As we attempt to finish out chapter 12 this morning, Paul is going to show us three additional areas where we need to develop our realtionships.
Our relationship with ourselves: thinking rightly about our spiritual gifts. (Romans 12:3-8)
- Spiritual gifts are in every believer.
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you… (Romans 12:3a)
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (I Corinthians 12:7)
A spiritual gift is a supernatural enablement from the Holy Spirit for a specific task.
2. Spiritual gifts are for the purpose of .
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, but to think with sober judgment, (Romans 12:3b)
“Spiritual gifts are not toys to play with but tools to build with.” – Warren Wiersbe
3. Spiritual gifts are at the Holy Spirit’s discretion.
‘each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.’ (Romans 12:3)
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. (I Corinthians 12:11)
4. Spiritual gifts are in nature.
Having gifts that differ according to the grace give to us, let us use them: if prophecy in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 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. (Romans 12:6-8)
Prophesy; Ministry; Teaching; Exhortation; Giving; Leadership; Mercy.
Our relationship with : getting along in .
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. (Romans 12:9-16)
Our relationship to our : not retaliation but .
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengenance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:17-21)
- Jesus gave himself as a living sacrifice.
- Jesus loved us with a genuine love and hated evil.
- Jesus was dishonored that we might be honored.
- Jesus rejoiced in hope, endured tribulation, and was constant in prayer.
- Jesus was generous.
- Jesus showed us hospitality as a friend of sinners.
- Jesus loved his enemies.
- Jesus rejoiced with those who rejoiced and wept with those who wept.
- Jesus unites people in harmony from every tribe and tongue.
- Jesus associates with the lowly. He even took a repentant thief to paradise with him.
Let’s learn to get along as Jesus modeled for us. Use your gifts; live in harmony with one another; do good and not evil.