Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 02, 2022: SOAP #4747: Romans 9-12

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 12:4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7-8   If it is serving … teaching … encouraging … contributing to the needs of others … leadership … showing mercy … .

OBSERVATION:  God’s grace has given each one a gift and made each one useful to the body. If our gift was the same as everyone else, there might not be opportunity to be used, but the scripture says we all have “different” gifts.  It is the difference that makes us valuable.

These truths also emphasize the importance of being a part of the body.  An arm has no value unless it is attached to the body.  Life is fed into the arm from its attachment to the body.  If it becomes severed from the body, it is useless and dies. 

It also needs to be used.  It must faithfully contribute to the body by doing its part. If it is not useful to the body, it shrivels and becomes weak. 

APPLICATION: If I administer my gift with diligence, I will be used. I may get tired of being used, but I must train myself to see that if I am being used, I must be useful.  Being useful is so much better than being useless!

PRAYER:   Jesus, use me; O Lord don’t refuse me. Surely there’s a works that I can do. And even though it’s humble, help my will to crumble. Though the cost be great, I’ll work for you.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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