Romans 1-11 lays out the gospel foundation that chapters 12-16 are built on.
As we begin our study of these chapters,
This is what the Christian life looks like, so we should pursue these things passionately
Verse 3 - How to think about yourself
Before turning to address life in the Body of Christ, Paul first speaks to us individually to get the “humility, not pride” thing taken care of. We have to think rightly about ourselves so that we can serve the Body with a right mindset.
(Oh - by the way: If you’re reading these words - YOU. STRUGGLE. WITH. PRIDE.)
sober judgment
The Foundation of this is found in Romans 3:10-18. You do not deserve any of this.
Start there - then think about these three things each day:
1. You’re made in the image of God
Unlike the rest of creation, you have a unique ability to intentionally glorify God
2. The Spirit of God dwells in you
Both empowering you to live for Him and giving you assurance that you are His.
3. God has a plan to use you
in His kingdom and for His glory!
Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
It’s God’s image - God’s Spirit - God’s plan (not yours, right?)
For a believer with a renewed mind, this should lead to:
Confidence without Conceit
Verses 4 & 5 - How to think about US
This is the central foundation of life in the Body of Christ.
[we are... mutually dependent on each other]
• Our unity is found “in Christ”
Jesus Himself creates the “US”
We are like siblings. Because we all have the same Father, we are, therefore, brothers and sisters. This truth goes deep - far deeper and more profound than the family analogy gives. When we are saved, He creates a union and we have access to Him and His resources.
In Christ, we have:
Grace
Redemption
Justification
Forgiveness
No condemnation
new creation
eternal life
all our needs are supplied in Christ
every spiritual blessing
we will be presented perfect in Christ
there is no separating us from the love of God in Christ...
And this “in Christ” that we experience – we experience TOGETHER
2. We are still individuals
We’re not mindless worker bees. Our individual differences are a product of God’s work in our lives as the Body.
Our true individuality is found, discovered, experienced in our service to the Body of Christ
Meaning: You need the Body and the Body needs you
3. God’s Grace both empowers and sustains everything
We have different gifts and abilities. God made us uniquely with the gifts, skills, abilities and passions that we have to serve Him through His Church.
Ephesians 4:17 – the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Verses 6-8 - What you should do: SERVE!
Paul is giving us a very specific application. He couldn’t be any clearer and this couldn’t be any more practical. What is God’s will for your life? It absolutely includes serving your church.
Verse 6 – Having gifts that differ... let us use them:
This isn’t a comprehensive list of gifts, but a “categories of gifting” in the broad sense.
prophecy - This isn’t about an ability to predict the future, but it’s about speaking the truth of God to encourage and strengthen others.
serving - This is same Greek word as “deacon.” It simply means helping others in a practical way
teaching - the ability to explain God’s truth in a clear and systematic way. Pastors must have this gift. Others will have it too.
exhortation - the ability to effectively call others to obey and follow God’s truth. It can be “negative” in admonishing and correcting sin or “positive” when it encourages, comforts, and strengthens those who are struggling.
the one who contributes... with generosity
The sacrificial sharing of your resources.
Leading - the idea is steering the ship.
acts of mercy - actively showing sympathy and sensitivity to those in suffering and sorrow.
cheerfulness - a crucial attitude to go along with mercy - to be genuinely helpful.
Two obvious concluding questions:
1. Do you have an attitude of humility?
Read Philippians 2:1-11
... look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
It’s not a one time - and done - thing.
This will be a constant battle for all of us.
2. Are you engaged and serving?
Everyone is called to serve in some way.
Think through your spiritual gifting:
It begins with that unique spiritual “thing” that God has given you and then includes your skills, talents, abilities, resources, and passions.
Here’s what you should do:
Get a copy of the “Thinking Through Your Gifting” sheet and begin working through it as you seek to be serving God in your church in specific, tangible ways.
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