What does Romans 12:18 mean? (2024)

FAQs

What does Romans 12:18 mean? ›

As believers, we should live peaceably with all people. This would include our siblings in Christ, as well as unbelievers. Another way to read this command might be, "Never let yourself be the reason for an un-peaceful relationship with another person."

Paul here presented a double qualification for living in harmony with others, because doing that might not always be possible. ¹⁸. If possible, It is not possible to live peacefully with everyone. There are some knuckleheads who will not reconcile with others.

We must develop "sober judgment," or an objective eye. We need to be honest with ourselves about what we're good at and what we're not. Paul does not say we must all learn to think of ourselves as terrible and worthless.

In the New Testament, it's living sacrifice because our sacrifice lives, and He brings life to us. So you are to be living sacrifices, sanctified by His power, His presence, and His redeeming grace, sanctified so that you are holy and without blame as you give the praise to the Lord.

We are not God, so we shouldn't try to avenge ourselves; instead, we should get out of God's way. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men (vv 17–18).

Verse 18 says to live at peace with all people if possible. This does not mean peace at any cost but peace when others do not make it impossible. Christians should do whatever they can to be at peace with others. They should not be the cause of trouble.

The wrath of God. Paul explains the problem starting in verse 18: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth.” God is angry at sin — and we should expect him to be.

Sober-minded means you are focusing on the grace that will be revealed in Jesus Christ; you're living with eternity in view. And because of that, your values are clarified, and you live with motivation and hope.

sober-minded in British English

(ˌsəʊbəˈmaɪndɪd ) or sober-headed (ˌsəʊbəˈhɛdɪd ) adjective. characterized by seriousness and lack of excess.

“Sober-minded", typically refers to a person who is serious, level-headed, and thoughtful in their approach or demeanor. It suggests being rational, clear-headed, and not easily swayed by emotions or impulsive behavior.

What kind of sacrifice does God want? ›

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. Oh God, you will not despise.” This is what God desires. He desires humility, brokenness, and contriteness.

Romans 12 begins by asking the question, ''Since He owed us nothing and has given us great mercy, how should we respond? '' The answer is a life of self-sacrificing worship spent in serving the Lord and other believers, refusing revenge and overcoming evil with good.

A physical body is given to each of us by our loving Heavenly Father. He created it as a tabernacle for our spirit to assist each of us in our quest to fulfill the full measure of our creation. Our bodies allow each of us to experience the great plan of salvation that He has designed for all His children.

Here Paul is urging against arrogance or pride. The connection shows that Paul had in view those things which pertained to worldly offices and honors– wealth, state, and grandeur. They were not to seek them for themselves; nor were they to court the society or the honors of the men in an elevated rank in life.

The text for this sermon, the theme of which is, “The Christian Response”, is Romans 12:16-18 ý Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.

"Never pay back evil for evil."

The word for "repay" in Romans 12:17 means an exact payback, penny for penny. This is the automatic sinful reaction of human nature when it has been wronged. Yet verbal, emotional, or physical payback is not an option for the Christian.

To humble oneself is to acknowledge God as Lord and to obey as servant. In order to do so, then, the Son had to take “the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). “We, as creatures, must obey our Creator, and he, as our brother, did the same.”

"Be at peace with all men."

Romans 12:18 recognizes that it is not possible to be at peace with everyone all the time. But we must make our best effort to maintain peace when our friends are acting like our enemies. Even if they do not reciprocate, we can be assured that we honored God and made an effort.

They think it means that you should not act immediately, but give yourself a chance. You should give place unto wrath by giving it time. Later you will not be so excited and passionate. Others have suggested that it means that you should let your adversary vent his rage upon you.

We humble ourselves by casting our anxieties on God. God's care comes when we humble ourselves and depend on His grace. “Casting” means to throw upon and thus to deposit with. Secular Greek used “casting” for a man who carried a heavy burden and threw it upon a camel's back.