cling to the Savior in dependence upon Him!
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Evaluate Your Faith.
Thirdly, evaluate your faith in God. Is God big enough to handle your problems? Do you really believe what He says? Is God able? Is Christs life of prayer an example of your devotion to God? Remember why did Christ pray and why was His life characterized by devotion? Because He knew God! He knew that God was the creator and ruler of all things. He knew that God was able to be trusted. He knew God was working His perfect plan of redemption in all things. And thus, His living simply reflected His love and commitment to God.
Yet so often that is a problem in our lives. Oh, we know the theory. We affirm the theology of God’s sovereignty and goodness, but our deeds reflect our denial of Him. If this morning you find that you are struggling with devotion to God, confess your sin of unbelief. Ask God to increase your faith and dependence upon Him.
While we could add to this list of suggestions, notice that a study of the men and women of faith in the Bible – those who were deeply devoted to God – will reveal that all were children of God and knew it. All of these men and women took this world seriously. All of them were convinced of the greatness and goodness of God. All of them longed for the day of His appearing. All of them were DEVOTED to prayer. All of them lived a life of living faith.
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1
Romans 12:92
Romans 12:10,133
Romans 12:11-164
ta thlipsei hupomenontes5
thlipsis6
thlipsis7
Romans 7:18-198
Joshua 7:199
Ephesians 5:15-1610
John 4:2311
Jeremiah 29:1112
2 Corinthians 11:28, "Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the churches." (NAS)13
hupomeno14
This most likely is what today is known as Hematidrosis15
Compare Matthew 26:37; Luke 22:4416
proseucha proskarterountes17
proseuchomai18
euchomai, eucha19
erotao, deasis20
enteuxsis21
proseuchomai22
Compare Colossians 3: 2, 1 Thessalonians 1:11; Acts 6:4; and Ephesians 6:1823
deomai24
Mark 1:3525
Luke 5:1626
Matthew 14:1927
Matthew 14:2328
Luke 22:1729
Mark 1:3530
Matthew 11:2531
John 6:1532
John 12:2733
Matthew 2634
Luke 23:4635
In fact, there is no attribute of acceptable prayer more frequently mentioned in Scripture than that referred to here: Acceptable prayer is persistent prayer (compare Acts 1:14; 2:42; 6:4; Colossians 4:2; also Ephesians 6:18; Luke 18:1; and 1 Thessalonians 5:17)!36
1 Timothy 3:237
For a list of these men and women Hebrews 11 is a good chapter in which to start.