BB – 12 Some Responsibilities of a Christian

Lesson #12
· Some responsibilities of a Christian are reflected in this scripture:

Romans 12:3-13 (NKJV) 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

You are a part of the Body of Christ. The purpose of the natural body is to express the desires of what the head is thinking. Similarly, you are now a part of Christ’s body with a definite role to play even though you may not be too clear yet as to that role.

· You have been picked and placed in the body for a special purpose. You were chosen not just to go to heaven, but also to serve God here on earth.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV) 13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
Ephesians 1:4 (NKJV) 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
John 15:16 (NKJV) 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

· Children playing a “pretend” game will squabble over who does what. In the church, God chooses what each of us is to do.

1 Corinthians 12:28 (NKJV) 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

· As you grow spiritually, it will become clear – meanwhile, whatever your hand finds to do (or whatever you are asked to do), do it with all your heart.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV) 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

· More important that what we do is actually how we do it. What is our motive? Do we serve for our own self-satisfaction or notoriety, or from a genuine desire to serve our fellow Christians (and thus we serve Christ)?

Matthew 20:25-28 (NKJV) 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." 1 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV) 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; Philippians 2:4 (NKJV) 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Ask the class to describe what a priest looks like, acts like, and what are his duties?

· Old Testament priests were a special class of individuals who were qualified to offer sacrifices for the people who couldn’t do it themselves. We are now a special People, all of us are priests qualified to offer spiritual sacrifices to God – praise worship, and service.

Revelation 1:6 (NKJV) 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 2:18 (NKJV) 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 1 Peter 2:5 (NKJV) 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

You are already acting as a priest.

· Do you consider yourself a priest? If you do, you will have a different attitude about serving your church family. Don’t have the mindset “I could never do that.” You are possibly already doing it.

· When you are praying, giving thanks over a meal, you are acting as a priest. Allow this knowledge to have an effect on your attitude from this day forward. You will soon gain confidence to open your mouth to share, testify, pray, give thanks. You may even be exercising a spiritual gift in the congregation along with some practical ministry.

1 Corinthians 14:26 (NKJV) 26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. Romans 12:7 (NKJV) 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; Matthew 25:40 (NKJV) 40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'