Scripture to Read: Romans 12:6–8
God taught us yesterday that we belong to the body of Christ and that we have a specific purpose within His body. So, God had Paul continue to define our role within the body of Christ in Romans 12:6–8, Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. God reminds us that our gifts are different and the only reason we have these gifts is because of God’s grace. So, we have salvation due to God’s grace and God has given us these gifts because of His grace. Since we have these gifts, we are to use them in the way God designed them to be used. God had Paul give some examples of some of the gifts He gives, but this list is definitely not complete. God wants us to understand that the gifts He’s given us are to be used so that His body is healthy and growing. Through Christ, and His Spirit in us, His body (His church, in all its different parts) is joined together as one. Then, when each part is working correctly, Christ’s body grows and matures as it should and we flourish as His children through His love, which He’s freely given us so that we give His love away.
Challenge & Application
· Why has God given so many different gifts within His body?
· How are you using the gifts God has given to you, and are you fulfilling His purpose for you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!