Hi thanks for tuning in today. I just wanted to address something that I’ve neglected to bring up until now.
Anyone going through this Bible study may have realized that I use a couple of versions of the Bible.
Mostly I use the King James version and the English standard version. If I feel the interpretation of one version expresses that topic with more clarity or makes that verse more applicable to today’s language I may use that particular version.
In our previous episode we left off talking about a renewed mind. In the next verse we’re going to see what should be the state of that renewed mind. The first part of verse 3 says,
Romans 12:3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, Let’s keep it real. Who do You think you are? Do you have an inflated sense of ego? Does the world really revolve around you? Do you believe that no one else could do your job as well as you? Maybe you’re under the misguided conception that you can’t be replaced. Hello! Reality check. It ain’t all about you. Sorry I got carried away. Time to take it down a notch.
If you have that renewed mind then that sense of self should be diminished.
Paul doesn’t want us to feel terrible or worthless, but rather let our faith rise above our own self worth and interests. Verse 3 continues with the following,
but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
That renewed mind that we keep referring to should be filled with God’s word.
It’s only when we have that word that we can make judgments that are clear and not clouded by worldly standards.
Let’s take this verse to a more literal interpretation.
You cannot make rational decisions if you’re not sober. If your mind is clouded by drugs, alcohol, or even a lack of sleep. We need to be vigilant in our walk. Satan will snatch you up in a heartbeat if your minds are not sober.
We need to use that measure of Faith that God has assigned to us. We are all members of the body of Christ.
Romans 12:4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
So even in our human body there are a diversity of parts or members of the body.
Each one is important in its own right. None work independently of themselves. If the eye sees an obstacle in front of it the foot reacts by walking over it. If the nose smells smoke, the mouth shouts the alarm. Everything works together in harmony. And so it should be within the church.
Romans 12:5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
The diversity of gifts that have been bestowed upon us makes the body stronger.
When a church has only a few members using the gifts that God has blessed them with, then the health of that church is diminished.
All members are important.
But we need to realize that our position in the body should not be exalted over another. Whatever spiritual gifts we have should be used to glorify God and not ourselves.
Paul goes on to name some of those gifts and how they should be used.
Romans 12:6-8 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
So let’s look at these and make sure we understand how these gifts are to be used.
If prophecy in proportion to our faith.
If you’re going to foretell of a coming event you better be sure who is telling you that. If your faith is weak then you might not be sure of who the messenger is. You need to be sure that it is of God and not something of your own making. This world has enough false prophets.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Next, if service, in our serving.
We need to be willing servants, doing all for the glory of God and not ourselves. When we serve we should do so with a humility of heart. If you have faith and still refuse to serve others your faith is dead.
James 2:14-17 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
If you are a teacher then you need to teach God’s word and not add anything to it.
Nor should you take anything away from it.
Now exhortation is a double-edged sword.
It is used to admonish as well as encourage. Whether we encourage a fellow Christian or admonish him or her for their transgression, we should do so with loving kindness. If we neglect to be that encourager our hearts may become hardened.
Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
If you have the ability to give, whether it be your finances, time, or sweat equity do so generously.
After all, it’s not yours to begin with. All we have is God’s. We are temporary caretakers with an obligation to meet the needs of others.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
If you are in a position of leadership then do so with zeal.
Zeal is dedication or enthusiasm for something. If you have zeal, you’re willing, energized, and motivated. But none of that is entirely possible if it is not of God, for God, and through God. That is why this country is in such disarray. Our leadership has fallen away from godly standards. Their zeal is for their own self-righteousness.
Finally, if you are merciful, do so cheerfully.
Don’t use Mercy as a way to keep someone under your thumb. Don’t make them feel like they are indebted to you. Administer Mercy with a cheerful heart, knowing that your mercy, your act of kindness, has lifted a burden off someone’s shoulders and that God’s Mercy may be extended to you.
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
So no matter what your spiritual gift use it wisely.
Don’t use it for self promotion or gratification. But rather use it with all humility and the love of Christ. Giving God the glory for all that you do.
We’re going to stop for today. Next week we will discuss some of the characteristics that we as Christians should have when dealing with not only other Christians but those who have not yet come to Christ.
As always I’d like to thank you for listening and may you have a week full of opportunities to share this good news with those that need to hear it.