How can diversity and harmony exist in the same place? (Answer: two key words in verse 5.) In Romans 12:3-8, Paul uses the human body as an illustration of how Christians with different gifts should think about themselves and relate to one another. What gift has God given you, and how will you use that gift to build up Christ’s body, the church? (Note that Romans 12:7-8 is not an exhaustive list of spiritual gifts. See also 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4:1-16; etc.) Meditate on Romans 12:5: “…each member belongs to all the others.” What would that look like at Southside? What are some barriers that can thwart this from happening?
And a challenge: how does Romans 12:3-8 connect to 12:1-2?
Finally, if any are interested in reflecting on the inventory questions asked this past Sunday, see the following:
- Who at SS can you be vulnerable with? If no one, what steps will you take to change that?
- How often do you initiate contact with members of this church? How often do members of this church initiate contact with you?
- What life groups/bible studies could you join?
- What steps will you take to overcome any fears of sharing Christ with lost people you know?
- Who in your life might attend/watch service if you invited them? Will you do so?
- Evaluate your life in light of Acts 4:23-31. What response)s) is the Holy Spirit calling you to make?
Listen to the sermon: