Ruminating on ROMANS! (Some Thoughts on Paul’s Great Epistle) #33 “Critical Imperatives for the Christ-Follower” (A Study of Romans 12) Part 5

Many of you know that my New Jersey friend Frank and I are reading through God’s Word together (described here). We’re now in the book of Romans and are reading chapter 12 each day this week.I count 24 injunctions or commands or imperatives for the believer here in Romans 12. I’m aware that the expression “critical imperative” is redundant, but I think it’s useful for what we see here in this great chapter. Let’s continue our multipart study by looking at verses 4-8.

We’ve seen that the believer is to offer his body as a living sacrifice, not to conform to the pattern of this world, to be transformed by the renewing of his mind, and to think of himself with sober judgment.

The fifth critical imperative is —

5. The believer is USE HIS GIFT(S) TO BUILD UP THE BODY OF CHRIST! (vv. 4-8)

In these verses we have the clear (although unspoken) imperative to recognize our gift(s) or function in the Body of Christ — and to get busy!

I see the Apostle making several points in this section:
1. There is a variety of members in the Body.
2. There is a variety of functions that these members have.
3. These functions are called “gifts” and have been given from God’s grace to each of us.
4. The Apostle then gives specific instruction to those who possess seven particular gifts: prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy. His words of wisdom are succinct and straightforward:

Today’s Challenge: Do you have any of these gifts? Then how will you obey Paul’s instruction?