Verse 21 reads, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.". What does it mean to be overcome by evil. Sometimes it surely seems to prevail. Were the martyrs overcome by evil? Was Jesus overcome by evil when He died on that cross? Quite the opposite. In that sacrificial act He overcame evil with good forever. It isn't going quietly, but it must go. Until that day comes, we must contend with it. To be overcome by evil is to be drawn into it. Instead of standing against it and choosing good, we become participants in it.

This passage seems to be telling us how to approach relationships with all people, not just those in the church. It humanizes our enemies and reminds us that we all start from the same place. Jesus Himself warned us that our message would not be widely accepted, but it becomes real when accompanied by behavior like this, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

What's with that last part? The imagery doesn't seem to match the spirit of the message. Paul is quoting from Proverbs 25:21-22. It is likely a reference to an Egyptian custom of carrying hot coals on one's head as a sign of contrition. The hope is that in doing good to our enemies, we draw them to a place of repentance. We invite them to become part of God's family.

Therefore I exhort you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—living, holy, and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)

A sacrifice that remains alive must constantly choose to stay on the altar. This requires a mindset totally opposite of the world, and of our own natural inclination. It requires a transformation, and that requires that our minds be made over. Over the next few lessons we will see what that looks like.

So when Paul writes of a mystery, translated from a very similar Greek word, we might come to the wrong conclusion about what he is saying. The word doesn't have quite the same meaning in his context. It refers to something that has been hidden, but is now revealed. And that is what he has spelled out for us in his letter to the Roman believers. The revelation that he documents here is God's plan to save both Jew and Gentile by means of His people, Israel. And they will return to Him, just as Isaiah prophesied.

Our study continues with Romans 11:25-36. Paul caps off his epic theology lesson and offers a fitting tribute to our infinite and merciful creator. The next few chapters will focus on practical advice for living in the light of what we have learned.

Introducing the fight of the centuries! In the blue corner, Jacobus Arminius 1560–1609.) As he enters the ring, you can hear his supporters shouting, "FREE WILL!" He would say that it is possible for someone to lose, or more properly throw away, his salvation. God gives everyone enough grace to decide, and they are predestined only in the sense that God knows the choice before they make it.

In the red corner, John Calvin (1509–1564.) The champion of the modern reformed movement, he is most widely known for the view that we are all predestined and that there is not really any such thing as free will. God chose who would believe from the moment of creation and those who are offered His grace cannot refuse.

As you can see from the dates, these men did not live at the same time and could not have opposed one another directly, but their fans are still duking it out. I wish we wouldn't. In fact these teachers are not so far apart as we might think. Arminius was a 2nd generation student of Calvin. The purpose of this message is not to explore their theology in depth, but to expose believers to the roots of the argument and briefly summarize the scripture that each side will reference. I've expressed an opinion, but I've provided references from both sides, freely admitting that I am not so confident as to insist that mine is the right one.

To anyone truly seeking the Lord even as you struggle to make the right choices, fear not. He died and rose to save you. He will not let you fall. To those who cling to a life of sin, turn around before it is too late. Maybe you walked the isle or said a prayer one day and somebody told you that got you in. If they didn't tell you the rest, they lied! Give your heart to Jesus before it is too late. Believe that He died for your sin and was raised. Accept Him as Lord.

We drop in on the last supper as Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. We’ve always known this moment is special. Some churches even take his statement that the disciples ought to wash one-another’s feet quite literally, incorporating it into their ordinances and worship. Jesus’ instruction has more to do with the attitude than the act.

Here, Jesus illustrates what true greatness is, even as his disciples are still squabbling over who among them will be the greatest. We may suppose that no one of them offered to do the job, not even for the master Himself. That would be lowering themselves to the level of a slave. But Jesus had no problem doing that. He knew who He was, and so could do what needed doing with no concern for the opinion of others. In Luke’s gospel, apparently after he has done this though Luke doesn’t mention it, he says, “…the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.” (Lk 22:26 LSB)

In so doing, he also illustrates in a small way the sacrifice he is about to make. Before the next day is over, he will willingly submit to the worst torture and humiliation that humanity can imagine, all for the sake of the ones whom He loves. By this act we are saved. When peter objects to the Lord washing his feet, Jesus makes a profound statement, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (Jn 13:8) We must be cleansed by the blood of His sacrifice, and we must also return to him each day that the dirt we accumulate by walking through this world may be washed off. We are called to serve each other in this way, as all of us who call Him Lord have been sent to do as He did, that the world may know and receive Him.