It's Not All About You, It's about Us!
Romans: Unashamed - Building the Church through the Gospel • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction
Attention - When my kids were younger and all still lived at home and they were having a selfish season of life, we would lovingly remind them that self-focus was not pleasing to God.
I would do this by lovingly rotate around them and say, “The world doesn’t revolve around you, the world doesn’t revolve around you.”
Need - And, if we are all going to be honest this morning, we all struggle with selfishness from time to time.
We can easily walk through this life with the attitude that we are super important and crucial.
We don’t need to feel alone in this. The early church struggled with this very issue as well.
Of course the church of Corinth was notorious for self- exaltation. Apparently the church at Rome was struggling as well and so Paul takes this opportunity to talking about a Christian’s attitude regarding their position and gifting.
Main Idea: Get Over Yourself by Getting Behind One Another!
Interrogative: Okay, but how do I do this?
Transition: Well, I’m glad you asked! Paul gives two general ways to make this happen!
Get Over Yourself By Getting an Accurate Understanding of Yourself (vs. 3)
One thing I like about the apostle Paul is that he pulls no punches when discussing our desperate state before God. Look at the text with me...
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, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
Paul starts by extolling the grace of God.
If you remember from last week, Paul admonished the church at Rome to, in light of the theology of chapters 1-11, to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice, which was their spiritual act of worship.
Now he gets more specific as to how this works in the life of the christian and the church.
Before He lays out his challenge to them, He lets them know that the only reason he has any authority to speak to them is by the GRACE of God.
He says...
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone...”
Notice what he says...
“I say to everyone among you not to thinking of himself more highly that he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment...”
In other words...
You Are Not All That and a Bag of Chips
My brother-in-law says this and it means you are not all things to all people.
It is an interesting admonition that Paul gives in this verse. In the Greek the word think or variation of the word come up four times!
Apparently, Paul wants them to be very honest about themselves with themselves.
What is behind this?
Perhaps Paul is tapping into the tendency we all have - the tendency to think it’s all about us?
It’s like my old boss used to say, “I’m not much, but I’m all I think about.”
We can easily start to think that the success or faliure of an organization, or even a church is dependant on me. It is not!
I remember when I left Lakeshore Baptist Church - I thought I was kinda a big deal there. I was not! I wondered if the church would fall apart without me. It did not. In fact, I think it has thrived without me! Praise the Lord.
When I left Love INC to come here the organization didn’t fall apart. I mean, I was the executive director! When I left I thought it might struggle. It did not. In fact it has gotten better since I’ve been there!
So the moral of my story is, get rid of me and things will get better around here! Haha!
I am not God’s gift to ministry.
And neither are you!
None of us are! None of us are indispensable.
And the sooner we come to grips with the fact that God’s church will go on with or without us, the better.
The church has endured since her inception at Pentecost. The individual members, including Paul, have not.
They are waiting for us and one day we will be with them. But the church will continue until the Lord comes back to collect His bride!
The imagery and symbolism of marriage is applied to Christ and the body of believers known as the church. The church is comprised of those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have received eternal life. Christ, the Bridegroom, has sacrificially and lovingly chosen the church to be His bride (Ephesians 5:25–27). Just as there was a betrothal period in biblical times during which the bride and groom were separated until the wedding, so is the bride of Christ separate from her Bridegroom during the church age. Her responsibility during the betrothal period is to be faithful to Him (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24). At the rapture, the church will be united with the Bridegroom and the official “wedding ceremony” will take place and, with it, the eternal union of Christ and His bride will be actualized (Revelation 19:7–9; 21:1-2). - https://www.gotquestions.org/bride-of-Christ.html
The point is this, we have no idea when the Lord will come for his bride, but He will. It may be past our lifetime and that’s okay, because if we die before He returns to bring the corporate body to be with Him, we will already be with him. You are not necessary for this to take place, but you are the glorious recipient of this beautiful reality.
God doesn’t need you (He needs no one nor nothing to accomplish His will). If God needed anything, He would cease to be God.
So, don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought to think. Think of yourself with sober judgement. Be realistic!
Don’t be like Diotrephes!
9 I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.
Instead, walk in humility!
Listen to the Apostle Peter...
5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
What helps keep us humble?
Know what you truly deserve - eternal Hell
Know that everything you have and everything that you can do are from God and God alone.
You Are Gifted By God Who Is All That!
“each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”
Paul is about to launch into a brief discussion about Spiritual Gifts. And the first thing he wants them to understand is that they are gifted by God. It is God who assigns your Spiritual gifts.
“each” - every individual Christian
“according to the measure of faith” - the exact proportion of the spiritual gift...
The MacArthur Study Bible Chapter 12
“Faith” is not saving faith, but rather faithful stewardship, the kind and quantity required to use one’s own particular gift (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7, 11). Every believer receives the exact gift and resources he needs to fulfill his role in the body of Christ.
“that God has assigned.”
Your gifting is because of God’s will, not your own. Your gift is from God, it does not originate with you!
7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
This thought really helps one to get over oneself.
How so?
Because, God is in charge of everything and you are not.
God, by His grace has saved you and given you new and eternal life in Christ.
He has also tabernacled within you - God’s Spirit lives in you, believer.
And with the indwelling of the Spirit comes the gifting by the Spirit.
You don’t pick your gifting, the All-knowing God, who knows best, has gifted you in the best way possible!
I think you and I can trust Him with His gifting decision.
What is the point of this?
Don’t be a proud, fake christian!
Facebook and Instagram fantasy world.
When we truly understand who God is, who we are, and how God has gifted us, then we are positioned to be used of God, not for our own benefit, but for the benefit of the body!
A little test to see if you need to get over yourself. From Stuart Scott’s Book, “From Pride to Humility” and “The Exemplary Husband.”
Complaining against or passing judgment on God - A proud person in a difficult situation thinks, “Look what God has done to me after all I’ve done for Him” (Numbers 14:1-4, 9, 11; Romans 9:20).
A lack of gratitude in general - Proud people usually think they deserve what is good. The result is, the see no reason to be thankful for that they receive. As a matter of fact, they may even complain because they think they deserve better. They tend to be critical, complaining, and discontent. The proud person is not in the practice of being thankful toward God or others (2 Chronicles 32:25)
Anger - A proud person is often an angry person. One’s anger can include outbursts of anger, withdrawing, pouting, or frustration. And angry look has been called “silent murder.” A person most often becomes angry because his “rights” or expectations are not being met (Matthew 20:1-6). Another word for anger is moody.
Seeing yourself as better than others - A proud person is usually on top looking down on others. He gets easily disgusted and has little tolerance for differences (Luke 7:36-50).
Having an inflated view of your importance, gifts and abilities - Many proud people have a very wrong perception of themselves. They are a legend in their own mind, but what they really need is a loving dose of reality. They need to hear, “What do you have the God didn’t give you?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).
Being focused on the lack of your gifts and abilities - Some proud people may not come across proud at all, because they are always down on themselves. This is still evidence of pride because on is focused on self and want self to be elevated. Having a “woe is me” attitude is self-pity, which is pride (1 Corinthians 12:14-15).
Perfectionism - People who strive for everything to be perfect often do so for recognition. They may do it so they can feel good about themselves. Whatever the reason, this behavior is very self-serving and proud. The basic problem is making things that are less important, more important (Matthew 23:24-28).
Talking too much - Proud people who talk to much often do it because they think that what they have to say is more important than what anyone else has to say. When there are many words, sin is generally unavoidable (Proverbs 10:19).
Talking too much about yourself - Proud people may center themselves in conversation. Sharing personal accomplishments and good personal qualities with other can be bragging or boasting (Proverbs 27:2; Galatians 6:3).
Seeking independence or control - Some proud people find it extremely difficult to work under someone else or to submit to an authority. They have to be their own boss. They might say, “I don’t need anyone,” or “I don’t need accountability for my faith and doctrine.” They are often rigid, stubborn, headstrong, and intimidating. They may also say, “It’s my way or no way” (1 Corinthians 1: 10-13; Ephesians 5:21).
Being consumed with what others think - Some proud people are too concerned about the opinion of others. Many of their decisions are based on what others might think. Some are in a continual pursuit of gaining the approval and esteem of others. Focusing on what others think of you or trying to impress others is being a man-pleaser rather than a God-pleaser (Galatians 1:10).
Being devastated or angered by criticism - Proud people usually struggle a great deal with criticism. Such people cannot bear that they are not perfect or have weaknesses because they cannot accept who they really are (Proverbs 13:1).
Being unteachable - Many proud individuals know it all. They’re superior. They can’t seem to learn anything from someone else. They respect no one (Proverbs 19:20; John 9:13-34).
Being sarcastic, hurtful, or degrading - Proud people can be very unkind people. Those who belittle other people usually want to raise themselves up above others. Very often this can be quite cleverly done through jesting. They may excuse themselves by saying, “That’s just the way I am. That’s my personality” (Proverbs 12:18, 23).
A lack of service - Proud people may not serve because they are not thinking of others, or because they want to be coaxed to serve and don’t want to continue if there is no praise. Needing recognition is a sure sign of the wrong motives in service (Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 2:10).
A lack of compassion - A person who is proud is rarely concerned for others and their concerns. They cannot see beyond their own desires (Matthew 5:7; 18:23-35).
Being defensive or blame-shifting - You will often hear a proud person say, “Are you saying it’s my fault?” or “Well, what about you?” (Genesis 3:12-13; Proverbs 12:1).
A lack of admitting when you are wrong - A proud person will make a great many excuses such as, “I was tired,” or “I was having a bad day” (Proverbs 10:17).
A lack of asking forgiveness - Proud people rarely admit their sin or ask for forgiveness of others. They either cannot see their sin because they are blinded by their pride, or they just can’t seem to humble themselves before someone else and ask forgiveness (Matthew 5:23-24).
A lack of biblical prayer - Most proud people pray very little, if at all. Proud people who do pray usually center their prayers on themselves and their desires, rather than God and others (Luke 18:10-14).
Resisting authority or being disrespectful - A proud person may detest being told what to do. We might say he or she has a submission problem. What they actually have, however, is a pride problem. It is simply displaying itself in a lack of submission (1 Peter 2:13-17).
Voicing preferences or opinions when not asked - A proud person might not be able to keep his preferences or opinions to himself. He will offer it when it is not asked for. These preferences are usually voiced without consideration for others (Philippians 2:1-4).
Minimizing your own sin and shortcomings - A proud person typically believes that their sin is no big deal. They think they have a little sin and others have a great deal of it (Matthew 7:3-5).
Maximizing others’ sin and shortcomings - To the proud person, other people are the problem. They may magnify or bring attention to the sin of others by gossiping about the other’s sin (Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 18:9-14).
Being impatient or irritable with others - A proud person might be angry with other people because they are concerned that their own schedule or plans are being ruined. They are often inflexible on preference issues (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Being jealous or envious - Often when they do not enjoy the same benefits, proud people have a hard time being glad for other’s successes or blessings (1 Corinthians 13:4).
Using others - The proud person usually views others in terms of what those people can do for them and their interests. Their focus is not on ministering to others. Everything is for them and about them (Matthew 7:12; Philippians 2:3-4).
Being deceitful by covering up sins, faults, and mistakes - Some proud people will do just about anything in order for others not to find out negative things about them (Proverbs 11:3; 28:13).
Using attention-getting tactics - A proud person may try to draw attention to themselves through dress, bizarre behavior, being rebellious, always talking about their problems, etc. (1 Peter 3:3-4).
Not having close relationships - relationships. Proud people often have no use for close relationships, thinking that the trouble outweighs the benefits. They may see themselves as so self-sufficient that they do not need other people (Proverbs 18:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25).
Scott, Dr. Stuart . The Exemplary Husband: A Biblical Perspective (p. 235). Focus Publishing. Kindle Edition.
So, What is the antithesis of pride?
Humility!
And we are, throughout the Bible commanded to be a humble people, because, first and foremost, we have a God who is humble.
Paul admonishes the Philippians to emulate their Lord in humility!
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
and Peter says,
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
You cannot do this by your grit and determination. You need God’s transforming grace to enable you to walk in obedience.
Review - Get Over Yourself by Getting Behind One Another!
Get Over Yourself By Getting an Accurate Understanding of Yourself
2. Get Over Yourself By Recognizing You are a Part of God’s Greater Whole (vs. 4-5)
God saved you not just for you but for a purpose! He saved you to put you in His body so you might function in the body...
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
There is one body, the church, the bride of Christ.
When you come to know Christ as your personal Savior, you are now personally involved in something far greater that yourself. You are now part of the Body.
And within this body are many members.
Let’s talk for a minute about the global church body and the local church body...
Global Church - This is the aggregate total of believers around the world simultaneously.
Local Church - expressions of the global church in specific locations around the world.
I believe Paul is referring to the local church in this passage.
In his context, the church was the church of Rome.
In our context, the church is Allendale Baptist Church.
And while we should not to think of ourselves too highly, we must also not think of ourselves too lowly either.
We must remember something very important - you were saved for a very important purpose...
You Play a Critical Part in the Diversity of this Body (vs. 4)
4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
You play an important part in the church.
There has been a very discouraging trend in the church over the last 50 years. Church has become a spectator event instead of the body of Christ.
Kyle Idleman, in his book, “Not a Fan.” Likens the American Christian culture to a football game where we are the fans sitting in the stadium seats and not doing the hard word of being on the field.
“My concern is that many of our churches in America have gone from being sanctuaries to becoming stadiums. And every week all the fans come to the stadium where they cheer for Jesus but have no interest in truly following him. The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren’t actually interested in following Christ.”
― Kyle Idleman, Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
“The biggest threat to the church today is fans who call themselves Christians but aren’t actually interested in following Christ. They want to be close enough to Jesus to get all the benefits, but not so close that it requires anything from them.”
― Kyle Idleman, Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus
So? Are you a merely a Fan of Jesus or are you a Follower of Jesus? BIG DIFFERENCE!
Moving back to Paul’s “Body” metaphor, each part of the human body plays a role in the overall health of the body.
Paul, in verse 4 makes it clear that there is a unity and diversity within the body!
Unity in the fact that we are unified around a proper understanding of Jesus.
Diversity in the fact that we all have a specific function within the body.
If you are born-again, you have a function within the body of Christ - the local church!
This is Paul’s point in 1 Corinthians 12!
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.
Christians! You do not have the luxury of being a fan of Jesus by sitting in the stadium and watching other people work their tails off on the field.
It is not right for you, Christian to come to a service, enjoy all the benefits of the service, and not participate at all in church life!
By the way, church life goes well beyond the main service.
There is much to be done and if you are a part of this body, you have a God ordained obligation to function IN THIS BODY! So, figure out how your gifted and put your gift to work in this body!
Angie has a body part that refuses to work. It is her Pancreas. Because her pancreas refuses to work, she has to make all kinds of expensive and inconvenient alterations to her lifestyle in order to survive. Statistically, she will have a shorter lifespan because one of her body parts refuses to work with the rest of her body to keep her healthy and strong.
Do you understand that the same is true of you if you refuse to work in the body?
If God has brought you to this body, He has uniquely gifted you for this Body for such a time as this!
If you refuse to use your gifts and talents in this body, like my wife’s pancreas, then we as the body need to come up with alternative solutions and alterations to make this church run.
I’m sure you’ve heard the old statistic that 80% of the work gets accomplished by 20% of the people. In my position, I get to observe all the inner workings of this body and I think this statistic is pretty accurate!
What if everyone in this body moved from fan to follower? We would get so much accomplished for God’s church and his Kingdom!
Let me ask you are you a fan or are you a follower?
Are you a body part that is functioning in a way that is helping the body flourish?
Or are you like my wife’s dead and useless pancreas?
As I mentioned, church life is more than just the Sunday service.
The church is people, and people need to be cared for.
That leads into verse 5...
You Play a Critical Part in the Lives of the Other Members (vs. 5)
5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
When you and I submit ourselves to a local church to be a part of the local body, we are committing to love, know, and help one another.
Pastor Bill is working through the “One anothers” of the New Testament.
Listen and evaluate how you are doing with this list of 35...
Love One Another (John 13:34-35)
Honor One Another (Romans 12:10b)
Greet One Another (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14)
Welcome One Another (Romans 15:7)
Show Hospitality to One Another (1 Peter 4:9)
Have Fellowship With One Another (1 John 1:7)
Agree With One Another (2 Corinthians 13:11b)
Live in Harmony With One Another (Romans 12:16, 15:5)
Be at Peace With One Another (Mark 9:50)
Be Kind to One Another (Ephesians 4:32a)
Forgive One Another (Colossians 3:13b)
Bear With One Another (Ephesians 4:2-3; Colossians 3:13a
Bear One Another’s Burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Comfort One Another (2 Corinthians 13:11a)
Care for One Another (1 Corinthians 12:25)
Confess Sins to One Another (James 5:16a)
Pray for One Another (James 5:16b)
Encourage One Another (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11a; Hebrews 10:25)
Build One Another Up (1 Thessalonians 5:11b)
Exhort One Another (Hebrews 3:13)
Instruct One Another (Romans 15:14)
Teach and Admonish One Another (Colossians 3:16)
Sing With One Another (Ephesians 5:19)
Stir Up One Another to Love and Good Works (Hebrews 10:24)
Do Good to One Another (1 Thessalonians 5:15)
Serve One Another (1 Peter 4:10)
Wash One Another’s Feet (John 13:14)
Wait for One Another (1 Corinthians 11:33)
Be Humble Toward One Another (1 Peter 5:5)
Submit to One Another (Ephesians 5:21)
Speak the Truth to One Another (Colossians 3:9)
Do Not Speak Against One Another (James 4:11; James 5:9)
Do Not Judge One Another (Romans 14:13)
Do Not Provoke One Another (Galatians 5:26a)
Do Not Envy One Another (Galatians 5:26b)
How do you feel after going through this extensive list!
I feel grateful that my salvation is not based on my performance of this list!
I feel grateful that my Jesus lived each one of these “one anothers” out flawlessly!
I feel grateful that Jesus lived a sinless life and died to pay for my sinful failures, and I have the promised hope of eternal life because death could not hold him!
I feel motivated to live these “one anothers” out in this body and thus make a little heaven here on earth!
What if we all were motivated to live these out? Wow! It would be a little heaven on earth!
You, my friend are God ordained piece of the puzzle this body needs to ensure this church is running optimally.
Have you ever done a puzzle and get down to the last piece and it is not there! Ugh! That is a really frustrating thing for the puzzler.
You are that last piece! You make a significant difference hear at Allendale Baptist Church when you use your gifts to encourage this body!
Argumentation - Well, shucks, I’m not gifted. I’m not able to do anything for the Lord.
Baloney!!!
Remember, It is God who gifts you, not you. And it is God’s expectation that you use the gift He has entrusted to you. (Remember the Parable of the talents? It did not go too well to the one who did nothing with His talent - By the way, the best way to discover your Spiritual Gift is to start serving and testing to find out where your gift is...
Application - Some Ideas on how you can use your gifting in the church.
Preaching or teaching -
Leadership -
Prayer -
Encouragement - write a note to someone,
Paul gets even more specific in the area of gifts next Sunday...
Review - Get Over Yourself by Getting Behind One Another!
Get Over Yourself By Getting an Accurate Picture of Yourself
Get Over Yourself By Recognizing You are a Part of God’s Greater Whole
Conclusion
None of us have the luxury of treating this local church as a spectator sport. God’s mission is too important for you to sit back and watch others do the work of the ministry.
It is the one who thinks to highly of himself or herself that refuses to join this body in serving this body and the community around us.
We need each other more than you realize.
This church needs you and you need this church!
Connection Group Reflection Questions
In what ways does selfishness manifest itself in your life?