They served by faith, knowing that God’s Word would not return unto Him void (Isaiah 55:11). Sound thinking, according to Paul, involves the mind—it is rational, it is accomplished by the exercise of faith, and it does not go beyond the realm of what is proper and right—it does not overthink. Having given a general exhortation to everyone whose gifts fall under one or the other of the categories he has used, Paul now gives more specific exhortation. How did Paul explain the spiritual gifts? The world looks inward to what is within man and finds unlimited potential. Spiritual gifts are to be employed by serving the body, and they also cause us to be dependent upon the body for those areas in which we are not strong (gifted). This is not an exhaustive list; others are mentioned in other books of the Bible. Humility is seeing things as they are; pride is seeing things in a puffed-up way, which feeds our ego and our self-love. I am convinced that for every vital spiritual gift there is a corresponding command to perform this function. We must act on the basis of faith, even though the results are not visible to us. In order to prepare the church at Rome for his visit, he wrote this letter that probably explains God’s Grace more … “And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.” (1 Corinthians 12:5 KJV)The Bible provides a list of these ministering gifts and their purpose. For the proper functioning of spiritual gifts, we must cease thinking individualistically and begin to think corporately. Grace should beget gratitude, and it is on the basis of gratitude that Paul bases his appeal to Christians. he who shows mercy — with cheerfulness. 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. If she had made a shirt for me, the buttons might not have been sewed on quite yet. We, like Elijah and Jonah, want to turn in our badge and give up. Abraham was thinking soundly when he chose to obey God, even if it involved the sacrifice of his son, Isaac (see Genesis 22). Giving, leading, and showing mercy, all fall in the category of serving gifts. The Christian is expected to respond, motivated by the mercies of God. Spiritual Gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8. These endowments are a supernatural enablement so that supernatural results are produced. Because of our natural self-love, we will always think too highly of ourselves.49 Self-love distorts our perception of reality. If not, why not? ( D) Our text from Romans 12 begins with the famous words of Paul to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.” Thus Paul begins his discussion of spiritual gifts with the contention that using our particular gift is an act of worship. But there are other unseen members like the heart and lungs. Because the rewards of spiritual leadership come from God and not men, and they come at His return and not immediately, Christian leaders may be tempted to exercise their leadership in more “fulfilling” and “self-serving” causes. Spiritual gifts are not to be hoarded and kept only for our own benefit. Many tell us there are no limits placed on our abilities except those we impose on ourselves. Most often the ministry of spiritual gifts is described in terms of the function of the human body. Spiritual gifts are unmerited and not an evidence of our spirituality. He speaks through the “grace” given to him, that “grace” to which he referred at the beginning of this Epistle: Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, for His name’s sake (Romans 1:5). At first I was inclined to think that the “foot” and the “ear” did not regard themselves highly enough, but this is not what Paul is saying. The new mind relates to others out of the obligations required by true Christian love (13:8-14), realizing that strength is given by God to minister to those who are weak (14:1–15:6). Paul seems to be saying the same thing to the Corinthians when he writes. I am convinced that the matter of spiritual gifts is not as mysterious as some suggest and as it might seem at first. “Grace” is the root (CHARIS) on which the term “spiritual gifts” (CHARISMATA) is built. Because of this, the Romans 12 gifts are sometimes referred to as the motivational gifts, functional gifts, or ministry gifts. But Paul tells us that thinking by faith is sound judgment, and that “overthinking” is outside the realm of reality, faith, and reason. Spiritual gifts are gifts of grace. 49 Even so-called “self-hate” is really “self-love.” We “hate” ourselves because we fail to live up to that which we think we are worthy of and deserving. Being independent and self-sufficient is viewed as the goal for many. Here is where faith and obedience evidence our perseverance. If she had made a shirt for me, the buttons might not have been sewed on quite yet. This the Christian believes by faith. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Sound thinking is based upon those truths which God has revealed to us, which are unseen, but true. 3 lists of Gifts in Scripture. Or do you, out of gratitude, wish to offer up your body to God in sacrificial service to others? While some may differ as to whether all the gifts are necessary in this age, it is very difficult to understand how none of the gifts are needed. Paul outlines in verses 3-8 the Christian way of thinking concerning spiritual gifts. To the Christian, faith is believing what is not seen but is true nonetheless: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. The foundation for mere human thinking is that which is seen or that which appears to be. Yet when given one of the more visible, more prominent and prized gifts, we may be tempted to take credit for that which God has given us and which He is accomplishing through us.48. The results of our ministry may be unseen, and faith deals with the unseen. Verses 6-8 emphasize what we are to do and how we are to do it in the context of spiritual gifts. One member can’t say, “This is my Spiritual Gift & I am going to do my Thing.” But the various parts works together! Spiritual gifts are not a limited and defined group of activities spelled out in the New Testament. Others needs are all about us. Paul exercises his spiritual gift of apostleship (and perhaps other gifts as well) as he writes these words of instruction and exhortation. Thinking too highly of ourselves may be illustrated in the matter of spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are given in order to meet the needs of others. And we are to do so in a manner pleasing to Him and consistent with the goal of the task in the overall plan and purpose of God. Elsewhere, Paul explains why spiritual gifts have been given and when these gifts will no longer be needed: Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. They may be tempted to go about their tasks casually and half-heartedly. To the unbeliever, faith is mere foolishness; it is believing what is not true. If we gave him a new shirt for Christmas, he was as likely to give it away as to keep it. Have you found a place of service where your gift can be put to good use? Our text divides into three main sections. The seven motivational gifts found in Romans 12—(a) perceiving, (b) serving, (c) teaching, (d) encouraging, (e) giving, (f) ruling, and (g) mercy—when viewed as a profile provide a base for person-job fit suitable for use with all people regardless of faith tradition. And yet, in a sense, he was an example of the way God wants us to receive and share the gifts He has given to us. They are to be used for the benefit of the body. The one who has the gift of giving is encouraged to give “generously” or, as the marginal note in the NASB indicates, with “simplicity.” I think it is this second sense which is prominent in Paul’s words. We live in a very independent, self-centered age. The spiritual gifts God gives to every believer are not like those my grandmother gave. First, have you received God’s gift of eternal life? The results were not immediately evident. There are five lists in the Bible that gives you examples of spiritual gifts, I'm going to flash it up here. Discover your manifestation and ministry gifts here. Not only does God give to each of us spiritual gifts by which the body of Christ is supported and sustained, He also gives us all that is needed to carry out those functions vital to the health and ministry of His body, the church. You have the wiring to reflect 1/7 of God's nature! Spiritual gifts must be understood and practiced in the context of the body of Christ. Each individual believer is thus conceived of as a member of the church universal and as a member of a local congregation of believers. The spiritual gifts identified in Romans 12 are prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy. Second, is your pursuit and interest in spiritual gifts one of personal ambition motivated by self-interest? Low self-esteem is never mentioned. Likewise, the vital members of the body of Christ may very well be unseen; thus faith is necessary. We need but the eyes to see them and the obedience to respond to them by God’s grace and power. 51 Could this also be because we do not gratefully accept the gift God has given to us, but stubbornly seek to do that which we think is more important, more spiritual, more fulfilling, and self-serving? Further and more specific manifestations of this straight thinking are given in verses 4-8. Our text will teach us more about these two endowments. The winning governor-elect in a recent state election boasted that people could live without government looking over their shoulder, restricting or condemning individual freedom and choices, choices which clearly included abortion and homosexuality. Paul’s expressions, “according to the grace given to us” in verse 6 and “as God has allotted to each a measure of faith” in verse 3, point to an important truth to consider before pressing on in our study. Use a spiritual gifts test inventory to identify gifting given by the Holy Spirit, an assessment based on what some call 7 motivational gifts in Romans 12:6-8. The new evil of our day, from which people need desperately to be delivered, is “co-dependency.”. Paul’s teaching assumes that teaching about spiritual gifts is both basic and fundamental to Christian living.44 Peter likewise looked at the exercise of spiritual gifts as a crucial matter.45 We should take spiritual gifts no less seriously than did the apostles. Paul illustrates Christian thinking in verses 6-8 by focusing on the attitudes and actions appropriate to specific spiritual gifts. The “foot” needs to “die” to himself and to fleshly desires and ambitions. Even the prophecies they gave concerning the Messiah were perplexing to them (see 1 Peter 1:10-12). This Epistle to the Romans is an illustration and evidence of the gifts God gave to Paul for our edification. Ask God to open your eyes as to how He wants you to obey in each vital area. I’m not asking how people, churches, or modern society describes spiritual gifts. Servants are tempted to critique and correct their fellow servants when their God-given calling is to perform their own service (Romans 14:4). And here in Romans 12, Paul uses this image of being parts of the body of Christ alongside another image – that of the Holy Spirit giving spiritual gifts. (Romans 12:3, 6–8) I will only draw your attention to two things. Do you know what it is that God has entrusted to you? For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. USING SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN HARMONY — Romans 12:6-8 Paul gives a list of spiritual gifts he would like to see better exercised in the local church at Rome. Here, take it.” This was frustrating to watch and difficult to accept. Spiritual gifts are one of the means by which the body of Christ is sustained and through which the life of our Lord is manifested. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known. Spiritual gifts are to be given away, in service. We are told that if we but think more positively, more highly of ourselves, then success is guaranteed—the higher our thoughts and goals, the higher our performance. Our lives are 44 In addition to Romans 12:3-8, see 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:7-16; 2 Timothy 1:6-7. He first addresses those in the category of the speaking gifts in verse 7b and 8a, specifying the gifts of teaching and exhorting. The world tells us that faith is unreasonable; Paul tells us that faith enables us to think soberly and soundly in a world where our perception of reality is distorted by sin. Three practical suggestions may help you identify and exercise your spiritual gift. This is good stewardship (see again 1 Peter 4:10-11). In order to understand how these specific seven gifts are relevant to our lives, it is necessary to examine the other gifts in the Bible. In the human body some members are visible and prominent such as the hands and the eyes. If you have ever sat under the teaching of someone who doesn’t have the gift of teaching, you know what I mean. (3) Be obedient to the commands of Scripture. First, I believe this text confirms the earlier point that we shouldn’t get too lathered up about whether we can label our gifts or not. The first is in not devoting ourselves to doing that which we are gifted to do.51 The second is exercising our gifts in a way inconsistent with the grace of God which is to motivate them and be manifested by them. You will find twenty different Greek words used for the gifts listed in the key passages on spiritual gifting. Give yourself to serve Him sacrificially, selflessly, through serving others. ( C) to each one a measure of faith. Romans 12- Prophecy, Service, Teaching, Encouragement, Giving, Leadership, and Mercy. Pray for wisdom and insight as to how you may give in a way that pleases God. The “foot” does not say, “Because I am a foot, I am not a part of the body.” He says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body.” The “foot” does not think too little of himself; he thinks too much of himself. If so, then you have received, along with the gift of eternal life, a special enablement to serve God through His body, the church. How can this be so? The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts Romans 12:1-5 (& Selected Texts) The church is the body of Christ and the earthly extension of his heavenly kingdom. Paul’s teaching here is universal. Giving, as with the exercise of all other spiritual gifts, is to be a self-sacrificing act of worship and service (see 12:1). All of us are to give, to teach, to encourage, to show mercy, and so on. The first book written by the Apostle Paul that mentions the spiritual gifts is the book of Romans, Chapter 12. But now abide, faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:8-13). All rights reserved. Neither are they a barometer of our worth. There is no sacrificial service of worship here but only self-seeking ambition. Who are those in need this week? Motivational Gifts Chart Romans 12:3-8 The Gift Description Strengths Pitfalls Do it Right Role Model Prophecy The eyes of the body; gifted with spiritual sight; say what they think; declare the truth; right or wrong, black or white; quality control; speak out about spiritual &/or social concerns in … Paul warns us not to “overthink” and not to “think of [ourselves] more highly than we ought to think.” The world tells us we do not have a good enough estimate of our own worth. Third, have you discovered the special abilities God has given to you and the place of service where these can be employed for His glory? We dare not take credit for grace, neither saving grace nor serving grace. Second, the results of our ministry may not be evident or apparent to us, or even to others. We are commanded to give (verse 13). He has already informed us that we must not be “conformed to this age”; we must instead “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” Paul warns of the danger of “overthinking” (Greek) or “thinking too highly of ourselves.” Our day regards low self-esteem as the great evil, the cause of all sorts of maladies. One of my Christmas memories is of my grandmother who often made the presents she gave to her family. The Search OF the Savior: Why Jesus Came, Part 2 (Gal. God’s work is achieved corporately, as a team, and not just by individuals working independently of others. 4 For. His teaching is not addressed to any one individual, nor to some small group, but rather “to every man among you.” These principles apply to every believer. The one with the gift of exhortation, to exhortation.50. This is the starting place Paul specifies in Romans 12:1-2. This statement needs further consideration, because most of us do not really believe it. Consider these words of Paul recorded in 1 Corinthians: For the body is not one member, but many. As you begin to obey, take note of those things in which God’s blessing is confirmed by others and becomes clear to you. Our ministry should not to be restricted only to the local church. So too the vital members of the body of Christ may be the least visible. They are described in the New Testament, primarily in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. The one who has the gift of helps may not seem to be doing much in the way of evangelism, but if they are serving in a way that edifies the body of Christ, they have a part in the ministry of the body as a whole. The public good seems to be eagerly sacrificed to individual freedom. And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. This same distinction is found in 1 Peter 4: As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. The structure of verses 6-8 seems to be indicated by Paul. 1:5; 15:15; 1 Cor. (4) Look for needs, and seek to meet them. God’s work is not achieved directly by any one member but by the body as a whole. One’s giving should be done for the benefit of the recipient, not the gain of the donor. This is not the manner of exercising the gift of leadership in which God takes pleasure. The results of the ministry of spiritual gifts are spiritual. Those who serve are given the exhortation to be diligent in their service. Faith enables us to understand this proper functioning of the body of Christ. We will think in accordance with reality, and in accordance with the faith we have been granted. 3:7, NKJV, Abide Bible, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, Vines Expository Bible, Comfort Print: A Guided Journey Through the Scriptures with Pastor Jerry Vines, NKJV, Chronological Study Bible: Holy Bible, New King James Version. Sound thinking is thinking based upon the revelation of God, contained and communicated by His Word, and illuminated by His Spirit. 46 See 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11; 1 Peter 4:10. The world believes we cannot think too much of ourselves; Paul warns that thinking too much of ourselves is our natural, sinful, inclination, and that this must be put aside. Amen (1 Peter 4:10-11). he who leads — with diligence; We hate ourselves for failing to live up to that which our self-love desires and demands. Our natural tendency is to be self-centered and self-serving. First, we may believe we deserve the credit for what God has given us and what He is doing in and through us. What invigorates me, is seeing us reach our full potential in Christ. First, we may think too highly of ourselves because of the gifts God has given to us. The foundation for Christian thinking is the Word of God—that which is revealed and which is believed by faith. In chapters 1-11, Paul laid the doctrinal foundation for the lifestyle he now calls upon all Christians to adopt and to manifest in day to day living. In the secular way of thinking, we need to think more highly of ourselves. 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