Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Instruction Manual for Life

Romans 12:6a Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them:
Let's take a look at the list given in Romans 12;
1) Prophecy
2) Ministry
3) Teaching
4) Exhortation (1. The form of words intended to incite and encourage. 2. Advice; counsel.)
5) Giving
6) Leading
7) Mercy (Pity; compassion manifested towards a person in distress. Charity, or the duties of charity and benevolence.)

We all have different gifts, different callings just as each member of our body has different functions, so does the Body of Christ. Whatever our gifts are (which would fall into one of the above 7 "headings") we need to be committed to them unto The Lord as we will see as we move through Romans 12.

Look at the verse Paul follows this list up with:
Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

This verse makes it clear that the condition of our heart is HUGE. Are we giving out of love or obligation. Are we serving out of love or attention. Are we teaching out of love or pride. Are we evangelizing out of love or arrogance. We need to be loving, gentle and meek in all we do. I know for me, I have remnants (or maybe more than remnants) of pride and cockiness from when I was a selfish pagan rat. The Lord continues to transform me and prune out the garbage, I pray for more meekness and humility frequently.

Reading the second half of verse 9, I got the cling to what is good part, but I didn't know what "abhor" meant so I looked it up. Abhor means: "to hate extremely". We have no problem "hating extremely" what we consider evil, but do we "hate extremely" what God considers evil?

As we examine this list of 7 that Paul gives, and consider our gifts and calling; how does Paul say we should approach our calling?

Romans 12:10-11 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;
Paraphrase based on Websters definition of lagging, diligence and fervent: We are not to act slowly, but instead be steady in our application and earnest and excited in our attitude serving The Lord.

As we commit to our calling in love and humility with excitement and steadfastness, how should we react to the world?
Rom 12:12-18 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
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.
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.

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