The Daily Fountain Devotional Wednesday, October 5, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
TOPIC: SPIRITUAL GIFTS FOR CHURCH GROWTH
TEXT: Romans 12:3-21
3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Wednesday, October 5, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
Paul lists what can be called the gifts of grace which are rooted in the power given by God to each believer to fulfil various ministries in the church. They are inward desires as well as enablement given by the Holy Spirit to individual believers in order to build up the people of God and express God's love to others. Since the gifts come from God, there can be no basis considering oneself higher than others or portraying a 'holier-than the gifts come from God, there can be no basis for considering oneself higher than others or portraying a 'holier-than-thou' attitude.
Paul likens Christians to parts of a human body: There are many members and each member has a different function. One's primary gift does not exclude the exercise of any other gifts as the need may arise. What kind of spiritual gift do you possess? How are you using it for the growth of the church? (Eph. 4:12).
As devoted Christians, we must be devoted to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ with a sincere, kind, and tender affection. Christians have a social responsibility to one another (v.13). We should be concerned about other believers' welfare, needs and spiritual conditions, sympathising with them, and helping them in their sorrows and troubles. We must be eager to respect and honour the good qualities in other believers. Caring and sharing enhance church growth, spiritually, numerically, and financially.
Thought: Can you remember ever helping any Christian in need?