Marks of the True Christian

9 Let love be without hypocrisy—by abhorring what is evil, clinging to what is good, 10 being devoted to one another in brotherly love, giving preference to one another in honor, 11 not lagging behind in diligence, being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in affliction, being devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, pursuing hospitality.  Romans 12:9-21 (LSB) Read verses 14-21 on the site.

All that is not of faith is sin. That includes good works and any religious acts that are done from any motivation or source other than faith. The Christians who walk before the face of God Spirit-filled are the ones who are walking by faith. Those that become Spirit-filled are those who are living sacrifices (Romans 12:1)….

The continual process of mind renewal is transforming them (Romans 12:2). This renewal is actually a complete renovation of the intellect or mind by the Holy Spirit as they become immersed more and more into the Word of God. This causes them to surrender more and more unto the Lordship of Christ. They have given over their circumstances to the Lord so they have taken up their crosses and are following the Lord.

In this study we will take a deep look at Romans 12:9-21. These very powerful verses provide to us a list of traits that characterize the Spirit-filled life. This list is comprehensive in that it gives us the way believers should respond to everyone around them in a Christ-like way. These traits are also mandatory for the Spirit-filled Christian. That means that any rebellion or selfish responses of any of these traits are marks that the believer is not Spirit-filled, but is being controlled by their flesh. Of course Paul gives this to the Church as a means to check ourselves, that is, we should examine ourselves and prayerfully take what the Lord shows us about our walk and repent by the power of the Holy Spirit. View article →