Gifts or Responsibilities in the local Church?

Monday, January 25, 2010: Romans 12:3-13

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
Background: the Corinthian Church was founded in A. D. 51-52 during Paul’s 2nd Missionary journey. The letter First Corinthians was written in A. D. 56, during the 3rd journey when many problems surfaced and had to be dealt with.
What two things are given to those of us in a Church fellowship? Grace and faith in differing measure are given to each.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010: Romans 12:3-13

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
Why are there differing measures of grace and faith? The body analogy exemplifies the various functions of the members of a local Church, each member for a different role.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010: Romans 12:3-13

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
What is the difference between grace and faith? God grants us gifts by His grace; we use our gifts in proportion to the faith measured to us.

Thursday, January 28, 2010: Romans 12:3-13

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
What is the connection between gifts and these interpersonal exchanges? None of the gifts are to be for personal use. They are for use in serving others in the Church. The love, preferences and honor are simply the result of the usage of gifts.

Friday, January 29, 2010: Romans 12:3-13

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
How do thee outcomes link to grace and faith? These are outgrowths of the unity in a local Church resulting from gifts used as God intends.