SERMON NOTES for 9/7 and 9/10
Romans 12:1-8 (NKJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
“Being a Servant by Serving”
Based on the truths that have already been expounded on in the first eleven chapters of Romans the Bible teaches practical application in chapter 12. It is clear in the Bible that Believers are to give their lives in service to Jesus. We are told, “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Take just a moment and say to God… “Lord, I present my body as a living sacrifice.” What does it mean to you when you give your life as a living sacrifice?
We are then reminded that we all have spiritual abilities, and God-given gifts. God wants us to use these abilities and gifts in service to one another as a part of the body of Christ. We are to do this free from a desire for status. Each member is to prayerfully and thoughtfully seek to understand their abilities and then use them for the benefit of the whole.
Consider the list of functions ministries above and identify who exercises them in our church. List other ministries that may serve to build up the church and the abilities and gifts necessary to exercise them.
See you in worship this week… Pastor Harvey
