In Romans 12:3-8, we find ourselves at a critical intersection in Paul’s epistle. We transition from a rich theological discourse in the prior chapters to an urgent call for practical application. This makes Romans 12 a cornerstone for understanding Christian service and spiritual gifts. Paul starts with a question: “How do you serve the Lord?” This question is not just about the actions we take but probes deeper into the motivations behind our service. It challenges us to reflect not only on what we do but why we do it. This inquiry is vital because it reveals the condition of our hearts and shows who God is to us.
I am reminded of a member from a previous congregation whose service during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplified selfless giving. His actions were not driven by a desire for recognition but by a genuine desire to serve as a “conduit of blessing” through which Jesus could reach others. His service was a reflection of Matthew 6 from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about doing righteous acts not for human applause but for the Lord. I see the same attitude at Coggin Avenue Baptist Church. It is clear that our community views service not just as acts of charity but as an attitude that influences every interaction. It is about consistently placing others above oneself, and finding joy in making much of Christ and His people.
As we delve deeper into Romans 12, it becomes clear that Paul is setting the stage for a broader discussion on spiritual gifts. However, he stresses that the proper use of these gifts can only stem from proper thinking — about ourselves, about others, and about the gifts themselves. This is essential for living out our faith genuinely and effectively. It ensures that our service is not just an external performance but a true manifestation of a transformed life.
This introduction to spiritual gifts in Romans sets the groundwork for exploring how these gifts should be understood and practiced within the Christian community, always pointing back to the renewal of the mind and the sanctification of the believer. As we dive in, we will see how Paul intricately weaves the theology of spiritual gifts with the practical outworking of faith in the life of a believer.
1. Practice Proper Thinking Concerning Yourself
In Romans 12, Paul begins by cautioning against an inflated sense of self-worth, stating clearly, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” This challenges the prevalent cultural narrative that urges individuals to prioritize their desires, achievements, and status. The call to adopt a mindset of humility is crucial, for it aligns with how Jesus Himself lived. Christ, despite having every right to demand service and worship, chose instead to serve humanity and sacrifice himself. His approach was not to elevate his status but to lower it for the sake of others.
This biblical perspective is essential because it directly opposes the default human condition — pride. Pride can manifest in obvious ways, such as boastfulness about one’s achievements or capabilities. However, it can also appear in more subtle forms, like false modesty designed to elicit praise and reassurance from others. Both are detrimental because they focus the mind on self rather than on Christ and others. Paul advocates for a “sober judgment” in assessing ourselves. This means having an honest self-evaluation that acknowledges our strengths alongside our weaknesses and limitations. A balanced view is crucial because it prevents spiritual pride and encourages a reliance on God’s grace.
When it comes to spiritual gifts, proper thinking about oneself involves recognizing that God has allotted to each believer a specific measure of faith and a unique set of gifts intended for the collective good of the church. This “measure” is not about varying quantities of faith but rather different areas of stewardship and responsibility in which we are to operate faithfully. Understanding that we cannot — and should not — function outside our God-given capacities is essential for cooperative ministry and for the body of Christ to thrive. Each believer is tasked with different roles, and recognizing and respecting these assignments helps maintain unity and effectiveness in ministry.
Proper thinking about oneself demands a shift from a self-centric perspective to a Christ-centric one. It requires us to view our abilities and our very lives as gifts not for personal glory but for God’s glory. This transformation in thinking is not just a suggestion — it is a command that mirrors the humility of Christ and is fundamental to living out our faith authentically.
2. Practice Proper Thinking Concerning Other Believers
In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul provides a metaphor for the church as the body of Christ, illustrating the importance of each member and their interconnected roles. This imagery beautifully encapsulates the necessity of diversity within unity, underscoring that every believer plays a unique and critical role in the body of Christ.
Embracing Diversity
Paul begins with an acknowledgment of diversity as a strength of the church. Just as a physical body requires different parts to function, the spiritual body of Christ thrives on the varied gifts and roles of its members. This diversity is not just about having different abilities; it is about complementing each other in a way that enhances the collective effectiveness and health of the church.
The call for diversity goes beyond mere acceptance; it demands celebration. In a world that often drives us toward uniformity or competition, the biblical directive is to cherish and honor the different ways God has equipped us to serve. This perspective shifts our focus from comparison and competition to cooperation and mutual edification. It is about recognizing that someone else’s strengths are not a threat to our value in the church but rather a complement to our own contributions.
Cultivating Unity
While diversity is vital, it must be coupled with unity. Paul stresses that unity does not mean uniformity — where everyone looks and acts the same — but rather a harmonious diversity. This unity is centered around a common goal: living out the Gospel and advancing the Kingdom of God under the headship of Jesus Christ.
Unity in the body of Christ means moving together in the same direction, guided by the same biblical principles, and motivated by the same love for God and for one another. It involves aligning our diverse gifts and perspectives towards the collective mission of the church, which is to glorify God and make disciples.
Mutual Respect
This view towards other believers results in mutual respect. This respect is rooted in the recognition of the value of each member, not based on worldly standards of worth or honor but on the intrinsic value bestowed by God. Paul warns against the dangers of comparison, which breeds jealousy and discontent, detracting from the joy and productivity of the church.
Mutual respect means acknowledging that even those who might seem weaker or less honorable according to worldly standards are indispensable to the body of Christ. In fact, these members often require and rightly deserve greater honor, reversing worldly values to reflect kingdom principles.
Paul further illustrates the interconnectedness of the church body by discussing how one member’s suffering or honor affects the entire body. Just as a physical injury affects the entire body, so too does the spiritual, emotional, or physical suffering of one member impact the whole community. This sense of shared life means that when we engage with our church family, we are not merely attending services or participating in activities; we are investing in relationships that bear each other’s burdens and share each other’s joys. It calls us to be not just consumers of religious goods but active contributors to a living, breathing community.
As we practice proper thinking concerning other believers, we do so knowing that our combined strengths, united under Christ’s leadership, equip us to fulfill the Great Commission more effectively. In doing so, we not only affirm the value of every individual believer but also demonstrate the power of the Gospel to bring together people of diverse backgrounds and gifts in a profound unity. This unity, enriched by diversity and cemented by mutual respect displays the manifold wisdom of God to the world.
3. Practice Proper Thinking Concerning Spiritual Gifts
In the exploration of spiritual gifts within Romans 12:6-8, Paul encourages believers not just to identify their gifts but to understand and apply them with the right motivation. This approach emphasizes the purpose behind the gifts more than the gifts themselves, focusing on why we use them rather than just what they are.
Paul does not delve deeply into describing each spiritual gift; instead, he lists them to emphasize their application within the community of believers. This highlights a critical message: spiritual gifts are not for personal glory or solitary use; they are given for the common good, to build up the body of Christ. This communal aspect of spiritual gifts is vital — they are meant to function within the context of the church community, not in isolation.
The process of discovering one’s spiritual gifts is not about taking numerous assessments, though they can be helpful tools. Rather, it involves seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance to reveal how God has uniquely equipped each believer to serve within His kingdom. This discovery process is also a communal one — it should involve the affirmation and encouragement of other believers who can help identify and confirm these gifts in action.
The 4 A’s to Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
- Ability: What are you good at?
- Affinity: What do you love to do?
- Affirmation: What do others love/appreciate in you?
- Ability: Give it a shot.
The real power of spiritual gifts lies not in their application. This shifts the focus from a self-centered view of “What is my gift?” to a more Christ-centered view of “How can my gifts serve others and glorify God?” This shift is crucial because it aligns with the biblical principle that our lives are not our own; we are bought at a price to glorify God in all things, including the use of our spiritual gifts.
Every use of our spiritual gifts is an act of worship. When we use our gifts, we are not just performing tasks; we are expressing gratitude to God, serving His people, and participating in His mission. This mindset transforms the use of spiritual gifts from a duty to a delight, from an obligation to a joyful offering to God.
Just as our seasons of life change, so too might the ways we are called to use our gifts. What remains constant is the need for obedience and a willingness to serve, regardless of whether the task fits perfectly within our comfort zone or perceived skill set. This flexibility and openness to God’s leading are marks of a mature believer who truly understands the purpose of spiritual gifts.
Engaging with our spiritual gifts requires a balance of self-awareness, community interaction, and an ongoing dialogue with the Holy Spirit. It calls for humility, a readiness to serve, and a commitment to grow in effectiveness through continual learning and application. As believers, we should be motivated by a desire to make Christ known and to edify the church, using whatever gifts we have been given to their fullest potential.
