Standing the Test - Romans 16:10a Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.Romans 16:10a NIVThe sixteenth chapter of Romans is primarily one of greetings. Paul started with a series of greetings to people in the Roman church, followed by passing on greetings from those with him. One of those he greeted was Apelles. We know nothing about this man apart from this simple greeting. But it is a greeting that contains the highest compliment. He had stood the test.What test Apelles faced is unknown. Was it a single test? Or something that persisted over time? We don't know. All we know is that he faced a significant challenge to his faith. And he passed the test with flying colors. He remained faithful to the Lord amid whatever challenge(s) he faced.We face tests of our faith in various ways each day, although likely nothing that matched what Apelles faced. Will I be faithful to make spending time with my Lord a priority?

Overcome Evil with Good - Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Romans 12:21 NIVDo not be overcome by evil! You might look at this statement and understand it to mean that we should not allow the evil in this world to defeat us. And while that is true, it is not what Paul refers to here. Romans 12:17 tells us not to repay evil with evil. And that is what this verse is referring to. Don't be overcome by my own evil response to other people. Responding negatively when someone does something I don't care for is tempting. But, when I do, I have been overcome by evil.Instead, Paul tells us, overcome evil with good. Don't allow evil to rule in my life. Even when I think someone may deserve my negative response to them, choose instead to respond positively. If your enemy is hungry or thirsty, rather than be happy about their condition, give them something to eat or drink. When you do, you have defeated the evil impulse in your own life.

More Than Conquerors - Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.Romans 8:37 NIVIn the latter half of the eighth chapter of Romans, Paul has some very encouraging things to say to those who are living in the realm of the Spirit (Rom. 8:9). He tells us that in everything that happens, God is working for our good (Rom. 8:28) and that God is for us (Rom. 8:31)? And, he asks, if God is for us, what can separate us from the love of Christ (Rom. 8:35)? Trouble? Hardship? Persecution? Danger? Or anything else?We may indeed face all of these and more, including death, for the sake of our Lord. But none of them will be able to separate us from the love of Christ. In all these things, we are more than conquerors through the one who loves us.This promise of overcoming is made to those who live according to the Spirit rather than their old nature (Rom. 8:4).

Like the Face of an Angel - Acts 6:15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.Acts 6:15 NIVStephen is described as a man full of God's grace and power who performed great wonders and signs among the people. But he also faced serious opposition from a group of Jews who engaged him in debate. And who, unable to prevail in debate, turned to more extreme measures. They hired false witnesses and took him to court, accusing him of blasphemy against Moses and God—very serious charges which could result in the death penalty in a Jewish court.As Stephen stood before the court and his accusers, "they saw that his face was like the face of an angel." I do not know what an angel's face looks like. But I am sure it does not reflect worry, anger, or concern. Instead, it likely reflects serenity, peace, and joy. Did Stephen know what would happen to him at the end of this trial?

Responding to Insults: Follow Jesus' Example - 1 Peter 2:21-23 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.1 Peter 2:21-23 NIVHow do you respond when you are insulted? Especially when insulted for being a follower of Jesus? Our natural tendency is to insult back. And all too often, we give in to that desire, responding to an insult with an insult. But Peter tells us that there is a better way to respond.Jesus suffered on my behalf. And as he did so, he left me an example. An example that I should follow. When he was insulted, he did not respond with insult. Nor did he threaten those who beat him and hung him on a cross.

Responding to Insult with Blessing - 1 Peter 3:9, 12 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteousand his ears are attentive to their prayer,but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”1 Peter 3:9, 12 NIVIt happens to all of us. We are insulted, maybe because of our faith in Christ. But it could also be for a variety of other things: our gender, our skin color, our education, our ethnic background, etc. It may be more than just insulting words. You might experience hurtful actions coming from another person. If you live in this world, you will experience these things. And, unfortunately, you may also be exposed to them from other believers within the church.But when it happens, how are we to respond? Our natural impulse is to respond in kind. When insulted, we want to insult back.

Rejoice in Suffering - 1 Peter 4:15-16 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (1 Peter 4:15-16 NIV)Few people like to suffer; we generally avoid it if we can. But suffering is inevitable. Sometimes I suffer simply because I am human and growing old. But other times, the suffering we experience is at other people's hands. And that is the suffering Peter refers to here.As a believer, I should never have to suffer the consequences of some intentional wrong that I have done. I am called to live a godly and holy life that bears witness to the world around me of God's goodness. And I should be ashamed of acting in a way that brings discredit to my Lord.

Looking for A Reason to Accuse - Mark 3:1-2 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.Mark 3:1-2 NIVThe Jewish religious leaders were generally opposed to Jesus' message and ministry. They were jealous of his growing popularity and refusal to submit to their traditions. They challenged him at every opportunity, looking for a reason to accuse him of some wrong, and hoping to discredit him before the people. And this passage is a reflection of that. As Jesus went into a synagogue on the Sabbath, he was watched closely to see if he would heal this man with a shriveled hand. If he did, they would be able to accuse him of working on the Sabbath in violation of the Ten Commandments.Jesus did heal the man.