Biblical Membership

Romans 12:3–8 NLT

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Introduction: What kind of clubs are you a member at? Sam’s Club, Costco, Gold Membership at Dick’s Sporting Goods, gym memberships, AAA Membership.

Do we think of Church membership the same way?

8 - The Church is Not a Club.

What a country club membership characteristics are like

- You pay a fee

- You gain access to what the club has to offer

- Others are left out who do not pay the fee

- There is no expectation that you serve - you enjoy the benefits, and employees serve you.

Membership in the Church is different

We are called the Body of Christ, and membership here refers parts of the body. An arm is a member, the head, the eyes, etc.

But it this kind of membership, each member if you will has a role to play to ensure the health and proper functioning of the body for its purpose. The parts serve each other. They are engaged.

These Members are determined by the Holy Spirit through gifts.

9 - The Holy Spirit Gives Gifts.

Spiritual Gifts Defined

Special Abilites Distributed by the Holy Spirit to Every believer according to God’s Design and Grace

Paul wants believers to approach their gifts with humility, recognizing that God has equipped them to serve him as he sees fit.

Paul recognizes the danger that the possession of a gift could easily result in a self-esteem that was nothing more or less than wretched pride (v. 3).

Sophronein - To think and live wisely in self-control over one’s passions and desires.

Sometimes we need to be able to discern between our gifts and talents. Tom Blackaby says, “There is a distinction, though, between spiritual gifts and natural talents, although both are to be used for God’s glory. While most people are born with certain abilities, only believers receive spiritual gifts. For example, a woman might be a naturally talented story teller, but that’s not a spiritual gift; however, God may give her the gift of teaching, allowing her to use her ability to bring His Word to life for others” (Tom Blackaby, “How to Use Your God-Given Gifts,” HomeLife, January 1, 2014, https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/gifts-how-to-use-your-god-given-gifts).

The times I have seen people healed - I don't normally have that gift, but the Holy Spirit gave it when it was needed. I don't presume it all the time.

Animal Story

-After creation all the animals formed a school

-Well rounded curriculum of swimming, running, climbing, and flying.

-Duck excelled in swimming, passing in climbing, failed running – webbed feet were damaged so became average in swimming.

-Rabbit excelled in running, but developed a leg twitch from working on swimming.

-Squirrel peak performer in climbing, but his body was beaten from the hard landings for flying.

-Eagle was a continual problem student, a nonconformist. In climbing always beat everyone, but insisted on using her own way.

Why does God give us Spiritual Gifts?

10 - Each Member Builds Up the Body.

imbalance in my muscle groups - When I sit in certain positions for too long it tightens up my hamstrings, when my hamstrings are tight my back gets tight. When my core is weak, I do not have a strong base for my upper body or my lower body.

I had breakfast this morning - All of the parts of my body, my mouth, my stomach, my intestines, all had a different function in breaking down the food I ate. but in order to provide my body with energy.

Seinfeld - Kramer saves a pinky toe

1. Using the human body as an example, Paul seeks to show the significance of each member of the body as they exercise their gifts. He celebrates the different gifts (Romans 12:6–8) and calls the churches to accept that a certain spirit or attitude must accompany the use of the gifts. Each person is to understand their gifts and the role they play while honoring God collectively.

For the gifts listed - Share what their contribution is.

Equipping Gifts as connectors - Skeletal Structure, ligaments, and Connectors to God.

- Share their contributions as well

Fulfilled, Faithful, Fruitful, and Making God Famous

11 - Traditional structure of Church vs. Biblical Structure of the Church

How do you go about finding your part in the Body?

12 - What is Your Function in the Body?

- Hospitality is not my strongest gift. - Some settings it so amazing to have well decorated tables - etc... - Mel, Carie, and Brooke getting meals for Youth Group Activities.

13 - Understanding your Servant Profile - Chart.

3 Ways to discover your servant profile.

Especially if you are new - just try serving in different areas in the church - What does it seem like the Holy Spirit is Empowering?

Take an Assessment. - This is a tool to help you reflect and discern how God is gifting you.

Ask other people to tell you where they see the Holy Spirit Working in your life.

Conclusion:

The Church is not a club, the Church is the Body of Christ, How will you use the gifts the Holy Spirit gives to build up the body together?