Faith is not lived in isolation. While there are (and should be) alone times with God, we must also live out our faith anchored in fellowship with other followers of Christ. While not stated in blunt terms, that is the presumption that Romans 12 lives in.
Paul begins, “For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: 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.” (Romans 12:3–8, CSB)
The first rule of fellowship that we will see several times over in the next few weeks is to avoid pride. Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Consider yourself sensibly, soberly, level-headed, sound in judgment. None of us are the sole pillar supporting the fellowship.
The second rule of fellowship is that everyone has a God-given measure of faith expressed in a variety of functions. Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. Paul expands this observation further in 1 Corinthians 10. In God’s estimation, the faith of a janitor is just as vital as the pastor. Everyone’s role and service are important.
The third rule is that in whatever you do, do it with, in, and through faith in God’s grace. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: 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. This reminds us that even things that come naturally or easily to us must be exercised with grace-filled faith. These things do not belong to us; they are not our possession, but a gift of grace from God to bless the fellowship of believers.
I will add that Paul’s list is generalized and not exhaustive. In prophecy (speaking the things of God), service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and mercy, there are a multitude of expressions. All are important and needed for a body to function, so “don’t think more highly of yourself than you should.”
Romans Applied. We need to be in a fellowship with other believers. We should all serve within that body in some capacity, and that service must be offered and performed with faith, grace, and humility.
What has God given you? Some things will be evident; others will be harder to see or may develop later as we continue to walk with Christ. We must also recognize that we may not always function in that gift. It’s not ours to stake out a territory, but to be ready as needed. There will be seasons when God calls us to lay down one gift of grace to exercise or focus on another, which will require more faith than those things which come easily.
One other attitude trips us up sometimes. Those gifts and functions of grace can become our identity. This leads down a false path. Our identity is not what we do; it is whose we are. Our identity is in Christ. I am a Christ-follower who, by the grace of God, teaches, writes, helps lead worship, and facilitates a small group. Who am I? I’m a sinner saved by grace, striving to abide in Jesus and following where He leads. What about you?
- Romans Applied – Many Gifts - August 26, 2026
- Romans Applied – Transformed - August 19, 2026
- Romans Applied – Where Faith Begins - August 12, 2026
