Pastor Lowell Nelson teaches about Romans 12:9-21 'Marks of the True Christian" on 3/30/2026 for our Monday Upper Room Bible Study.
Romans 12:9-21
Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 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. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
In this teaching, Pastor Lowell explores Romans 12:9-21, detailing how the justification we receive through Christ should practically manifest as sincere love in every area of a believer's life.
Love Within the Church: The study outlines how love is meant to function within the body of Christ, emphasizing both outward affection and an inward heart that honors others above oneself. Believers are encouraged to maintain spiritual zeal and diligence, serving the Lord by supporting one another through prayer, hospitality, and meeting tangible needs.
Love Toward the World: Reaching those outside the faith requires a "solidarity of sympathy," where believers identify with others' joys and sorrows without spiritual superiority. True wisdom in these interactions is described as being pure and peaceable, planting seeds of the Gospel through kindness rather than judgmental attitudes.
Love in Times of Conflict: The final pillar addresses the difficult call to love our enemies by choosing not to retaliate when we have been wronged. By entrusting vengeance to God and responding to evil with practical acts of good—such as feeding or providing for those who oppose us—believers overcome evil through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Final Summary: The heart of the message shared by Pastor Lowell is that biblical love is not a mere emotion but a series of deliberate actions that reflect the character of God. Calvary Chapel Milwaukee is challenged to allow the Holy Spirit to produce a sincere love that seeks the good of others, even in the face of persecution. The call to action is to stop relying on the "arm of flesh" and instead overcome evil by actively sowing the fruit of righteousness in peace.
