Alistair Begg – Romans 12 – Week Four – Notes & Discussion
Message online is found at: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/we-belong-together-part-two/
We Belong Together – Part Two
Romans 12: 6-8 NIV
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
He reads from two paraphrased versions of Romans 12:1-8, paraphrased by Phillips and then by Peterson. “With eyes wide to God’s mercy . . . don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourselves . . . let the man who feels sympathy for another, act cheerfully.” “If you called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes wide open for opportunities”
The Exhortation Paul gives in verse 3, the illustration made in verses 4-5, and the application in verses 6-7. We picked up in verse 4 – and this illustration is not unique to Romans. Examples would be I Cor 12, Colossians, and Ephesians.
We have various parts in our body, both those that are seen and unseen. Some are very important and yet don’t have a huge amount of press. What are some of the areas of our bodies that don’t really get any attention until they don’t work correctly? What are some of the important parts of the body of Christ, that perhaps don’t get a lot of press?
Words he used about the body: Let’s elaborate about these: Ecclesiology
• Unity
• Plurality – we are made up of different bits and pieces
• Diversity the functions are diverse
• Harmony – when they all work together that we enjoy this
• Identity – we cannot be ourselves when we are by ourselves. If we are removed from the body of Christ, we lose this. This is where he discussed membership at the church and the importance of being a part of the local body. Paul states we belong to each other, not simply to the Church as a whole. We all belong to each other. We are made to serve and main context of that is within the church. The question is why do we gather as a church? – We gather in order to give, not for what we receive. What do people give when we gather as a church?
When the grace of God turns us upside down, it matters increasing to us that we have been called into a relationship with one another.
His Application – verse 6 forward (7 gifts mentioned here, 9 in I Cor 12, Ephesians 4, 4 or 5 gifts) These are selective, not exhaustive. Whatever the gift is it is given for the purpose of the well being of the Body. Not given for display, not given for advancement of a cause, but in order that the progress of God’s people might move forward. These should not be thought of as being held in a toy shed, but a tool shed. Can we find some kind a parallel for the gifts, can we equate them to tools? And such tools are not given to children. This list marks a distinction between speaking gifts and serving gifts.
Speaking Gifts –
• Prophesying – difficult to come to terms with. What was understood with this gift? There is a clear distinction between the gift that is attached to the Apostles and the gift which is given to the church members. This part appears to be localized. People have a wide range about the meaning of this gift. This has to do with speaking from God that is why the gift is to be tested. (I Cor 14) The revelation which is given must be tested, or weighed. It was always measured against the Word of God. In agreement with the faith.
• Teaching – Why do we have teachers? The purpose of the teachers is to help people learn. The exercise of that gift results in learning of those who are under your teaching. Not so the teacher can find fulfillment. You know you are a teacher because you want people to learn.
• Encouraging – or exhorting. These go hand in hand with the Pastor / Teacher. Pressing home the implications of the teaching. Teaching is directed to our minds, exhorting is addressed to our wills. Teaching provides the information and exhorting says, let’s do something with what we have been learning. Teachers aren’t always exhorters. And let’s keep in mind that we might all have different gifts, and there is no reason to have a higher view of yourself than is merited.
Serving Gifts –
• Serving – has to do with the deacons. Don’t neglect the responsibility. Each of the gifts appears to have a warning. If you are going to serve, just serve. Don’t serve to feel better about yourself. Don’t serve to find your self respect from other people. Read First Tim 3:13. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. Serve well and don’t be a Pharisee, they give their alms because they like to be seen by men.
• Contributing to the needs of others – do this generously. Some have gained influence by their giving. When we give, the danger is there. The gift has been given for the well being of others.
• Leadership – govern diligently. Paul has a lot to say about this. First and Second Timothy have a lot to say about this. I Thess 5:12 – respect those who work hard for you. Leading is serving. If you are a leader, you might say to yourself that you wish someone else could lead. Someone has to give direction. If you are leading, don’t lead for notice or reward, but target the best will of the church. Don’t be a complainer. Go where you’re sent, stay where you’re put, do what you can.
• Mercy – this is a very remarkable gift to do over time. The great danger is that you become embittered, and do it in a functionary fashion. We must do this cheerfully – why would Paul use this word? Can’t we get points for just doing it – Calvin’s quote: Nothing gives more solace to the sick or to anyone otherwise distressed, than to see men cheerful and prompt in assisting them. So to observe sadness in the countenance by whom assistance is given, makes them who are cared for to feel themselves despised.
Gifts are for the benefit of the body – there is an objective.
Gifts are various, therefore we need diversity.
God can’t just save people and put them anywhere,
God is looking for good homes to put His adopted children.