“To the Best of Your Ability” Romans 12:1-10

Introduction:  “You are only as good as the tools in your toolbox.”

A church is only as healthy as the range of gifts shared.

I.        Preparing to Serve

A.     (v1) “In view of God’s mercy…”

1.      “…offer your bodies as living sacrifices…”

2.      “…holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”

B.     (v2) “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world…”

1.      “…but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

2.      “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.”

C.     (v3) “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.”

1.      (v5) “In Christ we who are many form one body…”

2.      “…each member belongs to all the others.”

3.      (v6) “We have different gifts (charismata), according to the grace given us.”

II.       An Action Plan

A.     Focus your time/energy/attention in the area of your gifts

1.      Prophecy, service, teach, encourage (exhort), leadership, giving, mercy

2.      Know your strengths and use them; this gives more joy than doing nothing.

B.     What if it’s not my gift?

1.      Why I specialize in custodial work and why we take turns with weekly cleaning.

2.      Member Q4, “Do you promise to serve Christ in His Church by supporting and participating with this congregation in its service of God…to the best of your ability?”

C.     Mode of Operation

1.      (v9) “Love must be sincere: hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

2.      (v10) “Be devoted to one another.  Honor one another above yourselves.”

3.      “Never be lacking in zeal, but increase your spiritual fervor serving the Lord.”

Conclusion:   Maximizing your software function or content to function minimally