Russell's Reasoning's — West Douglas Church Of Christ

Last time we looked briefly at the three words for love found in the first part of Romans 12:10. We continue this wonderful verse by looking at the last half. “Outdo one another in showing honor.” In a more literal translation it would be, “In honor one another going before.” Thus, showing the idea of outdoing someone. The word translated as ‘Outdo’, is only found once in the Scriptures which demonstrates the brilliance of Paul’s use of language. The word is formed from two Greek words put together. Frist is the prepositional prefix, PRO, which has different usages. Mainly, it means before, in front, or ahead, along with a few other usages. The other word used is hégeomai. This word means to lead, to be chief, to govern, esteem, consider something over something else, or to lead the way, etc. Thus, to go out in front of others and lead the way, particularly in showing honor. The whole phrase is not written as an imperative, a command, as such, though it can be read that way. I like to see this phrase as a bold challenge. In the past, knights of old wore heavy armored gloves called gauntlets. If you wanted to challenge another person to some type of medieval contest, such as a duel, you would take off this glove and throw it down in front of the one you were challenging. Since Paul often used military metaphors, I will join him by suggesting this type of imagery. Paul has thrown down the gauntlet with a challenge for all who read his letter. That challenge is to be the first to show honor to others, to esteem others as having great value. And why not? JESUS considered the human soul to be valuable enough to pay its redemption price, the price of HIS precious, sinless blood voluntarily offered. In Romans 5:9, Paul wrote, “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.” Are you ready to take up his challenge? Lead the way in showing honor to others.

Russell Ashby