May 03, 2026

Romans 12:3-8

God’s Gift to the Church

1. The Only Way The Church Can Exist (v. 3)

A. By Grace

B. A Hedge Against High Thinking

“If a person constantly remembers that his spiritual abilities are gifts he has received from God, this is a major hedge against inflated thinking.” Ben Witherington, Paul's Letter to the Romans

1 Corinthians 7:17

2 Corinthians 10:13

2 Corinthians 10:17-18

C. Sober Judgement Instead

2. Where Does Membership Come From? (vs. 4, 5)

A. Member (v. 4)

Matthew 5:29-30

Romans 6:12-14

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

B. A Much Deeper Connection (v. 5)

Acts 2:42-47

Romans 12:1

3. Gifts of Grace (vs. 6-8)

A. By Grace (v. 6)

Romans 3:23-24

B. Prophecy

1 Corinthians 14:1, 39-40

1 Corinthians 14:3

C. Service

Acts 7:1-7

D. Teachers

E. Exhorts

John 16:7-15

F. Givers - Generosity

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

2 Corinthians 9:7

G. Leaders - zeal

2 Corinthians 8:8 

H. Acts of Mercy - cheerfulness

1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4.

Reflection:

How do you view “membership” in the church?

Does your view include the elements that Paul lays out here?

Are you using the gifts of God’s grace in your life to serve Him and the church?

Follow UP in the Word through the Week…

Monday:

Read: 2 Corinthians 10:17-18

What have you “boasted” about in life? What do you have to boast about “in the Lord”?

Tuesday:

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

How does Paul explain being a part of the church in this passage? How are you currently “fitting in” with this illustration in your own relationship to the Body of Christ?

Wednesday:

Read: Acts 2:42-47

What activities were “naturally” happening after the Holy Spirit was poured out? What have you witnessed happening in a natural way in the church when it is functioning well?

Thursday:

Read: 1 Corinthians 14:3

What is the function of prophecy according to this verse? Has that gift worked that way in your life?

Friday:

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

How would you describe the kind of generosity that Paul is speaking of in these verses? Can you identify people who have been generous around you?

Saturday:

Read: 1 Corinthians 13

Read this chapter. In its context, the love here deals directly with the exercise of spiritual gifts and the operation of the church in chapters 12 and 14.