Members One Of Another - Romans 12:3-5

Introduction

The bible depicts the church in many ways that make it easy for us to relate.

Architectural - 1 Tim 3:15; 1 Cor 3:9

Agricultural - John 15:1-8; Rom 11:17-18

Spiritual - 1 Pet 2:5; Eph 2:21

Anatomical - Rom 12:4-5

The Romans

The possible setting could have been one of dissension between Jew and Gentile. This message was not foreign to the teaching of Paul. In his earlier letter to Corinth he mentions it (1 Cor 12; 14) and in his later letter to the Ephesians he talks about it again. Both in more detail when compared to Romans.

This message is prefaced by a plea from Paul to:

“present your bodies a living sacrifice”

“do not be conformed”

“be transformed by a renewal of the mind”

[thus giving one the ability to] “prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” lit. things that God approves and is pleased with.

Paul sets the theological platform from which we can then launch into our practical application.

What does God want us to know?

Paul makes a call to adjust the way I think of myself. “not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think”

This presupposes that this was the case. (Paul dealt with this issue in Corinth)

This thinking doesn’t mirror that of Christ

This thinking leads to a breakdown of community relationship.

“but to think so as to have sound judgment” Judgment that shows reason, rationale, moderation, discipline. Not one that is egocentric, erratic, and self centered.

Why? “as God has allotted| to each| a measure of faith”

‘Membership’ Explained