Examining Scripture:
“Having then gifts differing
according to the grace that is given to us,
whether prophecy, let us prophesy
according to the proportion of faith;
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering:
or he that teacheth, on teaching;
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.”
Romans 12:6-8
Evaluating Soil:
We’ve already learned from Romans 12 that we are to present our bodies as “living sacrifices, holy, acceptable unto God” (vs. 1) and that we are not to be “conformed to this world” (vs. 2). We’ve also seen the instruction to not think of ourselves “more highly than we ought to think” (vs. 3) and to remember that we are “members in one body” with different offices. (vs. 4-5)
That’s a lot to learn in and of itself, but it doesn’t stop there. God gives us gifts to live out what He instructed.
Experiencing Seasons:
The “Gifts” topic mentioned in Romans 12:6-8 is not one I felt qualified to discuss without researching and studying the Greek definitions for each word. My experience can’t always shed a helpful light on what a Bible passage is teaching us. I’m learning just like you as we delve deeper into acknowledging these gifts and into how to apply them to our holiness.
Embracing Solace:
It’s much easier to be what God wants without chasing unrealistic expectations. Living a Holy life is attainable. However, it requires that we follow God’s instructions and not cultural influences.
Enjoying Simplicity:
Living outside of God’s gifts and grace depletes the peaceful simplicity He provides. Accomplishing our ambitions, while neglecting God’s agenda, complicates life.
Employing Solutions:
It’s imperative to acknowledge God’s gifts and learn what they are. Let’s look at them again in Romans 12 with the Greek definitions from the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
- Prophesy (according to the proportion of faith)
Greek #4394 prophēteia
From G4396 (“prophecy”); prediction (scriptural or other): –
Faith – Greek #4102 – pistis
Persuasion
Credence;
Moral Conviction
(of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher)…
We can only “predict” what we know from God’s Word. That comes with studying and being persuaded by what we read, giving credence to what we learn, and having a moral conviction about God’s truths.
- Ministering
Greek #1248 – diakonia
From G1249; attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate): –
It’s interesting that “eleemosynary” in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary means: “of, relating to, or supported by charity.” This reminds me of 1 Corinthians 13, which teaches that without charity our good works profiteth nothing.
- Teaching
Greek #1319 – didaskalia
From G1320; instruction (the function or the information): –
- Exhortation
Greek #3874 – paraklēsis
From G3870; imploration, hortation, solace: –
- Giveth (with simplicity)
Greek #3330 – metadidōmi
From G3326 and G1325; to give over, that is, share: –
- Ruleth (with diligence)
Greek #4291 – proistēmi
From G4253 and G2476; to stand before, that is, (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise: –
- Sheweth Mercy (with cheerfulness)
Greek #1653 – eleeō
From G1656; to compassionate (by word or deed, specifically by divine grace): –
As we grow in grace, Biblical knowledge and holiness, we’ll see these differing gifts developing “according to our proportion of faith” and being applied in our hearts, homemaking, hospitality, and harvesting.
Bring It Home
What gifts do we find standing out in us?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
Leave a Reply