Romans 12:3-8

3God’s grace has been given to me. So here is what I say to every one of you. Don’t think of yourself more highly than you should. Be reasonable when you think about yourself. Keep in mind the faith God has given to each of you. 4Each of us has one body with many parts. And the parts do not all have the same purpose. 5So also we are many persons. But in Christ we are one body. And each part of the body belongs to all the other parts. 
6We all have gifts. They differ according to the grace God has given to each of us. Do you have the gift of prophecy? Then use it according to the faith you have. 7If your gift is serving, then serve. If it is teaching, then teach. 8Is it encouraging others? Then encourage them. Is it giving to others? Then give freely. Is it being a leader? Then work hard at it. Is it showing mercy? Then do it cheerfully.

1a. Be humble and respect others 

• Verse 3; “God’s grace has been given to me. So here is what I say to every one of you. Don’t think of yourself more highly than you should. Be reasonable when you think about yourself. Keep in mind the faith God has given to each of you”
•
1b.  You have been given faith

• You must grow that faith – Practice 
• Read the word and practice it over fear and worry etc

Verses 3. …. Keep in mind the faith God has given to each of you. 

1c. We are one body in Christ

You matter to the body of Christians. What is your role in this body?
It is not just about coming to church and going home, you are a part of a living body. 

Romans 12:4&5 “ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 

It is not just coming to church and going home but you a part of a holy body”

2.  We all have gifts.
You can’t say you don’t have a gift.
verse 6; We all have gifts. They differ according to the grace God has given to each of us…

How do we understand these gifts?
1 Corinthians 12:7-  10 - Gifts of the Holy Spirit 
• 9 Gifts ; the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miracles, prophecy, distinguishing of spirits, various kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.
•
Ephesians 4:9  - Gifts of the Son”
5 Gifts ; Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers,

Verse 7. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Romans 12:6-8
Father’s grace gifts to the church 

Verse 6 We all have gifts. They differ according to the grace God has given to each of us.

They are gifts because of God’s grace 
Once you become a Christian; having been saved by Grace; God Grace you with these gifts 

The gifts
1. Prophesy – according to your faith 
Verse 6; …Do you have the gift of prophecy? Then use it according to the faith you have. 

• Prophesy – foretell or forthtell 
• Foretell – prediction 
• Forth-tell – speaking God’s word by faith with expectation of its manifestations.

2. Service – waiting on God’s people
You can serve with your skills, time, resources eg. cooking
3. Teaching; explaining God’s word 
4. Encouraging – bring joy & peace  with God’s word
5. Giving – to the need of the Church – remember – the body – the church 
- “…Then give freely.” No strings attached 
6. Leader - work hard at it
7. Mercy – charitable ministry and intercession 

Conclusion
You  have the grace of God 
You have the gift of God
You can make the difference in church and other lives.