“A SURVEY OF THE BOOK OF ROMANS” ROMANS 12:3-8 Believers In Humble Service To God

Paul, having discussed in Chapter 12:1-2 that believers should dedicate their bodies and minds to God, he will now address the subject of believers dedicating their lives in humble service to God.  A dedicated and transformed mind to God will certainly be exhibited in one’s service to God!  In using one’s spiritual gift, Paul knew that humility is needed to serve the body of Christ (v. 3).  One’s gift may be used as a source of pride; however, Paul cautions against it.  Paul cautions each Christian “not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly” (v. 3).  Thinking soberly will cause one not to be carried away in pride.  Through sober thinking, one would understand that faith has been measured out to us by God to serve Him.

In verses 4-5, Paul went on to discuss that the church is an organism in which all members are interdependent. He illustrates this interdependence through the use of the human body, showing that the human body has many members.  Interdependence depicts a relation between its members such that each is mutually dependent on the others. This relationship is in contrast to a simple dependence relationship, wherein one member of the relationship cannot function or survive apart from the others.  Although having many members, each member has a unique function.  Each member however, is interdependent on each other.  As members of the body of Christ, we are interdependent on each other.  This illustration of the body stressed both the diversity and unity of the church (v. 5).  We are “many”; yet, each one of us has his or her role to fulfill.  Each member of the body of Christ contributes to the welfare of the body, regardless of the degree of one’s gift.

The church should operate from One Head – Christ.  If we operate from the “Command Center” Christ, the potential for selfishness among various members or personalities within the body of Christ will not be apparent.  Having discussed unity in diversity within the body of Christ, Paul conveyed that “spiritual gifts” are grace gifts given to the church.  The Holy Spirit sovereignly bestows these gifts (I Corinthians 12:11) to every believer and we should not boast in our gift or gifts and we should not covet another’s gifts.  We are to use our gift to benefit others (v. 6).  One with the gift of prophecy should use it “according to the proportion of faith.”   Although God is not communicating new revelation today, in a secondary sense, we are to take God’s written word and speak to people for “edification, exhortation, and comfort (I Corinthians 14:3).

Also, in verse 7, one is to engage in ministry with the idea of serving the material needs of others.  One exercising the gift of teaching involves unfolding God’s truth in a systematic way.  Also, Paul singled out the gift of exhortation (v. 8).  Whereas “teaching” appeals to the mind; however, exhortation appeals to the will.  An exhortation can apply truth to practical needs and stir people to action.  Believers are also exhorted by Paul to give with simplicity.  One should give with sincerity, not in an ostentatious manner.  Those who have the gift of ruler-ship or administration are to rule with diligence or earnestness of purpose.  Finally, Paul urged those who “sheweth mercy” should do so with cheerfulness or with a cheerful disposition.

May God Bless!