Romans 12:3-8

Intro

I was made for this

Read Romans 12:3-8

Romans 12:3–8 ESV

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. 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. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 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.

Right thinking about ourselves

Read Romans 12:3

Romans 12:3 ESV

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.

With our renewed mind we are given a chance for right thinking

First dont think of your self more highly than you ought to think

In other words dont be arrogant

Dont be prideful

It is so easy for us to think of our selves as more important than we should

We do this so much more than we think

when I am mad at people for a precieved slight

I think they wanted to hurt me

When I think everyone is looking at my clothes

Nobody is they are focused on themselves

The list goes on and on

Let us not think more of ourselves than we ought

We are not God we dont need to make ourselves the center of the world

A renewed mind has an appropriate view of themselves

Second But …

Think with sober judgement

This is called balance

Dont think to highly of yourself

But also dont think to low of yourself

Oh God would never love me

I’m dumb

I’m not good enough

I’m not…

This is another form of distorted thinking

So use sober judgment

Think of your self in the right persepctive

Remeber you have a new mind that enables you to think rightly

So think rightly about yourself

Knowing that none of are righteous on our own

Knowing that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory God

Knowing that we were undeserving of God’s Grace

But… because of his great love and mercy

If you have been saved by his grace through faith alone then…

Knowing that you have been saved by grace through your faith

The Lord bought you with a price

You are loved Romans 5:8

Romans 5:8 ESV

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 8:1 ESV

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

We are no longer under condemnation

We are sealed and called righteous in his sight

Romans 8:31–35 ESV

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Romans 8:37–39 ESV

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is thinking rightly with sober judgement

I am a mere sinner saved by his grace

But I am a child of God called to do good works that Christ has prepared for me before the foundations of the world

Right thinking about our purpose

Read Romans 12:4-6a

Romans 12:4–6 ESV

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. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;

We must think rightly about ourselves so that we can understand our place in the body

This is key to being a healthy Christian

If we spend our days idolizing the great people of the faith and not htinking rightly about our own calling we will miss the joy that is ours as part of the body

On a team I have offense and defense

I dont need my defenders to be offenders and vis versa

They all have a role to play

This goes to my favorite movie remeber the titans

You got a job

you been doing your job

We must think rightly about how we fit into the body

Dont look at some and say I wish I could be that

And look at others and say they dont fit

Say how do we all work together to make this beautiful body of christ

The gifts given us to serve the body very according to God’s gifting

Right thinking about our gifts

Read Romans 12:6-8

Romans 12:6–8 ESV

6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 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.

Prophecy - Proclaiming the truth of God’s word

Not like the prophets of old who spoke scripture

But as the new testament prophet whose words are to be weighed and tested by the scripture

Let him proclaim truth in agreement with his faith

Not contradicting scripture but exclaiming it

In the measure that he is responsible with it

Service

Teaching - instructing

Exhorting

Givers

Leaders

Asct of mercy

When we think of our selves in the right perspective we can think rightly about where we fit in the church and how we contribute to the church

One Body, Many Parts: Discovering Your Role in Christ's Community

Bible Passage: Romans 12:3-8

Summary: In Romans 12:3-8, Paul emphasizes the importance of humility and interdependence among believers. He teaches that each person has been given unique gifts by God, and these differences should be appreciated and utilized for the greater good of the church, illustrating that the body of Christ cannot function effectively without the contribution of every member.

Application: This message encourages teens to find their identity in Christ and to recognize that they don't have to fit a specific mold to belong to the church. It highlights the significance of their unique talents in contributing to the community, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging and purpose in their lives.

Teaching: The sermon conveys that all believers are necessary for the health of the body of Christ, and that valuing one another's contributions, regardless of how small they may seem, is essential for unity and growth within the church.

How this passage could point to Christ: Throughout Scripture, Jesus is portrayed as the head of the church, and this passage reinforces His design for a community where every believer, empowered by His Spirit, plays a vital role in fulfilling His mission on earth.

Big Idea: Our diverse gifts unite us and strengthen the church; everyone has a part to play in God's plan to demonstrate His love and purpose.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider looking into the various interpretations of spiritual gifts in Romans 12:3-8 using your Logos library. It may be helpful to examine how cultural perspectives on individuality and community can influence your application of Paul’s teachings. You might also find it beneficial to investigate modern-day examples of how different church members have stepped into their unique roles to support one another, providing a practical context for your audience.

1. Humility Humbles and Honors

Romans 12:3

Perhaps you could begin by discussing the necessity of humility in recognizing one's place within the body of Christ. It's important for teens to understand that their worth is not measured by societal standards but by their identity in Christ. Humility allows for a right assessment of oneself and enhances the ability to appreciate and accept others' gifts. This could encourage young people to start seeking where they truly fit, rather than trying to mold themselves into something they are not.

2. Unity Unites Us All

Romans 12:4-5

This point might explore the analogy of the body to illustrate unity in diversity. You could emphasize that while teens might feel disconnected or different, they are essential to God's plan. Every person is like a unique part of the body, contributing to the whole. By understanding their interdependence, teens can see that their individual strengths contribute to the community’s overall health and function.

3. Gifts Grow Through Giving

Romans 12:6-8

In this section, consider discussing the various gifts God has given to believers. You could encourage teens to explore and embrace their spiritual gifts, using them in service to others. Perhaps focus on how every gift, big or small, is vital to the body of Christ. This could help young people see the value in their contributions, leading to greater involvement and fulfillment as they realize their role in the church is significant and needed.