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Presented, June 26, 2005

 

WORKING TOGETHER

ROMANS 12:3-8

 

As we continue our study of Romans, Paul is now making practical application to a message he spent considerable time developing – we are all one in Christ.  In the text we want to examine this evening, this call for unity is addressed.  We find here some of the attitudes necessary for unity.  Let us notice them.

 

I.                     Romans 12:1-2 – It starts with self. 
You must present your body a living sacrifice and be transformed.  A few weeks ago we discussed these verses and noted that a living sacrifice means we are continually offering ourselves to God, we are set apart to Him (Holy) and what we do is acceptable to Him.  Ad to this the fact that we must ourselves to be transformed (changed) into a usable form for God.  How by changing the way we think – renewing your mind.  That leads to our next verse.

II.                   12:3 – Proper thinking

a.        A challenge to EVERYONE who is among you.  In the church at Rome, who would that include? Jews or Gentiles?  Obviously it is BOTH!  ALL need the attitude Paul here speaks of which he reminds them was given to him “through the grace of God.”
IF a church is to thrive it depends on this.  Philippians 2:1-2 - calls for complete unity.
It doesn’t take many troublemakers to do great damage in a church. 

                                                   i.      John wrote his 3rd letter to point out such a troublemaker – Diotrophes. – 3 John 9-10

                                                  ii.      To Corinth Paul wrote that a little leaven will permeate the whole lump (1 Cor. 5:6

                                                iii.      Later, in the Roman letter Paul says, “Now I urge you brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned and avoid them Rom.16:17

b.       Humility – don’t think too highly of your self

                                                   i.      If there is to be unity within a body it is imperative we view each other with a proper respect.  Pride, arrogance and boasting will all hinder growth, and they are condemned.
Proverbs 16:18-19, “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”

                                                  ii.      Remember Romans 2:17-20 concerning the Jews.  ALSO Romans 11:19-20 – concerning Gentiles

                                                iii.      Galatians 6:3 – For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, deceives himself.

                                                iv.      Philippians 2:3- Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit

c.        Think soberly

                                                   i.      One thing that comes to my mind when I read this verse is the fact that we OUGHT to have a high estimation of ourselves.
I do not believe that Christians ought to be living their lives in misery and continual self-chastisement.  We should not think so little of ourselves that we allow everyone to use us as a doormat.   We certainly don’t ignore sin and if we refuse to repent we ought to be miserable – but that is because we are NOT what we ought to be.  As we are forgiven, we ought to rejoice (Luke 10:20).  Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always…” Philippians 4:4
Paul did NOT say not to think highly of our selves, but TOO highly.  The actual Greek word (huperfronein) is a compound verb meaning over (hupo) and to think or have a mindset (WordStudy Dictionary).  In other words it means overestimate who you are.

                                                  ii.      We are commanded to “think soberly”.  That means one who is of a sound mind or in your right mind. (WS Dictionary)  Louw & Nida says it means, “To be able to reason and think properly or in a sane manner” (30.22)
That means look at yourself honestly.  Don’t over estimate, but don’t under estimate either.  Be realistic.

                                                iii.      A part of being realistic here means you don’t see yourself as better than anyone else.
In Luke 18:11, Jesus speaks of a tax collector who bragged about his standing before God.  He was glad he was not like that “tax collector” or unjust.

d.       According to the measure of faith dealt to each one

                                                   i.      While some see this expression as a reference to spiritual gifts, I see it more as a description of whatever abilities we have been given.  The rest of the text lends to this conclusion.  It accords with the idea of sober thinking, functioning as a body part and using whatever gift(s) you have.

                                                  ii.      We all have something we can do.  We need to find out whatever that is and we need to do it!
In the parable of the talents, each servant was given tasks “according to his ability” Mt. 25:15
1 Peter 4:10-11 – with whatever gifts you have been given, be faithful ministers of them.
Ephesians 4:7 says, “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift…”

                                                iii.      When everyone is willing to do all that they can do to their fullest ability, you will see a church that is growing and thriving.  You will also see a team that is united.

III.                 12:4-5 – Body Parts

a.        We are a body – Paul here uses an illustration we can all relate to – a body.  What is a body? AHD defines it as, “the entire material or physical structure of an organism, especially of a human or animal” A body is not a single part but all organs, systems and parts working together.

b.       1 Corinthians 12:12-27 describes the functioning of this body in more detail.

c.        There are many members in a body.  A single part does NOT make a body. 
In 1 Corinthians 12:14-17 we see the importance of each part.

d.       All members do not have the same function.  And that is good, because we need all the different functions.
The fact that each part performs its own task allows that part to specialize in one area relieving the rest of the body of that task.  That frees up other parts to fulfill other functions that also need to be accomplished.

e.        Yet we are all ONE body of Christ.  When every part of the physical body is doing its share, the whole body is able to perform with precision and accomplish everything intended.
The same is true with the body of Christ – the church.  Paul’s point here is WE NEED EACH OTHER.
Ephesians 4:16 describes this also.

f.         Individually, we are members of one another.  I.e. – we NEED each other.  Like 1 Corinthians 12:27, we find the body is Christians, NOT churches.

IV.                12:6-8 – What is Your Gift?

a.        Following this, Paul illustrates this by describing different gifts given according to God’s grace – we are called upon to use them.

b.       These gifts include

                                                   i.      Prophecy – we obviously live in a time when prophets are no longer needed.  We have the completed word of God (Jude 3) which is able to provide “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).
But it still needs to be preached and taught.  There are men blessed with the ability to preach the word of God and they ought to do that.  Romans 10:17-19 speaks of this.
It needs to be done, “in proportion to our faith” – according to our ability.

                                                  ii.      Ministry – a common word for the work done by a servant.  The word deacon is also a derivative of this word.  We sometimes think of this in physical terms for which it can apply, but often it also has a spiritual implication – Acts 20:24, 1 Timothy 1:12, etc.
There is always work to be done, both physical and spiritual.  Some are more able to do physical tasks whether it be repairs to the building, maintenance or other things.  Others have spiritual abilities.  As ministers, they are expected to be faithful in all they are able to do.  Are we up to the task according to our abilities?

                                                iii.      Teaching – means just that, teaching.  But there are many ways to teach – by example, in formal studies and informal studies. 
Titus 2:4 speaks of older women teaching younger women
Acts 18:26 speaks of Aquilla & Priscilla taking Apollos aside and teaching him.

                                                iv.      Exhorting – We need to exhort one another daily (Hebrews 3:12-13).
Some are very good at this.  They have the ability to say the right thing at the right time.

                                                 v.      Giving – some are blessed with wealth.  Wealth is not evil, but it MUST be used properly.  Paul says to give with liberality.  1 Timothy 6:17-18, Ephesians 4:28

                                                vi.      Leading – there are some who are natural leaders.   There are others who grow into that ability.  Elders are qualified leaders to perform a specific work in the church – Hebrews 13:7 – to watch out for your souls.

                                              vii.      Showing Mercy – We all have to be merciful to be pleasing to God.  Matthew 5:7.
James 3:17 the wisdom from above is … full of mercy.
We can show mercy by visiting the sick, helping others with their needs and doing various other tasks.
We also show mercy by being willing to forgive those who have sinned against us.
Paul said in this, do it “with cheerfulness”

 

Thus Paul has called for and described some of the things that will bring a church together instead of driving it apart.  The church at Rome had many problems, but with a proper attitude, those problems could be overcome.  What about here?  Are there areas that we need to work on?  Are we all fulfilling our functions in the body of Christ?  Let us strive to be all that God would have us to be – for our own eternal reward and the good of the Lord’s church that we are a part of.  Think about it.