Confident and Good ~ A Peek Into Romans 12

May 24, 2012 By 2 Comments
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Romans

Every month we’re reading a different book of the Bible together. Challenging ourselves.

Not to say that we’ve read it, but to be changed by God and His Word.

Not because of rules, but because God desires us to spend time with Him and deepen our relationship. I hope you’ll join us.

There’s so much in Romans I can’t help but just pick a few things out. Today these verses stuck out to me…. (Romans 12:3-8)

God’s grace has been given to me. So here is what I say to every one of you. Don’t think of yourself more highly than you should. Be reasonable when you think about yourself. Keep in mind the amount of faith God has given you.

I’d like to think that I’m not prideful, but really I am. I don’t want to be and deny it when I first think of it. I don’t look at people and think I’m so much better. But, I wonder if deep down the fact that I am seeking to follow Jesus, there may be a part of me that feels confident (& confident in my own actions rather than being confident in Christ Jesus.) Something I need to pray about.

Each of us has one body with many parts. And the parts do not all have the same purpose. So also we are many persons. But in Christ we are one body. And each part of the body belongs to all the other parts.

I love this picture. We all have a purpose. We all are needed. We are united if we are placing our faith and trust in Jesus.

We all have gifts. They differ in keeping with the grace that God has given each of us. Do you have the gift of prophecy? Then use it in keeping with the faith you have. Is it your gift to serve? Then serve. Is it teaching? Then teach. Is it telling others how they should live? Then tell them. Is it giving to those who are in need? Then give freely. Is it being a leader? Then work hard at it. Is it showing mercy? Then do it cheerfully. ~Romans 12:3-8

No one is good at everything.

Our culture tries to tell us that we should be.
We want to be.
We need to be.
And look good doing it.
Even with the power of God in us He doesn’t ask us to do it all. The Creator of the Universe has made us to desire and do certain things. Isn’t this freeing?

My challenge is for you to focus on how God has created you. What has he gifted you with? What are you doing that is dragging you down that you’re not great at?

(These questions kind of tie in with the amazing Naptime Diaries and The Tiny Twig’s challenge to give up on good. I think maybe God’s trying to get me to let some things go! (learning to crochet, perfect housekeeping, my pre-kids body, baking the perfect dessert)

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This month I’m also following along with #SheReadsTruth on twitter and instagram. Since beginning this second study I haven’t spent as much time in Romans. Although I will be done by the end of the month. I hope you’re sticking with this month’s tough challenge. I think it’s the most difficult yet.)

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When July rolls around I’m thinking about rolling out a reading plan that you can follow along with online with short daily readings and questions using YouVersion. What do you think?


What are you learning in Romans? Do you have any thoughts from this post?


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Comments

  1. Natalie Cottrell says:
    May 24, 2012 at 8:23 pm

    Our sermons the last few weeks have been about spiritual gifts, and I love the guidance our pastor shared in terms of honing in on those gifts: seek the Lord in all actions, relationships, etc., and you will see those stirrings and strengths come to the surface. And when they do, embrace them and live well with the Spirit, serving your purpose. Can’t wait to discover mine!

    Reply
  2. Sarah B. says:
    May 28, 2012 at 12:01 pm

    Our pastor has been going through Romans and right now we’re in chapter 12. So much meaty stuff there!! About gifts: I think we’ve each got our personalities and our talents - and these may lend themselves well to exercising certain gifts. But sometimes I feel like I need to remember to fill a need when I see one, even if I don’t feel equipped with that “gift”, know what I mean? That’s been spiritually stretching for me :)

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