The Serving Christian
Notes
Transcript
22 The Serving Christian
Romans 12:1–8
Christians are saved to serve. All Christians need to be involved in serving God. Some do become involved in His work, but only half-heartedly. See Eccles. 9:10. When one becomes involved in God’s work, he has a great impact on others.
A. The Surrendered Christian—vv. 1–2
A. The Surrendered Christian—vv. 1–2
1. Call—“I beseech you.” Paul pleads with them.
1. Call—“I beseech you.” Paul pleads with them.
2. Consecration—“That ye present your bodies.” Cf. 1 Cor. 6:19. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost.
2. Consecration—“That ye present your bodies.” Cf. 1 Cor. 6:19. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost.
3. Charge—“A living sacrifice.” Cf. Luke 9:23.
3. Charge—“A living sacrifice.” Cf. Luke 9:23.
4. Challenge—“Holy, acceptable unto God.” God not only requests holiness—He requires it! See Heb. 12:14.
4. Challenge—“Holy, acceptable unto God.” God not only requests holiness—He requires it! See Heb. 12:14.
5. Command—“Which is your reasonable service.” We are required to surrender. Not a choice—a command!
5. Command—“Which is your reasonable service.” We are required to surrender. Not a choice—a command!
6. Conforming—“And be not conformed to this world.” Cf. 2 Cor. 6:17; 1 John 2:15–17; 2 Cor. 7:1.
6. Conforming—“And be not conformed to this world.” Cf. 2 Cor. 6:17; 1 John 2:15–17; 2 Cor. 7:1.
7. Change—“But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” See Prov. 23:7; Ps. 19:14.
7. Change—“But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” See Prov. 23:7; Ps. 19:14.
8. Complete—“That ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” We need to seek God’s will for our lives—Ps. 143:10; 1 John 2:17.
8. Complete—“That ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” We need to seek God’s will for our lives—Ps. 143:10; 1 John 2:17.
B. The Serving Christian—vv. 3–5
B. The Serving Christian—vv. 3–5
1. Personality—v. 3. “God has given me His loving favor. This helps me write these things to you. I ask each one of you not to think more of himself than he should think. Instead, think in the right way toward yourself by the faith God has given you”—NLT. We need confidence, but overconfidence causes problems.
1. Personality—v. 3. “God has given me His loving favor. This helps me write these things to you. I ask each one of you not to think more of himself than he should think. Instead, think in the right way toward yourself by the faith God has given you”—NLT. We need confidence, but overconfidence causes problems.
2. Personalities—vv. 4–5. As the body has many parts, so the church, or body, has many parts, each important in God’s work—1 Cor. 12:12–21.
2. Personalities—vv. 4–5. As the body has many parts, so the church, or body, has many parts, each important in God’s work—1 Cor. 12:12–21.
3. Practice—1 Cor. 12:1–10. These are the 9 gifts of the Spirit—Eph. 4:11.
3. Practice—1 Cor. 12:1–10. These are the 9 gifts of the Spirit—Eph. 4:11.
C. The Servant Christian—vv. 6–8
C. The Servant Christian—vv. 6–8
God chooses different people to do His work.
1. Preaching—v. 6. God has set ministers in the church, pastors, evangelists, missionaries—Eph. 4:11.
1. Preaching—v. 6. God has set ministers in the church, pastors, evangelists, missionaries—Eph. 4:11.
2. Teaching—v. 7. If our call is ministry, serve in that area; if a teacher, then teach—Matt. 28:19–20; 2 Tim. 2:15.
2. Teaching—v. 7. If our call is ministry, serve in that area; if a teacher, then teach—Matt. 28:19–20; 2 Tim. 2:15.
3. Speaking—v. 8. Four-fold: (1) if called to speak, be faithful. (2) sharing—if this is your ministry, then practice it. (3) leading—if gifted as a leader, then lead. (4) kindness—if blessed with kindness, share it.
3. Speaking—v. 8. Four-fold: (1) if called to speak, be faithful. (2) sharing—if this is your ministry, then practice it. (3) leading—if gifted as a leader, then lead. (4) kindness—if blessed with kindness, share it.
Every child of God has a place in God’s work. No one can do your job—you can’t do anyone else’s job. In God’s work, no job is small. Some jobs may seem more important than others, but in the sight of God, all work is important. Every worker is important to His work. Be faithful where God has placed you. Use your talent for His honor and glory.
Pentz, C. M. (1980). Expository Outlines from Romans (pp. 37–38). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.