“Be fervent in the Spirit, serve the Lord.”

Romans 12:11b

Last week, we talked about putting all of our effort into serving God, being all in, and pursuing Him with everything we have.

The phrase we are looking at this morning is be fervent in the Spirit. The word fervent means: displaying a passionate intensity. Paul is telling us that the use of our gifts is not a private matter. It is an intensely public issue. How do I know that? If you’re truly passionate about something, it shines through; people can always tell. Think about the things you care about most, then ask yourself how often those topics come up when you talk to people. Most of the time, the people close to us know the conversations we will want to have with them before we show up. If they don’t, I would say you are not really passionate about anything, and that is not good. So, back to the phrase. We are called to be publicly passionate about what the Spirit is doing in and through us, and with that passion, to truly “serve the Lord.” The phrase “serve the Lord” is important. It’s all too easy to get passionate about something and end up serving ourselves instead. That happens every day. Paul says we are to be so connected to the Spirit that our desire is not for ourselves but for God. Our actions of service will prove our desire.

Are your actions proving your desire to serve God? Or do they show your desire to serve self?

Pastor Tim

“Do not lack diligence in zeal;”

Romans 12:11a

Last week I spent two days thinking about this phrase, and it was kind of convicting! I know what you are thinking. How can a phrase like this be convicting? Thanks for asking. Because you asked, I will explain. First of all, it is kind of strange wording. Think about it with me: “do not lack diligence”—the word diligent means to put energetic effort into something. So, Paul tells us to put all of our energy into zeal. What? Well, zeal means putting uncompromising effort into one’s beliefs. Remember, these verses are describing how we use our gifts for God. Paul is basically telling us to put everything we have into serving God. Nothing held back, all in, all the energy we have, all of our thought process, every part of us completely sold out to God's purpose.

It is so easy to become lazy with my beliefs and my desire to serve God. It is easy to take on the attitude that it doesn’t matter how engaged I am with God or how deeply I allow God to affect my life and my daily choices. The next thing we know, complacency slips in, and we find ourselves compromising in small areas, which will begin to affect larger parts of our lives.

That is why Paul is super clear about being diligent. How diligent are you being as you serve God?

Pastor Tim

“Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another.”

Romans 12:10

As we looked at verse 9 a few weeks ago we saw we were told to “let love be without hypocrisy.” The word used for love in verse 9 is the word agape - which means unconditional or God-like love. The word love used in verse 10 is the word phileo, which means family-like devotion and affection. Remember these two verses, 9 and 10, are describing how we use our gifts. So, Paul is saying we serve others with God-like love, unconditionally, not because they deserve it but because of God in us. Then we are to serve them with family love because we are children of God living as members of the same family. What I find interesting about this verse is Paul does not leave it at just showing love to each other. He takes it the next step and tells us to be the first to honor others. The word used for honor here means value; we are responsible to show those we live life with their value to us and to the body of Christ. All of us are valuable and add value to the church, and we often forget that about ourselves and others.

When was the last time you showed loved to a brother or sister in Christ by reminding them of the value they add to the body? If it has been a while, today would be a good time to do it again.

Pastor Tim

“Detest evil, cling to what is good.”

Romans 12:9b

Detest: strongly dislike, hate

What do you hate? What are you allowed to hate? Is there anything God wants you to hate? Let's just be super clear, God detests (hates) sin. Why? He is a holy God who cannot allow sin in His presence; that is determined by his character. He also detests sin because of its effect on us. Sin separates us from the relationship with him that he created us for, and he hates that.

So, how do we combat evil? How do we come to hate evil? Thankfully, God through Paul gives us the how: “cling to what is good.” In order to cling to what is good, we have to know what is good. How do I know what is good?

I believe the only way to know what is good is to know truth. The only way to know truth is to spend time with the one who is truth, God. We do that by spending time in the Word of God. As the truth seeps into our hearts and we begin to live it out, we will naturally detest all that is evil. Truth and evil cannot live in the same space. The more truth (God) we fill our hearts and minds with, the less room there is for evil to take root and live in us. The truth (God) will push out the evil that wants to control and own us.

Do you detest evil? Maybe better put, do you love truth? Cling to what is good!

Pastor Tim

Let love be without hypocrisy.

Romans 12:9a

Let's remember the verses we just read last week about using our gifts. Remember, “ Just use them.” This verse speaks to the attitude we need to have as we use them. The first motivation is “love.” What does Paul mean by that? The word love used in this verse is the word agape--which is a sacrificial and selfless love, not an emotional love. It is based on action and choice, not reciprocated because of a previous action by someone else. So the motivation for using the gift God gave us is because we love Him and we love those who need to be ministered to. The second part of the phrase says “without hypocrisy.” The word hypocrisy means to claim a moral standing or belief that you do not practice. Paul is telling us to be sure that we not only say we love people but that we are walking out that love for people, that as we use our gifts, we are not using them to be seen by others and applauded for our gifts, but to simply care for others with the love of Christ because we care. Basically, Paul is telling us to keep our interactions with others simple; just love them.

How well do you think you love others? Can they tell?

Pastor Tim

If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

Rom12:6b-8

First of all, be aware that the list of gifts given here is not complete. This is just a sample of the gifts, and the point of the list given is not to explain the gifts. The point of these few verses is really found in the action that is commanded. Notice that Paul is not making a suggestion that we might want to use our gifts. These verses are basically telling us that as followers of Jesus, we have a gift and we should discover it. Then once it is discovered, we are to use it. Each gift is stated, and then Paul simply says, “Do it.” Don’t overthink it, don’t ask permission, don’t second-guess it, just do it. I think that is a real problem for most people. It is too simple. You may be thinking I am crazy to make that statement, but think about it for a moment. How many simple things do you know you should do each day or on a regular basis, and yet you don’t do them? I don’t have to list them; you already have a list going in your mind. I have a list in my mind. Paul knows this about us, because Paul was no different than us; he struggled to do the right things. If you wonder about that, just look at his words in Romans 7.

Did you notice how Paul ended verse 8? With cheerfulness. It isn’t enough to just use our gifts; we must do it with a cheerful disposition. Why? Because the use of our gift brings glory to God and points others to God. The use of our gift is for God's good, not ours.

Pastor Tim

According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts:

Romans 12:6a

First off, let's notice that the gifts are just that, they are gifts. They are not something we deserve or something we have earned. They are not in us because of some skill we have mastered or because of years of study. The gifts we have come as an act of grace (giving us something we do not deserve) from God's loving hand. They are given to us on purpose for a purpose. God never does anything without intention. As we will find out in the next few phrases, we are expected to use our gifts for God's kingdom and His glory. We are never given an ability or gift that we just allow to sit and not be used. The next thought we are given here is that we all as individual Christ followers have different gifts. Paul just said this to us in the previous verse, but repeating truths makes them stick. It is so important to be reminded that we are all different as Christ followers. We come from different backgrounds, different families, different forms of education, different ways of thinking, and different perspectives on the world. God adds a gift to that mix called “life” and tells us all to use it for Him and His glory. We are to celebrate those differences and lean in to them to build the church, together.

Pastor Tim

“In the same way we who are many are one body in Christ,”

Romans 12:5a

Last week, we chatted about how amazing our bodies are when all of the members do the part they were designed to do. The body of Christ, the Church, is equally amazing. All of those who have become Christ followers make up the body called the church. Now, a thought that always grabs my attention is how Christ followers judge each other because of their differences. When other believers do something or view things differently than I do, my tendency is to question or make a judgment about their heart or motive, instead of seeing the value in their difference. Paul is being super clear that all of the members should be different. We are unified by our faith in Jesus Christ as our only way to God. One God, one Father, one hope in our calling, but different in our gifting and abilities. As our bodies have one head that controls us, so Christ is the head of the church, and He controls His church. But it is the differences of the body that make it strong. When those different gifts and abilities are given the freedom to do what they are good at, then the body (church) will do amazing things for the glory of God.

Take a minute today and identify some other believers who function differently than you, pray for them and encourage them. Celebrate the fact that God has made them the way they are.

Pastor Tim

“Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function,”

Romans 12:4

May I just start this morning by saying how much I appreciate this verse? Obviously, Paul is drawing our attention to how our physical bodies function. Our bodies are made up of various parts that do not look like each other; actually one might say they are nothing like each other. But when each part is doing what it is supposed to do, the body works in a marvelous way. Think of all the actions you are capable of; think of the work, fun, eating, and life you are able to live because of all of the different parts. Each part is distinct, filling a role that is unique to itself, yet when done in conjunction with the other parts, marvelous things happen. But stop for a moment and ponder what would happen if your hands got jealous of your eyes and decided to get rid of them, or what if your hands decided to try to become your eyes. What if you thought you could teach your feet to smell (they wouldn’t be able to stand themselves). Think of how confused and clumsy you would be.

It is only when all of the parts of the body are functioning the way they are supposed to that the body is healthy and performs at its best.

Take a moment and marvel at how God made your body and how each part makes the whole body work. Be amazed!!

Pastor Tim

First of all, let's set the stage for this little thought. Paul is talking to us from a place of love for us, not from judgment. It is important that we are aware of this; otherwise we will feel beaten up instead of encouraged to grow.

The topic is God's view of us. We often look at ourselves from our own point of view, and why wouldn’t we? It is kind of the only way we have to think without God. In this verse, Paul tells us that we should not be thinking about how good we think we are, or how special or how talented we are. Instead, we should realize that God made all people with gifts and abilities, and we all bring something to each other that can be useful and helpful. We should have a normal view of ourselves. How? Paul answers that in the last half of the verse. By seeing myself through my faith in God. Another way of saying that would be, being aware that all I am is a gift from God to be used for His glory. Paul will break this truth down more for us in the next few verses.

How do you see yourself?

“...what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

Romans 12:2b

If I have heard it once, I have heard it a hundred times: “What is God's will for me?” A common question, often thought to be mysterious and difficult to figure out. We need to put all of Romans 12:2 together in order to understand the key to knowing the will of God. “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Did you notice the key to knowing God’s will? It is only through the transforming of your mind that you can figure out (discern) not just the general will, but “the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.” So once again, the question is, how do I transform my mind? Is it through the power of positive thinking? Is it by hanging out with good people? Is it by getting a great education? Is it by going to church and small group? Although all of these things are wonderful, they will not produce the lasting results you want. Really, there is only one way to renew my mind. It is by filling it with the Living Words of God, the Bible. The Words of God are words of life; the Holy Spirit will bring them alive in you and cause them to change everything about your life. As you yield to God's words, you will be living out God’s will for you.

Sounds easy, right?

Pastor Tim

“So that you may discern...” Romans 12:2

There is a purpose in the “renewing of our mind.” First of all, the purpose is to be like Christ, but it is as much external as it is internal. Do you know what I mean by that? Often we talk about and focus on the internal work of God in us; He redeems our souls for eternity. That is correct. But it is not just for eternity, he saves us for the here and now. “So that you may discern” has to do with us living our everyday lives. It is our ability to know how God would have us react and respond to the people and circumstances we are part of each day. Filling our minds with the Word of God gives us the ability to have Holy-Spirit-filled answers to the difficulties and victories of life. A renewed mind gives us a grid of truth to make decisions in. Otherwise we make our decisions through the framework of what we like and what others think of us--pretty unstable and always changing. What framework have you been using to discern what you should do next? The Word of God or your own wisdom and ability?

-Pastor Tim

“By the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2

How do I continue in a place of worship? How do I conform to the image of Jesus? There is only one way! By allowing the Holy Spirit to take the living Words of God (the Bible) to transform my mind into the mind of Christ. Paul says, “by renewing your mind.” Why? Because our minds from the moment of our birth are infected by sin. No one had to teach us to be sinful, right? No one taught us to be selfish, proud, boastful, angry, resentful, envious, hateful, greedy, arrogant, to lie, or to blame God. From our birth our minds lean toward sin, and left on our own we won’t just lean toward sin, we will pursue it and remain in bondage to it. So, how do we fight against that? One way only, by the renewing of our mind with the truth of God’s Word. Remember, God’s words from the Bible are alive. Hebrews says they are alive and powerful, piercing into our hearts, cutting out the sin. Painful but wonderful.

Are you allowing the Word of God to renew your mind? You can’t be if you are not reading it!

-Pastor Tim

“Do not be conformed to this age.” Romans 12:2a

If true worship of God is me giving my reverence and adoration to Him, then my mind asks the question, how do I continue doing that? Well, Paul, when he wrote Romans 12, knew we would need to know that, so he told us in his next phrase, “Do not be conformed to this age.” Another translation puts it this way: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world.” We need to understand that the behaviors and customs of Christ are much different than those of this world. Think about it, Jesus says, “Others before self.” World: “Me first.” Jesus: “Turn the other cheek.” World: “Stand up for yourself.” Jesus: “If your enemy is hungry or thirsty, feed them.” World: “Turn your back, they deserve it.” Notice a stark difference. Keep looking at the words of Jesus, and you will notice that the Jesus world and the earth world are very different. Paul says, “You want to stay in true worship? Then conform to Christ, not to the world you are living in.”

Whose world do you look like?

-Pastor Tim

“This is your true worship.” Romans 12:1b

Last week we talked about presenting ourselves to God as holy and pleasing. We realized that doing that was only possible if we yielded and submitted to the Holy Spirit each day. Presenting ourselves in this manner is an act of worship. How? Worship is an expression of reverence (respect) and adoration (deep love) for a deity. So, when we come before God in an attitude of submission and with a yielded heart to His will and ways, we are showing our reverence for God as a person and for His character; we are expressing our love for who he is. We are worshipping Him.

Now, if that is how our worship is defined, then we need to ask ourselves if our worship is most often directed toward God, or toward some other place or person. This question more than likely leads you to another question, which is: How do I know where I am directing my worship? Let me give you two questions that will help you determine who or what you are worshipping.

1. Who or what has my deepest respect?

2. Who or what do I most deeply love?

How far down the list did God land?

Pastor Tim