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Romans 12:9
Verse
Context
Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality
8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.9Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let love be without dissimulation - Ἡ αγαπη ανυποκριτος· Have no hypocritical love; let not your love wear a mask; make no empty professions. Love God and your neighbor; and, by obedience to the one and acts of benevolence to the other, show that your love is sincere. Abhor that which is evil - Αποστυγουντες το πονηρον· Hate sin as you would hate that hell to which it leads. Στυγεω signifies to hate or detest with horror; the preposition απο greatly strengthens the meaning. Στυξ, Styx, was a feigned river in hell by which the gods were wont to swear, and if any of them falsified this oath he was deprived of his nectar and ambrosia for a hundred years; hence the river was reputed to be hateful, and στυγεω signified to be as hateful as hell. Two MSS. read μισουντες, which signifies hating in the lowest sense of the term. The word in the text is abundantly more expressive, and our translation is both nervous and appropriate. Cleave to that which is good - Κολλωμενοι τῳ αγαθῳ· Be Cemented or Glued to that which is good; so the word literally signifies. Have an unalterable attachment to whatever leads to God, and contributes to the welfare of your fellow creatures.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let love be without dissimulation--"Let your love be unfeigned" (as in Co2 6:6; Pe1 2:22; and see Jo1 3:18). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good--What a lofty tone of moral principle and feeling is here inculcated! It is not, Abstain from the one, and do the other; nor, Turn away from the one, and draw to the other; but, Abhor the one, and cling, with deepest sympathy, to the other.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let love be without dissimulation,.... The apostle having given out suitable exhortations to the officers of this church, ministers and deacons, proceeds to stir up to the exercise of grace, and the discharge of such duties as were common to all the members of the church; and begins with "love", which is the cement of saints, and the bond of perfectness, without which all the gifts that men have, the profession they make, and works they do are of no avail, and they themselves nothing. Here it is to be taken, in the largest and most comprehensive sense, for love to God, Christ, the saints, and fellow creatures, and ought, with respect to each, to "be without dissimulation"; or "hypocrisy": love to God should be with all the heart, soul, and mind, otherwise the fear of him, and obedience to him, will be only outward, formal, customary, and hypocritical; love to Christ should be with sincerity, and so it is where it is right, hearty, and genuine; such can appeal to him as the searcher of hearts, that from the heart they love him; and love to one another should be not in word, and in tongue only, but in deed and in truth; yea, the love professed to fellow creatures, ought never to be through fear of men or mercenary views, but honest, upright, and sincere. Abhor that which is evil; sin, both in its principle and in its actings; it being hateful to God, Father, Son, and Spirit, contrary to the nature, being, and perfections of God, a transgression of his righteous law, exceeding sinful in itself, and pernicious in its effects and consequences; for all which it is to be abhorred by the saints: the word here used, designs the greatest aversation imaginable, a turning away from it, as what is the most loathsome, detestable, and abominable; and such an hatred of it with horror, as of the Stygian lake, or hell itself: cleave to that which is good; to God, who is originally, infinitely, and immutably good; who is good in his nature, and works, and to all his creatures, and especially his chosen people, and therefore should be cleaved unto; to his will, his ways, and worship; and to Christ the good shepherd of the sheep, the Lamb that is to be followed and cleaved unto, whithersoever he goes; and to the good Spirit of God, after whom we should walk, and not after the flesh; and to the good people of God, assembling with whom should not be forsaken; and to the good Gospel of Christ, and the truths of it, which should be held fast; and to the ordinances of the Gospel, which ought to be constantly attended on; and to every good work, to which we should be ready, careful to maintain, and ever follow, both among ourselves and all men: they should even be glued unto it, as the word here signifies.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:9-21 The many injunctions in these verses do not follow a neat logical arrangement. The overall topic, stated at the beginning, is sincere love. Paul shows how we are to love both those inside the church (12:10, 13, 15-16) and those outside the church (12:14, 17-21).
Romans 12:9
Love, Zeal, Hope, Hospitality
8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.9Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Sharing the Grief of God
By David Wilkerson5.1K54:39PSA 97:10AMO 6:1MAT 6:33ROM 12:91CO 5:9EPH 5:11JAS 4:4In this sermon, the preacher begins by thanking God for his blessings and acknowledging Jesus and the Holy Ghost. He asks for forgiveness for forgetting what God has done and prays for open eyes and understanding. The preacher expresses a desire to remain humble and broken before God's word and asks for cleansing and surrender of sins and unbelief. He emphasizes the need to know God's heart and to live for Him, expressing a desire to weep with God and do things His way. The preacher concludes by discussing the importance of grieving over sin and compromise in the church, highlighting the need for genuine sorrow and repentance.
Getting Used to the Dark (Alternate)
By Vance Havner4.0K26:10ApostasyPSA 119:37MAT 6:33MAT 11:28ROM 12:91TH 5:81TH 5:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive trends in society, particularly in the behavior of children. He emphasizes the importance of self-assertiveness and discipline in raising children. The speaker also criticizes the commercialization and performance-oriented nature of modern Christianity, calling for a return to the true essence of the faith. He shares his personal realization that he needs to be more focused and impactful in his preaching, as he recognizes the weight of the message he delivers to people between life and death. The sermon concludes with a reminder to hate evil but not evil people, and a reflection on the speaker's own mortality and the desire to make the most of the time he has left to preach the truth of God's word.
Many Aspire, Few Attain
By Walter A. Henrichsen2.8K1:14:07Finishing WellDEU 6:6PRO 28:20JER 6:16MAT 22:37LUK 16:10ROM 12:91CO 9:24In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and reviewing the truths of the Bible. He encourages the audience to hold tenaciously to these truths and make them the foundations of their lives. The speaker also warns against being kick-oriented and always seeking new things, as this can lead to ineffectiveness in serving God. He lists 14 ways in which individuals can render themselves ineffective for God and urges the audience to choose wisely and not climb on the shelf for God. The sermon references various Bible verses, including Deuteronomy 6:6 and Daniel 6:3, to support the speaker's points.
Collection of a.w. Tozer's Prayers - Volume 1
By A.W. Tozer2.1K04:51PrayerPSA 34:14PSA 97:10PRO 8:13ROM 12:91TI 6:111PE 3:111JN 3:4The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of hating sin and loving righteousness. It encourages listeners to flee from iniquity and pursue godliness. The speaker also highlights the concept of mercy, stating that it surrounds us like the air and is a characteristic of God. The sermon concludes with a prayer for repentance and a plea for God's mercy and guidance. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need to focus on spiritual matters and to live according to God's will.
His Majestic Birth
By Leonard Ravenhill2.0K1:15:36MAT 6:3JHN 3:16ROM 6:7ROM 12:1ROM 12:9ROM 15:26REV 14:4In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of God's love and its significance in the world. He emphasizes the depth and incomprehensibility of God's love, describing it as the "soul of the world." The preacher encourages the audience to reflect on their own experiences of receiving God's love and to remain humble and grateful. He also mentions the importance of prayer and studying the Bible, as well as the need for a divine outpouring of the Holy Spirit in order to bring freedom and deliverance to humanity.
The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K33:46Divine PurposeMAT 6:33ROM 12:9GAL 6:2PHP 4:1HEB 12:61JN 4:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the letter to the Philippians and the Apostle Paul's deep love for the church. The speaker emphasizes that Paul is pouring out his knowledge and spiritual understanding to the church, even in his final days. The speaker highlights the practical aspects of love, such as caring for others and sacrificing for their well-being. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the listeners to have a genuine experience of sitting at the feet of Jesus and hearing His voice through the Holy Spirit.
Russ-02 Mystery of Israel - Part 2
By Art Katz1.4K1:26:07RussianMAT 6:33MAT 25:32ROM 9:33ROM 11:33ROM 12:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church being aware and prepared for the last days. The speaker highlights that God's strategy is not only to sift Israel but also to sift the nations and the church within the nations. The sermon focuses on Matthew 25, where Jesus separates the sheep from the goats based on how they treated the least of His brethren. The speaker encourages the congregation to understand that their actions towards others, especially the least, have eternal significance. The sermon concludes with a call for the congregation to participate in the prophetic event of God's coming as king and the salvation of Israel's remnant.
Come Live Die
By George Verwer1.3K27:00Death To SelfMAT 6:33ROM 12:91CO 11:1HEB 5:121JN 1:51JN 2:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of hating sin and embracing goodness according to the teachings of the Bible. He highlights the moral confusion in society, citing examples of a murder being condemned while a person is killed for a pornographic film. The preacher emphasizes the urgency of spreading the gospel before it's too late. He also addresses the individual responsibility in following God's teachings, warning against pretension, neglect of discipline, and the danger of leading a double life. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about the impact of repentance and the need to be ready for the challenge of world mission.
The Christians Hate Life
By Jack Hyles1.2K55:44LifePSA 101:3PRO 6:16AMO 5:21MAT 6:33ROM 12:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of teaching children to hate sin. He shares stories of individuals who have been affected by sin and highlights the need for guidance and support from Sunday school teachers, bus captains, and pastors. The preacher also mentions a personal experience of his daughter being accidentally knocked down by a car, using it as an example to illustrate the hatred towards sin. He concludes by referencing a story of a young boy calling out a woman for smoking, emphasizing the need for a strong stance against sin.
Keys to Personal Revival
By Michael L. Brown1.1K1:28:32Spiritual IntimacyPersonal RevivalROM 12:9Michael L. Brown emphasizes the importance of maintaining a vibrant relationship with God as the key to ongoing personal revival. He discusses the necessity of daily spiritual renewal, cultivating intimacy with God, and recognizing danger signs of backsliding. Brown encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, to challenge themselves spiritually, and to give away what they have received from God to keep the revival fires burning. He concludes with a call to action, urging the congregation to live in a state of spiritual fervor and to actively seek God's presence.
The Christian's Manifesto
By George Verwer1.1K41:21Christian ManifestoLEV 19:18DEU 6:5MAT 22:37ROM 12:9ROM 12:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of communion with God and following in the footsteps of those who truly knew God. He mentions the summer crusade in Europe, which represents only a small portion of his work. The speaker believes that the message of young people, who make up a significant part of his ministry, should be shared with every student in every university worldwide. He shares a personal experience of distributing materials at the University of Moscow and expresses his faith in the Lord's ability to accomplish great things.
Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 2 of 5 Sermons
By Keith Daniel1.0K1:42:20Bible ConferenceEXO 17:2PSA 16:6PSA 34:13PSA 119:101PRO 16:6AMO 5:1ROM 12:91CO 10:91CO 10:11In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a doll that was buried and how it grew into the shape of the doll. He uses this story to emphasize the message that sin will eventually be exposed and have consequences. The preacher warns against living for the moment and encourages young people to consider the long-term effects of their actions. He also emphasizes the importance of living a godly life as a witness to others.
Lavish Giving, Loving Guests, Living Christ
By John Piper99147:01ROM 12:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving and opening our homes as central aspects of the Christian life. He identifies fears, greed, carelessness, and obliviousness as the reasons why we often fail to be generous. The liberation from these bondages comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his own son for us. The preacher urges believers to believe in God's promise to supply all their needs and to practice hospitality and contribute to the needs of others.
Why I Don't Have a Television
By Mose Stoltzfus9781:28:42ISA 1:16MAT 6:33ROM 12:91CO 10:14EPH 5:112TI 2:19JAS 1:27In this sermon, the speaker addresses the negative impact of television on society, particularly on children. The speaker expresses concern about the frequency of violence portrayed on television and how it desensitizes people to real-life violence. They emphasize the importance of redeeming time and making good use of it, contrasting the amount of time spent on television versus in church. The speaker also highlights the harmful effects of television on children, stating that it offends and leads them astray. They reference several scriptures, including Proverbs 4, Ephesians 5:14-16, and Mark 9:42, to support their arguments.
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.
Romans 12:9-11
By Doc Greenway63944:43RomansROM 12:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the practical approach and personal attitude that Christians should have towards life. The Christian's practical approach involves showing love without assimilation, avoiding evil, and clinging to what is good. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely and being loyal to Jesus above all else. The Christian's personal attitude includes rejoicing in hope, being patient in tribulation, and being devoted to prayer and helping others. The speaker shares a personal experience of distributing tracks and witnessing to others, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that comes from serving the Lord.
Cd Gv498 Why I Joined Ad 2000
By George Verwer58100:00MAT 22:37ROM 12:91CO 13:41CO 14:1EPH 4:151PE 4:81JN 4:8In this video, George Verwer, the International Coordinator of Operation Mobilization, shares his reasons for becoming involved in the 82,000 and beyond movement for the mobilization of new missionaries. He acknowledges the criticism and misunderstandings surrounding the movement but emphasizes the importance of following God's word and building on its foundation. Verwer mentions various teachings and books that have influenced his perspective, including the emphasis on love and integrity. He also highlights the complexity of the church and the idea that failure can lead to success in God's work.
Corinthians - the Most Exellent Way (2)
By J. Glyn Owen4331:00:25LoveMAT 6:33JHN 13:34ROM 12:91CO 12:31GAL 5:221JN 4:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of love in the Christian life. He emphasizes that love is a more excellent way than desiring after the best gifts. Without love, the diversity of the Spirit's gifts cannot be enjoyed without impairing the unity of the church. The preacher then delves into an examination of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, where Paul explains the significance of love. He concludes by stating that faith, hope, and love are essential, but love is the greatest of these.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 113
By Don Courville41527:50Radio ShowLAM 2:9JHN 3:7ACT 20:28ACT 20:31ROM 12:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and warning others about the corruption of the word of God. He highlights the need for accurate translations based on an uncorrupted text. The preacher also encourages generosity and reminds the congregation that God will bless those who give. He then shifts the focus to revival, expressing the belief that the land is due for a spiritual awakening. The sermon concludes with an invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and be born again.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 101
By Don Courville35328:53Radio ShowMRK 10:21ROM 12:91CO 13:21PE 1:221PE 4:81JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of love in our interactions with others. He shares personal experiences of encountering difficult situations and emphasizes that without love, we may have a weak testimony and fail to win others to Christ. The preacher also reflects on a time when he had a negative attitude towards his neighbors and how God showed him that he wouldn't be able to win them over with that approach. He concludes by urging the audience to repent of their sins, receive Jesus as their Savior, and not to miss out on the opportunity to have a relationship with Him.
Christlike Living in a Sinful World
By J.R. Miller0Practical LoveCharacter DevelopmentMAT 11:28ROM 8:28ROM 12:9PHP 3:121PE 1:22J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of character over reputation, asserting that true character is built through consistent habits and personal integrity. He encourages practical kindness and love, urging believers to actively meet the needs of others rather than merely offering words of sympathy. Miller also highlights the importance of patience in understanding God's timing and the necessity of striving for spiritual growth and Christlikeness in a world filled with distractions. He reminds us that our influence on others is profound, and we should live in a way that reflects the love and grace of Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a life dedicated to serving God and others, rooted in humility and faithfulness.
The True Christian Hates All Sin
By Thomas Brooks0Hatred of SinHolinessPSA 119:104PRO 8:13MAT 5:29ROM 12:9GAL 5:17EPH 4:30HEB 12:1JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 1:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a true Christian harbors a profound and deadly hatred for all sin, recognizing that every sin attacks God's holiness and undermines the happiness of the upright. He illustrates that sin is a universal evil that has led even the most righteous figures, like Noah, Abraham, and David, to fall. An upright heart, therefore, rises in arms against all forms of sin, viewing them as traitors to the glory of God. In contrast, an unsound heart may resist some sins while clinging to others, highlighting the need for complete rejection of sin in the life of a believer.
Holy Hatred
By Thomas Brooks0SinHolinessPSA 119:104PRO 8:13MAT 5:29ROM 12:9GAL 5:17EPH 5:11HEB 12:1JAS 4:41PE 1:151JN 2:15Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true holiness is accompanied by a 'holy hatred' towards all forms of sin, as every sin is an affront to God's holiness and glory. A holy individual perceives sin as a direct attack on the nature of God and the sacrifice of Christ, leading to a passionate desire for its eradication. Brooks warns that even one favored sin can lead to spiritual ruin, comparing it to various biblical examples of downfall due to a single transgression. He contrasts the motivations of a holy heart, which detests sin for its defilement, with an unholy heart, which may only resent sin for its consequences. Ultimately, Brooks calls for a complete rejection of sin, urging believers to recognize its destructive nature and the necessity of a holy hatred towards it.
Recognizing Satans Strategic Initiative
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual WarfareDiscernmentMAT 7:1MAT 12:30ROM 12:92CO 11:14GAL 5:7EPH 6:112TI 4:3JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 4:7A.W. Tozer warns that throughout history, Christians have often surrendered to evil due to worldliness and personal ungodliness. Today, Satan employs a more insidious strategy by appealing to our virtues, particularly charity, and distorting the image of Christ as overly tolerant and soft. This manipulation leads believers to avoid confrontation and to misinterpret scriptural teachings about judgment and love, ultimately paralyzing their resistance to evil. Tozer emphasizes the danger of being lulled into complacency, where the church fails to defend itself against the enemy's advances. He calls for vigilance and discernment to recognize and resist these deceptive tactics.
God Loves the Whole World
By Bakht Singh0PSA 97:10PSA 119:104PSA 119:113PSA 119:163PRO 8:13JHN 3:16ROM 12:91CO 13:6EPH 5:11JN 2:15Bakht Singh delves into the apparent contradictions in the Bible regarding loving the world, highlighting the need to understand the different meanings of the word 'world' in different contexts. While John 3:16 emphasizes God's love for mankind, 1 John 2:15 warns against loving the sinful attractions and pleasures of the world. Singh explains that loving the world hinders one's ability to love what God loves, leading to failures in spiritual growth and evangelism. He stresses the importance of hating sin while loving sinners, as God does, in order to truly embody God's love and compassion.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Let love be without dissimulation - Ἡ αγαπη ανυποκριτος· Have no hypocritical love; let not your love wear a mask; make no empty professions. Love God and your neighbor; and, by obedience to the one and acts of benevolence to the other, show that your love is sincere. Abhor that which is evil - Αποστυγουντες το πονηρον· Hate sin as you would hate that hell to which it leads. Στυγεω signifies to hate or detest with horror; the preposition απο greatly strengthens the meaning. Στυξ, Styx, was a feigned river in hell by which the gods were wont to swear, and if any of them falsified this oath he was deprived of his nectar and ambrosia for a hundred years; hence the river was reputed to be hateful, and στυγεω signified to be as hateful as hell. Two MSS. read μισουντες, which signifies hating in the lowest sense of the term. The word in the text is abundantly more expressive, and our translation is both nervous and appropriate. Cleave to that which is good - Κολλωμενοι τῳ αγαθῳ· Be Cemented or Glued to that which is good; so the word literally signifies. Have an unalterable attachment to whatever leads to God, and contributes to the welfare of your fellow creatures.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Let love be without dissimulation--"Let your love be unfeigned" (as in Co2 6:6; Pe1 2:22; and see Jo1 3:18). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good--What a lofty tone of moral principle and feeling is here inculcated! It is not, Abstain from the one, and do the other; nor, Turn away from the one, and draw to the other; but, Abhor the one, and cling, with deepest sympathy, to the other.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let love be without dissimulation,.... The apostle having given out suitable exhortations to the officers of this church, ministers and deacons, proceeds to stir up to the exercise of grace, and the discharge of such duties as were common to all the members of the church; and begins with "love", which is the cement of saints, and the bond of perfectness, without which all the gifts that men have, the profession they make, and works they do are of no avail, and they themselves nothing. Here it is to be taken, in the largest and most comprehensive sense, for love to God, Christ, the saints, and fellow creatures, and ought, with respect to each, to "be without dissimulation"; or "hypocrisy": love to God should be with all the heart, soul, and mind, otherwise the fear of him, and obedience to him, will be only outward, formal, customary, and hypocritical; love to Christ should be with sincerity, and so it is where it is right, hearty, and genuine; such can appeal to him as the searcher of hearts, that from the heart they love him; and love to one another should be not in word, and in tongue only, but in deed and in truth; yea, the love professed to fellow creatures, ought never to be through fear of men or mercenary views, but honest, upright, and sincere. Abhor that which is evil; sin, both in its principle and in its actings; it being hateful to God, Father, Son, and Spirit, contrary to the nature, being, and perfections of God, a transgression of his righteous law, exceeding sinful in itself, and pernicious in its effects and consequences; for all which it is to be abhorred by the saints: the word here used, designs the greatest aversation imaginable, a turning away from it, as what is the most loathsome, detestable, and abominable; and such an hatred of it with horror, as of the Stygian lake, or hell itself: cleave to that which is good; to God, who is originally, infinitely, and immutably good; who is good in his nature, and works, and to all his creatures, and especially his chosen people, and therefore should be cleaved unto; to his will, his ways, and worship; and to Christ the good shepherd of the sheep, the Lamb that is to be followed and cleaved unto, whithersoever he goes; and to the good Spirit of God, after whom we should walk, and not after the flesh; and to the good people of God, assembling with whom should not be forsaken; and to the good Gospel of Christ, and the truths of it, which should be held fast; and to the ordinances of the Gospel, which ought to be constantly attended on; and to every good work, to which we should be ready, careful to maintain, and ever follow, both among ourselves and all men: they should even be glued unto it, as the word here signifies.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:9-21 The many injunctions in these verses do not follow a neat logical arrangement. The overall topic, stated at the beginning, is sincere love. Paul shows how we are to love both those inside the church (12:10, 13, 15-16) and those outside the church (12:14, 17-21).