Romans 12:3-8 Sermon Thoughts — Grace through You: Using Your Gifts

Context: Romans 11:32 – 36, 12: 1 – 2

The authentic response to God’s mercy in Christ is:

• Personal Dedication (12:1); and,
• Personal Transformation (12:2)

Text: Romans 12:3-8 Grace Through You

The Apostle Paul now moves to writing about the outworking of “grace” in the lives of Christians and the Christian community. But for “grace” to show itself through our lives:

1. We need humility (in Christ) – Romans 12:3

• “Sober” – thinking about ourselves
• We are part of the “Grace Team”
• It’s not about me; it’s about Christ & us, and His grace through us.
• True humility is indispensable for ministry. Humility is the attitude, mindset and posture that will enable faithful service.

2. We need ministry (in Christ) – Romans 12:4-8

We need to understand that the local church is a group of people in Christ that need to be involved in ministry together. People do not always see the local church this way. And yet, the work of ministry and service is accomplished best through the grace given to each member, and the consequent using of the gifts distributed by God to each member.

This involves the appreciation of:

• Variety (in Christ) – many different members
• Unity (in Christ) – one body
• Dependency (in Christ) – one another
• Activity (in Christ) – using our own gifts

The seven ministries presented: Romans 12:6-8

The Goal is clearly spelled out in Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians

Maturity (in Christ) – Ephesians 4:1-16

Other texts to consider: 1 Peter 4:7-11, 1 Corinthians 12-14

ADDITIONAL ISSUES

Barriers to the Profitable Using of Gifts:

• 1 Timothy 4:14 – Neglect
• 2 Timothy 1:6 – Fear
• 1 Corinthians 13 – Lack of Love

Overcoming the Barriers:

• 1 Timothy 4:11-16 – Recognition of your gift
• Commitment to use your gift
• Attention to improve your gift
• Practice to strengthen your gift

2 Timothy 1:7 – Power, Love, Sound Mind

Dr. Stephen Olford’s Summary Outline concerning gifts

1) Discover the gifts

2) Develop the gifts

3) Deploy the gifts

Remember it is "GRACE THROUGH YOU”