“Sober Judgment”

Robert Mounce, in Shepherd’s Notes, writes: “The use of this term suggests how out of touch with reality the Roman Christians were in their opinions of themselves. Since the metaphor suggests intoxication, we might say they were in danger of becoming ‘egoholics!’”

Knowing the devastating consequences of pride, Paul cautioned believers to not think of themselves more highly than they should. Next, he reminded them that they were members of one body (vs. 4-5), and encouraged them to use their varying gifts to build up the church (vs. 6-8).

Unity in diversity is the theme of this passage: working together as parts of the body function together. This is made possible through Jesus Christ, the head and chief commander of the church.

Paul listed seven different gifts and how they should be utilized (see 1 Peter 4:10, and Seven Primary Spiritual Gifts). Although these gifts differ in power, nature, and effectiveness—according to God’s wisdom and distribution—they are not used in proportion to our willpower. The NIV Application Study Bible suggests: “The ‘measure of faith’ (vs. 3) or the ‘proportion to his faith’ means that God will give spiritual power necessary and appropriate to carry out each responsibility . . . . These are gifts to His church, and He gives faith and power as He wills. Our role is to be faithful and to seek ways to serve others with what Christ has given us.”

So What?

What is your spiritual gift(s)? What do you do best?

Maybe the best gift we can give God this coming New Year is through seeking out the spiritual gift(s) that He has graciously given us, and using them to build up His body—the church.

Related Posts: Seven Primary Spiritual Gifts, God’s Plans—Who Me? What? Why?, God’s Plans—Where? How?, God’s Plan for Spiritual Gifts