Sermon Tone Analysis

*Dealing with Others*

Romans 12:9-21

*Introduction:*

1.

A few weeks ago I posted an article in the bulletin entitled: Meet the Tater Family.

a.

Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the work.

--They’re called "Speck Taters".

b.

Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work.

--They’re called "Comment Taters".

c.

Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do, but don’t want to soil their own hands.

--They’re called "Dick Taters".

d.

Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking others to agree with them.

It is too hot or too cold, too sour or too sweet.

--They’re called "Agie Taters".

e.

There are those who say they will help, but somehow just never get around to actually doing the promised help.

--They’re called "Hezzie Taters".

f.

Some people can put up a front and pretend to be someone they are not.

--They’re called "Emma Taters".

g.

Then there are those who love others and do what they say they will.

They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand.

They bring real sunshine into the lives of others.

--They’re called "Sweet Taters".

h.

And the article concluded with the question, “What kind of ‘tater’ are you”?

2.                   It is possible that while I read you thought of someone person who may fit the description of a “commentator,” or a “spectator.”

I believe we would all agree that some people are easier to deal with than others.

3.

In our lesson today we want to turn to the book of Romans chapter 12 and look at a few passages where the apostle Paul shows us how we are to deal with others.

a.

In the book of Romans, the first 11 chapters discuss what God did for the world by providing salvation through Jesus Christ, and in the last 5 chapters, the apostle Paul discusses what we should do for God because of what He did for us.

b.                  Beginning in chapter 12, Paul begs the brethren to live acceptable lives to God (vv.1-2), and then he encourages the brethren to use the gifts given to them by God (vv.3-8).

c.

In our text today (vv.9-21),

Paul sets forth some guidelines to follow as we deal specifically with those round about us.

*Discussion:*

 

*I.

**HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR FRIENDS*

 

A.

Love and honor them (v.10).

1.                  “/Be *kindly affectionate* to one another with brotherly love, in honor *giving preference* to one another/.”

a.

[kindly affectionate] Philo (brotherly love) ~/ storgos (Loving affection of a parent) - hence, */kin/*dly affectionate.

b.

[giving preference] to esteem more highly, to set on a pedestal.

2.                  We must put others up on a pedestal and honor them:

                                                                        a.

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself " - Philippians 2:3.

b.

"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.

Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

- 1 Peter 5:5.

3.                  ~*We must love and honor our friends by treating them like family and honoring them like a child.

B.

Show them your zeal and joy (vv.11–12a).

1.                  “/Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer/.”

a.

Paul is saying, “/don’t be lazy in your spiritual affairs, but be on fire /(fervent - lit. to a boiling point) /as you serve the Lord/” (v.11).

b.

Joy is contagious!  (Cf.

Mt.5:16)

2.                  ~*We must show our friends that we are excited about being a Christian.

C.

Share with them (v.13).

1.                  “/Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality/.”

a.

“Help your friends with their needs, and open your home to them.”

b.

The early church was eager to share with other Christians (Acts 2:44-46).

2.                  ~*We must not be selfish when dealing with brethren.

D.

Mourn and weep with them (v.15).

1.                  “/Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep/.”

2.                  Sometimes the best thing we can do is be there for our friends (Job 2:11-13).

3.                  Jesus was a man of compassion (Jn.11:35)

4.                  ~*Man or woman, we must be emotionally connected with our friends.

E.

Live in harmony with them (v.16).

1.                  “/Be of the same mind toward one another.

Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.

Do not be wise in your own opinion/.”

a.

This verse is in connection with verse 3, “/not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think/.”

b.

Paul devoted a whole chapter to being wise in your own opinion (Rom.14).

2.                  Jesus told a parable to show that we are not to be conceited (Lk.14:7-14).

3.                  ~*We must realize that as Christians, we are all part of God’s plan, and we must work in harmony in order to be successful workers.

*II.

**HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR FOES*

 

A.

Be patient (v.12b)

1.                  “/Rejoicing in hope, *patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer*/.”

a.

“/Be joyous as a servant of Christ, be patient when you are rubbed the wrong way/ (tribulation – to be pressed into distress)…

                                                                       b.

/pray about your situation on a continuous basis/.”