Brotherly Love
Our Covenant Part 10
Romans 12:3-21
Introduction: The concept of love in our culture unfortunately has an impact on how we look at love in
the Bible. One author states, “Love is the circulatory system of the spiritual body, which enables all the
members to function in a healthy, harmonious way.” Today’s passage sheds light on the topic.
A. True love, vs. 9
1. Without hypocrisy
2. Hates evil, stugeoo, “hate with horror”
3. Cling to the good, kollao, “Glued”
B. Types of love, vs. 10
1. agape- non emotional act of the will, Rev. 2:4-5
2. phila adelphia –emotional love, fraternal affection
3. phileo storgos- emotional love, natural affection, tender affection with delight
C. Practical love examples, vs. 10-16
1. Give preference to one another, vs. 10, Eph. 5:21; III Jn. 9
2. Don’t lag behind in diligence, vs. 11, cf. Matt. 25:26
3. Fervency of spirit, vs. 11, cf. Acts 18:25
4. Serving the Lord, vs. 11, cf. Eph. 6:5-8
5. Rejoicing in hope, vs. 12, cf. Rom. 5:2, 3
6. Persevering in tribulation, vs. 12, cf. Rom. 8:18-28
7. Devoted to prayer, vs. 12, cf. Psa. 119:164
8. Sharing with those in need, vs.13, cf. Rom. 15:27
9. Pursuing hospitality, vs. 13, 14, cf. Heb. 13:2
10. Be of the same mind, vs. 16, cf. Phil. 2:2
D. Questions to pray through now in response to His truth
1. Am I released from jealousy?
2. Do I find fulfillment in being who I am, rather than wanting to be like someone else?
3. Are my friendships not distorted by status? - I am awed by none, and look down on none.
4. Can I appreciate others for themselves, without feeling they must be different or must be like me?
(Adapted from The Teacher's Commentary)
Conclusion: “A climate of love is absolutely basic to the church of Jesus Christ. Without such caring, and
reaching out to touch one another’s lives, the church will fall tragically short of God’s intended
experience of His ‘good, pleasing, and perfect will’.” Teacher’s Commentary Rom 12.