Question:
Romans 12:21.  What are some ways in which we might overcome evil with good?

Answer:

For one thing, we can start trusting God’s promises now before trials come our way.  “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).  “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil:  but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:39).  “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain” (Matthew 5:41).

Question:
Romans 12:21.  What are some ways in which we might be overcome with evil?

Answer:

Someone said something that stuck in my mind: “The opposite of love is not hate.  The opposite of love is apathy.”  Based on this, not letting our light shine is one way of being overcome with evil.  In addition, whenever we are swallowed by vengeance or let selfishness rule our actions, we are not allowing good to reign in our bodies.  Again, since the opposite of love is apathy, simply doing nothing is a great way to be overcome with evil!

Question:
Romans 12:16.  What does “be of the same mind one toward another” mean?

Answer:

“And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law… I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you” (1 Corinthians 9:20,22,23).  In following the instructions in this verse, we would be completely erasing our pride for the benefit of the gospel.  “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons” (James 2:1).  People know when we are being condescending, and that attitude can tarnish our testimony.  All of this does not mean that we’re okay with what anyone thinks, but it does get rid of selfish pride.

Question:
Romans 12:14.  What are some ways we can bless those who persecute us? 

Answer:

Some ideas that were brought up were bringing meals, not holding a grudge, and helping them in whatever way we can.  The one that hit home for me was that we should be praying sincerely for our enemies.  On a good day, I might quickly pray for someone by name that I don’t especially enjoy, but I very rarely pray sincerely for that person!  Just passing quickly over them in a prayer isn’t good enough; it’s not a duty that we have to quickly fulfill and then move on.  We should be praying sincerely from our heart knowing that God loves them so much!  “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Question:
Romans 12:3.  Just exactly how ought we to think of ourselves? 

Answer:

“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith.  Be not highminded, but fear” (Romans 11:20).  The given verse has a lot to say about how we should think of ourselves:  “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).  One person, during the discussion, also cautioned us not to think too lowly of ourselves also.  We are masterpieces from the hand of God, and He has given all of us powerful spiritual gifts that can be used mightily in His service.

Question:

Romans 12:2.  What are some of the ways we need to have our minds renewed or reprogrammed when we become Christians? 

Prayer and reading the Bible are the most obvious answers, and their effects are also the most powerful!  We also must be careful with non-Christian friends.  Completely separating ourselves is probably not the best answer, but we must balance and limit our time with them.  “I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil”  (John 17:15).