Practical Theology

Part 33 - Romans 12:3-8
Lead Pastor, Darrin Mariott

Big Idea: We build community by humbly using our gifts to glorify God and encourage each other.

I. The Priority of Humility (v. 3)
Romans 12:3
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.

A. In verses 1-2 we are called to glorify God through a transformed life in keeping with His will. Here, we are exhorted to humbly live out this life in community. Why? Because the church functions best when it functions as a community. This starts with the right attitude, especially the attitude of humility.

B. Humility calls us:

1. Be transformed in our thinking (v. 3) – Transformed thinking leads to transformed actions.

2. Recognize God’s grace (v. 3; Js. 1:16-17) – Everything we have is a gift from God.
James 1:16-17
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

3. Have a fair and sober estimate of yourself (v. 3) – Remember, it’s not all about you!

4. Consider others first (cf. Phil. 2:1-11) - Jesus provides us the superior example of humility.
Philippians 2:1-11
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

II. The Priority of Community (vv. 4-8)
Romans 12:4-8
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.

A. When we look at ourselves honestly (with sober judgment), it’s clear that we need others in the body of Christ and others need us. God has intentionally arranged the church such that we are interdependent with each other and dependent on the Holy Spirit. Much like the human body, the church must work together, each one using their gifts, to achieve God’s purposes and plans.

B. Spiritual gifts are God-given abilities distributed by the Holy Spirt for us to glorify God and do His work. This best happens in community when we:

1. Work together in unity (vv. 4-5; cf. Eph. 4:1-3).
Ephesians 4:1-3
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

2. Use our spiritual gifts to build-up the church (vv. 6-8; cf. 1 Cor. 12:4-7; 14:12).
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

1 Corinthains 14:12
12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

3. Use our spiritual gifts to serve each other and glorify God (cf. 1 Pet. 4:7-11)
1 Peter 4:7-11
7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.