Established by Gospel & Word

Romans 16:25-27    
25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

God establishes us in Christ; He will absolutely finish the good work begun in us, by the grace of His gospel and the preaching of His word.  These mysteries of the Messiah that the Jews missed from the Old Testament have been revealed from the first beginnings in Genesis by His Spirit in us and the inspired words of the New Testament explaining the Old as they reveal Christ with His work and calling in and of us.  This gospel is now for those He calls from all nations at His word of command for our obedience of faith.  Therefore, God receives all the glory for His wisdom and work before time and into forever.  Amen! 

Naming Names

Romans 16:21-24   
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.  22 I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Those with Paul passed on their own greetings by the hand of Paul’s scribe (like a secretary).  He mentions them all by name as coworkers, countrymen, and as a church in the entirety.  Even the host where they stayed was mentioned by name, as well as the city treasurer and another brother in Christ.  It was all by the and for the grace of God in Jesus Christ that made them all important and as one.  This again is a sound guideline for us now, a pattern for inclusive fellowship, not cliques or favoritism.  Amen. 

Eternal Vigilance

Romans 16:17-20   
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

We are urged as the Roman believers to be watchful for bad teachers that do not align with the Scriptures.  They only cause divisions and offend God and man, not serving Christ nor His church, but only themselves.  Watch for smooth talk and false praise to win over others who do not know the Bible well.  But we are to be obedient to study the scriptures and cut them straight as we grow and teach each other.  The evil prey on the weak, so we must confront the feel good anti-biblical ones who preach health and wealth with shallow and unfounded love and peace at the expense of truth.  God will crush the serpent under His heel, but we live by grace and truth until then.  Be vigilant. 

Greetings - Saints and Church

Romans 16:12-16   
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.  16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

More greetings for coworkers in Christ.  They labored much in the Lord.  They had family in the flesh and in spirit.  They were all saints who were His.  So Paul named them and greeted with Christian affection in his name and in that of all the churches in Christ.  We would do best to follow his example, as we are compelled to imitate him as he imitates Christ.  Amen. 

Continue to Greet

Romans 16:6-11   
6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.  8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

More people to greet because they were on Paul’s mind and of his heart in Christ.  Some were notable for their faith and labor in the Lord, some were believers in a household, and some were coworkers with Paul in the gospel.  But in this inspired letter, they all were worth calling out to greet and are an example to remind us to greet each other as well. There should be no cliques, no favoritism, no cold shoulders in the house of God; those who do these things bring shame on themselves and dishonor the Lord who bought them at such a price.

Commendations

Romans 16:1-5   
1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. Greeting Roman Saints. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house.  Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.

Paul lifted up several servants of the church at the end of Romans.  He mentioned Phoebe and asked them to welcome and help her in her work to support the gospel laborers.  He brought attention to the couple of Priscilla and Aquila as co-laborers who put their lives on the line for Paul, and for the church meeting in their house.  He asked them to say hello to the first convert in Achaia as well.  In all these, Paul pointed to Christ working in them and himself as a joint effort.  We also work as a team, a body, in Christ for the gospel’s sake.  No one person is to be exalted.  The 20th and 21st century’s aberrations in the church which exalt a leader are not the biblical pattern.

Delivered and Refreshed

Romans 15:30-33    
30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Paul asked for prayers along with his own while he labored in the gospel, to be saved from the opposed and to serve God acceptably.  He wanted to see the joy in doing God’s will and to find times of refreshing of heart and strength of will to run that race.  He then prays for the God of peace to be with the readers.  Today is Christmas, and we pray for God’s word become man to bring peace to as many as He calls, that they may be reconciled with Him in His Son whose appearance into this world we celebrate.  Though existing before time and the universe, He entered as we are to suffer and die in our stead that we might be free from His wrath for our sin’s due accountability and death.  Glory to God in the highest, and peace in Christ to His people!

Journey of Serving

Romans 15:25-29   
25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

Paul headed to Jerusalem before going to Spain, because he had to bring aid from the gentile churches there to help the poor.  Since the Jews had given the spiritual inheritance of the Scriptures and of Christ, they in turn gave material assistance as part of the larger church whose head is Christ.  Then Paul was to go to Rome when on the way, bringing this work of blessings which is the Gospel of Christ.  He served all with the words of life for the life given them in His suffering, death, and resurrection. 

Hindered and Helped

Romans 15:22-24   
22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.

Paul desired greatly to visit and fellowship with the Roman believers, but the work of the gospel to those who never heard consumed him, and he was delayed.  When the work was done, then he wrote them of his plans to come and stop on his way to the next field of labor, Spain.  He asked for their help and company (fellowship) as he stopped there on the way.  So those about their master’s business today can follow this pattern, caring and communicating as they go where God directs for those who need to hear, even above personal desires and friendships.  This is how Paul poured himself out as a drink offering for others. 

The Aim: Hit the Mark

Romans 15:17-21  
17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, 21 but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand.”

Paul gives the example to glory in God’s work in Christ which He used in him to reach the nations.  Christ accomplished all the work, not Paul.  So he preached the words of life to those who never heard as the scripture said in Isaiah 52:15 as foretold.  We too are sent by Christ to those who need to hear with this great news of life in Christ, reconciling others to Him.  We make it our aim, the goal of living, to preach the gospel. We also do not boast, knowing it is His work in us and never our own. 

Active Faith

Romans 15:14-16   
14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Paul commended these believers in Rome for their active faith seen in goodness as they encouraged and corrected each other.  Yet Paul still challenged them as he held nothing back, reminding of God’s grace in him to bring the gospel to the nations as His servant.  He reminded them God made them holy by His work and Spirit working in him and them.  We see here that serving God includes speaking matter of factly, openly addressing issues head on with love under God’s enabling grace and love.  This is how we must be as a church.

God of Promised Hope

Romans 15:8-13   
8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.” 10 And again he says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!” 11 And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” 12 And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”  13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus came to bring truth not only to His chosen people Israel as promised, but also to the nations so we all could give God the glory for this calling as His people.  This gospel is to be told to all as promised to Abraham and witnessed by the prophets, and this means we all can rejoice together!  So God gives hope, joy and peace to the world of those who believe, for His Spirit in us gives the power to hope and persevere.  This work done in Christ alone gives the hope, joy, peace, and its power - the gospel is why we celebrate Christmas.  He has given the greatest gift, reconciling Jew and Gentile to Himself. 

Glorifying Unity

Romans 15:5-7   
5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

God gives comfort and patience to us as we bear with the weaknesses and scruples of others still maturing in Christ in various areas.  So we are to be of a like mind together as Christ suffered and bears long with us.  If we so accept each other as Christ does us, without judgment but in grace and mercy, then together we are able to give all the glory to God in Him.  As a body which is the totality of all regenerated followers of Christ, the church, we are so to work together as we mature in the truth and life imitating Him and growing into His likeness. 

Bear With the Weak

Romans 15:1-4   
1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

When we find freedom and truth in areas such as food restrictions, we do not make it our aim to convince other believers, but bear with that weakness as God teaches them by His word and Spirit.  The goal is to build each other up, not to tear down and cause anger or self righteousness or hurt.  Even Psalm 69:9 quoted here revealed Jesus’ zeal for God’s house, yet also showed He took the reproaches for us, suffering for our sin.  The hope He gives by that work leading to the cross should give us the example to be patient and take on the weaknesses of our brethren. 

Pursue Peace as Possible

Romans 14:19-23  
19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

We must strive for peace in action and reconciliation on our part, looking to build up others, not tearing down God’s work in our brethren.  As before, this includes those weak in faith who avoid certain foods for a religious reason.  Instead of causing others to fall, we know our liberty in Christ and know we have no condemnation.  So we are not to condemn others who do not eat from faith yet.  We eat all God gives as good by faith, and it is God who uses us to lovingly reveal the whole counsel of God and the freedom from Law’s works.  Let us do this in love, without offense. 

Eating and Drinking

Romans 14:14-18   
14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

God had told Moses and Israel to avoid certain foods as a way to teach holiness and obedience, not to punish when they ate the wrong things; the punishment was for their disobedience and sin, not the food.  Now in Christ we can eat all because it is given by God, and be at peace because He has given us His righteousness so we can obey the law in its true intent now in our renewed hearts.  So we do not mandate this freedom to brothers and sisters in Christ, but agree on the essentials as we let God do the work in this area.  We must not offend to instruct, but be acceptable to God in this freedom from sin as we teach, allowing His Spirit to open the eyes of understanding to the riches and liberty in Christ. 

We are Accountable!

Romans 14:10-13   
10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.

God judges and condemns or pardons as He wills and tells us; that is never our task, for we ourselves are pardoned by Christ’s merit alone.  We exercise discerning judgment but not condemning judgment for loving discipline that God works in them as He uses us, but they answer to Him.  So we must not look down or badly on others, but commit them to the Judge of all who knows the hearts of us.  We all submit to worship Him in the end, so we cannot condemn others and cause them to trip as they walk with our Lord.  We should rather be looking to build up and correct with pure motives in resolve for their eternal welfare that they may be kept from falling. 

Observing, Living, Dying to Lord

Romans 14:5-9   
5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Some observe a day of rest out of the week, while others consider every day a rest from their own works as a rest of grace in God’s completed work on the cross.  The same goes for what we eat, as thankful to God for all things, knowing we live for the one who died for us.  We are His, and acknowledge that Christ died for us and rose to life to give us life as well.  Therefore we live for Him and not ordinances to earn the right to be His; He has done it all!  All we do now is as the Lord’s freedman for His honor and glory.  We both die to self and live - for Him...

Indisputable Reception

Romans 14:1-4    
1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

The essentials of the faith should be what we address to ensure a right view of who God, Christ, the Spirit, and we are and our state (and salvation).  Minor things like being a vegetarian or eating all God gives as good are not essential, and time with God and His word reveals those, even the question of a sabbath day.  So we are not to judge other believers in the minors, just the majors to ensure sound teaching for understanding on those things.  God will help with the minor points, so we should not judge there.  Ultimately we all answer to God for all we each hold to, but we are also called to encourage and correct other believers in Love. 

High Time to Wake Up!

Romans 13:11-14    
11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Wake up!  That is the message to Christ followers here.  The time we have here is short, and we are to make the most of it for the kingdom of God in Christ.  The closer we get to the consummation of our salvation, the more we should be progressing to be like Him in our sanctification.  The darkness we we called out of that is the world will be illuminated by Him as we put on spiritual armor and fight the good fight, so we must live in the righteousness we are called to.  We cannot live as those around us nor for our own desires to satisfy self, but as the proper example Christ gave and works in us - for the glory of God, aiming toward holiness because and as He is. 

Law of Love

Romans 13:8-10   
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

What must we absolutely give to each other?  The same kind of love God gave us in Christ - unconditional and merciful actions and attitudes from our innermost being.  This covers all of the commandments of God, from purity in relationships to responses and intents, with respect and care.  Love is what we should give equally to ourselves and others without scale or measure.  If we truly do all that helps our neighbor, we are obeying God’s law from the heart and not in pretense or with sour motives.  But love that is concerned with the welfare of others is not mere overly sweet emotions, but speaks truth and corrects as well as encourages. 

Preaching: Suffering to Glory

Psalms 22:1, 31   
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?  ... 31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.

Today I will be preaching on Psalm 22.  This begins with King David’s utter suffering and despair with unanswered prayer, which  ends in praise when his anguished prayers are heard and he is delivered from his enemies at last.  How often we pray in the midst of troubles and have no answer in sight as we cry out morning and night, yet we trust God for who He is and all He has done for His people.  We are conflicted, yet trusting.  So we cling to Him and His promises.  This Psalm shows our distance from God is only taken away by Him, and not our efforts or deeds, so we also trust and pray as we obey...

http://www.wbfva.org/sermons/sermon/2017-12-10/suffering-to-glory

Taxes, Customs, Fear, Honor

Romans 13:4-7   
4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

The leaders God puts in place are for the ultimate good, even when we cannot see it (Rom.8:28).  So when we break the laws, we deserve the consequences, for we also disobey God.  We obey to keep a good conscience, knowing we do right even when others mean it for evil.  Even taxes are to be paid, customs honored (to the leaders we don’t like or disagree with), and those in authority are to be given respect and honor for the position God placed them in.  All governments answer to God in the end, and we are to live right before Him and under those He appoints, as we also answer for our part. 

Sovereign Subjects

Romans 13:1-3   
1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

Because God is sovereign, He controls even nations and politics.  All leaders are set in place for His purpose, even when that reason is not aligned with how we insist it has to be.  So when we fight against or criticize in an ungodly way, we are resisting God’s will, and even God Himself.  In the end, we can bring judgment down as it says here, and the rulers may be a terror to us if we fight unlawfully.  If we instead do good, however, and let God’s purpose and will be done, even when there appears to be much to complain about or resist, we have a clear conscience before God and man. 

Overcoming Evil

Romans 12:17-21   
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”  21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

God will punish in just judgment at the end.  We are no one’s judge, but God’s messengers to bring good new in words of life.  So we must reward evil with good, not vengeance, praying God will have mercy on others that they may feel what little good we repay and consider His judgement and available forgiveness.  We lay on them the heat of God’s word that tells what is to come, hoping for repentance to life.  Furthermore, we should not just retaliate with love, but actively seek to meet the needs of our enemies with undeserved love.  This is how to be victorious over evil - by doing our part of good to keep peace (even when the other does not do good in kind) and warning of God as the only judge and His coming wrath on sin. 

Empathy and Enemies

Romans 12:14-16   
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Serving others out of the grace, mercy, and forgiveness given us comes out with love in action.  Here we are commanded to not retaliate with ill will when attacked, but to bless the persecutor for their good.  Who knows if God’s grace through us may be the avenue He uses to open the eyes of their heart?  So we are to empathize in humility, not thinking ourselves better or more wise, but as everyone else, created in God’s image for His glory through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are only so wise as His wisdom guides us humbly to His word and God Himself, who alone is only wise.  Our opinion is not wisdom, but folly if it is not founded entirely on that word.

Love Without Hypocrisy

Romans 12:9-13   
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Because of the gifts and calling, we must exercise these in love and grace actively to each other.  True love is straightforward and has no hidden side or agenda.  We are to hate what is evil as we hold good tightly to our breast, showing that good in acts of sacrificial, generous love to each other.  So we must be zealous in these good outworking areas as we serve our Lord and meet the needs of others.  This helps us to have joy in hope and steadfastness in trials while we call on God constantly. 

Gifts of and for Grace

Romans 12:6-8   
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.

Humility in Christ leads us to use the Spirit given gifts of grace.  Whether we speak inspired understanding of the text in speaking, teaching, or preaching, or if we serve others or stir others up to run the race, it must be done by His enabling and for His glory, never our own.  To give generously, lead diligently, and cheerfully show mercy instead of harshness or judgment - this is how we humbly serve Christ and one another as His by His calling.  Generously, graciously, and diligently.  But all by His gifts and power and wisdom. 

Humble Pie Slices

Romans 12:3-5   
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.

Knowing God’s work in us to conform us to Christ, knowing His mercy and grace in our yielding and serving with obedience as pleasing children - so we are humbled with these sobering realities.  All faith we have is dealt out by God to us, it is nothing we can conjure up or strive to create.  Therefore, we look at the body of Christ, the church, with each of us in our roles within it.  We are together in Him, so we ought to humbly work together as He gives the desires and abilities to do so.  We belong to Him and so to each other for His glory.  One is not more important nor glorious than another when He is all and is alone due all glory and praise.

Transformational Obedience

Romans 12:1-2    
1 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.

We are implored to rely on God’s mercy and compassion to do what is only right to serve Him in return, not to earn bit to please as we are called to.  So we must lay down our lives daily to let Him live in us, as we seek to live in a way wholly set apart for His gospel.  This means living toward holiness in an acceptable way to please the one who bought us at such a great price.  He then changes us from the inside of our thoughts, reason, and affections by that grace.  Only by yielding and striving in His wisdom and strength on the altar of death to self will we show forth His complete will that is good in His eyes.  Let us be ever willing sacrifices on His grace. 

Deep Riches of God

Romans 11:33-36   
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!  34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor?” 35 “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?”  36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

God’s knowledge and wisdom are infinite in dimension and action!  His judgment and mercy are beyond our frail powers of reason compared to the Almighty, for we cannot begin to know beyond what He has revealed to us - and even that takes a lifetime with His work through the mind of Christ given to comprehend the mere edges of His ways.  We are unable to give Him anything that deserves a reward... the glory is His alone, for all comes from and goes back to the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.  Yet He chooses to reveal much to us in Christ through His word by His presence within we whom He called out.  Knowing this should humble us in awe and ever-thankful wonder.