Therefore
. . .Audio and outline of October 21, 2007 Laity Sunday sermon at Lakewood United Methodist Church
Audio of sermon - it might play if you just click it, but you may need to download it first (right-click and select "Save Target As . . .")
Romans 12:1-13 (NIV)
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
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 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Outline
Which comes first – gifts or grace?
Are you being transformed?
Saving grace & living grace
God is sovereign – but don’t miss out on blessings
Determining your gifts
· What do you think they are?
· What do others say?
· Surveys
· What do you like to do?
· Try things!
Sincere love
Hating what is evil
How zealous are you?
Real hope and patience
Practice hospitality – invite a friend to church