RENEWED THINKING

THINKING RIGHTLY ABOUT OURSELVES

Romans 12:3 ESV

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.

How are we to think about ourselves? In verse 3 Paul again advises us negatively and positively. First the negative:

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 .…

"For" indicates a transition from what Paul has just commanded, spiritual dedication to his next section of teaching, spiritual service. For is the bridge that connects these two sections with by way of spiritual attitude.

The Christian’s proper attitude is humility, not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think. Lack of this foundational virtue causes many believers to stumble. No matter how well grounded we may be in God’s Word, how theologically sound we may be, or how vigorously we may seek to serve Him, our gifts will not operate so that our lives can be spiritually productive until self is set aside.

From self denial in the spiritual worship of God flows self surrender to the will of God, and from self surrender flows selfless service in the work of God.

Or one might render it “I say to everyone, do not super-think of yourself”. One can clearly see Paul's emphasis on the mind and specifically in context on what a renewed mind looks like. A renewed mind thinks soberly about oneself.

Perhaps Paul knew of some individuals in Rome who thought they were better than others. The opening verses of chapter 14 give a hint of this. Whatever the case, thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to think is a universal tendency of the human race. Our Adamic nature loves to over-think about itself int at least two ways.

SELF-ELEVATING

The first is that of the self-elevating braggart—the person who tells you how smart he is, how much he has done, how strong he is, how rich he will be when he gets his big break—legends in their own mind. Walt Whitman expressed our universal tendency in these words: “I find no sweeter fat than sticks to my own bones.”

SELF-DEPRECATING

The second is more subtle—that of self-deprecating, those who self-consciously talk about themselves as if they were nobodies. When a person acts like this, his expectation is that you will correct him. “No, no, you are really a great person.” The way to expose this type of person is to say, “You know, I think you’re right!”

How then are we to think about ourselves? Paul gives us positive advice in verse 3b:

“but to think with sober judgment”

Instead of super-thought there is to be sober thought.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. C.S. Lewis

Mere Christianity, (section on “The Great Sin), p. 128

To even get near [humility], even for a moment, is like a drink of cold water to a man in a desert.

Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call “humble” nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody.

Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him.

If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.

Paul continues,

“each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned”

​“Measure of faith” does not mean that God has given different amounts of faith to use. The word ‘measure’ is the Greek word ​metron​ (from which we get ‘meter’), and it means a ​standard of measurement​.

Paul is saying that God has given all of us ​the same standard of faith​: faith in the finished work of Christ, ​and that faith makes us profoundly equal in God’s eyes.​

Each of us with that faith possess the same righteousness of Christ; we are part of the same body, and we have received the same Spirit. We are as righteous as the most righteous saint who ever lived, and just as valuable, because we have the same righteousness they did and the same Spirit at work within us.

So, again, don’t think too highly of yourself:​ You were​ such a desperate sinner​ that Jesus had to die to save you;. ​But don’t think too lowly of yourself, either,​ because ​through faith he’s given you all his righteousness and ​put his Spirit​ in you.

It is impossible to think more highly of ourselves than we ought if we are sound on this point. If we truly make Christ our standard, we will experience the reality of the opening beatitude,

Matthew 5:3 ESV

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

This could be paraphrased,

How happy are those who realize that they have nothing within themselves to commend themselves to God, for theirs is the kingdom of God.

If Christ is our standard, the tendency to exalt ourselves by comparing ourselves with others will be curbed. Those who pride themselves because they are more gifted than another believer will cease their foolishness when they make Christ the standard of measurement. A clear focus on Christ, then, is the key to thinking rightly about ourselves and should be the goal of our spiritual practice. All of this is a call to profound humility.

The thought chain of Romans is compelling: 1:1-11:32, profound theology; 11:33–36, profound doxology; 12:1, 2, profound dedication; 12:3ff., profound humility resulting in action.

How are we thinking about ourselves today?

THINKING RIGHTLY ABOUT FELLOW BELIEVERS

Romans 12:4–5 ESV

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

“For” links this verse to verse 3 because when we think rightly about ourselves, we will be able to think accurately about others—the Body of Christ. 

Here Paul, a master illustrator, gives us a wonderfully mystical conception based on the human anatomy:

There is unity (one body), diversity (many), and interdependency (members of one another). Any gifts we have are not for selfish use or display but for the good of the body. No gift is self-sufficient and none is unnecessary. When we realize all this, we are thinking soberly

This illustration underscores three characteristics of the Body of Christ: its unity, diversity, and mutuality.

UNITY

First, we will view its unity. Everyone who has experienced “the mercies of God” are members of His Body. We must emphasize that while this unity is mysterious, it is real! This is not an illustration which serves only to suggest that we should try to live in a more close-knit manner.

DIVERSITY

Second, while there exists a profound, real unity, there is also a corresponding real diversity: and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ.

F. F. Bruce writes:

Diversity, not uniformity, is the mark of God’s handiwork. It is so in nature; it is so in grace, too, and nowhere more so than in the Christian community. Here are many men and women with the most diverse kinds of parentage, environment, temperament, and capacity. Not only so, but since they became Christians they have been endowed by God with a great variety of spiritual gifts as well. Yet because and by means of that diversity, all can co-operate for the good of the whole.

God’s glory is revealed in the diversity of his people. This means that as we measure ourselves by Christ’s standard we will be ourselves. Being in Christ’s Body will maximize our uniqueness if we allow such.

Of course, we must also be careful to allow others to be themselves. It is always a danger signal when members of a Christian organization or a church begin to all dress and act like the leader—combing their hair like him, standing like him, talking like him. When the Spirit of God is free to work in a church, there is diversity.

MUTUALITY

Finally, we must not stress this truth of diversity without grasping the balancing truth of our mutuality: and individually members one of another. First Corinthians 12 beautifully emphasizes this mutuality by pointing out that when one member rejoices, the others rejoice, and when one member hurts, the others hurt.

Each of us belongs to and needs the others. The church is no place for lone rangers. If your life seems stuck even though you read your Bible and pray, it may be that you are neglecting getting together with other believers and are depriving yourself of the exchange necessary for spiritual growth.

Ephesians 3:14–19 ESV

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

How beautiful this all is. Those who think rightly about themselves, measuring themselves by the standard which God has given them in their faith, discern the one body and recognize that they do not exist for themselves. As a result, they are free to develop and use their gifts.

THINKING RIGHTLY ABOUT OUR GIFTS

Romans 12:6–8 ESV

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given 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.

In thinking rightly about our gifts, we must consider a few simple truths:

We all have gifts.

No Christian is left out. You may not have one of those specifically mentioned here (though you probably do), but you do have at least one spiritual gift.

C.S. Lewis best illustrates this truth in chapter 10 of “The Lion, the witch, and the Wardrobe”. When the children exit the cave, they find that it is Father Christmas. Father Christmas explains that Christmas has finally arrived and that the Witch's power is weakening. He gives everyone a gift. He gives Mrs. Beaver a new sewing machine and tells Mr. Beaver that his dam has been mended. He then gives gifts to the children, but they are tools, not toys. Peter receives a sword and a red shield with a gold lion emblazoned on it to defend himself in battle. He gives Susan a bow and arrow "to be used in time of greatest need," as he does not intend her to fight in battles. He also presents her with a horn that she can blow that will help save her from danger. He offers Lucy a dagger that is also to be used in time of greatest need. When Lucy protests that she is brave enough to fight in battle, He gravely tells her, "Battles are ugly when women fight." He also gives Lucy a bottle of magic cordial and explains that a few drops of will heal any injury or ailment. Then Santa Claus gives them all marvelous food and tea and dashes off to bring Christmas to more people, animals, and creatures.

Do you know your spiritual gift? Your Christian life won’t take off until you discover it and deploy it. God saved you to serve. Serving unlocks God’s deepest purposes for you.

Are you are bored Christianity? Does your Christian life basically consists of attending church? A yes answer to both of these questions is proof that you have yet to discover your spiritual gifting.

Paul says in 1 Cor that w​hen we come together as a church, everybody should come with something ​to offer. There should be ​nobody who comes to church​ just to recharge their spiritual batteries to get on with their self-focused lives. When you come to a church, you say, ​“What role ​am I​ supposed to be playing​ ​in this body?” and “​How can I serve?”

Nothing will help you to grow more in your relationship with Jesus like helping someone else grow in their relationship with Jesus.

This list is not exhaustive.

The NT lists different ones out in 6 different places​, none of them are the same and ​no one list​ c​ontains them all. A​ll in all, 22 are listed out. The ​Apostle Peter lumps them into 2 basic categories: ​those who ​speak​ for God & those who ​serve​ for God.

1 Peter 4:11 ESV

whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

In ​1 Corinthian​s Paul refers to them simply​ as ‘spirituals.’​ It’s a weird word​ that just ‘Spirit manifestation.’

​A spiritual gift is whatever God wants to do in the world through his church.​ ​

It’s whatever the Spirit wants to do ​at the moment​ for and through the church in pursuit of the mission of Jesus.

Sometimes the gifts are more permanent—for e.g. I have the gift of teaching and exhortation. ​I hope that is permanent. Otherwise I might need to find a new job. ​

Other times spiritual gifts ​are temporary​—they come upon you for a moment, or a season, when God wants to do something.

Paul tell us how to use seven of these graces.

No one has them all

Paul illustrates this point by using his favorite analogy for the church, body.

How does the body take care of itself? Through other members of the body. When God wants to do something in your life he does it through other members of the body. Therefore, if you separate yourself from the body you have no right to ask God to do anything in your life. The Body of Christ is God’s instrument to execute His will in this world. When you cut yourself off from the Body you cut yourself off God.

When God wants to minister to one part of the body He does so through another part of the body.

God has intentionally set up his body​ so that we need each other. It’s one of the ways he ​combats our proclivity​ toward pride.

God has designed it so that we need each other​--and ​you are incomplete; insufficient for life​--at least for what God wants​ from it--​without deep and meaningful​ involvement in the church.

PROPHECY

The gift of prophecy is sometimes predictive, but not necessarily or primarily. This gift is normally the communication of revealed truth in a manner that convicts and builds up its hearers. This should always be done with humility, and never in a way that implies you carry the authority of Scripture. You are just saying what you think God has put in your Spirit.

God sometimes uses members of his body to speak specific words of encouragement ​or ​warning​ and even ​sometimes guidance to people at specific times.

SERVICE

Next Paul says, “if service, in our serving” (v. 7a).“Serving” is the same word from which we derive the word deacon, and it refers to the variety of services that deacons and deaconesses perform in the Church. The one who serves is to exercise his gift to the fullest—giving himself wholeheartedly to the work, just as Philip and his friends did in Acts 6.

TEACHING

Next is the grace of teaching: “the one who teaches, in his teaching” (v. 7b). Teaching differs from prophecy in that it instructs the mind, whereas prophecy is addressed more to the heart and will. Teaching is more concerned with knowledge, prophecy with revelation.

EXHORTATION

Then there is the grace of exhortation: “the one who exhorts in his exhortation” (v. 8a). The root idea is “to come alongside and encourage.” Exhortation can take many forms—warning, advice, counsel, encouragement. It is a wonderful gift, and we are to place it at Christ’s feet and be willing to be worn out in its use.

GENEROSITY

Next is the grace of giving: “the one who contributes, in generosity” (v. 8b). “Generously” should be translated “with simplicity.” This refers to our motive in giving. Those who have this gift are to exercise it without ulterior motives or hidden purposes, simply out of love.

LEADERSHIP

Then there is the grace of leadership: “the one who leads, with zeal” (v. 8c). Those who exercise spiritual leadership in the church, whether pastors or elders or deacons or committee leaders, are not to “wing it.” Leaders should not become casual and careless but should see their abilities as divinely granted gifts and their charges as from God.

MERCY

Lastly, there is the grace of showing mercy: “the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” (v. 8d). This gift takes many forms—aiding the poor, working with the mentally handicapped, tending the ill. But whatever the function, it must be done with cheer. The English word hilarious originated from the Greek word translated “cheerfully.” Someone has written, “If you come with sympathy to sorrow, bring God’s sunlight in your face.”

Seven beautiful graces, are they not? Perfumes for the Body of Christ. If Paul’s advice were followed, think how healthy the Church would be. Perhaps God is speaking to you about your gifts. Remember, the Church did not give you your gifts—God did. They are his. Use them for his glory!

How can you discern your spiritual gifting? Do you read the list and wait to feel a warm fuzzy about one?

Affinity

What you are ​passionate about? ​What ​needs​ am I drawn to? What k​ind of ministry​ feels satisfying to me?

For many of you, ​reflecting on your past experiences ​will be really helpful, because God allowed you to go through some painful chapter or unique experience so you could minister to others.

Like ​Paul in

2 Corinthians 1:4 ESV

who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Sometimes you’re just aware of certain needs that others don’t see. When you see something around here that is lacking, instead of just complaining about it, maybe that’s God’s invitation to do something about it.

It doesn’t take a great leader to walk around​ this place and point out what’s wrong. It takes 2 eyeballs and a pen and paper. “Well, I don’t ​like that church because no one speaks to me.​” Instead of pointing out what’s wrong schedule an appointment with the Pastor and tell him that God has sent you here to start a first impression team.

Ability

What are you good at doing?

Affirmation

Where do people really tell me God uses me? God ​gave his church to see what we can’t see​--both ​blind spots​ regarding ​strengths o​r gifts we don’t know we have. The church can also warn you when something you think you’re good at, you’re not.

Sometimes that affirmation can occur miraculously,​ through words of prophecy. ​Paul in his epistles refers to gifts that were put into people through the laying on of hands. or called out in them when they didn’t know it. Hold that in balance with the others--it can be wrong​.

The ​most important thing is to just get busy serving​ and you’ll figure it out.

CONCLUSION

How is our thinking today?

Are we thinking rightly about ourselves according to the standard we have learned in knowing Christ? Or are we thinking too highly of ourselves—comparing ourselves with others so we look good? If so, we need to look to Christ. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

Are we thinking rightly about other believers? Is the Body a reality to us? Its unity? Its diversity? Its mutuality?

Finally, how is our thinking about the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to us? Are we using them? If not, why not?