We Are In The Service
Bible Text: Romans 12 | Preacher: Rev. Dr. Lou Saldiveri | Series: Sunday Morning Worship | — Pastor Lou’s Notes —
Intro: A local church has many similarities with a human body. It is made up of many different parts all of which are essential to its health and effectiveness. You and I know all too well that when a part of the body decides not function properly, then the whole body hurts. However, when all the parts of the body are doing what they are supposed to do, it is a healthy body.
This morning, we will look at something remarkable. Last week, our brother Angelo focused on the new life we have in Christ. The old things are gone, and the new has come. It was an excellent message. In conjunction with Angel’s message from last week, the Bible says that Christ followers have a new citizenship. That citizenship is heaven and will be fully realized when Christ returns again. As a result, Paul tells us that in our new life in Christ and our new citizenship, He issues to us a wonderful call of duty. In this passage, Paul give us some great insights into the issue of spiritual gifts and the healthy of the body of Christ, e.g. the local church.
We Have a Duty to Worship e.g. Serve v. 1-2
In view of God’s great mercy and grace…
Present ourselves as living sacrifice to God
Don’t be pressed into the world’s mold, but be transformed by the Word and Spirit from the inside out
This keeps us fit for duty
This prepares us for effective ministry
We Serve Together in Humility v. 3-8
Don’t be prideful or personally demeaning
Work together in humility
Work together diligently
We Receive the Equipment, Power, and Desire to Serve God and His Church
Some of the gifts are mentioned
Prophesy
Serving
Teaching
Encouraging
Giving
Leading
Mercy
Conclusion: Perhaps you and I need a reminder of our calling as Christ followers. Perhaps you don’t know or are not clear on what spiritual gift or gifts God has given you to serve in the body of Christ.
We need to understand our call to duty
We need to know that we serve in His service for His glory and honor
We need to serve Him and each other in humility
We need to identify our spiritual gifts
https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/women-leadership-spiritual-gifts-growth-service