Embracing Grace: Unity and Purpose in the Church

 

Summary

In Romans 12:3-5, Paul addresses the Christian's role within the church, emphasizing humility and the proper use of spiritual gifts. The Apostle Paul, through his own example, illustrates that all gifts and positions within the church are a result of God's grace, not personal merit. This teaching is crucial because it counters the human tendency to elevate oneself through hierarchical structures, which have historically caused division and strife within the church. Paul reminds us that the church is a body, with each member having a unique role and gift, all of which are essential for the church's functioning.

Paul's first principle is that everything we have as Christians is due to grace. This grace is not just for apostles or church leaders but is available to every believer. The second principle is the doctrine of the church as the body of Christ, where each member is interconnected and vital. Paul warns against the dangers of thinking too highly of oneself, which leads to division and conflict. Instead, he urges believers to think soberly, recognizing that all gifts are given by God and should be used for the benefit of the whole church.

The Apostle's teaching challenges the traditional clergy-laity divide, emphasizing that every believer has a role and a gift to contribute. This understanding should lead to a church that mirrors the New Testament model, where each member actively participates in the life of the church. Paul calls for a return to this biblical model, urging believers to evaluate their gifts objectively and use them for God's glory, not personal gain.

Key Takeaways:

- Grace as the Foundation: All gifts and roles within the church are a result of God's grace, not personal achievement. This understanding should lead to humility and gratitude, recognizing that our abilities are not self-generated but divinely bestowed. [03:40]

- The Church as a Body: The church is a living organism where each member has a unique and essential role. This interconnectedness means that no gift is too small or insignificant, and every believer is called to contribute to the church's mission. [15:18]

- Avoiding Hierarchical Pitfalls: The tendency to create hierarchical structures within the church can lead to pride and division. Paul warns against this, urging believers to focus on the grace that unites us rather than the offices that divide us. [06:45]

- Sober Self-Assessment: Believers are called to think soberly about themselves, recognizing that all gifts are from God. This sober-mindedness prevents conceit and fosters a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect within the church. [33:16]

- Active Participation for All: Every believer has a gift and a role to play in the church. This challenges the traditional clergy-laity divide and calls for active participation from all members, ensuring that the church functions as a true body of Christ. [16:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Romans 12:3-5
- [00:52] - Christian Life in the Church
- [01:27] - Exercising Gifts in the Church
- [02:01] - Addressing Difficulties with Gifts
- [03:24] - Principles of Grace and the Body of Christ
- [04:23] - Apostolic Authority and Grace
- [06:00] - The Nature of the Christian Church
- [07:33] - Elevation of Offices in the Church
- [09:20] - The Danger of Ceremonial Elevation
- [12:11] - Authority Through Grace
- [15:00] - Commonality of Gifts Among Believers
- [18:17] - Understanding the Measure of Faith
- [21:00] - Diversity of Gifts
- [28:29] - Thinking Soberly About Ourselves
- [33:16] - The Insanity of Conceit
- [39:20] - Objective View of Gifts
- [42:24] - Avoiding Overestimation and Underestimation
- [46:11] - The Privilege of Being in the Church

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:3-5

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think"? How does this relate to the concept of grace? [00:12]
2. How does Paul describe the church in Romans 12:3-5, and what metaphor does he use to explain the roles of its members? [00:32]
3. According to the sermon, what are the two principles Paul lays down regarding the gifts and roles within the church? [03:24]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the dangers of hierarchical structures within the church? [05:14]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of grace as the foundation for all gifts and roles challenge the traditional view of church hierarchy? [04:55]
2. In what ways does the metaphor of the church as a body help us understand the importance of each member's role? [15:18]
3. How does Paul's teaching on sober self-assessment help prevent division and conflict within the church? [33:16]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between spiritual gifts and personal merit? [26:49]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual gifts. How can you use them to serve your church community more effectively? [47:15]
2. Have you ever felt tempted to elevate yourself or your role within the church? How can you practice humility in your service? [05:30]
3. How can you encourage others in your church to recognize and use their unique gifts? What steps can you take to foster a spirit of cooperation? [15:49]
4. Think of a time when you may have underestimated your role in the church. How can you change your perspective to see your contributions as valuable? [42:08]
5. How can you actively participate in your church's mission, regardless of your position or title? What practical steps can you take this week? [16:17]
6. Consider the traditional clergy-laity divide. How can you help bridge this gap in your church community? [14:28]
7. What specific actions can you take to ensure that your church reflects the New Testament model of active participation by all members? [12:59]

Devotional

Day 1: Grace as the Source of Our Gifts
All gifts and roles within the church are a result of God's grace, not personal achievement. This understanding should lead to humility and gratitude, recognizing that our abilities are not self-generated but divinely bestowed. Grace is the foundation upon which the church is built, and it is through grace that believers receive their spiritual gifts. This grace is not exclusive to apostles or church leaders but is available to every believer, emphasizing the equality and unity within the body of Christ. By acknowledging that our gifts are a result of grace, we are reminded to remain humble and grateful, using our abilities to serve others and glorify God. [03:40]

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you express gratitude for the gifts God has given you, and how can you use them to serve others in your community today?


Day 2: The Church as a Living Body
The church is a living organism where each member has a unique and essential role. This interconnectedness means that no gift is too small or insignificant, and every believer is called to contribute to the church's mission. The metaphor of the church as a body highlights the importance of unity and diversity within the church. Each member, regardless of their role, is vital to the functioning of the whole. This understanding encourages believers to appreciate their own gifts and the gifts of others, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. By recognizing the value of each member, the church can function effectively as the body of Christ. [15:18]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church community, using your unique gifts to support and uplift others?


Day 3: Avoiding Hierarchical Pitfalls
The tendency to create hierarchical structures within the church can lead to pride and division. Paul warns against this, urging believers to focus on the grace that unites us rather than the offices that divide us. Hierarchical structures can create barriers between believers, leading to feelings of superiority or inferiority. By focusing on grace, believers are reminded of their shared identity in Christ and the equality that comes from being part of His body. This perspective encourages humility and unity, allowing the church to function as a cohesive and harmonious community. [06:45]

"But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers." (Matthew 23:8, ESV)

Reflection: Are there any areas in your church where hierarchical thinking might be causing division? How can you promote a culture of equality and unity?


Day 4: Sober Self-Assessment
Believers are called to think soberly about themselves, recognizing that all gifts are from God. This sober-mindedness prevents conceit and fosters a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect within the church. By evaluating their gifts objectively, believers can avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-importance. This self-assessment encourages humility and a realistic understanding of one's abilities, leading to a more effective and harmonious church community. By acknowledging that all gifts are from God, believers are reminded of their dependence on Him and their responsibility to use their gifts for His glory. [33:16]

"For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." (Galatians 6:3, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to assess your gifts and abilities honestly, and how can you use them to serve others without seeking personal recognition?


Day 5: Active Participation for All
Every believer has a gift and a role to play in the church. This challenges the traditional clergy-laity divide and calls for active participation from all members, ensuring that the church functions as a true body of Christ. By recognizing that every believer has a valuable contribution to make, the church can become a vibrant and dynamic community. This understanding encourages all members to take an active role in the life of the church, using their gifts to serve others and advance the church's mission. By breaking down the barriers between clergy and laity, the church can more effectively fulfill its calling as the body of Christ. [16:17]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you step out of your comfort zone and actively participate in your church community, using your gifts to make a positive impact?

Quotes

"I say through the grace given unto me never been a Christian at all would never have been an apostle and a teacher were it not for God's grace he is what he is by the grace of God and then what he goes on to show them is that as this was true of him it is true also of all the other members of the church." [00:02:52]

"All that we have as Christians is the result of Grace it is all of Grace as it was in his case so it is with all of us and the second principle is the doctrine of the church is the body of Christ now then let's work this out together." [00:03:35]

"The history of the church shows very plainly and clearly that there is always this tendency in men to elevate themselves and the most obvious way and the easiest way of doing that always is of course to establish offices and then when you genter into the office you are correspondingly elevated." [00:05:21]

"Every believer has a gift and a role to play in the church. This challenges the traditional clergy-laity divide and calls for active participation from all members, ensuring that the church functions as a true body of Christ." [00:14:40]

"The Apostle is saying here and we must never lose sight of that but then let us go on to remind ourselves of this also that while it is he who gives all the gifts every one of us receives some such gift the gifts vary in character they vary in kind they vary in importance." [00:28:07]

"We are not all meant to be the same we are not all meant to function in the same manner we are not all meant in the church to be doing the same things now here it is implicit in the teaching God has dealt to every man a Measure of Faith a particular gift has been given to every single one of us." [00:28:29]

"The whole trouble arises owing to what men think of themselves quarrels disputes jealousies envies wranglings all these things are the result of men's wrong conceits of themselves so what the Apostle is really concerned to say is this he says now to every man that is among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think but to think soberly." [00:29:24]

"Conceit is really a form of insanity that's precisely what he's saying soberly doesn't mustn't be thought of primarily in terms of not being drunk or although that does come in it comes in quite definitely but the real meaning of the word isn't just that to sober the word sober in the New Testament means basically to be in your right mind." [00:33:56]

"The gifts and the RS and therefore there are nothing of which we should bur we've not produced them we've not generated them they're not a reward for anything that we are he with his master strategy has decided and determined to give these gifts as he Wills dividing them severally as he Wills so they are entirely his." [00:39:59]

"We must never overestimate any gift there's a great tendency to do that you see the whole troubl in current was they were overestimating the gift of tongues the place was in confusion overestimating tongues and people have overestimated many other gifts preaching has been overestimated many and many a time and it led to Grievous trouble." [00:40:41]

"Never underestimate the importance of any gift oh this again is the most common thing there are people who have said oh I'm a nobody in the church I don't count my friend you have no right to say that you were talking about the gift which has been given to you by the Holy Spirit." [00:41:40]

"We must realize therefore the truth about ourselves and the truth about every one of us is this that we have got nothing but that which we have received we can go further and we can say we deserve to receive nothing and so we should end by saying to ourselves what a privilege it is to be in the church at all." [00:46:11]

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Transcript
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