Rom. 12:6-8—Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;  the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Over the past two weeks we have looked at Romans 12 and its teaching on service. The Apostle Paul directed us to the importance of service, our attitude in service, and the motivation for service. We are united to Christ, a part of his Body, and, by the Spirit, have been blessed with varying spiritual gifts. Humble service is a privilege won for us in Christ, and it is our grateful response for God’s grace.

As Paul concludes his instruction in vs. 6-8, he basically tells us, “Since we are one body with different gifts … let us use them.” To the Apostle, this exhortation was a ‘no brainer.’ He is expecting us to connect some dots. Since God has graciously gifted us, then surely, we should employ them. As professing Believers, we should not live the Christian life independent of one another. Lone Ranger Christians are not to exist in the church. In the 17th century, Jacob Bauthemley, an English sectarian, declared, “I do not expect to be taught by bibles or books, but by God . . . men should be guided by that inward law of righteousness within.” He believed he was not in need of others using their God given gifts for his benefit. It was just ‘he and Jesus,’ and that was it. 

Sometimes professing Christians can functionally have a similar attitude. They don’t come to church regularly to be served the Word and Sacraments. And they don’t frequently go to serve the Body either. “Me, Jesus, and my Bible,” is their practical motto. But loving Christ entails loving the Body he died for and using our gifts to support it. Couch potato Christianity won’t work. We are not gifted by the Spirit to sit around. Life in the church is not a spectator sport, where we watch everyone else labor, while we sit in the stands. We are called to be active. Paul says, if one has the gift of prophecy, use it. If it’s service, serve. If it’s contributing, give. If it’s leading, bring direction. If it’s showing mercy, provide comfort to people.

The gifts listed here are not comprehensive. Others are mentioned elsewhere (1 Cor. 12, 1 Pet. 4). However, we could generally group gifts into two categories, speaking gifts and serving gifts. Not all the gifts described in the New Testament continue today. Some, like prophecy, were for a season in redemptive history, testifying to the advent of Christ’s kingdom. Prophecy was a part of the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20) and has ceased, with the completion of the biblical canon. Click here to learn more about this position called ‘cessationism.’

Paul’s point in Romans 12:6-8 is gifts given by the Spirit are to be used. In whatever way God has gifted you, employ them for the benefit of this congregation, your family, and our community. If you do not know what your gifts are, pray about it. Ask others who know you to give insight. Come to the elders and deacons and seek their guidance. And be willing to try different things, even things that are outside your comfort zone.  

And vs. 8, Paul says we are to serve generously, zealously, and cheerfully. It’s not enough for us to exercise our gifts, but that we do it with the right heart. Gifts are to be used not for selfish gain or to get attention. And they are not to be withheld for selfish reasons saying, “I’ve paid my dues in service.”  ‘Me-centeredness’ and biblical service are contradictory. We have not merited Christ’s work on the Cross, the blessing of his resurrection, and the gifts he bestows. Jesus has graciously imparted to us ‘what we don’t deserve.’ Using our gifts is the right response to his grace.

—Pastor Clif