We have rounded the corner in the book of Romans. It only took five months! As we move into Chapter 12 we move from Gospel instruction to Gospel application. Today, we focus on how a Christian fights differently against conflict and evil in this world. Though our text reads like another sermon on the mount, it’s actually the Apostle Paul’s challenging words to Christ’s Church. Paul's words challenge us to live and fight the good fight of faith in light of the good news of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:14-21

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.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. As a child, who was the troublemaker in your family? Who was the peacemaker? 

2. Read Romans 12:14-21. Of all of these commands, which passage do you find particularly challenging to obey? Which do you find the easiest to obey? 

3. Notice the word “evil” in Romans 12:9, 17, 21. Why is there an emphasis on detesting (hating or abhorring) evil, not repaying evil for evil, and not being overcome by evil? (See also Ephesians 6:12.) What evils are easily seen in today’s culture? What do these verses imply about needing God’s grace? 

4. From these verses there are four ways to fight evil as a believer: detest evil, have a humble spirit, bless instead of a curse, and have a forgiving heart. Which is the most challenging for the Church, Christ’s Body, today? 

5. How does offering acts of kindness “heap burning coals on people’s heads”? How did Jesus do this with His abusers? What words from Jesus specifically come to mind from when He was on the cross? 

6. Close in prayer, focusing on instances where you find it difficult to forgive.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Romans 12:14-21 together. From verse 14, how should we respond when people persecute us: bless them, curse them, or do nothing?

2. Read v15 again, this time fill in the blanks:

   I am to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ with those who rejoice.

   I am to _ _ _ _ with those who weep.

3. God doesn’t want us to look down on others, no matter how “low” they might be. (See also Philippians 2.) Take time as a family to think of one person you can each lift up and encourage with Christ’s compassion this week. 

4. Memorize Philippians 2:3 to motivate you this week.