Paul tells us to think of ourselves with sober judgment. Spend some time thinking of some of the ways God has already gifted you to serve. What are the ways in which your gifts can be used? Think also of Paul’s next words in Romans 12:
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
- Some of the ways God has gifted me to serve are…
- Some places where I am able to serve are…
- My greatest joy in serving God comes from…
Beyond the Text
Colossians 1
18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
Questions to consider:
- How does the church work as a body?
- What is the most important part in the body? Who is the head?
- What are some things that we see in ourselves that needs to change?
- Where are the safe places we can go to speak of and experience change in life and faith?
- What impact would our transformation have on the church? … on the community?
- In what way could we pray for change in the church?