INTRODUCTION:
The twelfth chapter of Romans has been called “The Little Bible.” It may not be the greatest chapter in the Holy Scriptures, but it is certainly one of the most valuable. It has an impressive beginning and a triumphant close with a multi-linked chain of counsel, admonition, and exhortation in-between. In our text we see that life has three relationships – to the world around us, to our hearts within us, and to Christ above us. The text is a short summary of the Christian life.
OUTWARD – “In Diligence, not slothful.”
Colossians 4:5 – “Walk in wisdom toward those without,..” This diligence does not apply to a section of one’s life, but to the whole. The reference is not so much to the work, but to the workers.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever thy hand finds to do, do it with thy might…” It describes the manner in which our duty should be done – “Let us not be slothful, but diligent.”
Think about the one talent man in Matt. 25:26. Heb. 6:12. Ecc. 10:18; Prov 26:13-15.
The injunction is a protest against laziness, in Christian conduct. Many are fervent in business, but slothful in religious duties. Some people know how to throw cold water on a gospel meeting or wrap a wet blanket around some project the church should undertake.
It is more tragic for a Christian to be drowsy at his task than for a watchman to fall asleep on duty.
INWARD – “Fervent in spirit.”
Here we pass from the outward activity of life to the inward spring, or the motivating power, from which the outward flows.
Luke 6:45; Prov. 23:7.
The word “fervent” here means to be glowing or boiling like water. Our hearts should be glowing or boiling with love for God and man. It takes boiling water to produce steam. Its the igniting of gun power within that sends the bulletin whirling through space.
There are basically two forms which this enthusiasm has assumed in religious souls.
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- Enthusiasm for individual salvation.
- Enthusiasm for humanity – Some men will sacrifice almost anything for their own salvation, but at the same time cut themselves off from the rest of mankind. This is a selfish approach. Then there are those who become so enthusiastic for welfare of others that they neglect their own personal religion. These two forms should be combined into one.
Enthusiasm is indispensable to success in any endeavor.
CHRISTWARD – “Serving the Lord”:
This must be the supreme motive of the Christian life. Colossians 3:17. We must seek to be more than merely “church members” – Matt. 7:21; 1 Cor. 15:58.
Luke 6:46
What is meant by “serving the Lord”? It means “to obey one’s commands and render to him the service due” (Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 17:10).
It is impossible to serve the Lord acceptably without serving our fellow man (Matt. 25:31ff). Think of the great service we render mankind by carrying out the injunctions of the great commission (Matt. 28:19-20).
Take home message: Let us be outward focused – and be diligent, not slothful; be inward focused by being fervent in spirit; and being Christ-focused by serving Him enthusiastically.
the late Wayne E. Holland
from a sermon preached in:
Hayesville, NC 10/3/1982
Roxboro, NC 11/27/1988
South Boston, VA 8/14/1994
Roxboro, NC 12/30/2001
