Rock Harbor Christian Fellowship
How can we study the book of Romans and make it practical? Find out this morning!
Big Idea: Community is strengthened when our attitudes and actions are grounded in love.
I. The Priority of Love (v. 9)
Romans 12:9 ESV
A. How do we best live in community with each other and the world around us? It starts with genuine love. This kind of (Agape) love is not some nebulous, abstract concept that is often manipulated to suit one’s preferences, but is an action rooted in God’s nature and fully revealed in Christ and His Word. For the Christian, love is not an option, but a way of life.
B. The priority of love is seen in:
1. It’s call (v. 9; cf. Mk. 12:28-31).
Mark 12:28-31 ESV
2. It’s character (v. 9) – Sincere, without hypocrisy.
1 Corinthians 13:8 ESV
3. It’s consistency (cf. 1 Cor. 13:8).
4. It’s conduct (cf. 1 Cor. 13:4-7).
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV
II. The Practice of Love (vv. 10-21)
Romans 12:10-21 ESV
A. Many have waxed philosophically and poetically about love, but at its core, Biblical love is best modeled by Christ and seen in action. Genuine love chooses to focus on the needs and well-being of the one loved. This attribute is important because it binds the church together in unity and serves as an example to the world around us (cf. Col. 3:12-14).
Colossians 3:12-14 ESV
B. We see love in practice when we:
1. Love others in the church:
A. With conviction (vv. 9-10).
B. With commitment (vv. 11-12).
C. With compassion (v. 13).
2. Love others in the world:
A. With empathy (v. 15).
B. With humility (v. 16).
C. With forgiveness (vv. 15; 17-21).