TEXT - Romans 12:4-5
In verses 4 and 5, after exhorting us to view ourselves rightly, Paul encourages us in how to view other believers, as other parts of the body that we serve in. Our gifts and service are not meant for our personal fulfillment but for the impact and growth of the community of believers. We are one body in Christ, we belong to him and to each other.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
HEAD: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
What does Paul compare the church to? Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and Ephesians 4:4, 12-16. How does this enhance your understanding of the comparison?
What does it mean to be one body in Christ? What does it mean to be individually members of one another?
HEART: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
We are one body “in Christ,” how is this an encouragement as we try to live a gospel-transformed life and as one body with other believers?
How does the way that God views us and the way we are called to view ourselves (v 3) help us rightly view others?
HANDS: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Are you ever tempted to think too highly or too lowly of the “part of the body” that you serve as in the church? How can we fight this urge with the truth of this passage?
How does this passage encourage you to love those who you find hard to love, understand, get along with or are different from you in the church?