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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 12:17-21 Do Not Repay Evil for Evil  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
The lesson ends by challenging the post-Luther tendency to treat Romans 12 as suggestions, insisting these are commandments that reveal love and gratitude, and warning that God accepts no one who doesn’t love God and neighbor; how does that confront common evangelical ideas of assurance, grace, and “obedience not required,” and what specific obedience in this passage would most expose whether your gratitude is “only on your lips”?
Another way to ask: If Romans 12 is a set of commands, not suggestions, how does that challenge the idea that grace means obedience isn’t needed? What one command in this passage would most test whether your gratitude is real and not just words?

Direct Answer Based on the transcript, Romans 12 is not optional advice but commanded kingdom law; obedience doesn’t earn salvation, but it reveals whether we truly love Christ and are genuinely grateful. That confronts any assurance that treats grace as disconnected from actual, costly obedience—especially toward enemies.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot says since Luther many view these directives as “suggestions,” but Paul uses “imperative language,” and early Christians saw them as “commandments, not suggestions.”
  • He distinguishes covenants: the New Covenant isn’t mainly “dietary… ceremonial… civic, and penal” rules, but “permanent laws of God’s kingdom.”
  • Key clarification: “We do not earn our salvation by obeying Christ’s laws.”
  • Yet: “our obedience… reveals whether we genuinely love Him” and whether gratitude is real or “only on our lips.”
  • Strong warning: “God will accept no one into His kingdom who does not love Him and love His neighbor… who is ungrateful for the sacrifice Christ has made.”
  • Specific Romans 12 obediences emphasized: “do not repay evil for evil,” “do not avenge,” “feed your enemy,” and “overcome evil with good.”
Discussion Follow-ups Which command here is hardest for you—refusing retaliation, refusing vengeance, active kindness to an enemy, or pursuing peace? If someone watched your response to an enemy, what would it reveal about your gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice?

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