Category Archives: Good

Roman-style dagger with decorative sheath and handle on wooden table
Avenger, Bible, Evil, Good, Romans, Scripture, Sword

THE SWORD

ROMANS 13:4

“or it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”

I was with a friend of mine this past weekend helping him pack up some things as he prepares to move. As we were packing, I noticed a sheath on the shelf and saw the hilt of what looked like a sword. He pulled it down and showed it to me. He told me he had given it to his son at his bat Mizpah when he was thirteen. It was meant to represent the sword of the Lord, His Word. What a great idea!

Paul uses the word “sword” in today’s verse to stand for the power of the authorities God has placed over us. He uses this word here and back in Romans 8:35. The sword was meant to symbolize the power to protect the innocent but to also punish the evil doers. Remember, Paul has already stated that every authority is placed by the Lord for a reason. That sword is a reminder to us that will use these authorities in our life to keep us in line.

APPLICATION

That kind of sounds like we have to live in fear, Carl. No, no, no! Paul is very explicit here in this verse. He says, “if you do what is evil” and “the one who practice evil.” Both of these are in the Present tense which implies a lifestyle, not a one time event. We all are capable of failures from time to time. God knows we will never live a perfectly sinless life. Only His Son, Jesus, was capable of that. But we are not to make evil our normal practice.

Paul uses another word of interest in this verse. He says the person who has been placed in authority serves as “an avenger who brings wrath.” The Greek word for “avenger” is ékdikos, which is defined as “someone executing a just judgment, carrying out what is right which can include administering punishment for the wicked.” (HELPS Word-studies) If they are God’s avenger against those doing evil, why should we not choose to obey, knowing that by doing that we are really obeying the Father?

Ekdikos is only used once more in the New Testament in 1 Thessalonians 4:6 where it says, “…because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you previously and solemnly warned you.” You see, it is really the Lord who avenges evil. “Submit yourself, therefore, to the Lord. Resist the devil and he will flee.” (James 4:7)

I trust the sword in the hand of the authority knowing that You place all who are in authority for a purpose.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Authority, Bible, Evil, Fear, Good, Respect, Romans, Scripture

NO FEAR OF AUTHORITY

ROMANS 13:3

“For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;”

Okay, be honest. You’re traveling down the road at just over the speed limit and you see a police car. What do you do? You instinctively take your foot off the accelerator, right? You tap those brakes just a little and then you watch in your rear view mirror to see if they turn around and turn on their blue lights. That may depend on just how fast you were driving. The point is we all have that little fear of getting a speeding ticket.

Paul tells us in today’s verse to just drive the speed limit, and you will have no fear. Well, he didn’t exactly say that, but you get my drift. He asks, “Do you want to have no fear of authority?” And then he answers his own question. “Do what is good…” If we are obeying those in authority and doing good toward them, we will have no fear of them. Paul tells us those in authority are there for a reason – to point us toward good behavior.

APPLICATION

The Greek word translated by the phrase “cause of fear” is phobos. We get our word phobia from that. It’s a fear that causes you to withdraw. I have a fear of snakes. When I see one, I want to go the other direction. I can’t for the life of me understand why anyone would want to touch one, at least a live one. Paul is telling us that our authorities in our lives should not cause us to withdraw. Quite the contrary, we should be drawn to them if we are doing good.

Paul makes the point that authorities are not in our lives to make us fearful of doing good but rather to make us fearful of doing evil. That makes sense, doesn’t it? I feared my dad’s belt, not for doing good things to my siblings, but for doing bad things to them. And that fear was a healthy fear, not a scared to death fear. I knew he was shaping my future behavior by how he dealt with my misbehaviors.

What are you fearful of? I pray it’s not those in authority over you. I pray your response to them is a healthy respect and obedience, so you will not have to fear consequences for not obeying their guidance. May your response be exactly what Paul says in the last phrase of today’s verse. “Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;” Amen?

Thank You, Lord, for those whom You have placed over me. Help to bless them as I serve them.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Conquerors, Evil, Good, Overcome, Romans, Scripture

OVERCOMING EVIL

ROMANS 12:21

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Have you ever let your emotions get the best of you? You know what I mean. Something happens to upset you and before you know it, you have lost your cool and said or done something that you regret. Isn’t it best to stop and count to ten before you make a hasty, often regrettable decision? I have to count to 100 sometimes to calm myself down, lol.

In this last verse of chapter 12 of Romans, Paul wraps up his discussion of how to get along with others which he started back in verse 9. He has been giving us some very practical life skills on how to live with people, whether friends or enemies. In today’s verse, he uses a Greek verb which comes from a word we are very familiar with in the sports world. The word “overcome” is nikáō which comes “from níkē, (victory) – properly, conquer (overcome); to carry off the victory, come off victorious. The verb implies a battle” (HELPS Word-studies) We’ve all heard of Nike, right? What young boy hasn’t wanted a pair of Nike Air Jordans?

APPLICATION

Paul is telling us to not allow evil to gain victory over us, to conquer us. Instead, we are to conquer our inclinations toward evil by doing good. Remember yesterday’s verse? Do good to your enemies (give them food and water). By being intentional about doing good, the desire to do evil is conquered. This verb nikáō occurs 28 times in the New Testament. And get this – 14 of those times it occurs in Revelation. The last use is in Revelation 21:7 which says, “The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” I just love that, don’t you?

The word used for “evil” is the same word Paul used back in verse 17. It’s the Greek word kakós which really refers to the inward evil in a person. Some would define this as having a morally rotten character. It differs from poneros which refers to the effects of evil. Paul is telling us to not let this morally corrupt evil overcome us. We need to reflect the opposite and portray the love of Christ toward our enemies.

You may have someone in your life right now who tempts you toward evil. You want to repay them for all they have done to you. You want to get even. You may even wish them harm. Repent of those thoughts and do as Paul instructs. Overcome evil with good. Pray for them. Do good to them. And watch how the Lord heals your heart toward them.

O God, it’s hard to love those who hate you, but Your Son did just that. Let me show that kind of love to everyone.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Hand holding a small glowing ember with a campfire in the background
Bible, Enemies, Good, Goodness, Heart, Pain, Repentance, Romans, Scripture

BURNING COALS 

ROMANS 12:20

“‘BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.’”

Doing good to others is easy when it’s someone you love or like. Right? When your friends or family have a need or maybe just a want that you can meet, it feels good to do them good. But when it’s someone who does not like you and may have done you harm, the last thing you want to do is anything good for them. We’re going to see God’s response to that in today’s verse.

Remember, Paul has been talking about how to treat others for the last several verses (vs 9ff). Yesterday we saw that vengeance belongs to the Lord. He will handle any punishments for our enemies in His time. So, today’s verse just builds on that. Instead of seeking vengeance we are to do good to those who are our enemies. Paul says to “feed him” and “give him a drink.” Paul is quoting Proverbs 25:21-22 which says, “21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” Let’s look closer at these “burning coals.”

APPLICATION

Have you ever been burned by an ember from a fire? I have. It hurts! Fire burns and usually leaves a mark. When I was in the fourth grade (I think), we were roasting marshmallows over coals in our fireplace. Well, I used to let mine catch on fire, pull them out and blow them off. This one time I snatched it up too fast and the marshmallow stuck to my nose. Talk about painful! I looked like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for a while.

Albert Barnes explains what Paul is saying pretty well. “Burning coals heaped on a man’s head would be expressive of intense agony. So, the apostle says that the ‘effect’ of doing good to an enemy would be to produce pain. But the pain will result from shame, remorse of conscience, a conviction of the evil of his conduct, and an apprehension of divine displeasure that may lead to repentance.” Doing good to an enemy makes them feel uncomfortable and hopefully turns their heart toward God.

We have a great picture of this in 2 Kings 6.8-23. This is the story of when the king of Aram tried to capture Elisha the prophet. Remember the story? They surrounded the city where Elisha was, but God showed his servant the army of God that was there. The end result was the enemy army was stricken blind and led to the King of Israel in Samaria. Of course, the king of Israel thought they should kill them. But what did Elisha say? Give them bread and water and send them home. Great idea, Elisha! I love the end of verse 23, and I think it applies to our verse today. “And the marauding bands of Arameans did not come again into the land of Israel.” Those “burning coals” of goodness resulted in a change of heart for the Arameans toward Israel and Elisha.

To whom can you do good today? Let the pain of you doing good to someone who hates you cause the change in their hearts. God is able to do that. You are just being obedient to His Word.

Father, turn my heart toward goodness for my enemies rather than vengeance.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Add sign reading Love Evil Good
Bible, Choices, Evil, Good, Love, Romans, Scripture

CHOOSE WHAT IS GOOD!

ROMANS 12:9

“Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good.”

We make a lot of choices in our lives, don’t we? Some of those choices end up being very good and others not so good. We choose colleges, houses, spouses and careers. But God gives us some guidelines on how to make the right choices in His Word. In today’s verse, we will see the right choices to make time and time again.

Paul abruptly changes subjects from spiritual gifts to practical guidelines for Christian living. Wait a minute – isn’t that what exhortation is? Paul is actually exhibiting one of the gifts he just listed by giving us some great tips on how to live for Christ in the remainder of chapter 12. These are going to be fun to examine, so hang on over the next couple of weeks in this blog.

APPLICATION

MacLaren says this about Paul’s description of the kind of love we are to show to one another. “Love stands at the head and is the fontal source of all separate individualized duties. Here Paul is not so much prescribing love as describing the kind of love which he recognizes as genuine, and the main point on which he insists is sincerity.”  The Greek word for “free of hypocrisy” means to not act like a phony, no hidden agendas. That’s pure love. We see that same word used in 2 Corinthians 6:6 where it says, “in genuine love.”

Then Paul tells us to “detest what is evil.” Well, that’s pretty direct. What a great choice for us to make! The Greek word for “detest” is apostugeó which is only used here in the New Testament. It literally means to utterly hate or abhor. In this day we in which we are living, we are surrounded by evil. It seems the world is embracing evil as an actual choice today.

Paul goes on to say, “cling to what is good.” I love that, don’t you? My two youngest grandchildren cling to Papa and Nana whenever we hold them. They have a tight grip on us, so as not to fall. The Greek word for “cling” means “to glue.” It’s the same word used by Jesus when He says in Matthew 19:5 for a man to be “joined” to his wife. Glue yourself to good!

What great practical advice for us as followers of Christ! Love genuinely, hate evil and glue yourself to good. Do you think you can make those choices? God does!

I praise You, Lord, for giving us such wise counsel in Your Word.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Gentiles, Gentleness, Good, Peace, Righteousness, Romans, Scripture

WHAT ARE YOU PURSUING?

ROMANS 9:30

“What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, but the righteousness that is by faith;”

Before Christ radically transformed my life and gave me a desire to pursue Him over all things, I was like every other guy out there. Before Christ, I pursued everything that could give me pleasure. I won’t mention those here, but you can figure that out. After Christ, I still pursued enough of the world to keep me from developing that deep, intimate connection with Him. But…when He transformed me through the obedience to His Word (special thanks to Every Man A Warrior), I became a man, although not perfect, who was pursuing Him and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)

The word used by Paul for “pursue” is diókó which has a description to include a hunter chasing a prey. If you have ever tracked a deer in the woods, that’s the picture here. The hunter does not give up finding his prized prey. He will climb hills, forge streams and even climb over boulders and trees to get to it. Paul was saying in today’s verse that the Gentiles (as a group) had not pursued righteousness that way in the past. But those who have tasted of the righteousness of God have now obtained it through faith. Praise God!

APPLICATION

Diókó is used 45 times in the New Testament. We can’t possibly look at every single instance. However, we can look at a few things we are told to pursue. First, look at 1 Timothy 6:11 that says, “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” That’s a pretty good list of things to pursue, isn’t it? I love how Paul said at the end of that list to pursue gentleness. That is something that most, if not all, of us need to pursue more.

Then the writer of Hebrews writes in 12:14, “Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Now this is a toughy! Paul adds a little clarification of that later in the book of Romans in 12:18. He says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.” Sometimes our best efforts at peace are thwarted by those with whom we are trying to make peace. Pursue it anyway.

Finally in 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Paul tells us, “See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people.” The word “seek” is diókó. Pursue what is good, not for yourself, but for others. That’s what a real man does. He pursues what is good for his wife and children and grandchildren. He sacrifices for them. I pray that every man reading this today will pursue God passionately and with abandon so he can pursue all the things God has for him.

O God, I will pursue You. I will chase after You knowing that You will always be there for me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Called, Calling, Circumstances, Good, Names, Romans, Scripture

SOME CONDITIONS FOR GOD’S CARE

ROMANS 8:28

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Today’s verse is probably one of the most recognizable verses in the book of Romans. But it is probably also one of the most misunderstood ones. It is true that God cares for everyone, even the vilest person alive. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for every person. But God will not and, because He is a just and holy God, cannot bless those who are not following Him. It goes against His nature.

Paul says two things in today’s verse which clarify His care. He does cause “all things to work together for good” to 1) those who love God and 2) those who are called according to His purpose. You really can’t make that any clearer. God puts some conditions down for His blessings. If you love God and have responded to His calling on your life, He will be there through thick and thin. You are His. That’s just the truth.

APPLICATION

So, how do you live with this truth? You have to believe, first of all, that God desires good in your life. Carl, you don’t know what I’ve been through. How could God make anything good out of this? Short answer – I don’t know. But God does. I have to believe that the God of the universe, Who took dirt and created man, Who made all of creation in six days, can make my circumstances into something good for my life.

Secondly, I believe if He has called me, He knows my name. Do you understand that? He knows YOUR name. He knows every freckle on your skin and every hair on your head. Because He knows you so completely, He knows exactly how to orchestrate your circumstances to turn anything you are facing into something good. You may not see that good for years, but He is faithful.

May I encourage you today to do a deep dive into this verse. Dissect it. Tear it apart. Look at what all the words really mean. Don’t just quote this verse lightly. It has such profound truths in it. Don’t use this verse to justify your bad choices and then expect God to make it good. The good may mean you have to live with some consequences in order to learn. But if you are a follower of Jesus, He does desire only good for you. Trust Him with that.

O Father, this verse is such a comfort for any who trust You with their life.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Freedom, Good, Law, Scripture, Sin

A BAD LAW

ROMANS 7:21

“I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.”

There are some laws on the books of countries that are just bad. Take for example the new anti-conversion laws in India. They went into effect last year and have caused death and destruction among the Christian population. I have friends serving as missionaries in that country, and they see fellow believers arrested and persecuted. Home churches can’t meet and most Christmas celebrations were cancelled for fear of attacks by others. This is a bad law.

Our verse today is the subject of much debate among scholars. The word translated “principle” can also be translated as law. What in the world does Paul mean by this verse. Once again, I turn to Albert Barnes who can explain this much better than I. “There can be no doubt that he refers here to his carnal and corrupt nature; to the evil propensities and dispositions which were leading him astray. His representing this as a law is in accordance with all that he says of it, that it is servitude, that he is in bondage to it, and that it impedes his efforts to be holy and pure. The meaning is this, ‘I find a habit, a propensity, an influence of corrupt passions and desires, which, when I would do right, impedes my progress, and prevents my accomplishing what I would.’”

APPLICATION

Let me ask you then, what principle or law within you keeps you from doing what is holy and right? It’s the same one that Paul talks about in today’s verse. You and I have the same sin nature that Paul had and fought against. We have a choice to make. Do we fight against this “principle,” this propensity to sin? Or do we give into our carnal appetites and just go with the flow?

In Galatians 5:17 Paul states this same idea when he writes, “For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want.” As long as we are living and breathing, we will wage this war. But beloved, do not be discouraged. This battle belongs to the Lord. As we submit ourselves to His will, He fights for us through His Holy Spirit in our lives.

Think about one sin you are struggling with. Now, give that to Jesus. Ask Him to guard your heart and mind against any inclination towards that sin. Ask Him to remove any desire you have to commit such sin. Study His Word. Fast and pray. Spend extended time in worship. All these will shove that sin back and defeat the evil one. If you are a follower of Christ, you are His. Believe that.

Lord, I do not want to fall into the trap of sin. Protect my eyes and heart from these unwholesome desires within me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Disobedience, Evil, Good, Obedience, Scripture, Works

PRACTICING THE WRONG THINGS

ROMANS 7:19

“For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.”

When I was in college, I had this recurring nightmare that I arrived at a class for an exam only to discover that I had studied the wrong information. After hours of cramming, I failed miserably, not from lack of preparation, but from preparing with the wrong information. If you want to do well at anything in life, you have to prepare well and use the right stuff. You will never learn to drive a manual transmission if you only drive automatics, right?

Paul states the obvious in today’s verse. He basically says, “I can’t do this because I am doing that.” He wants to do good but is too busy doing bad. Let me remind you that Paul wrote this letter from Corinth towards the end of his third missionary journey. I wouldn’t call what he had been doing evil or bad works. Just the opposite. He had put his life on the line numerous times. So, why would he say this in today’s verse?

APPLICATION

Our hearts are inherently wicked. Paul uses the Greek word kakós for “evil.” The Topical Lexicon says, “It functions as a broad moral term encompassing wicked character, destructive actions, corrupt motives, and harmful consequences.” Let me just say, people in ministry are not exempt from evil. After all, we are only human like the rest of you. I know some preachers who have their “hit list” of people they wish would get out of their way. That may sound funny, but it is too true.

Paul was writing this letter from a pretty wicked city. Corinth was not known for its wholesome atmosphere. It was full of pagan gods and idol worship. I am sure Paul struggled at times keeping his temper or his attitude in check against such evil. I truly believe today’s verse showing his confession of such things should encourage us to be more open and confessional. We have all been there at one time or another.

Let me encourage you to spend more time practicing the good things and less time the evil things. Spend more time praying than complaining. Invest more in purifying your minds and less time filling it with mindless dribble. Don’t walk into that final evaluation period having spent all your time in the wrong stuff. Walk in fully confident of having spent time with the King of kings and Lord of lords. It is His wisdom we seek, not our own.

Lord, fill me with the desire to please You in all I do and to spend time with You each day.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Good, Goodness, Jesus, Righteousness, Sacrifice, Scripture

NOTHING GOOD IN ME!

ROMANS 7:18

“For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.”

My dad was a good man all his life. His reputation in my hometown was unscathed. People respected him. The people he supervised at the textile mill may have not always appreciated his manner of supervision, but they still would tell you what a good man my dad was. However, that goodness in him would play not part of his spiritual journey. Good just doesn’t cut it when it comes to God.

Paul says as much in today’s verse. That first phrase, “For I know that good does not dwell in me,” could be translated as “there ain’t nothing good in me.” Paul would be the first to tell you how wicked his flesh was. I will never forget my brother-in-law’s testimony about his salvation. He had been in ministry about eight years before he actually came to Christ. He said when he finally realized the depravity of his flesh, he cried until his nose bled. After that encounter with the exposure of his sin, he was a changed man.

APPLICATION

I have often said that there is nothing good in me except Jesus. If I ever receive any praise for something I’ve done in the ministry, I am quick to point to Jesus. It’s only because of Him that I am able to do the things I do. I am just like Paul when he says he wishes to do good but just doesn’t. That’s the crux of this verse. Good intentions do not equate to righteousness. That is only possible through the blood of Jesus.

Barnes says this verse “could not be possibly a stronger expression of belief of the doctrine of total depravity.” We are born sinners. We didn’t do anything to inherit that depravity except being born after Adam. The perfection of creation ended in that garden and the results permeate all through the centuries. Any goodness we possess will not get us through the gates of heaven. Only the “goodness” of our Savior (His blood, His sacrifice, His death, His resurrection).

The word used by Paul for “good” is “agathós. This word “describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith.” (HELPS Word-studies) Paul knew this. He knew the good He desired to do was only possible because of God’s agathós. And we are the same, beloved. Don’t try to “outdo” God. It can’t be done. You can’t pray enough, serve enough, give enough or study enough. He imparts His agathós in you when you receive His Son. So, let me ask you. Do you possess this agathós?

Father, I agree with Paul today that there is no good in me except what You have put in me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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