Life in God’s family, Part 2
According to God’s Grace, Serve One Another – Romans chapter 12, verses 3 to 8
When part of the body is sick, the whole body suffers. So it is within the church, that is, the people.
Serve One Another With All Humility
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
Romans 12:3
“… don’t think too highly if yourselves.” Why start with humility? Because of the temptation to become proud. Nothing kills unity in the church like pride. Pride ruins everything, everywhere.
Serve One Another With an Awareness of God’s Big Picture
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:4-5
The church is one body in Christ. Unity does not come when every part is the same, but it does come when there is interdependence.
Serve One Another With Your God Given Gifts
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:7-8
To be used, not for selfish gain, but for the common good, to build up the body of Christ. Note: this calls for you to what you are, not to be what you are not. And avoid “but I’m not as gifted as …” Be content with the gift God has wisely given you. There are no insignificant people in the body is Christ. God has arranged all in the gifts and parts of his church.
A Person Consecrated to Christ Must Love and Serve Christ’s Church
Love the church, love the people.
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
