"The Insanity of GOD" excerpts

Warning!
Do not read if you do not want your heart questioned.  :)

As I am in the midst of reading a book The Insanity of GOD by Nik Ripken it is just TO good not to share a couple of things from the book.  We've been learning in Sunday School how to apply the scripture in Romans that we have been studying.  We do not live in a persecuted country but have the blessing of living in a country where we and everyone else have the freedom to worship as one likes. 

This book is written about Nik Ripken (pseudo name) as he ministered the 1980's and 1990's in Somaliland during the famine and loss of many, many people living in that land.

     I met may other believers on that trip to Russia.  Hearing Dimitri's story must have inspired Viktor too.............
     One morning Viktor arranged for me to meet with a group of his friends--several Russian pastors, some evangelists and church planters, and some elders--a cross section of his church.  I listened in wonder as these believers almost casually recounted being sent to prison for 'five years,' 'three years,' or 'seven years,' and being 'beaten', 'forced to sleep naked in a cold, damp cell' or 'having nothing but moldy bread and boiled cabbage to eat for months.'  These same men shared joyful memories of 'the time when my wife and son visited me in prison,' 'when I was placed in a cell with another believer who could encourage me as I encouraged him,' and 'how the church cared for the needs of my family while I was in prison.
     When we stopped to eat lunch, I gently scolded the group, saying: 'Your stories are amazing.  Why haven't they been written down?  Your stories sound like Bible stories come to life!  collected them in a book, or recorded them in some video form.  Other followers of Jesus around the world could hear your stories and be encouraged by what God is doing here among those who are persecuted.
     They seemed confused by what I was saying.  Clearly, we were not understanding each other.  Then one of the older pastors stood and motioned for me to follow him  He led me over to a large window in the front room of the home.  As we stood together in front of the window, the old gentleman speaking passable, but heavily accented, English said to me:  'I understand that you have some sons, Nik?  Is that true?'
     I told him that it was true, He nodded and then asked me, 'Tell me, Nik.  How many times have you awakened your sons before dawn and brought them to a window like this one, one that faces east, and said to them, 'Boys, watch carefully.  This morning you're going to see the sun coming up in the east!  It's going to happen in just a few minutes.  Get ready now, boys.'  'How many times have you done that with your sons?'
     'Well,' I chucked, 'I've never done that.  If I ever did that, my boys would think I was crazy.  The sun always comes up in the east.  It happens every morning!'
     The old man nodded and smiled.  I didn't understand his point. 
     I didn't understand his point, that is, until he continued:  'Nik, that's why we haven't made books and movies out of these stories that you have been hearing.  For us, persecution is like the sun coming up in the east.  It happens all the time.  It's the way things are.  There is nothing unusual or unexpected about it.  Persecution for our faith  has always been--and probably always will be-a normal part of life.'
     His words took my breath away.  Though I understood what he was saying, I wondered if it was true.  Certainly, I had never heard this before.  In fact, there was a part of me that wanted to object to his claim.  I wondered if the certainty of persecution always is normal and ordinary, like 'the sun coming up in the east.''
     I had always assumed that persecution was abnormal, exceptional, unusual, out of the ordinary.  In my mind, persecution was something to avoid.  It was a problem, a setback, a barrier.  I was captivated by the thought:  what if persecution is the normal, expected situation for a believer? if persecution can be, in fact, good soil?
     I began to wonder about what that might mean for the church in America--'

As I have been reading through this book and have been stirred not only by this book but the real life Christians that are being persecuted for their faith in other countries today, I cannot help but be so grateful for Christian brothers and sisters to help encourage my faith and also for the freedom we have here in the USA.  How can we experience what we do not know?  We can't.

      but we can:
         pray for others who are persecuted,
         give to missions,
         give to mission trips,
         give to those on the mission field who have given up the comforts of the USA
         look for areas around us that people need Jesus
         learn and memorize scripture
         study the word of God so it isn't something we study but it is who we are
         reach out to our neighbors and show them Jesus
         stand firm in our faith in Christ
         praying for opportunities to show Chris to others
         be obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit
         be an example of a "bond-servant" of Christ
    
Most of us will never live outside the USA or suffer the persecution of believers in other parts of the world, but we can do what Jesus is calling us to do where we live.  First and foremost is to love the Lord your God will all your heart, mind and soul, and then secondly, you are to love your neighbors as yourself.  If you have a willing heart to serve Him, there are plenty of people around us who are hurting, who are not walking with Jesus and have horrible life experiences.  They have all the pleasures of life i.e. TV, conveniences, smart phones, X boxes, money, clothes, entertainment but they do not have Jesus.  Ask the Lord to show you people's hurts and how to minister to them.  Things are fine, but they do not bring healing of the heart, true love, joy and peace and eternity with Jesus Christ.

Choosing

by

Charles Ligon

 

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my Salvation (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

 

I am blessed to minister to two men who face tremendous physical adversity. Both live with deteriorating physical health conditions. Their prognosis is discouraging and both have uphill battles. Both understand that unless God miraculously heals them, their condition will only get worse. I love being in their presence! They inspire me because both walk with an undaunted faith and have accepted what the Lord is allowing them to endure. In spite of their ill health they continually rejoice in Him and sing His praises. He holds their future and they choose to trust Him wholeheartedly.

 

Habakkuk was facing adversity too. He found himself in a dire circumstance; everything normal and predictable in his life was collapsing. Still, in spite of the calamity he faced, Habakkuk wholeheartedly trusted the Lord. He knew that God was bigger than what he faced. So, rather than being fearful and confused, Habakkuk chose to rejoice in the God of his salvation.

Let me ask you. Is there a “calamity” you face? Are you being challenged in your faith? It might be cancer, unemployment, a failed marriage, a sick child, loneliness, depression or something worse. God is aware of every circumstance and He calls us to trust Him and, yes, even rejoice in the midst of our trials. But, let’s be honest! Trusting God and rejoicing during any adversity is not easy, nor is it common. Casting our cares and letting go of anxiousness is easier said than done. Singing praises with a broken heart, through tears, is not normal activity. But, neither was it normal for Habakkuk. Despite his difficulty, he chose to be joyful in the God of his salvation. It was a decision.

 

Our workplace challenge is to choose to trust God when adversity comes. We must choose to trust Him in all circumstances and declare publically our wholehearted dependence on Him. Sing praise songs more. Meditate on His promises more. Reflect more on the many ways He has been your helper through the years. Decide now to rejoice in the God of your salvation for He is your strength and your joy, and you can trust Him!

Sunday School Lesson for Romans 13:1-7

                       “Subjection to Governing Authorities”
                                              By Pastor Rich Paradis
                                                     Romans 13:1-7

 

We’ve done it now! We regularly take on one of the most sensitive areas of life, that is, religion. And now, we are going to discuss the other “forbidden” subject, politics! We’re not really going to discuss politics, but we are going to consider our reaction towards those that rule over us. In this age of “knowing” our leaders perhaps as well as any other time in history, we are regularly given the opportunity to not only praise but also critique our leaders. Is this alright? Are we to follow blindly? Are we to rebel aggressively? What is to be our conduct towards those that rule over us? Romans 13 is perhaps the most notable passage in the New Testament on the subject. Let’s see what it says…

Unique Words In The Passage

1.      Subjection – To subject oneself, to obey

2.      Governing – The prominent men, authorities, kings

3.      Authorities – A ruler or human magistrate

4.      Resist – To range battle against, resist

5.      Condemnation – Judgment, penalty, sentencing

6.      Avenger – Exacting penalty from one, punisher

7.      Devoting – To be steadfastly attentive to, to give unremitting care to a thing

8.      Render – To pay off or discharge what is due

 

I.                    Some Introductory Thoughts

a.       Again, as we consider this passage, we are looking at something that would seem to “open and shut”. When you read the passage, the instruction looks to be very clear and not at all difficult to understand.

b.      The problem with this passage is not understanding, it is application. There are at least a couple of reasons why this passage is difficult to apply:

                                                               i.      We are looking at a passage that would seem to have little consideration of the leader that is not “doing it God’s way”.

1.      The time of writing for the book of Romans would give us some insight into the times and the types of leaders that were ruling around that time. While there was not widespread and direct persecution toward Christians at this point, there soon would be. Caligula, Claudius, and Nero are among the emperors that would inflict awful things on Christians and are contemporary to this time period. At the very least, these leaders were pagans with no agenda to do the things of God as they ruled over those under them.

                                                             ii.      We don’t want to. Our sinful character has a difficult time following anyone. But the Bible gives many examples of areas where submission is a part of the Christian lifestyle:

1.      Jesus’ own reaction to his earthly parents. (Luke 2:51)

2.      The relationship of the Son to the Father in eschatological order. (1 Corinthians 15:28)

3.      The relationship of a Christian wife to her husband. (Ephesians 5:25)

4.      The relationship of church members to church leaders. (Hebrews 13:17)

5.      The relationship of younger men to older men. (1 Peter 5:5)

6.      The relationship of believers to one another. (Ephesians 5:21)

7.      The relationship of all of us to God. (Hebrews 12:9 and James 4:7)

 

II.                 The Command Itself    Romans 13:1

a.       The passage begins in Verse 1 with a very direct statement: “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities”. Pretty clear, huh? The words and their definitions don’t offer much wiggle room either.

                                                               i.      Subjection: To subject oneself, to obey

                                                             ii.      Governing: The prominent men, authorities, kings

                                                            iii.      Authorities: A ruler or human magistrate

b.      Paul goes on to offer us a “why” to this command. He says that the very institution of authority and leadership is from God. He also says that those authorities and leaders that exist are established (arranged, assigned and appointed) by God.

 

III.               Motivation #1 For Subjection To Governing Authorities: Wrath and Condemnation    Romans 13:2-4

a.       In light of the command and reference to God Himself, let’s take a look at Verse 2. If in fact all leadership and leaders are established by God Himself, then to resist (To range battle against, resist) leadership is to oppose the ordinance (disposition and arrangement) of God. As in other areas of disobedience and rebellion, condemnation (Judgment, penalty, sentencing) from God will be the result. Whether this condemnation comes via the governing body or person themselves or in the form of directly from God, it has ultimately come from the hand of God Himself.

b.      This is a good time to connect this entire passage to Romans 12:1. In light of the mercies of God demonstrated so beautifully in Romans 1-11, we are to offer our bodies and our minds as a “living sacrifice” to Him, a demonstration of our worship towards Him. To oppose the ordinance of God is a very serious matter that should be carefully considered before going forward.

c.       As Verses 3-4 unfold, Paul is not stating that all leaders match up to this description. He is saying that this is a picture of what God had in mind as He established ruling authorities.

d.      This ideal has in mind the governing authorities not being someone for the good folks to fear, only those that have evil and overthrow in mind. In fact, they can and should be a source of praise for those that desire right living. Why? Because it was set up to be a minister of God to you for good. If you do evil, than you should expect governing authorities to wield a sword of power as an avenger for God who will bring wrath on the offender.

 

IV.              Motivation #2 For Subjection To Governing Authorities: Conscience Sake    Romans 13:5-7

a.       With the first of the motivations for subjection noted, that is, self-preservation, let’s continue to the second motivation. The first is pretty easy to understand, but the second has some nuance that must be considered before understanding can be achieved. That motivation is conscience sake and is brought to our attention in Verse 5.

b.      One might think that this is merely doing it because of knowledge of what is right and the “conscience” that is offended when we do wrong. While there is something to this, another thought may offer additional insight in light of the fact that whenever a believer goes to the point of defiance he or she can hardly be accused of having a tender conscience. That thought is that the believer, because of his or her relationship to God has insight and knowledge related to both his or her own position before God and the position of the state in God. That knowledge or conscience should guide that person to their attitudes and reactions. 1 Peter 2:19 is another example of this type of thinking.

c.       As the passage concludes, Verses 6-7 offer some very helpful insight into these reactions and attitudes. If in fact these authorities are established by God than to support them is a very reasonable response. Taxes and customs are a very real way that our witness is demonstrated here. I think that “render to all what is due them” really helps us to understand our responsibility to governing authorities. While these authorities are to be obeyed, they are not God. When the governing authority is in direct opposition to the clear guidance of God for Christian living, than we are to subject ourselves to God first. Of course, we have to recognize and accept the consequence from these authorities. We see examples of this all over the world as missionaries are constantly thinking through the implications of this passage.

 

V.                 An Application For All Of Us

a.       Consider an extreme example from the book “The Insanity of God” on pages 182-3. What an incredible example of Romans 13 in action! Instead of looking for a loophole to this obedience and subjection, be ready to offer this living sacrifice to God!

 

God, our Helper

by
Charles Ligon

“Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying “Thus far the Lord has helped us”. (1 Samuel 7:12).

I recently participated in a spiritual rite-of-passage for 28 middle school boys being introduced to biblical manhood. This ritual was to help them recognize that biblical manhood begins with dependence on the Lord; He is the One who will help them in their journey of spiritual growth. To make this point, all 28 young men traversed up a steep North Carolina mountain sharing the weight of six-80 pound boulders. The young men struggled up the treacherous terrain; there were some tears, bruised shoulders, minor scrapes and, at times, discouragement. At strategic points along the way, they were challenged on certain aspects of Biblical manhood; e.g. living pure, speaking true, righting wrongs and following the King. Finally, after 4 hours, they reached the summit and victoriously stacked their “Ebenezer” stones as a remembrance to God’s help in their journey.

Samuel also placed an Ebenezer stone monument as a testimony to God’s help in overcoming the Philistines. The stone of remembrance was representative of God’s sustaining presence and boundless grace toward helpless man. Just like Samuel, believers in the workplace should acknowledge God’s presence and His help in overcoming obstacles throughout our career paths.

How has God helped or protected you in your career? Have you placed “Ebenezer stones” as a testimony to His faithfulness? Perhaps you are early in your career and you recognize the need for a greater reliance upon God. There will be hazards along the way and you will even become bruised and discouraged at times. But, never forget that God is there and will strengthen and sustain you along the way.

Your workplace challenge is to remember that God is your help at work. Consider the ways He has already helped you in your career and place stones of remembrance as a testimony to His help. Your stone could be a hand-written journal testifying to God’s intervention or a maybe a picture depicting God’s grace and mercy. Or, it could simply be a verbal testimony detailing how God carried you through times of adversity. Whatever the “stone”, never forget what God has accomplished through you.  Remember, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Philippians 4:13.

 

Just Do It!

by:
Charles Ligon (A member of our Sunday School Class and a Chaplain for Businesses)

 

 

It was Nike who coined the phrase “Just Do It”. The Nike trademark is one of the core components of the Nike brand. Created in 1988, it has become an innovative icon associated with great success. Customers have bought into the idea that Nike products will help them achieve greatness. In other words “Just do it” and you will succeed. The brand has been very effective but the “Just Do It” symbol alone is no guarantee for achieving success.

Moses had a “Just do it” moment with God and he was guaranteed success. In Exodus 6:2-8, God called Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and laid out his specific plan. The plan was clear, concise and it was communicated with authority. Twice, God said to Moses, “I am the Lord God” assuring Moses that the victory was already won and all he had to do was follow the plan. Instead, Moses made excuses. He said, “The children of Israel have not heeded me. How then shall Pharaoh heed me, for I am one who does not speak well” (verse 12). God’s patience ran out, and in verse 13 He gave Moses an order; in essence, commanding him to just do it.

Why is it we so easily forget God’s promises, capabilities and His plan for humanity? Why are we so quick to give up or make excuses for not being available? God has a plan and purpose for all people; that they will find hope and deliverance from a lost and dying world. What’s more, He has called you and me to be conduits of His love in the workplace or anywhere else we have influence. Sometimes we become discouraged because our co-workers and colleagues have hardened hearts and don’t respond to God’s love. Regardless, we should never lose heart and certainly not quit. It’s His plan and His timing. He says I am the Lord God. He is trustworthy, faithful and able.

Our workplace challenge is to make ourselves available so that God can use us to mightily serve His people. Stop making excuses and allow Him to work through you to love, serve or encourage a co-worker. God wants to use you to bring hope and deliverance to people who are hurting or in bondage. Just do it…for His Glory.

Reality in a World of Enemies

Dear Friends:  We came across this short article and thought it worthy of passing on.  It came from Kevin DeYoung at thegospelcoalition.org

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Guest Blogger: Jason Helopoulos Christians, don’t get too worked up about that new best-seller, popular philosophy, misguided ethic, or latest government action. Christ reigns and no enemy can thwart the Church or the Christian faith. The Powerful may scheme, but cannot crush Christianity. Philosophers may pontificate, but cannot “out-truth” Christianity. World Religions may spread, but cannot overcome Christianity. Professors may lecture, but cannot unravel Christianity. Persecution may kill, but cannot annihilate Christianity. Bad preaching may undermine, but cannot undo Christianity. Politicians may legislate, but cannot reduce Christianity. Riches may seduce, but cannot outlive Christianity. Empires may consolidate, but cannot subjugate Christianity. Lies may confuse, but cannot unravel Christianity. Fear may disquiet, but cannot destroy Christianity. Heresy may darken, but cannot untruth Christianity. News outlets may ignore, but cannot dismiss Christianity. Moralists may mislead, but cannot proxy for Christianity. Rulers may outlaw, but cannot vanquish Christianity. Sin may instigate, but cannot overpower Christianity. Satan may tempt, but cannot unseat Christianity. No empire, no country, no sin, no spirit, no lie, no religion, no philosophy, no thought, no school, no law, no edict, no emotion, no sentiment, no feeling, no ruler, no emperor, no king, no politician, no initiative, no discrimination, no nothing and no one can unravel Christianity. Every enemy of Christianity shall fail. Every foe is left undone. It is guaranteed. It is secured. Because we have a Risen Savior, who reigns over all. The gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church. No matter what apparent setbacks we see, hear, feel, or think. He has secured the victory, reigns in victory, and shall consummate the victory. This is His world. Dear Christian, though surrounded by enemies on every side, you can rest at peace in a Savior, who reigns now and forevermore. Onward Christian soldiers!

Sunday School Lesson for Romans 12:9-13

“Spirit-Led Living Towards The Brethren”

                                                By Pastor Rich Paradis
                                                      Romans 12:9-13

 I.                   Some Introductory Thoughts

a.       As we move forward in this chapter, we are struck by the present section’s resemblance to another chapter of the Word of God. The chapter in mind is 1 Corinthians 13, the great “love chapter”.

b.      In that chapter, we can see some of the very same thoughts and challenges that we see in Romans 12. If you remember, the 13^th chapter of 1 Corinthians is set in the midst of a discussion of spiritual gifts, their source and the right attitude is their usage. While that chapter is so often used in wedding ceremonies, it is without question a discussion of the setting (as in the setting for a diamond ring) for your spiritual gift or gifts.

c.       As we look at this section today, look for some of the same attributes and discussion as spiritual gifts are discussed in the beautiful setting called “love”.

 

II.                Love for the brethren    Romans 12:9-13

a.       Look over the verses before us. Do you notice the words “one another” in Vs. 10 twice and “saints” in Vs. 13? These are a couple of the key “tips” to understanding this portion of the chapter as being applied to other believers. As the chapter continues further, love will be discussed as it relates to believers and unbelievers, friends and enemies.

b.      We begin in Verse 9 with a charge to authentic love. This love (agape) is a love that is driven by our faith in Christ and is best demonstrated in God’s sacrificial love for us. The love of the believer for another is to be without hypocrisy, according to the verse before us. We should look at a couple of words here:

                                                              i.      Let – To allow, cause or make.

                                                            ii.      Hypocrisy – To wear a mask. Two-faced. Not authentic or real. Insincere.

c.       So the call here is to make sure that as believers our love is sincere and authentic, like the love that God has for His children. How is this demonstrated? The verse gives us a couple of clues:

                                                              i.      Abhor what is evil – To love evil while professing to desire God’s way is hypocritical and two-faced.

                                                            ii.      Cling to what is good – To love what is good is to desire the same things as God does.

d.      As we move forward to Verse 10, we are again charged with something. This time it is devotion to the brethren. This type of “loving affection” will look different than the way that the world operates. I am reminded of John 13:34-35 and its call to love one another as a demonstration of a life of discipleship.

e.       The verse continues with the idea of giving preference to one another in honor. Philippians 2:3 is another verse that challenges us in this regard. What is the idea of giving preference? How could this be shown to another believer?

                                                              i.      The placing of one in a position above yourself.

                                                            ii.      Offering deference to another before yourself.

                                                          iii.      I think of a good marriage when I think of this idea of honor. We often in our marriages try to see that our needs are met, when the challenge and the blessing of good marriages is that the one spouse tries to out-do the other spouse in honor and deed. When this happens, both needs are met, but in a way that looks like the sacrificial giving of our Savior instead of in a way that appears and ultimately is selfish.

f.       As the instruction continues in Verses 11-13, we are given the “how” of this challenge. We are to offer love and devotion to the brethren in 8 ways:

                                                              i.      Diligently – The idea here is that of earnestness and striving to promote something. How could we be more diligent in our love and devotion to one another?

                                                            ii.      Fervent in spirit – Fervent is a zeal for what is good. It would be impossible to accomplish this love and devotion without the indwelling Holy Spirit. Should we depend on the Spirit or skill in our love and devotion to the brethren? How?

                                                          iii.      Serving the Lord – Our love and devotion towards the brethren has its root in love for Jesus.

                                                          iv.      Rejoicing in hope – The certainty of God’s promises should foster great rejoicing in the heart of the believer. Can this hope be shared with others? How?

                                                            v.      Persevering in tribulation – Difficulty is implied in the life of the believer (James 1:2) How can we communicate love and devotion for others as we go through and ultimately triumph over life’s tough spots?

                                                          vi.      Devoted to prayer – Prayer is a means to including God in all that is going on around you. How can your prayers be used in demonstrating love and devotion towards the brethren?

                                                        vii.      Contributing to the needs of the saints – Our recognition and response to need communicates so much. How?

                                                      viii.      Practicing hospitality – How can our pursuit in loving strangers demonstrate the love of God to the brethren?

 

III.             An Application For All Of Us

a.       A life presented to God as a living sacrifice, with all of its gifts and talents, is less than it can be if love and devotion for the brethren is not displayed on a regular basis. How could you grow in this area of Christian living? What one step will you take in that direction?

Sunday School Lesson on Romans 12:3-8

“Some Thoughts on Spiritual Gifts”

                                                By Pastor Rich Paradis
                                                        Romans 12:3-8

 

Some time back, Dr. Wayne McDill visited our staff meeting and offered some really interesting insights on spiritual gifts from Romans 12. Many of us have taken gift inventories in the past and some of us haven’t. But without question, the gifts that are listed here are worth taking a look at and seeing if in fact there are areas of application that still need to be explored in each of our lives.

 

I.                    Some Thoughts of Introduction

a.       There are 4 passages of Scripture that are typically considered when looking at spiritual gifts. They are:

                                                              i.      Romans 12:6-8

 

                                                            ii.      1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30

                                                          iii.      Ephesians 4:11

                                                          iv.      1 Peter 4:9-11

b.      It is a matter of discussion which of these is “the” list. But in these passages we are given an interesting look at the gifts of the Spirit.

c.       1 Corinthians 12:4-6 reminds us that there are at least 3 categories that must be considered in our service to the Lord and to His body:

                                                              i.      Gifts – Gifts of grace given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of His body.

                                                            ii.      Ministries – Indicative of things that are used to provide service in the Christian community, such as abilities and talents given to others in service.

                                                          iii.      Activities – The results of your giftedness that is demonstrated in everyday life.

d.      When considering your “test results” if you have taken a gift inventory, you often see a primary gifting with some other secondary gifts that you have.

                                                              i.      This is important in that you are not to say, “I’m now confused because I don’t see myself completely in any of these areas.

                                                            ii.      The gifts are for the building up of the body. They are not to be chased after, or coveted in the life of someone else.

                                                          iii.      The Holy Spirit has distributed these gifts as He has seen fit and to desire another’s gift is to be ungrateful towards the Giver.

 

II.                 The Attitude of Grace    Romans 12:3

a.       Paul begins this section of scripture by reminding the readers of the authority that he stated in Verse 1. The “urging” was not done as just some guy that has information to share with them. The thought of this “urging” is that he makes these statements from a sense of authority. He is an apostle; he is a man that has been specifically called by God to offer leadership and oversight to others that believe.

b.      The will of God, which Paul has just spoken about, is the same for everyone in respect to relationship to Christ and its importance.  It is also the same in regard to holiness of living and amount of dedication to this pursuit. But what will prove to be different in each believer (member) will be the avenue and gift in which this holiness and dedication will be displayed.

c.       The apostle Paul was given a “grace” in salvation and in service and now he appeals to the Roman believers by that grace to not think of themselves more highly than they should. While there is sometimes a case when a person thinks too lowly of himself, evidently the Roman problem and the most often recognizable problem is that of thinking too highly of ourselves.

d.      It is noteworthy that he says this to “everyone”. Whether it is Jew who thinks more highly of himself because he or she is of the correct “heritage” or it is the Gentile because of the current hardness of heart on the part of the Jews, everyone is to heed this warning and exhortation.

e.       In what ways can we think too highly of ourselves? It could be as we afford ourselves too much credit or value as it relates to the movement of Kingdom activities. But it could also be that we afford ourselves too little credit or value in these same areas. God has in mind that each of us that profess Christ as our Savior make ourselves available to Christian service (presenting… from Vs.1), neither taking too much credit for what is accomplished or not getting involved because of a perceived lack of value or skill. Both are demonstrations of pride in that they in a sense “trump” the grace and the insight of God in regard to these things.

f.       The idea of “sound judgment” is putting a moderate estimate on yourself and thinking of oneself soberly and rightly. Again, not thinking too highly or too lowly of ourselves is the picture in mind here. Since the power to do anything of Kingdom significance comes from God, there is no basis for a superior attitude or self-righteousness.

g.       The “measure of faith” that is mentioned at the end of the verse simply refers to the power given by God to fulfill the varying ministries of the church.

 

 

III.               The Members and their Gifts    Romans 12:4-8

a.       Beginning in vs. 4-5, we have an illustration of the diversity of gifts. Just as our physical body has many parts that do many things, the body of Christ has a similar diversity of both gifts and people while still remaining one.

b.      There are 7 gifts listed in vs. 6-8. Remember that your gifts are to encourage and stimulate the body towards greater faith.

c.       The gifts:

                                                              i.      Prophecy – A sensitivity and passion for righteousness. Do we need those in the body that are sensitive and passionate for the righteousness of the body? Of course! It’s a wonderful gift, but much discernment and care must be used in displaying this gift or it can be evidenced as legalism.

                                                            ii.      Serving – This person is into the practical applications of biblical insight. Do we need this person? Of course, but this person sometimes is very frustrated by all that aren’t doing it.

                                                          iii.      Teaching – This person is keyed to truth. They love to dig into the Word, sometimes even more than they like delivering what they have found. Need them? Yes! But this person can run into the danger of forgetting people while exploring ideas.

                                                          iv.      Exhortation – Encourager, Coach. Loves to challenge. Is very sensitive to growth and holiness in the body. Again, a wonderful gift but it has a danger of impatience with those that aren’t or don’t want to grow.

                                                            v.      Giving – This person has sensitivity to the resources of the church. They typically don’t like a big deal made out of them. Does the church need them? But the danger of this gift is becoming materialistic and believing that all can be solved with money.

                                                          vi.      Leading – This person has sensitivity to the will of God that is “what is God telling us?” This person loves to call people to this and even add direction to their efforts. Need them? Of course, but a danger of this gift is writing people off.

                                                        vii.      Showing Mercy – This person has sensitivity to the attitude and emotional state of the people and the church. Again, this gift is very special, but it can have a dangerous result when it evidences itself in disappointment with those that are not sensitive.

 

IV.              Some additional thoughts of application

a.       Do you see an area (or a couple of areas) that seem to be a lot like you?

b.      Can you receive the gift given to you by the Holy Spirit, or do you find yourself already looking over at another gift and wishing you had it?

c.       Do you see both the blessing and the dangers of the gift / gifts that you have?

d.      How do you see you offering your gift or gifts for God’s usage?