September 2, 2012
Evening Service

This morning we broke down the first two verses of Romans chapter 12.  We looked at the challenge given to us by Paul to be a “living sacrifice” to God.  The challenge was not given to earn our salvation, but rather because of it.  There is no greater challenge that yields such bountiful returns.  Peace, joy, and contentment await those who surrender their heart totally to Him.

We were told not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  We are to seek to have the mind of Christ and allow Him to use us as “tools of righteousness” in His hands.  We are encouraged to allow the Holy Spirit to transform our lives into someone who “seeks first the kingdom of God.”   This “renewing” is a daily chore.  We need to continually seek to have a closer walk with Him. 

 

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

·         As we begin to walk in our “transformed” way, Paul’s first warning is for us to remain humble.  Any gift or ability we have is given to us by God and is to be used for God. 

·         It is important for each of us to know ourselves well.  We need to take an honest assessment of ourselves and know where we are gifted and where we are not.

·         Envy or jealousy should not enter the picture as we seek our gift from God.

·         Always remember though, God doesn’t always call the qualified, but qualifies the called.

 

Rom 12:4-5  For even as we have many members in one body, and all members do not have the same function,  (5)  so we the many are one body in Christ, and each one members of one another.

·         We looked this morning at each of our lives individually being surrendered to God.  Paul now looks at the Church being many individuals but functioning as one body.

·         Each of us is a vital and unique part of this Church.  The health and welfare of our church depends upon each of us properly fulfilling our rolls.

·         No part is unneeded or more important than another. 

 

Rom 12:6-8  Then having gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, if prophecy, according to the proportion of faith;  (7)  or ministry, in the ministry; or he who teaches, in the teaching;  (8)  or he who exhorts, in the encouragement; or he who shares, in simplicity; or he who takes the lead, in diligence; or he who shows mercy, in cheerfulness.

·         Prophecy-not necessarily foretelling the future, but one who declares the mind of God as it is spoken as it is revealed in the Bible.  They are to speak in proportion of their faith.

·         Ministry-one who has the heart of a servant.  It is one who sees opportunities to serve and seizes them.

·         Teacher-one who is able to explain the Word of God and apply it to the hearts of his hearers.  It is something we should seek to be prepared for and do well.

·         Exhortation-one who has the gift of encouraging others to deepen their walks with God.  It is the opposite of criticism, always looking at the positive and good side of every situation.  They often times grant fuel for others to carry on in their ministry.

·         Shares (gives)-one who supplies the needs of others.  This is done with a simple kindness and a cheerful heart.

·         Leaders-one who can take charge, working under the authority of the pastor, leading in an area of ministry where he is gifted.  It is to be done with great care and diligence.

·         Mercy-one who is able to aid those in distress.  This gift is to be used with cheerfulness not grudgingly or dutifully.

 

Eph 4:16  from whom the whole body, fitted together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of each part, producing the growth of the body to the edifying of itself in love.

·         Paul compares the church to the human body, where each part supports the other and allows for the growth of all.

·         A great example is what culminated last week with the baptism of Amy and Shannon.

o   Paul and Betty invited them, Tony & Donna greeted them at the door, Caroline made them feel right at home (along with everyone else), Judy, Steve, and Dick used their gifts of music to set a mood, Grace served in the nursery, the teachers taught their older kids, your gifts paid for the AC and lights, a wonderful group of volunteers had a clean seat for them to sit in, and I was privileged to deliver the words of “whosoever will.”  It was the Holy Spirit that then called to them and they received it.

o   Oh what a privilege to play a part in what triggered a celebration in heaven.

 

1Co 12:12-13  For as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.  (13)  For also by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free, even all were made to drink into one Spirit. 

 

1Co 12:26-27 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is glorified, all the members rejoice with it.  (27)  And you are the body of Christ, and members in part.

·         There is no “I” in team.  We each play a part in what God is doing through our fellowship of His church.  We will look at some very practical ways of applying this principle next week as we finish this chapter.

·         I encourage you again this week read this chapter prayerfully and seek His will for your life.  Let Him transform you into His image.