Daily Digest

15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen

I find it incredible the way that God brings things to my attention through His word and my circumstance through themes, especially when I pay attention. 

Four times in the past week, the idea of Godly contentment came up in conversations that I had with different people, plus I read 1 Timothy 6, where it says “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” 

I feel like God wants to teach me how to be more content, and he is showing me what it means to be content in His kingdom. 

I have historically felt that the opposite of contentment is ambition, but God is showing me that I can be ambitious and content at the same time. 

Here Paul is in a really awful situation. Chained between two Roman centurions with a very short chain, under house arrest where he needs to pay the costs of his own imprisonment. Facing death at the hands of Roman execution. Feeling the aches in his aging body that has literally been punished for dozens of years of travel and beatings, shipwrecks and violence, all in the name of Jesus. 

But his attitude and response to his situation is “I have learned to be content, (v11) and the way I have made contentment work is to realise that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” 

This is the ultimate fusion of ambition and contentment! 

Lord, help me to not just learn this truth, but to truly live it! 

Written by Ps Justin Ware 

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

When Paul says “finally”, it doesn’t mean this is the last thing he has to say. (He began chapter 3 with “finally” too.) It does indicate that this is what ties together everything he has been saying. He’s telling us to logically think through what really is true, noble, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy, and to put that into practice – imitating Paul (3:17) and imitating Jesus (2:5).

Paul’s perspective is astonishing. Being in prison is good because it meant he could tell the gospel to the whole Praetorian guard (1:12). People preaching the gospel to cause him trouble is good because they’re preaching the gospel (1:18). Facing the real prospect of death becomes a choice between two good things: continuing fruitful life or being with Jesus (1:23). The things others call “praiseworthy” (all Paul’s Jewish achievements) are garbage compared to being in Christ (3:8).

Jesus is even more astonishing. God empties himself and becomes a man – a servant – dying a humiliating, dehumanizing death for our sake (2:5-11). And Paul tells us to have the same mind as Christ.

As my mind becomes like Christ’s, my life will become true, noble, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy – even if I’m in the middle of garbage, hostility, injustice or danger. My thinking and my life will finally be transformed because the God of peace is with me.

Written by David Cornell

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. 4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

As the mother of a toddler, I have become well aware of how carefully I am being watched and mimicked at all times! Small children have such a knack for modelling our example, copying our language, habits and mannerisms. It has made me so conscious of what I say and how I act, because my child is learning from me at all times and is establishing her understanding of how people relate and how the world works. I am the person she spends the most time with, which currently makes me the most influential person in her life. Sometimes I really feel the pressure of being an example 24/7, and I know that sadly, I don’t get it right all the time.

Yet as I read this passage, I am so encouraged by verse 17, where Paul writes to his fellow Christians to join together in following His (Jesus’) example. Paul knows that as a leader, others are modelling their behaviour from himself, however Paul is following Christ as the ultimate example! When we look to Jesus, when we live as citizens of Heaven, we know that we are empowered and shown how to love and live like Jesus did. I am encouraged to continue to stay in God’s word, to immerse myself in Jesus so that He is the greatest influence in my life. It is only by following Jesus that I can help others to live as He did.

Jesus, thank you that you are the ultimate example for how we should live, speak and think. Help me Lord to follow you first and foremost. Mould my heart that my life would reflect you so that I could lead others to follow your example as well. Amen.

Written by Ps. Madelaine Tarasenko

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Prior to this passage the Apostle Paul is listing off his religious accomplishments.  His religious obedience of circumcision, his human efforts to obey the law, his strictest obedience to follow Jewish law perfectly and his zealous persecution of the church.

All these he now realises are nothing “counting them as garbage” when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  His encounter with Jesus Christ transformed his heart, his mind and then his actions. 

All of a sudden all of our actions even our good ones are now really worthless compared to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.  Whatever we do is not for religious gain or “points”, it is just measured by love.  Whatever we do for Christ and His church is because of His love.

What strikes me in this passage is there is “no pass mark”.  All it is, is about being adopted into his family and loving and caring for the family.  Laying our lives – everything – down for the message and cause of Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, we know when what we say, do and live, shows to others that we look more like Jesus that our true selves.

Our world needs to see the Gospel before they hear the Gospel.

Lord, thank you for wanting to use us to expand your Kingdom.  It is a privilege to know you and live for you.  Help us Lord to listen to you and to follow your guidance.  Help us to look more like YOU.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. 3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

Have you ever become tired of hearing the same thing over and over again? Or thought to yourself that you have heard it all before? Have you wished that the Pastor would say something new, something you have not heard before? Or tried to find some teaching from another church, searching for some fresh revelation?

Paul says here in ch3v1 “Whatever happens, rejoice in the Lord”. It has a familiar ring to it, doesn’t it? Wouldn’t you like Paul to say something else, something new and different?

Paul says to them and us, that he never gets tired of telling you these things. Perhaps, we should not get tired of hearing these things. Paul repeats things, important things, because it is a safeguard to our faith.

The safeguard of our faith is not chasing new teaching or new insights. Those things are encouraging, and refreshing, but what keeps us safe, is hearing again and again, the foundational truths such as, “Whatever happens – rejoice in the Lord!”

I may not WANT to hear that again, but the truth is I NEED to hear it again.

The key factor that separates amateurs from professionals is repetition. Doing the same thing over and over again until it is second nature, until it is perfected.

There are a few things that need perfecting in my life, like rejoicing in the Lord, WHATEVER happens. So, even when I don’t feel like hearing it again, I need to stop listening to my feelings and listen to the truth again.

Holy Spirit, open my ears to hear, and my heart to receive again.

Written by Andrew Martin

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Paul is encouraging the Philippian church to continue to work hard to show the results of their salvation even when he isn’t present. He says that this is done in an attitude of reverence towards the Lord and goes on to give examples what a life so lived might look like to people outside the Christian faith. A Christian life shines brightly in a sinful world and does not feature complaining or arguing.  The apostle Paul also exhorts the Philippian believers to hold tightly to God’s word.

Paul’s instructions to the Philippian church can seem admirable but a tall order at the same time.  I want to but how do I live to that standard continually? I take particular comfort in verse thirteen which states that, “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”  This does not absolve me of responsibility but assures me that God is working within me – I am not trying to achieve this on my own!  It is such a relief to know that God is giving me the desire and power to do what pleases him.  An extraordinary truth really and one worth taking some time to ponder.

Dear Lord, help me to work out my salvation with due reverence and thank you that you don’t leave me to work this out on my own but rather you are working within me to achieve your purposes.  Amen

Written by Ps. Ainslie Woods

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,[a] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Paul is speaking from prison in this passage. He is speaking words of encouragement to the people in Philippi even in the midst of his difficult situation. These words can be an encouragement to us too. He asks that we base our lives on the reality of the gospel of Christ. Reading the verses leading up to this passage gives us a picture of what he means. He speaks of being filled with love in all he does. He speaks of being filled with the fruit of the Spirit. He asks that these people will receive grace and peace across their lives. He prays for their love to grow and increase beyond measure bringing rich spiritual insight in all things.

These are indicators of how faith in God is growing in each of us – our ability to love, to be kind, to have peace and to bring grace. Living life with Jesus enables us to grow in these characteristics. Given how the world works and how that is likely to make us feel, having these characteristics will mean we will seem different – we will stand out. We will bring our faith into every situation and we will bring God’s love to everyone we meet. This is what Paul did – even in prison he cared for the guards, for everyone in the churches he started and for everyone who had yet to hear about Jesus. He brought love and kindness, peace and grace. What a great idea!

Thank you, Jesus, that you love us beyond imagining and that you can help us love others beyond what we can imagine. Thank you that you brought Good News not just news when you came to save us. Thank you that your message is about your love for us – that you loved us enough to die for us before we were even thought about and that there is now nothing that can separate us from you and your love. Help us to live out that love that we can source from you. Help us to bring your light into our part of the world on a daily basis. Amen

Written by Therese Manning

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[a] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[b] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defence of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Do you ever think when you are in the middle of something terrible that God will use that situation to highlight the truth of the gospel to someone else?

In troubled times, normally in such a “fog” of the situation, where my mind is consumed with details and emotions that it is difficult to have a higher level of thinking of anything else. When the situation resolves itself there tends to be specific “God moments” that I can pinpoint to tell others and encourage others.  

As Paul writes in this passage, it almost feels to me like he is illuminated in his mind and words (vs 18 “the important thing, whether be false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice”). He is in chains yet still so thankful that many have heard of Jesus and the truth. His words, to this day are inspirational and humbling to all. It feels almost that he is fearless. 

Dear God, thank you that you sent Paul to be such an example for us, even in the year 2021, so many years after his life on earth. Thank you that although he suffered in chains, it was not in vain and that many have heard of Christ because of his life. Lord, teach us to be humble and to rise above our own suffering and remember that in all things you have a plan and purpose for our lives. 

Amen

Written by Susannah Ware

17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. 21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24] 25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

As the letter to the Romans comes to a conclusion, I thought it was interesting what the apostle Paul felt were the most important things to address, as he signed off.

Firstly, a warning, then statements of faith, purpose and blessing. What underscores all this is the revelation of the truth of the gospel – God’s plan of salvation revealed in the person of Jesus Christ – vs 25-26.

Then as today, the gospel of truth was being warped and misused by “those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned” (v17). I think of political and ideological messages with a Christian veneer, the point of which is to divide and push an agenda. While it is essential Christian voices are heard in public debate, Paul is reminding us not to be hijacked by messages which are feeding others’ appetites. V19 in The Message puts it fairly clearly – “…I want you to be smart, making sure every “good” thing is the real thing. Don’t be gullible in regard to smooth-talking evil.” The test – is this teaching or debate submitting to Jesus, and pointing me to the Lord?

Paul’s warning to “keep away” from these manipulators is challenging (v17) – do we engage in the debate or challenge the teaching to win over or care for our friends who may be influenced by them? Will we then run the risk of being simply drawn into arguments and away from the truth?

Dear Lord, my focus must be on the wisdom I find in you – drawing close to your heart, pursuing your character in my life and being in your Word. Holy Spirit fill me today with wisdom and desire for your truth.

Amen

Written by Claire Moore

23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. 30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favourably received by the Lord’s people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

I have travelled to India and Nepal a number of times and am always impressed and touched by the connection that exists between Christians, even when we have never met and are from very different cultures. Here we see Paul writing to Christians in Rome, whom he has never met, but writing with a warmth and trust for them. He is looking forward to their company, expecting them to support him financially and spiritually on his proposed journey to Spain and asking them to pray for him for his journey to deliver aid to the church in Jerusalem.

It is a bit sad reading Paul’s hopeful plans and knowing that, despite the prayer of the Roman Christians, he was arrested and imprisoned while in Jerusalem and ended up coming to Rome in chains instead of freely. However, we also know that “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Paul shared the gospel with many of the soldiers he was chained to (a captive audience!) and the gospel spread among Caesar’s household, so God definitely brought good out of that situation.

Where does that leave me? I rejoice at the worldwide family I am in! As family care for each other through good times and bad I have a fresh desire to connect with, pray for and support Christians in other places.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that your death and resurrection means that I have a new, worldwide family. Please help me to love them as you do. Amen

Written by Megan Cornell

7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.” 10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.” 12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you (v7)

To feel welcomed by someone is an incredible gift. I’m not talking about a polite greeting but when someone expresses their desire to include you in their space. They want to bring you closer and have you join them.

Maybe you can remember a time when you were warmly welcomed to a friend’s house and they prepared a meal for you. Or perhaps you stopped by their house and they were happy to see you and gave you a hug and invited you inside. To feel welcomed is to be embraced for who you are. Feeling welcomed brings the healing power of love to a person. It has the power to encourage a crushed spirit and bring hope to a broken heart. A welcome brings life.

This is what Jesus does for you when he says “Come”. He invites you to come close. He wants to share his heart and hope with you. Then we can share it with others and bring them close too.

Lord Jesus, I am so grateful for your invitation to come. Your welcome fills my heart with hope and love. 

Written by Gab Martin

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. 19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. 22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

“Mum” said the baby fish to his mother. “I’ve heard of this stuff called water. Where can I find some?”

“You are in water my dear. Water is everywhere.” Said the mother fish

“Oh” said the baby fish. “Well, one day, I want to get out of the water and go to the ocean!” Said the baby fish.

“Well my dear, that will be hard. You see, you are already in the ocean”

“!?” Said the baby fish

The culture and worldview that I exist in are a bit like the water and the ocean, and I am a bit like that baby fish. It’s really hard to see what culture and worldview that I am immersed in, unless someone points it out, or unless I increase my attentiveness to why I do what I do, and be inquisitive about how those around me act.

In today’s passage, Paul writes to the Romans about some rules about food that seem distant to us, but really, Paul is addressing an issue of culture and worldview that couldn’t be more current.

As I read this, I realise how individualistic and selfish our culture and worldview can be. I am often swept up in this and I can act in a way that isn’t loving towards others in the way I speak, behave, or even in things that I neglect to do. Only when I am shown the issue of my actions, or if I spend time in prayer, thought and reflection, do I realise that I need to make a change to the way I treat other people.

If verse 19 says “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” I need to put the effort in to becoming more loving.

Lord, create in me a clean heart, a new heart that desires You and Your ways more than my own selfish desires. Help me not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of my mind in Christ Jesus!

Written by Ps Justin Ware

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfilment of the law. 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Paul is again exhorting the Church in Rome, teaching that love is the fulfillment of the law. He is instructing on what to do, and then why it should be done, since salvation is nearing.

But the components of this passage that I am drawn to are “putting on the armour of light”, and “clothing oneself with the Lord Jesus Christ”. Armour is for protection. Clothes can too, but can also be a reflection of our taste, our role, our status, and Paul is encouraging us to infuse this with Christ.

These instructions require action and intention. They require decisions, they require choices, they require submission, they require discipline, they require sacrifice of the desires of our sinful nature. And by taking these actions, Christ protects us and empowers us in His light to resist, to overcome, and to reflect Him.

Lord, help me to always be actively submitting to your ways and to be clothed in You. In a world that taunts and tempts, may I shine your light, with love for all and to draw others to yourself. Amen.

Written by Steve Fell

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

What an amazing series of bullet point accurate life advice.

Starting with the inner life to love one another; to devotion to our brothers and sisters in Christ; to the manner of our service to God – enthusiastic; to not giving up in difficult times; to welcoming guests and speaking blessing the list goes on as Paul gives us bullet point after bullet point of life giving practices.  This is a veritable list of how to live life in Christ to achieve the summation in verse 21 – “Never let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.”  Each and every one of these practices releases us to fulfil this last bullet point – defeat evil with good.

All too often we forget we’re in a battle between good and evil, light and dark.  This battle is won in a variety of ways – in prayer, speaking truth over error, loving not accusing or condemning, and living out this list of best practices – because to live them out is to choose to walk in the opposite spirit!

If I am committed to ensure evil doesn’t win over me then I need to live out these ‘opposite spirit’ practices to combat the influences of the world in my world.

Father empower me to live as you choose me to with Romans 12:9-21 to guide my steps.

Written by Ps. Richard Botta