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.

Is it possible for a believer to have a distorted self perspective?

The gospel should never make us haughty.

Illustration of pride!

Some years ago an international test in mathematics was administered to children from ten nations, including the United States. The test had two parts. The first pertained to mathematical competency, and the second pertained to feelings of self-esteem with respect to the students’ performance. Two ironies stood out. First, the Korean students were last in their estimation of their performance but first in actual competency. The reason is that along with the rigorous pursuit of academic excellence Korean students are taught principles of humility. Conversely, and to our national shame, the American children scored last in mathematical competency but first in self-esteem. The American students had a high view of their competency in spite of their miserable performance.

The gospel should always make us humble.

The gospel gives us a right view of God.

The gospel helps us with a right view of self.

When we see ourselves in light of the gospel we understand that grace is the bases for all that we have.

God is sovereign over all gifts.

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.

μερίζω - “assigned” To assign a particular responsibility, to give a particular task to,

God is the one handing out the assignments.

We have a mutual responsibility within the body of Christ.

Look At verse Rom 12:4-6

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;

Use the spiritual gifts you have.

How do we learn what are spiritual gifts are? By serving within the body.

God gives differing gifts for a common purpose.