From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Wed, Aug 9, 2023 at 5:27 AM
Subject: 8-9-23 THOUGHTS
8-9-23 THOUGHTS
Verses 4-5 set the individual in the context of the Church. Our reading this morning encourages us to powerfully use the talents God has given us in the Church! We are to be “a living sacrifice acceptable to God”! We are told to not live in the ways of the world, but to allow the renewal of our minds which brings a transformation in us. Verse 9 begins a very practical list of characteristics we should make a part of our lives. Let me note the first part of verse 10 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love;”. I’m convinced this is of a greater quality and quantity than we normally perceive it to be. Please, let me urge all of us to try harder to see the vision of God for the “blood bought Church.” Verses 9-18 are a great place to start our vision. “11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” The blessing of true fellowship awaits us!
Rom 12:1-18 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his 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 devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
My Prayer:
I pray. O Father, for stronger individuals in a more powerful Church. May we work together as effective, prepared, efficient parts to serve You, O God. May our world be lighted by our "love nature". May they see our zeal for what is spiritual, and our joy and rejoicing in life. May we enter this process so powerfully and enthusiastically, that we can rejoice as You bless us. May we truly be the saints in concert. In the name of Jesus, Amen.