Sunday School Lesson November 8, 2020

Subject: Commitment to His Church

The Point: Commitment to Christ includes a commitment to His body.

The Passage: Romans 12:3-16

Study The Bible: Romans 12:3-5

1). Believers are one body in Christ.

3. For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.
4. Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function,
5. in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.

Lasting truths from Romans 12:3-5

• Believers should not think more highly of themselves than appropriate.
• God takes diverse types of believers and makes them into one body.
• Individual believers all have distinctive roles to play within the church.

2). Believers are to use their gifts to support the body.

Romans 12:6-8

6. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith;
7. if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching;
8. if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

Lasting truths from Romans 12:6-8

• We should exercise our spiritual gift or gifts according to the grace we have received.
• God expects us to exercise our gifts thoroughly and faithfully.
• We should exercise our gifts with confident humility because they demonstrate God’s power at work in and through us.

3). Believers are to love each other as they serve the Lord together.

Romans 12:9-16

9. Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good.
10. Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Outdo one another in showing honor.
11. Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord.
12. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.
13. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality.
14. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
16. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Lasting truths from Romans 12:9-16

• We need to love others sincerely.
• We should rejoice in the Lord’s blessing to others, but also help to bear the pain or grief others may be experiencing.
• We should develop generous, hospitable hearts that meet the needs of others.
• We should serve the Lord diligently.

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions.

1. If someone were to ask you, “How can the church be one body when so many different kinds of people are in it?” how would you answer that person?
2. The Scriptures tell us all believers have at least one spiritual gift. Do you know what you gift(s) is/are? Are you using yours for the good of the church?
3. Carefully meditate on Paul’s challenges in Romans 12:9-16. What intentional step can you take this week to advance in one or more of those areas?

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You, In Jesus’ name, Amen”