The Good Neighbor of Romans 12 I. Introduction. A. The standard of "good neighbor" as set forth in Romans 12 should be of benefit to each of us. B. Many problems would not arise if we applied the principles of the chapter to us. II. Body. A. Good neighbors attempt to live peaceably: Romans 12:18. 1. Christians are children of peace. a. Peace among ourselves. b. Follow peace with all men: Hebrews 12:14. c. Seek peace and pursue it: I Peter 3:11. d. Christians are peacemakers: In every phase of life: the church, the family, the community, the workplace, etc. 2. Christians are not to be responsible for difficulties. a. Seek to settle problems--not create them. b. Often must suffer to avoid: Matthew 5:39. 3. All that a Christian is to be doing is trying to serve God. 4. Peacefulness, joy, willingness to suffer wrong--all indicate the proper spirit. B. Good neighbors learn to live with other people: Romans 12:18. 1. And treat them properly: Matthew 7:12. 2. Bible is standard to be followed for knowing how to treat others. 3. Being at peace with all men is no license to treat some differently than others: Matthew 5:47. 4. While one may not approve the life of a person or the teachings he holds--do not have a right to physically punish or mistreat! 5. A good neighbor: Romans 12:21. C. A good neighbor practices love without hypocrisy. 1. Love much discussed--little understood: Romans 12:9. 2. Men profess love of God--but try to serve him by commandments of men: hypocrisy. 3. Men profess to love our country--but attempt to ignore her laws, destroy her institutions: hypocrisy. 4. Men profess love for fellows--mistreat them: hypocrisy. 5. Men profess love for enemies--but refuse to help them: hypocrisy. a. Matthew 5:44. b. Romans 12:20. 6. A feigned love is detestable to God and to all honest men. 7. Love led: Acts 4:34-35. 8. Not some mush nor something that causes one to refuse+ to tell the truth: Galatians 4:16. 9. An example: Luke 10:25-37. D. A good neighbor shows right attitude toward sin: Romans 12:9. 1. Some are mistaken in their attitudes. a. Cannot allow evil practices to reign supreme in a community. b. Man has fertile mind to devise evil. 2. Displaying proper attitude, thus influencing others-- is a good neighbor! 3. We are to "abhor" evil. a. To detest it, draw back from it's poisonous fangs. (1 Too many: sin is only a subject for jokes. (2 Charge that sin is only a "social problem." b. Actually stand against evil! (1 Some so involved: not possible. (2 Refuse to speak out for truth and right. c. Abstain from evil: I Thessalonians 5:22. (1 People rationalize conduct. (2 They sin but will not acknowledge! d. Not: James 4:4. E. A good neighbor cleaves to what is good. 1. Just as one abhors evil--loves(clings to) good. 2. Must cultivate affection for righteousness. 3. Who receives publicity(limelight) in our age? a. The cruelest men & meanest of acts. b. Glorify criminals & coddle thieves. c. But God weighs the hearts of men! c. A newspaper that prints only good news... Second Sermon: The Good Neighbor of Romans 12 & 13: Continued I. Introduction. A. Note past lesson. B. A good neighbor is not restricted to a Christian: but being the best neighbor should be the result. C. Principles of Romans 12 &13 apply to Christians. II. Body. A. Good neighbors are considerate of the needs of others: 12:10. 1. Selfishness is to be avoided. 2. One is to: a. Prefer others over self. (1 God first, all others second(family, brethren, self, etc.) (2 Jesus died for others. b. Help those he can: 12:13. (1. Ability and opportunity. (2. Remember the Samaritan. c. Do not repay evil with evil: Romans 12:17. (1 To bless: 12:14. (2 Even: 12:20. (3 Thus: 12:21. d. Be honest in his dealings: 12:17. (1 In regard to others. (2 In dealing with the government. B. The good neighbor leaves punishment to the proper authorities: 12:19. 1. Placed some in hands of authorities: 13:4. 2. Ultimately, God will punish: 13:4. C. Note Romans 13 and learn: 1. Good neighbors recognize government authority: 13:1. a. To resist(withstand): 13:2. (1. Insurrection and rebellion forbidden. (2 Even oppressive ones to be obeyed. 2. Governments make mistakes. a. But they still exist by God's power. 3. The powers that be: 13:3. a. No order without. b. Nature of men demands government. 4. The government has power to punish: 13:4. a. Otherwise--no power of enforcement. b. Most acts will serve good purpose. 5. The government has right to impose taxes: 13:6-7. a. May not like them--but must pay them. b. They must be supported. D. For the Christian: Romans 13:5; I Peter 2:13-14. 1. Is there any circumstance in which one could refuse obedience? a. Absolutely: Acts 5:29. b. Not a common occurrence. III. Conclusion. Always be a good neighbor to brethren and to others.-jy