Social media has made comparison a constant struggle, especially for women. Not only do we constantly envy other women’s looks, clothes, and homes, but we also now get to compare our accomplishments, ministries and even godliness to women all around the globe. It appears that the Roman church also had a problem with comparison, likely with people striving for the highest positions within the church, so let’s study what Paul had to say about this. 

Read Romans 12:3-8 and journal through the following questions this week: 

• How should we not think of ourselves? (v. 3)

• How should we think of ourselves? (v. 3)

• Do you naturally think of yourself too highly or too little? 

• What does it mean to be individual members of one another as the body of Christ? (v. 5) Read also 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Ephesians 4:16 and Colossians 3:14-16

• Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? 

• How do spiritual gifts differ among members of the church? (v. 6)

• What is the gift of prophecy? How should one use this gift? See 2 Peter 1:21, Amos 3:7, 1 Corinthians 14:1-3, Deuteronomy 18:18-22 and Revelation 1:3

• What is the gift of service? How should one use this gift? See 1 Peter 4:9-11, Galatians 5:13, Isaiah 58:10, Matthew 25:35-40, Matthew 23:11, and 2 Corinthians 9:12-13

• What is the gift of teaching? How should one use this gift? See 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 3:1, 2 Timothy 4:2, 1 John 2:27 and John 7:16-19

• What is the gift of exhortation? How should one use this gift? See 1 Timothy 4:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Hebrews 3:13. 

• What is the gift of contribution and generosity? How should one use this gift? See Acts 20:35, Luke 6:38, Proverbs 11:24-25, Luke 21:1-4, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Matthew 10:42 and 1 John 3:17

• What is the gift of leadership? How should one use this gift? See 1 Timothy 4:12, Philippians 2:3, Matthew 20:25-28, Proverbs 11:14, 1 Peter 5:3, Psalm 78:72 and Proverbs 3:5-10

• What is the gift of acts of mercy? How should one use this gift? See Matthew 5:7, James 2:13, Luke 6:36, Micah 6:8 and 1 Timothy 1:16

• God’s gifts given to us according to His grace is the act by which He extends an invitation to people to come and partake of His favors and promises of the Gospel. 

  • Which of these gifts might describe you? 

  • How are you using those gifts? 

  • How else could you use your gifts? 

Reflect & Respond

• What does this passage teach me about God?

• How does this change the way I live? 

Scripture to Memorize

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” -Romans 12:6-8

Catch up on previous weeks here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yelena is the founder and editor in chief Tirzah. Yelena works as an attorney in tax and in her spare time, she is working on her first book for unmarried twenty-something women in extended waiting seasons and running Tirzah. She has a passion for pointing young women to Christ, and enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with her family. Yelena lives in Indiana with her husband, Daniel.