ROMANS 12:4-8
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.6 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;7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;8 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 12:4-8 DIFFERENT GIFTS
Springford Baptist Church: June 26, 2022.
Not everyone on a baseball team plays the same position and not everyone in a band plays the same instrument. Likewise, in church we are given different parts that are uniquely ours based on what God has equipped each of us to be.
It is a very good thing that people have different gifts and abilities. This means that we really do need each other and that we work best when we work together.
At the Baptism Service held 2 weeks ago, I spoke about baptism being a powerful symbol of new life. We are meant to live a new life that God makes possible when we choose to live our lives for Him. Thankfully, this is not something we have to figure out by ourselves. This is something that we do together. This is what church is meant to be about.
Here are some questions that were part of the Baptism Classes that our new church members completed:
What for you is the most meaningful part of attending church?
What do you see as the “mission”(purpose) of our church?
How could you be involved in that mission?
Today’s Scripture can help us to answer these important questions.
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:4,5)
This is another picture of us belonging together. We are different parts of one body and these different parts need to work together to be who God has designed us to be-His Church. This is significant that each member belongs to all the others. Each part is needed to have a healthy body.
We know don’t we, that if you have injured your foot, you cannot just ignore that and pretend that it doesn’t matter. Your whole body is affected by that part that is hurting. When someone who is a part of our church is hurting, we are all affected by that. Certainly, part of our mission and purpose as the Church that Jesus calls us to be is to care about and for each other. Our church is family and family are meant to care about and to pray for each other. If church is only a place that we gather on Sunday, we will not be aware of the needs of the other parts of this body that carry on throughout each week.
Having said this, Christ’s church exists for a bigger reason than just looking after each other. We are going to look at the different gifts that God in His grace has given us. (Romans 12:6) These gifts are to be used in church and beyond.
And please do notice that we have been given these different gifts to use them. We can have several tools in a tool box but unless we take them in hand and use them, work remains undone.
These are some different possible gifts that you might use as a member of Jesus’ Church:
“If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith.” (Romans 12:6)
Prophesying is speaking for God. It is certainly something that a preacher is meant to do, but there are opportunities for others within this body the church to speak for God. The key is to speak carefully what God gives us to speak. This is in keeping with our faith and trusting God to clearly guide our words.
Then we read about other possible gifts we might possess. 7 “if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;” (Romans 12:7, 8b) These gifts are not identified with any other instructions than to use them. If you see opportunities to serve then go ahead and serve. If you can teach and teaching is needed then step in and teach. If you have a gift for encouragement then do not hold back giving encouragement. All of these gifts are needed and all of these gifts will benefit those who receive them.
These gifts were never intended to draw attention to us. They are to draw attention to Jesus.
Here is an example. If you know someone who is going through a really hard time and you want to speak words of encouragement, what will you say?
If you say, “I know you are having a rough time and I am going to tell you what to do because I know exactly how to handle your situation” that will not provide the encouragement needed nor is it sensitive and loving. If instead you say, “I care about you and will be here with you asking God to guide us to find answers together that are needed,” that will be authentic encouragement. That will be inviting another to focus on God and to draw courage and strength from Him.
The last 3 gifts that are identified and that are to be used as members of Christ’s body the Church are given with some specific instructions:
“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 12:8b)
It does matter what our attitude is as we use our different gifts. These kinds of attitudes as we give, as we lead, as we show mercy will bring others closer to Jesus.
Yes, we are different people and we have different gifts yet when we come together as members of one body and use our gifts for Jesus, we will all come closer to Him!
Please pray with me that each of us will look to God to receive His grace to use well the different gifts that He has given us.