Be Different
A Sermon on Romans 12:17-18
Originally preached Oct. 28, 1966
Scripture
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Sermon Description
Biblical ethics are supernatural ethics. The call of the Lord Jesus Christ upon His followers is different from humanity’s own fallen instinct. Christ’s call is a fundamentally other worldly way of life – it is what James calls wisdom from above. When Christians encounter evil against them, the natural instinct is retaliation. A person cannot carry out the injunctions given by the apostle Paul in this passage. In this sermon on Romans 12:17–18 titled “Be Different,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says the story of humanity is one of hitting back and retaliation. People scoff at turning the other cheek as it is viewed as a weakness. While Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages Christians not to retaliate, the Scriptures raise one’s thoughts beyond just the negative. When the Christian encounters evil against them, their response is to put the evil action against them in the larger context of their entire Christian outlook. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that Christians do not act on instinct but instead should consider the gospel, Christ, and their witness to the Christian faith. Christians should fight for peace but not peace at any cost, warns Dr. Lloyd-Jones. Listen as he explains the important nuance of contending for the truth while at the same time being peacemakers.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon examines Romans 12:17-18 which instructs Christians to not retaliate when others do evil to them.
- Verse 17 tells Christians to not repay evil for evil. This goes against our natural instincts and desires.
- Verse 17 also tells Christians to provide good things in the sight of all people. This means Christians should visibly do good things that are evident to everyone.
- Christians should think ahead and consider the impact of their actions on others and the faith. They should not act instinctively.
- Christians should make it evident to others through their actions that they are different and belong to God.
- Verse 18 says to live at peace with all people if possible. This does not mean peace at any cost but peace when others do not make it impossible.
- Christians should do whatever they can to be at peace with others. They should not be the cause of trouble.
- The sermon gives the example of Paul confronting Peter to show that truth should not be compromised for peace.
- Christians should stand up for truth but be patient and helpful in other matters. They should be willing to make small concessions when needed.
- Christians should speak truth in love. They should make sure people are offended by the truth itself and not the way it is presented.
- Disagreements should not become personal matters. Christians should contend for truth, not themselves.
- Christians should let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts. They should not disturb the peace, even when facing difficulties.
- The peace of Christ should act as an umpire, helping Christians determine how to respond to situations.
Sermon Q&A
Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 12:17-18
What does Paul mean when he says "Recompense to no man evil for evil"?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Paul is instructing Christians not to retaliate or hit back when someone does evil to them. This is the negative part of the instruction, telling us what not to do. Lloyd-Jones explains that this cuts "right across that which is instinctive and natural" in human beings. It's the same teaching as Christ's instruction about turning the other cheek. The natural human instinct is to hit back, but Christians are called to a different response that reflects their new nature.
What does "provide things honest in the sight of all men" actually mean?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that this translation is not the best and has been misunderstood. The actual meaning is "take thought in advance" or "take thought for" things that are good in the sight of all men. It means that when someone does you evil, don't react instinctively, but stop and think about how your response will appear to others. Consider the broader context of your Christian witness, not just your personal feelings. The word for "honest" here actually means "good" - specifically referring to external goodness that is visible and evident to others.
How does Lloyd-Jones interpret "if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men"?
Lloyd-Jones explains that this instruction has two important qualifications. "If it be possible" means "unless they make it quite impossible for you to do so" - recognizing that some people are determined to have strife regardless of your efforts. "As much as lieth in you" means that you should never be the cause of the trouble - the responsibility for peace should rest with you as far as it's within your control. These qualifications show that Christianity doesn't ask us to do the impossible but gives practical guidance.
Does "live peaceably with all men" mean we should have peace at any price?
No, Dr. Lloyd-Jones strongly argues against the "peace at any price" interpretation. He cites James' description of heavenly wisdom as being "first pure, then peaceable," showing that truth and purity come before peace. He provides examples from Scripture where Paul confronted Peter publicly over doctrinal compromise (Galatians 2), demonstrating that on vital matters of doctrine, we must be uncompromising. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that we must contend for the truth, even if it creates conflict, but we should do so with the right spirit.
How should Christians balance truth and peace according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?
Lloyd-Jones offers several principles: 1) Always contend for the truth and never compromise on essential doctrine, 2) Be patient and helpful in non-essential matters, 3) Always speak "the truth in love" - making sure it's the truth that offends people, not your manner or personality, 4) Never make it a personal issue about your reputation, and 5) Let "the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Colossians 3:15) - let Christ's peace be the arbiter of your actions and responses.
Why is it important for Christians to consider how their actions appear to others?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Christians should remember they represent Christ and the Christian faith. When someone does evil to us, we must consider the wider implications of our response - not just how it affects us personally, but how it affects the reputation of Christianity. People outside the faith judge the gospel by what they see in believers. As Lloyd-Jones states, "There is no better way of showing that we are the children of God than in this particular matter" of not retaliating when wronged, as this demonstrates we have a different nature than the world.
What historical example does Lloyd-Jones use to illustrate the ridicule Christians face for this teaching?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones mentions Thomas Paine (whom he calls "Tom Paine"), the 18th-century infidel who ridiculed Christian teaching about turning the other cheek, saying it exhibited "the spirit of a spaniel." Lloyd-Jones notes that others have similarly criticized Christianity for producing "flabby, sentimental people, lacking in manliness, lacking in virility." He counters these criticisms by explaining that the Christian response isn't weakness but demonstrates a higher wisdom and strength.
How does Lloyd-Jones connect verse 17 with the previous verse about not being wise in your own conceits?
Lloyd-Jones shows that verse 17 is a practical application of the wisdom taught in verse 16. The person who is truly wise (not wise in their own conceits) is a peacemaker. The wisdom from above described in James 3 is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated." By not retaliating and instead doing good, Christians demonstrate they possess this higher wisdom rather than worldly wisdom that leads to conflict.
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.