SPIRIT-LED LIVING

Look back to where this season started: Genesis 1 and the celebration of God’s good creation, including human beings created in God’s image. Paul now asserts that the church is created in the image of Christ. The church is called to follow the Spirit’s lead, honouring the diversity of gifts and working together to embody God’s good and loving purposes.

Scripture Readings

What “burning bushes” have you experienced,– When and where has God’s call come clearly? In what ways have other people’s stories of both the suffering and joy of following God’s way encouraged and strengthened you?

(Click on links to read on Bible Gateway)

Focus Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

In this section of Romans 12, named in some Bibles as “Marks of the True Christian,” Paul writes a description of what the Christian life looks like. It reads like a list of instructions, and perhaps was written to offer advice to new Christians. In these exhortations, Paul calls the Christian community to put its faith into action. The imperative verbs give a sense of urgency to the community’s calling. Exercising love, rejoicing in hope, overcoming evil with good,– all go to the heart of what it means to be Spirit-led.

Chapter 12 begins with Paul’s urging to exercise the Spirit’s gifts within the Body of Christ. In chapter 13, Paul advises on relationships between Christians and governmental authorities. Whether the concern is congregational unity or secular relationships, the obligations Paul names in Romans 12:9-21 remain constant.

Paul employs several memorable images. “Love” heads the list in verse 9. The Greek word Paul uses for love is agape, the self-giving love that is characteristic of God. One who extends such love does so freely, without considering any cost or gain to self. One who extends such love does not judge the worthiness of the one who receives the loving actions.

In addition, Paul says agape is to be “genuine.” The Greek word is anhypokritos, the opposite of “hypocrite.” In Greek theatre, “hypocrite” referred to actors whose masks enabled them to play several roles. Over time, “hypocrite” became one who feigned an appearance. Genuine love is true to the image of God.

In verses 14-17, Paul lists disciplines that are challenging: blessing those who persecute, living in harmony, and not returning evil for evil. Romans 1:16-17 indicates the power to live in such covenant does not reside within us alone, but comes from the promised grace of God. Even in these imperatives, Paul appeals to God’s grace in verse 18: “so far as it depends on you.” When we approach our own limits, we can rely on the Spirit to lead and empower our next steps.

The curious image of “heaping burning coals on their heads” in verse 20 recalls Proverbs 25:21-22. Most commentators identify this action with an expression of remorse or repentance. Covering oneself with ashes,– the residue of coal,– was a sign of such penitence. In the honour-shame society of Paul’s day, perhaps it was thought that extending kindnesses such as food and water might shame those who were enemies, inspiring them to repent of their hatred or violence. Paul begins and ends this section of instructions to Christians with an urging to the “good.”

A “call to faithful living” is a consistent theme in the readings for this Sunday. Exodus 3:1-15 narrates Moses’ call. It also serves as the call to the people of Israel to hope in God’s promise of a secure future.

Psalm 105:1-6,23-26,45c is a call to worship grounded in the experience of and witness to God’s saving actions by the community of God’s people. In Matthew 16:21-28, Jesus calls both teacher and followers to discipleship.

Paul calls the Christian community to put its faith into action. The community of those united in relationship with God lives for the sake of bringing God’s good purposes to life in the world. Where do you find such marks of Spirit-led discipleship being called forth in your life and in your congregation? To what new expressions of genuine love do you feel God may be calling you?

REFLECTION

Holy God of love, we give thanks that you are always for us. Prepare us to proclaim this good news, to move confidently with Christ and share generously from the gifts that you have given. Amen.

 

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