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Romans 12:16
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be of the same mind - Live in a state of continual harmony and concord, and pray for the same good for all which you desire for yourselves. Mind not high things - Be not ambitious; affect nothing above your station; do not court the rich nor the powerful; do not pass by the poor man to pay your court to the great man; do not affect titles or worldly distinctions; much less sacrifice your conscience for them. The attachment to high things and high men is the vice of little, shallow minds. However, it argues one important fact, that such persons are conscious that they are of no worth and of no consequence in Themselves, and they seek to render themselves observable and to gain a little credit by their endeavors to associate themselves with men of rank and fortune, and if possible to get into honorable employments; and, if this cannot be attained, they affect honorable Titles. But condescend to men of low estate - Be a companion of the humble, and pass through life with as little noise and show as possible. Let the poor, godly man be your chief companion; and learn from his humility and piety to be humble and godly. The term συναπαγομενοι, which we translate condescend, from συν, together, and απαγω, to lead, signifies to be led, carried, or dragged away to prison with another; and points out the state in which the primitive Christians were despised and rejected of men, and often led forth to prison and death. False or man-pleasing professors would endeavor to escape all this disgrace and danger by getting into the favor of the great, the worldly, and the irreligious. There have not been wanting, in all ages of the Church, persons who, losing the savour of Divine things from their own souls by drinking into a worldly spirit, have endeavored to shun the reproach of the cross by renouncing the company of the godly, speaking evil of the way of life, and perhaps sitting down in the chair of the scorner with apostates like themselves. And yet, strange to tell, these men will keep up a form of godliness! for a decent outside is often necessary to enable them to secure the ends of their ambition. Be not wise in your own conceits - Be not puffed up with an opinion of your own consequence; for this will prove that the consequence itself is imaginary. Be not wise, παρ' ἑαυτοις, by yourselves - do not suppose that wisdom and discernment dwell alone with you. Believe that you stand in need both of help and instruction from others.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Be--"Being" of the same mind one toward another--The feeling of the common bond which binds all Christians to each other, whatever diversity of station, cultivation, temperament, or gifts may obtain among them, is the thing here enjoined. This is next taken up in detail. Mind not--"not minding" high things--that is, Cherish not ambitious or aspiring purposes and desires. As this springs from selfish severance of our own interests and objects from those of our brethren, so it is quite incompatible with the spirit inculcated in the preceding clause. but condescend--"condescending" to men of low estate--or (as some render the words), "inclining unto the things that be lowly." But we prefer the former. Be not wise in your own conceits--This is just the application of the caution against high-mindedness to the estimate we form of our own mental character.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be of the same mind one towards another,.... Which is not to be understood of the sameness of their judgment, or of their agreement in sentiments, espousing the same doctrines, observing the same ordinances, and in the same manner, and attending to the same form of discipline; but of their having the same love, and being of the same accord and affection to one another, entertaining the same good opinion, or a better, of others than of themselves; and so the Syriac version renders the passage, "what ye think of yourselves, think also of your brethren": think of one another, as equally interested in the love of God, redeemed by the blood of Christ, blessed with the same spiritual blessings in him, and called in the same hope of your calling; and do not think of one another, as being one richer or wiser than another, do not value yourselves upon that: mind not high things; be not highminded, do not think too highly of yourselves, and despise others; meddle not with, nor grasp at things too high for you, that are out of your reach, and beyond your capacity; nor seek great things for yourselves, as riches, honours, &c. nor covet great company: but condescend to men of low estate; or "to low things"; be content with mean and low things in life, and disdain not to take notice of and converse with, men in a low condition, whether in things temporal or spiritual; who may be poor in this world, be very ignorant and illiterate, as to general knowledge and learning; be men of mean parts and abilities, of very small gifts, and be weak in faith and experience; condescend to their weaknesses, bear their infirmities, and become all things to them for their good, and God's glory: consider the apostle is writing to citizens of Rome, who might be tempted to look upon themselves above others, and to look disdainfully upon others, as citizens too often do on country people, as if they were below them, as persons of low life to them: be not wise in your own conceits; see Pro 3:7. This is attended with bad consequences, spoils a man's usefulness, prevents his improvement in knowledge, tempts him to reject all counsel and advice given him, and to treat his fellow creatures and Christians with haughtiness and insolence, and exposes him to the scorn and contempt of men: or "be not wise by or with yourselves"; imagining you have all the wisdom, and others have none; or keeping it to yourselves, what wisdom you have communicate it to others; the Ethiopic version reads, "say not, we are wise"; see Job 12:2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:16 All three exhortations in this verse use the Greek word phroneō (think). Paul addresses the need for right Christian thinking when it comes to our relationships with other Christians. • Live in harmony: Literally Think the same things. • Don’t be too proud: Literally Don’t think arrogant things.
Romans 12:16
Forgiveness
15Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A New Attitude Towards People
By Francis Chan28K31:22JHN 13:34ROM 12:16EPH 4:32COL 3:12HEB 10:241PE 4:9This sermon emphasizes the transformation believers undergo when they accept Christ, becoming new creations and living differently from the world's patterns. It delves into the importance of unity and forgiveness within the church body, highlighting the need to bear with one another, forgive grievances, and let the peace of Christ rule in hearts. The message stresses the collective responsibility of believers to live in harmony, love, and unity as a reflection of God's love and to impact the world.
Book of Acts Series - Part 33 | Saying Goodbye
By Jim Cymbala1.6K45:01Book Of ActsMAT 26:21MAT 28:19ACT 20:27ROM 12:16In this sermon, the preacher praises the choir and acknowledges their dedication and hard work. He emphasizes the importance of having a double standard in the church, where members are expected to dress appropriately and pay attention during sermons. The preacher also shares a story about a couple who were struggling in their ministry because they were not called to do what they were attempting. He highlights the role of a shepherd in protecting and guiding the congregation, warning against individuals who may try to draw disciples to themselves instead of following Jesus. The preacher encourages the congregation to spread the good news of Jesus through conversations and interactions with others.
Giving Our Mind to Christ - Part 6
By Zac Poonen1.3K08:47PRO 11:25MAT 16:24LUK 14:11ROM 12:161CO 2:161CO 10:242CO 10:4PHP 2:3JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life free from selfishness and pride, urging believers to adopt humility, unselfish love, and generosity towards others. It contrasts the selfless attitude of Jesus with the selfishness often found in society, highlighting the need to prioritize spiritual growth over cultural norms. The speaker encourages a sincere commitment to eliminating selfish tendencies and embracing the mindset of Christ, seeking true happiness and fulfillment in a devoted Christian life.
Few Find the Way to Life - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:15PRO 16:18MAT 23:12ROM 12:16PHP 2:3HEB 4:12HEB 13:2JAS 4:61PE 5:5This sermon addresses the importance of knowing and understanding the Bible, emphasizing the need to base our beliefs and arguments on God's Word rather than personal opinions. It also highlights the danger of pride and haughtiness, urging humility and genuine fellowship with all believers, regardless of social status or education. The speaker warns against making hasty decisions like Esau, who traded his birthright for temporary satisfaction, stressing the significance of valuing spiritual blessings over immediate desires.
The Mind of Christ
By Stephen Kaung9961:13:29MAT 6:33JHN 17:21ROM 12:16GAL 3:28EPH 4:3PHP 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of unity among God's people. He emphasizes that unity should be based on four things: exaltation in Christ, consolation of love, fellowship in the spirit, and tender-heartedness and compassion. However, the speaker points out that despite having these qualities, the church in Philippi was still divided. He suggests that the human mind is in captivity and the enemy builds strongholds in our minds to stand against God. The speaker concludes by highlighting the importance of having the same mind and thinking the same thing in order to experience true unity and fill the joy of the Lord.
Having No Selfishness
By Zac Poonen84703:10MAT 5:48ROM 12:16PHP 2:2PHP 2:5PHP 3:121PE 2:211JN 2:6This sermon delves into the manifestation of God's ways in Jesus' life, emphasizing unity as highlighted in Philippians chapter 2. The chapter discusses being of the same mind, love, spirit, and purpose, showcasing a comprehensive view of unity. It addresses the importance of adopting the attitude of Christ to combat sins that hinder unity, specifically selfishness and pride. The command to refrain from selfishness and pride is presented as a challenging yet essential journey towards perfection, mirroring Jesus' selfless and humble nature.
The God of Glory - Worship in the Strangest Place
By Aeron Morgan84052:09Glory Of GodPSA 119:97MAT 6:33ROM 12:16EPH 5:15In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to be open and honest with God, just like David was in the Bible. The severity of our troubles should not deter us from approaching God, as He is always ready to extend His mercy and truth. The speaker emphasizes the importance of worshiping God even in the midst of difficult circumstances, acknowledging His control and faithfulness. The secret to David's trust in God is his honesty about his situation, and the speaker reminds the audience that God desires honesty and is fully aware of their needs.
God Has Chosen the Foolish Things - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel77528:30PSA 25:9PRO 3:5ISA 55:8MAT 23:12ROM 12:161CO 1:271CO 4:10PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6This sermon emphasizes God's choice of the foolish and weak things of the world to confound the wise, highlighting the importance of humility, honesty, and dependency on God. It challenges the worldly concept of upward mobility and calls for a genuine surrender to God's wisdom and guidance, acknowledging our own foolishness and weaknesses. The message encourages a deep desire for God's enduring plans to be fulfilled in our lives, leading to true satisfaction and reliance on God's mysterious ways.
The Obedience of Faith and Love
By Zac Poonen52155:51PSA 1:1MAT 6:24ROM 12:16EPH 5:22EPH 5:252TI 3:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding that every commandment of God is for our good, both in this world and for eternity. It highlights the need to obey out of love and faith, focusing on the eternal benefits of obedience and the transformation it brings in our lives.
Good Communications
By George Verwer51446:25Christian LifeACT 15:36ROM 12:161CO 2:112CO 6:14EPH 4:32TI 2:151PE 5:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses four enemies that can hinder our communication and relationships. The first enemy is faulty communication, where what we say can have different meanings to different people. The second enemy is pride, which can lead to arrogance and a lack of humility in our interactions. The third enemy is impatience and irritability, particularly towards new recruits or those who may not have the same level of understanding as us. The fourth enemy is a lack of understanding and empathy, where we may not consider that others may not have had the same experiences or knowledge as us. The speaker emphasizes the importance of working on these enemies and highlights a biblical example from Acts chapter 15.
The Friend of Disciples
By W.F. Anderson38100:00PRO 17:17MAT 16:6MAT 16:11JHN 15:12JHN 15:14ROM 12:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the second charity of a friend, which is an openness of heart and mind. He uses the analogy of a slave who only receives orders from his master without knowing the master's plans or intentions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding someone with whom we can open up our hearts and minds, using C.S. Lewis' statement that friends have naked souls. He also mentions the psychological background of the turning community, highlighting the joy of sharing with friends and the support they provide in times of grief. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of the man who went to his friend's house at midnight, emphasizing the cultural importance of hospitality and the need for friends in times of trouble.
Pharisees Look Down on Others
By Zac Poonen0JOB 36:5LUK 18:9ROM 12:161CO 4:7PHP 2:3Zac Poonen delivers a powerful sermon on the dangers of viewing others with contempt, highlighting how this attitude can stem from pride, upbringing, or misplaced values. He emphasizes the importance of humility, urging parents to avoid boasting about their children's achievements and encouraging listeners to appreciate God-given abilities without pride. Poonen warns against despising others based on outward appearances, talents, or shortcomings, stressing the need to see people through God's eyes and value them as He does.
Homily 1 on Galatians
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 16:17ACT 9:3ACT 21:17ROM 12:16GAL 1:1GAL 1:18John Chrysostom preaches about Paul's humble and obedient nature in his journey and interactions with the Apostles, highlighting his respect for Peter and James. Paul's zeal for preaching the Gospel among the Gentiles is emphasized, along with his avoidance of building on another's foundation. His humility is evident in his acknowledgment of his past persecution of the Church and the transformation brought about by God's grace.
Homily 29 on Romans
By St. John Chrysostom0JHN 10:11ROM 1:8ROM 11:13ROM 12:16ROM 14:4ROM 15:141CO 11:2GAL 5:10HEB 6:9John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of being full of goodness, knowledge, and the ability to admonish one another, highlighting the need to avoid conceit and judgment towards others. He emphasizes the kindness and persuasion in his words, showing a balance of boldness and gentleness in his approach. Chrysostom humbly acknowledges the grace given to him by God to minister to the Gentiles, focusing on preaching the Gospel and making the souls of those taught acceptable in the Holy Spirit. He expresses his desire to preach the Gospel where Christ was not named, demonstrating his selfless dedication to fulfilling his priestly duty and loving the salvation of others.
Conflicts of the Entirely Sanctified
By Harmon A. Baldwin0ISA 7:9ROM 12:161CO 6:122CO 12:10COL 2:61TH 3:13HEB 3:14HEB 10:231PE 3:71PE 5:10Harmon A. Baldwin preaches about the importance of retaining perfect purity through continual faith in the leading promises of the gospel. He emphasizes the need to have faith in God, to be established in holiness, and to walk rooted and built up in Christ. Baldwin highlights the necessity of being established in faith, holding fast to God's promises, and enduring trials to strengthen and settle the soul in God. He also discusses the challenges of maintaining holiness, the importance of teachableness, and the need for self-denial and self-indulgence in the pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity.
"Mind Not High Things"
By George Warnock0PSA 51:17MAT 16:24JHN 19:29ROM 12:16George Warnock preaches on the significance of the 'hyssop' plant in Scripture, symbolizing humility, weakness, and sacrificial character. He emphasizes how great men, like Solomon, pay attention to the seemingly insignificant things, reflecting true greatness in meekness, mercy, and compassion. Warnock draws parallels between the sacrificial use of hyssop in the Old Testament and its presence during Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the importance of sacrifice and humility in the Christian walk.
Wide Tolerance
By Hugh Black0MRK 9:40ROM 12:161CO 12:12GAL 6:2PHP 2:3Hugh Black emphasizes the importance of recognizing goodness in all places and people, urging believers to embrace kinship with those who do good and to rejoice in the victories of the Cross through various channels. He highlights the arrogance and sinfulness of setting up barriers that exclude those who do not align with our views, stressing the need to tear down pride and prejudice to welcome all who sincerely love the Lord Jesus as brethren. The sermon underscores the spiritual insight required to appreciate God's grace working through diverse individuals and the humility needed to step aside and celebrate God's work accomplished through others.
Epistle 384
By George Fox0Love and CommunityUnity in ChristMAT 5:9ROM 12:161CO 10:31EPH 4:16PHP 2:3TIT 1:10JAS 3:171JN 4:16JUD 1:6REV 22:13George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in Christ, where peace, purity, holiness, and righteousness prevail. He urges believers to embody patience, meekness, humility, and kindness, which will help overcome negative traits like strife and envy. Fox encourages the community to act in love, avoiding strife and harshness, and to maintain peace in their gatherings, allowing the wisdom of God to guide them. He highlights that true love and unity in Christ will lead to spiritual growth and comfort, ultimately glorifying God. The message calls for a collective commitment to love and support one another in faith.
Epistle 365
By George Fox0MAT 25:1JHN 1:12JHN 6:33ROM 12:16COL 2:2COL 3:17JAS 3:17REV 19:8George Fox preaches about the power and wisdom received through Christ, emphasizing the heavenly treasures of wisdom, knowledge, grace, and truth that come from Him. He urges the congregation to partake in the heavenly food and water of life, symbolizing the spiritual nourishment found in Christ. Fox encourages the believers to be vigilant, keeping their lamps trimmed and candles lighted, to serve God and Christ effectively. He stresses the importance of conducting all things in peace, love, and unity, guided by the wisdom of God, to glorify the Father.
Epistle 300
By George Fox0GEN 26:15ROM 12:16ROM 14:171CO 2:51CO 4:202CO 6:21TH 5:19HEB 13:151PE 1:5REV 21:27George Fox preaches about the importance of standing in the power of God, which is the keeper unto the day of salvation, emphasizing that the kingdom stands in power and not in words. He encourages believers to keep their faith in the power of God, which leads to peace, joy, righteousness, holiness, and unity in the Holy Spirit. Fox reminds the congregation that Christ brings a sword and war, not peace, to break the false peace of earthly ways, religions, worships, and traditions, leading them to the true peace found in Christ alone.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be of the same mind - Live in a state of continual harmony and concord, and pray for the same good for all which you desire for yourselves. Mind not high things - Be not ambitious; affect nothing above your station; do not court the rich nor the powerful; do not pass by the poor man to pay your court to the great man; do not affect titles or worldly distinctions; much less sacrifice your conscience for them. The attachment to high things and high men is the vice of little, shallow minds. However, it argues one important fact, that such persons are conscious that they are of no worth and of no consequence in Themselves, and they seek to render themselves observable and to gain a little credit by their endeavors to associate themselves with men of rank and fortune, and if possible to get into honorable employments; and, if this cannot be attained, they affect honorable Titles. But condescend to men of low estate - Be a companion of the humble, and pass through life with as little noise and show as possible. Let the poor, godly man be your chief companion; and learn from his humility and piety to be humble and godly. The term συναπαγομενοι, which we translate condescend, from συν, together, and απαγω, to lead, signifies to be led, carried, or dragged away to prison with another; and points out the state in which the primitive Christians were despised and rejected of men, and often led forth to prison and death. False or man-pleasing professors would endeavor to escape all this disgrace and danger by getting into the favor of the great, the worldly, and the irreligious. There have not been wanting, in all ages of the Church, persons who, losing the savour of Divine things from their own souls by drinking into a worldly spirit, have endeavored to shun the reproach of the cross by renouncing the company of the godly, speaking evil of the way of life, and perhaps sitting down in the chair of the scorner with apostates like themselves. And yet, strange to tell, these men will keep up a form of godliness! for a decent outside is often necessary to enable them to secure the ends of their ambition. Be not wise in your own conceits - Be not puffed up with an opinion of your own consequence; for this will prove that the consequence itself is imaginary. Be not wise, παρ' ἑαυτοις, by yourselves - do not suppose that wisdom and discernment dwell alone with you. Believe that you stand in need both of help and instruction from others.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Be--"Being" of the same mind one toward another--The feeling of the common bond which binds all Christians to each other, whatever diversity of station, cultivation, temperament, or gifts may obtain among them, is the thing here enjoined. This is next taken up in detail. Mind not--"not minding" high things--that is, Cherish not ambitious or aspiring purposes and desires. As this springs from selfish severance of our own interests and objects from those of our brethren, so it is quite incompatible with the spirit inculcated in the preceding clause. but condescend--"condescending" to men of low estate--or (as some render the words), "inclining unto the things that be lowly." But we prefer the former. Be not wise in your own conceits--This is just the application of the caution against high-mindedness to the estimate we form of our own mental character.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be of the same mind one towards another,.... Which is not to be understood of the sameness of their judgment, or of their agreement in sentiments, espousing the same doctrines, observing the same ordinances, and in the same manner, and attending to the same form of discipline; but of their having the same love, and being of the same accord and affection to one another, entertaining the same good opinion, or a better, of others than of themselves; and so the Syriac version renders the passage, "what ye think of yourselves, think also of your brethren": think of one another, as equally interested in the love of God, redeemed by the blood of Christ, blessed with the same spiritual blessings in him, and called in the same hope of your calling; and do not think of one another, as being one richer or wiser than another, do not value yourselves upon that: mind not high things; be not highminded, do not think too highly of yourselves, and despise others; meddle not with, nor grasp at things too high for you, that are out of your reach, and beyond your capacity; nor seek great things for yourselves, as riches, honours, &c. nor covet great company: but condescend to men of low estate; or "to low things"; be content with mean and low things in life, and disdain not to take notice of and converse with, men in a low condition, whether in things temporal or spiritual; who may be poor in this world, be very ignorant and illiterate, as to general knowledge and learning; be men of mean parts and abilities, of very small gifts, and be weak in faith and experience; condescend to their weaknesses, bear their infirmities, and become all things to them for their good, and God's glory: consider the apostle is writing to citizens of Rome, who might be tempted to look upon themselves above others, and to look disdainfully upon others, as citizens too often do on country people, as if they were below them, as persons of low life to them: be not wise in your own conceits; see Pro 3:7. This is attended with bad consequences, spoils a man's usefulness, prevents his improvement in knowledge, tempts him to reject all counsel and advice given him, and to treat his fellow creatures and Christians with haughtiness and insolence, and exposes him to the scorn and contempt of men: or "be not wise by or with yourselves"; imagining you have all the wisdom, and others have none; or keeping it to yourselves, what wisdom you have communicate it to others; the Ethiopic version reads, "say not, we are wise"; see Job 12:2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:16 All three exhortations in this verse use the Greek word phroneō (think). Paul addresses the need for right Christian thinking when it comes to our relationships with other Christians. • Live in harmony: Literally Think the same things. • Don’t be too proud: Literally Don’t think arrogant things.