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Romans 12:21
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- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be not overcome of evil - Do not, by giving place to evil, become precisely the same character which thou condemnest in another. Overcome evil with good - however frequently he may grieve and injure thee, always repay him with kindness; thy good-will, in the end, may overcome his evil. 1. Thomas Aquinas has properly said: Vincitur a malo qui vult peccare in alium, quia ille peccavit in ipsum. "He is overcome of evil who sins against another, because he sins against him." A moral enemy is more easily overcome by kindness than by hostility. Against the latter he arms himself; and all the evil passions of his heart concentrate themselves in opposition to him who is striving to retaliate, by violence, the injurious acts which he has received from him. But where the injured man is labouring to do him good for his evil - to repay his curses with blessings and prayers, his evil passions have no longer any motive, any incentive; his mind relaxes; the turbulence of his passions is calmed; reason and conscience are permitted to speak; he is disarmed, or, in other words, he finds that he has no use for his weapons; he beholds in the injured man a magnanimous friend whose mind is superior to all the insults and injuries which he has received, and who is determined never to permit the heavenly principle that influences his soul to bow itself before the miserable, mean, and wretched spirit of revenge. This amiable man views in his enemy a spirit which he beholds with horror, and he cannot consent to receive into his own bosom a disposition which he sees to be so destructive to another; and he knows that as soon as he begins to avenge himself, he places himself on a par with the unprincipled man whose conduct he has so much reason to blame, and whose spirit he has so much cause to abominate. He who avenges himself receives into his own heart all the evil and disgraceful passions by which his enemy is rendered both wretched and contemptible. There is the voice of eternal reason in "Avenge not yourselves: - overcome evil with good;" as well as the high authority and command of the living God. 2. The reader will, no doubt, have observed with pleasure the skill and address, as well as the Divine wisdom, with which the apostle has handled the important subjects which he has brought forth to view in the preceding chapters. Nothing can be more regular or judicious than his plan of proceeding. He first shows the miserable, wretched, fallen, degraded state of man; next, the merciful provision which God has made for his salvation, and lastly, the use which man should make of the mercies of his God. He shows us, in a most pointed manner, the connection that subsists between the doctrines of the Gospel and practical piety. From the beginning of the first to the end of the eleventh chapter he states and defends the grand truths of Christianity, and from the beginning of the twelfth to the end of the epistle he shows the practical use of these doctrines. This is a point which is rarely considered by professors; multitudes run to the Epistle to the Romans for texts to prop up their peculiar system of doctrine, but how few go to this sacred book for rules relative to holy life! They abound in quotations from the doctrinal parts, but seldom make that use of them which the apostle makes in this chapter. "I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service, and be not conformed to this world, etc." Now we learn from the use which the apostle makes of his doctrines, that whatsoever teaching comes from God leads to a holy and useful life. And if we hold any doctrine that does not excite us to labor after the strictest conformity to the will of God in all our tempers, spirit, and actions, we may rest assured that either that doctrine is not of God, or we make an improper use of it. He that knows God best, loves and resembles him most.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Be not overcome of evil--for then you are the conquered party. but overcome evil with good--and then the victory is yours; you have subdued your enemy in the noblest sense. Note, (1) The redeeming mercy of God in Christ is, in the souls of believers, the living spring of all holy obedience (Rom 12:1). (2) As redemption under the Gospel is not by irrational victims, as under the law, but "by the precious blood of Christ" (Pe1 1:18-19), and, consequently, is not ritual but real, so the sacrifices which believers are now called to offer are all "living sacrifices"; and these--summed up in self-consecration to the service of God--are "holy and acceptable to God," making up together "our rational service" (Rom 12:1). (3) In this light, what are we to think of the so-called "unbloody sacrifice of the mass, continually offered to God as a propitiation for the sins both of the living and the dead," which the adherents of Rome's corrupt faith have been taught for ages to believe is the highest and holiest act of Christian worship--in direct opposition to the sublimely simple teaching which the Christians of Rome first received (Rom 12:1) --(4) Christians should not feel themselves at liberty to be conformed to the world, if only they avoid what is manifestly sinful; but rather, yielding themselves to the transforming power of the truth as it is in Jesus, they should strive to exhibit before the world an entire renovation of heart and life (Rom 12:2). (5) What God would have men to be, in all its beauty and grandeur, is for the first time really apprehended, when "written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tables of stone, but on the fleshy tables of the heart," Co2 3:3 (Rom 12:2). (6) Self-sufficiency and lust of power are peculiarly unlovely in the vessels of mercy, whose respective graces and gifts are all a divine trust for the benefit of the common body and of mankind at large (Rom 12:3-4). (7) As forgetfulness of this has been the source of innumerable and unspeakable evils in the Church of Christ, so the faithful exercise by every Christian of his own peculiar office and gifts, and the loving recognition of those of his brethren, as all of equal importance in their own place, would put a new face upon the visible Church, to the vast benefit and comfort of Christians themselves and to the admiration of the world around them (Rom 12:6-8). (8) What would the world be, if it were filled with Christians having but one object in life, high above every other--to "serve the Lord"--and throwing into this service "alacrity" in the discharge of all duties, and abiding "warmth of spirit" (Rom 12:11)! (9) Oh, how far is even the living Church from exhibiting the whole character and spirit, so beautifully portrayed in the latter verses of this chapter (Rom 12:12-21)! What need of a fresh baptism of the Spirit in order to this! And how "fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners," will the Church become, when at length instinct with this Spirit! The Lord hasten it in its time! Next: Romans Chapter 13
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be not overcome of evil,.... Neither of the evil one, Satan, who is very busy to stir up the corruption of nature to an hatred of enemies, and to seek revenge; but give no place nor heed unto him, resist him, and he will flee from you, Jam 4:7; "put on the whole armour of God", Eph 6:11, whereby you may defend yourselves, that he cannot touch you: nor of the evil of sin that dwells in you; "for whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage", Pe2 2:19; nor of the evil of the man that has done you an injury, as you will be, if you return evil for evil, or take any steps and measures to avenge yourselves; for then not you, but he that has done you the wrong, will be the conqueror: but overcome evil with good; overcome the evil man, and the evil he has done you, by doing good to him, by feeding him when hungry, by giving him drink when thirsty, by clothing him when naked, and by doing other offices of kindness and humanity to him; which is most likely to win upon him, and of an enemy to make him your friend: and if not, however it will show that you are conquerors, yea, "more than conquerors", Rom 8:37, through the grace and strength of him that has loved you, over Satan, over the corruptions of your own hearts, and over the malice and wickedness of your enemies. Next: Romans Chapter 13
Romans 12:21
Forgiveness
20On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Be My Witnesses (Compilation)
By Compilations4.8K09:42CompilationPSA 37:4MAT 5:14MRK 11:23ROM 12:211CO 16:14EPH 5:161TI 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a difference in the world and not living a self-consumed life. They urge listeners to not let the sun go down without touching someone's soul or bringing the love of God into someone's life. The speaker shares their personal experience of someone coming into their life with the sole objective of leading them to God, and encourages listeners to do the same for others. They emphasize that every believer has a calling from God to break the strongholds of sin and darkness and bring others into the freedom of Jesus Christ.
A House of Prayer
By Bill McLeod3.9K48:03PrayerGEN 32:26PSA 119:164MAT 26:40ACT 6:4ROM 12:211PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher shares various anecdotes and experiences to emphasize the importance of committing our causes to God. He tells a story about a preacher from Argentina who came to Canada seeking revival but later blamed Democrats for his disappointment. The preacher then decides to teach a series on soul winning, but only two people show up for visitation, revealing their lack of genuine desire. This leads the preacher to conclude that what they truly need is a revival from God. He also highlights the story of Jacob wrestling with God and emphasizes the need to trust and seek God's blessings rather than seeking revenge or getting bitter. The sermon concludes with a mention of John the Baptist's prayerful life in the desert before God revealed his ministry to him.
After God's Heart
By Erlo Stegen3.5K1:14:25Doing Good2SA 9:1MAT 6:33LUK 9:53LUK 9:56LUK 9:61ROM 12:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not despising or turning away from the preaching of the word of God. He warns that those who do so are the biggest fools in the world and will regret it for eternity. The preacher also highlights the need to make room for Jesus in our lives and not reject him when he comes to us. He uses biblical examples, such as Noah and King David, to illustrate the consequences of not responding to God's call and the importance of showing kindness and grace to others, even in the face of evil.
Paul's Hymn of Love
By J. Oswald Sanders3.3K22:18LoveEXO 14:13MAT 6:33ROM 12:211CO 13:11PE 4:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and patience in our lives. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Peter's question about forgiveness, to illustrate the need for patience and forgiveness towards others. The speaker also discusses the significance of love as the motive behind our actions, stating that even the greatest sacrifices are meaningless without love. He concludes by highlighting the characteristics of love, particularly its ability to refrain from certain actions, and encourages listeners to cultivate a patient and loving attitude in their lives.
The Weapons of Our Warfare
By Otto Koning2.0K35:10Spiritual WarfarePSA 1:2MAT 5:44ROM 12:212CO 10:4PHP 4:41TH 5:17In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences as a missionary in a foreign culture. He describes the challenges of communicating the gospel to people who have different beliefs and ways of thinking. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using spiritual weapons to tear down strongholds and destroy deceptions in order to reach people with the truth of Christ. He also highlights the need for cultural understanding and adaptation in order to effectively share the gospel in different contexts.
Lifting Up Jesus in the Gates
By Carter Conlon1.9K47:12KindnessPSA 46:10PRO 31:17PRO 31:30ISA 6:7MAT 6:33ROM 12:212PE 1:4In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of lifting up Jesus in the gates. He emphasizes the need for believers to seek resources from God in order to fulfill their calling. The speaker highlights the characteristics of a virtuous woman as described in Proverbs 31, emphasizing the importance of selflessness and obedience to God's will. He also emphasizes the role of kindness in glorifying God and reaching out to others.
The Decree of Judgment
By Aaron Dunlop1.7K33:04JudgmentGEN 19:24ISA 3:6JOL 1:15MAT 5:38ROM 12:21ROM 13:3In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of judgment and the decree of judgment as prescribed by the Lord. The sermon explores the idea that what we sow, we will reap, and uses the example of Edom suffering the consequences of their actions towards Judah. The preacher also discusses the three types of suffering in the world: calamity, which is the result of the fall but not guilt; judgment prepared for the ungodly; and judgment precipitated by the ungodly. The sermon emphasizes that while judgment is sanctioned by God, it is not compulsory and can be carried out in different ways, including monetary compensation.
Judging or Esteeming?
By Bill McLeod1.6K43:01JudgingMAT 5:45JHN 13:35ROM 12:211CO 10:13EPH 4:2PHP 2:3JAS 1:19In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a man who was critical of preachers and caused disruptions during church business meetings for 25 years. The preacher then recounts another incident where a man who was causing trouble during a business meeting suddenly dropped dead after the preacher prayed for it to stop. The preacher reflects on these stories and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and humility. He also mentions the need for self-reflection and asks his own daughters for forgiveness for not being a good father and Christian. The sermon highlights the consequences of being critical and the power of prayer and forgiveness.
(1 Samuel) Attacked, but Blessed
By David Guzik1.6K37:241SA 18:19PRO 3:34MAT 5:40ROM 12:21JAS 4:61PE 5:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of responding to manipulation with love and humility. He uses the example of the Roman soldiers and Jewish men during Jesus' time to illustrate his point. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a humble heart and taking control of the situation by giving more than what is required. He references the story of David and Saul to highlight the power of being a humble servant and being in control. The sermon concludes with Jesus' teachings on going the extra mile and giving more than what is demanded, as a way to overcome evil impositions.
How to Face the Last Days Without Fear - Part 2
By Derek Prince1.3K28:03ROM 12:21PHP 2:5REV 21:7This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries delves into the messages to the seven churches in Revelation, emphasizing the importance of overcoming evil with good and the promises given to those who overcome. It then explores the throne room of the universe in Revelation 4, highlighting God's holiness, almightiness, eternality, and creativity. The sermon progresses to Revelation 5, focusing on the worship around the throne, acknowledging the worthiness of the Lamb. Lastly, it discusses the significance of the four horsemen in Revelation 6, interpreting them as symbolic representations of Jesus, ethnic conflict, shortage and rationing, and famine and death, urging the urgency of spreading the gospel before judgment falls.
The Temptation to Do Good
By Norman Grubb1.3K47:05GoodGEN 2:17MAT 6:33JHN 14:6ROM 12:21EPH 6:11JAS 4:71JN 2:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the deep things of God and how they are actually very simple. He emphasizes that the deep things of God can be summed up in three sentences: God is love, He is for others, and we are for others. The speaker also highlights the importance of seeing the reality of God's love and life in every circumstance, rather than being swayed by appearances. He warns against the temptation to live a life based on ethics, morals, and values, as Satan deceived Adam and Eve with this same mindset.
Message 2 of 5 - New Zealand
By Keith Daniel1.1K1:11:20New ZealandJER 32:10MAL 2:14MAT 5:39MAT 19:6ROM 12:21EPH 5:221PE 2:23In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a couple who defused a potential argument by showing love and kindness to one another. He then transitions to another story about a young boy who realizes the value of education and regrets not knowing more about God earlier in life. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of finding happiness in marriage through a relationship with Christ. He concludes by discussing the need to respond to mistreatment with grace and love, in order to win others over to Christ.
The Eternal Spirit the Symbols
By Willie Mullan93955:39Eternal SpiritPRO 22:6MAT 5:44MAT 7:12ROM 12:211CO 10:13GAL 6:7EPH 6:4In the video, the speaker begins by mentioning the amazing revitalization happening in NACIR. He then talks about the importance of managing and addressing bullying in our society, especially when it comes to our children. The speaker emphasizes the need for children to be able to live without fear of being bullied. He also mentions that someone has not yet shared something with him, but the details of what that is are not provided in the transcript.
Three Battlefronts: Deception
By Scott Moreau92654:40Deception1KI 18:20MAT 5:44JHN 8:32ACT 7:60ROM 12:21EPH 6:121PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of discipleship and the potential pitfalls of turning it into a business. They emphasize the need for discipleship to be a living, loving relationship rather than a transactional arrangement. The speaker also addresses the issue of relational deception and how it can distort our understanding of truth and our relationship with God. They encourage listeners to study and understand the cultural context in which people relate to God and to approach their relationship with God based on biblical teachings rather than cultural influences.
Overcoming Evil With Good
By Vernon Helmuth6951:13:03Christian LifePRO 25:21MAT 5:44LUK 6:27ROM 12:9ROM 12:211TH 5:151PE 3:9The sermon titled "Overcome Evil with Good" discusses the principle of responding to evil with good in our lives. The speaker shares that as we grow in our Christian life, God often brings harder challenges into our lives to teach us this principle. He uses the example of a familiar saint, Dirk Williams, who was fleeing for his life and encountered a thief catcher chasing him. Despite the danger, Williams chose to help the thief catcher when he cried out for help, demonstrating the principle of overcoming evil with good. The sermon emphasizes that we can be more than conquerors through Christ and encourages the audience to continually strive to overcome evil with good in their lives.
No Longer Loveless
By Basilea Schlink66004:35Radio ShowMAT 5:44MAT 22:37ROM 12:21ROM 13:101CO 13:2HEB 4:151JN 4:8In this sermon by Basilea Schlink titled "No Longer Loveless," she emphasizes the importance of love in our lives and how God can transform our relationships. She shares that love is the greatest thing in both time and eternity. Basilea Schlink also mentions the consecration of a nursing home in Canaan, where the aim is to let love be victorious in all tensions of everyday life. She reminds us that Jesus responded to his enemies with love and encourages us to reflect God's image of love in all our words, actions, and being.
Prayer in a Surrounded City
By Carter Conlon63937:582KI 6:16PSA 55:16MAT 5:44ROM 12:211CO 10:13EPH 6:12JAS 5:161PE 4:8This sermon from Psalms 55 focuses on the power of prayer in a surrounded city, emphasizing the importance of kindness and love towards those who oppose us. It highlights the need for believers to pray fervently, trust in God's ability to intervene, and demonstrate acts of kindness even in the face of hostility and challenges.
Building the Body of Christ - 4 Building Our Homes for God
By Zac Poonen62857:05ROM 12:21This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose for the home and highlights the attacks on Christian homes by the devil. It draws parallels from Adam and Eve's marriage, showcasing how sin leads to accusations and separation. The sermon stresses the need to ask for forgiveness quickly, appreciate one another, and overcome evil with good, reflecting Christ's love and forgiveness in our relationships.
Suffering Love: The Doctrine of Nonresistance and Conscientious Objection to War
By Aaron Hurst2651:13:26NonresistanceEXO 21:22LEV 24:19DEU 19:16MAT 5:3MAT 5:38ROM 12:19ROM 12:21In this sermon, the speaker begins by addressing the issue of human trafficking and challenges the congregation, especially the young people, to take action through prayer. They emphasize the importance of dedicating time to spiritual warfare and making a real impact. The speaker then expresses gratitude for the congregation's support and prayers during their recent loss. They share about burying their father and celebrating the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. The sermon then transitions to a biblical passage about Peter being imprisoned and the church praying for him. Despite the guards' efforts to keep Peter secure, the power of prayer prevails as an angel of the Lord sets Peter free. The sermon concludes by referencing Matthew chapter 5 and highlighting Jesus' teachings on righteousness and the importance of living according to God's commandments.
Wynne Prison - Part 1
By George Warnock2071:00:15Christian LifeISA 53:6JER 1:7EZK 2:7MAT 5:3ACT 9:1ROM 12:21JAS 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of overcoming evil with good, just as Jesus did. He explains that God sent Jesus as another Adam to undo the work of the first Adam and bring redemption to humanity. The preacher highlights the two races of people: those under the curse of sin and death (the old Adam) and those under the new law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus (the new Adam). He also discusses the concept of God's timing and encourages humility and surrender to God's will.
Psalm 23 Series (Session 5)
By Joseph Carroll2540:22Christian LifeLove as DefenseTrust in GodPSA 23:1PSA 42:11ISA 26:3MAT 11:28JHN 7:37ROM 12:211CO 13:4EPH 6:12PHP 4:191JN 4:18Joseph Carroll emphasizes the profound simplicity of Psalm 23, illustrating how the essence of faith is found in recognizing the Lord as our shepherd. He shares a touching story of a young girl who succinctly captures the essence of the Psalm, stating, 'The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want.' Carroll elaborates on the four conditions necessary for sheep to lie down peacefully, drawing parallels to the Christian life, where freedom from fear, friction, distractions, and hunger is essential for spiritual rest. He stresses that love is the best defense against conflict and emotional turmoil, urging believers to trust in the shepherd's guidance and to find satisfaction in Christ alone. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to accept God's paths for their lives, trusting that He is perfect in all His ways.
Professor Finney's Letters--No. 24.
By Charles Finney0Patience in TrialsUnity in the ChurchMAT 5:16ROM 12:21GAL 5:22EPH 4:2PHP 2:14COL 3:121TH 5:14HEB 12:14JAS 1:41PE 2:23Charles Finney emphasizes the importance of patience and love in the face of trials and opposition within the church. He reflects on the early Methodists' perseverance and their ability to promote holiness without withdrawing from their churches, urging believers to remain steadfast and exhibit kindness towards those who oppose them. Finney advises against speaking ill of ministers and encourages a charitable understanding of opposition, highlighting the need for humility and a spirit of unity. He warns against the dangers of a censorious attitude and calls for believers to maintain their witness within their congregations, promoting the doctrine of entire sanctification through their actions and character.
Professor Finney's Letters--No. 27
By Charles Finney0Unity in the ChurchPerseverance in FaithMAT 5:16ROM 12:21GAL 5:22EPH 4:2PHP 4:8COL 3:122TI 2:24JAS 1:191PE 3:151JN 4:7Charles Finney emphasizes the importance of maintaining a calm and patient spirit in the face of persecution and opposition within the church. He encourages believers to focus on God's love and promises rather than defending their own reputations or engaging in controversy. Finney warns against forming uncharitable opinions about those who differ in doctrine and advocates for a spirit of kindness and forbearance to win others to the truth. He stresses that the true evidence of a doctrine's validity lies in the spirit and life it produces in believers. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to promoting God's glory and the salvation of souls above all else.
Grace Makes Us One
By Zac Poonen0GraceUnity in ChristMAT 16:18JHN 15:5JHN 17:21ROM 12:212PE 1:3Zac Poonen emphasizes that through God's divine power, believers are granted everything necessary for a godly life, enabling them to partake in Christ's nature and bear fruit. He highlights the importance of humility in receiving grace, which fosters unity among believers, reflecting the oneness that Jesus prayed for. Poonen explains that true unity is not based on doctrinal agreement but on a shared spirit and willingness to do the Father's will. He encourages believers to overcome evil with good, as Jesus did, and to remain rooted in obedience to God. Ultimately, the church built on this true grace will stand strong against the forces of evil.
Give the Devil No Foothold
By Erlo Stegen0Spiritual WarfareParenting in FaithPRO 22:6MAT 5:48ROM 12:21GAL 6:7EPH 4:27EPH 4:32JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 1:9Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of not giving the devil any foothold in our lives, as stated in Ephesians 4:27. He warns that allowing sin, such as stealing or failing to forgive, can give Satan a grip on us, and stresses the need for full surrender to God, including our finances and relationships. Stegen also highlights the responsibility of parents to raise their children in the fear of the Lord, cautioning against enabling their sins. He encourages believers to live uprightly and to make restitution for past wrongs to maintain a strong relationship with God. Ultimately, he calls for a life of integrity and compassion to keep the devil at bay.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Be not overcome of evil - Do not, by giving place to evil, become precisely the same character which thou condemnest in another. Overcome evil with good - however frequently he may grieve and injure thee, always repay him with kindness; thy good-will, in the end, may overcome his evil. 1. Thomas Aquinas has properly said: Vincitur a malo qui vult peccare in alium, quia ille peccavit in ipsum. "He is overcome of evil who sins against another, because he sins against him." A moral enemy is more easily overcome by kindness than by hostility. Against the latter he arms himself; and all the evil passions of his heart concentrate themselves in opposition to him who is striving to retaliate, by violence, the injurious acts which he has received from him. But where the injured man is labouring to do him good for his evil - to repay his curses with blessings and prayers, his evil passions have no longer any motive, any incentive; his mind relaxes; the turbulence of his passions is calmed; reason and conscience are permitted to speak; he is disarmed, or, in other words, he finds that he has no use for his weapons; he beholds in the injured man a magnanimous friend whose mind is superior to all the insults and injuries which he has received, and who is determined never to permit the heavenly principle that influences his soul to bow itself before the miserable, mean, and wretched spirit of revenge. This amiable man views in his enemy a spirit which he beholds with horror, and he cannot consent to receive into his own bosom a disposition which he sees to be so destructive to another; and he knows that as soon as he begins to avenge himself, he places himself on a par with the unprincipled man whose conduct he has so much reason to blame, and whose spirit he has so much cause to abominate. He who avenges himself receives into his own heart all the evil and disgraceful passions by which his enemy is rendered both wretched and contemptible. There is the voice of eternal reason in "Avenge not yourselves: - overcome evil with good;" as well as the high authority and command of the living God. 2. The reader will, no doubt, have observed with pleasure the skill and address, as well as the Divine wisdom, with which the apostle has handled the important subjects which he has brought forth to view in the preceding chapters. Nothing can be more regular or judicious than his plan of proceeding. He first shows the miserable, wretched, fallen, degraded state of man; next, the merciful provision which God has made for his salvation, and lastly, the use which man should make of the mercies of his God. He shows us, in a most pointed manner, the connection that subsists between the doctrines of the Gospel and practical piety. From the beginning of the first to the end of the eleventh chapter he states and defends the grand truths of Christianity, and from the beginning of the twelfth to the end of the epistle he shows the practical use of these doctrines. This is a point which is rarely considered by professors; multitudes run to the Epistle to the Romans for texts to prop up their peculiar system of doctrine, but how few go to this sacred book for rules relative to holy life! They abound in quotations from the doctrinal parts, but seldom make that use of them which the apostle makes in this chapter. "I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service, and be not conformed to this world, etc." Now we learn from the use which the apostle makes of his doctrines, that whatsoever teaching comes from God leads to a holy and useful life. And if we hold any doctrine that does not excite us to labor after the strictest conformity to the will of God in all our tempers, spirit, and actions, we may rest assured that either that doctrine is not of God, or we make an improper use of it. He that knows God best, loves and resembles him most.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Be not overcome of evil--for then you are the conquered party. but overcome evil with good--and then the victory is yours; you have subdued your enemy in the noblest sense. Note, (1) The redeeming mercy of God in Christ is, in the souls of believers, the living spring of all holy obedience (Rom 12:1). (2) As redemption under the Gospel is not by irrational victims, as under the law, but "by the precious blood of Christ" (Pe1 1:18-19), and, consequently, is not ritual but real, so the sacrifices which believers are now called to offer are all "living sacrifices"; and these--summed up in self-consecration to the service of God--are "holy and acceptable to God," making up together "our rational service" (Rom 12:1). (3) In this light, what are we to think of the so-called "unbloody sacrifice of the mass, continually offered to God as a propitiation for the sins both of the living and the dead," which the adherents of Rome's corrupt faith have been taught for ages to believe is the highest and holiest act of Christian worship--in direct opposition to the sublimely simple teaching which the Christians of Rome first received (Rom 12:1) --(4) Christians should not feel themselves at liberty to be conformed to the world, if only they avoid what is manifestly sinful; but rather, yielding themselves to the transforming power of the truth as it is in Jesus, they should strive to exhibit before the world an entire renovation of heart and life (Rom 12:2). (5) What God would have men to be, in all its beauty and grandeur, is for the first time really apprehended, when "written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tables of stone, but on the fleshy tables of the heart," Co2 3:3 (Rom 12:2). (6) Self-sufficiency and lust of power are peculiarly unlovely in the vessels of mercy, whose respective graces and gifts are all a divine trust for the benefit of the common body and of mankind at large (Rom 12:3-4). (7) As forgetfulness of this has been the source of innumerable and unspeakable evils in the Church of Christ, so the faithful exercise by every Christian of his own peculiar office and gifts, and the loving recognition of those of his brethren, as all of equal importance in their own place, would put a new face upon the visible Church, to the vast benefit and comfort of Christians themselves and to the admiration of the world around them (Rom 12:6-8). (8) What would the world be, if it were filled with Christians having but one object in life, high above every other--to "serve the Lord"--and throwing into this service "alacrity" in the discharge of all duties, and abiding "warmth of spirit" (Rom 12:11)! (9) Oh, how far is even the living Church from exhibiting the whole character and spirit, so beautifully portrayed in the latter verses of this chapter (Rom 12:12-21)! What need of a fresh baptism of the Spirit in order to this! And how "fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners," will the Church become, when at length instinct with this Spirit! The Lord hasten it in its time! Next: Romans Chapter 13
John Gill Bible Commentary
Be not overcome of evil,.... Neither of the evil one, Satan, who is very busy to stir up the corruption of nature to an hatred of enemies, and to seek revenge; but give no place nor heed unto him, resist him, and he will flee from you, Jam 4:7; "put on the whole armour of God", Eph 6:11, whereby you may defend yourselves, that he cannot touch you: nor of the evil of sin that dwells in you; "for whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage", Pe2 2:19; nor of the evil of the man that has done you an injury, as you will be, if you return evil for evil, or take any steps and measures to avenge yourselves; for then not you, but he that has done you the wrong, will be the conqueror: but overcome evil with good; overcome the evil man, and the evil he has done you, by doing good to him, by feeding him when hungry, by giving him drink when thirsty, by clothing him when naked, and by doing other offices of kindness and humanity to him; which is most likely to win upon him, and of an enemy to make him your friend: and if not, however it will show that you are conquerors, yea, "more than conquerors", Rom 8:37, through the grace and strength of him that has loved you, over Satan, over the corruptions of your own hearts, and over the malice and wickedness of your enemies. Next: Romans Chapter 13