Week 10 | Day 3
The Body of Christ
Romans 12:3-8
As those who belong to Christ, God has placed us into something bigger than ourselves—the body of Christ (the church)—where we are to think soberly about ourselves, receive spiritual gifts by grace, and use these gifts to build others up so the whole church matures and advances the Great Commission——both gathered and scattered. Sadly, too often, these gifts of the Spirit get misconstrued and misappropriated leading to dysfunction within the church and within a person’s spiritual calling. Yet these gifts are for not for plugging volunteer roles
in the church but for edifying and building up each other to be a fully developing follower of Jesus. These gifts are the responsibility of every believer, yet no one has all the gifts. So, to learn how to be merciful, we need to be around those with the gift of mercy. If we're to become good stewards or better encouragers—we learn this from those with the gift of generosity and encouragement. Quite literally, we are to rub off on one another to help each other to become more like Jesus.
in the church but for edifying and building up each other to be a fully developing follower of Jesus. These gifts are the responsibility of every believer, yet no one has all the gifts. So, to learn how to be merciful, we need to be around those with the gift of mercy. If we're to become good stewards or better encouragers—we learn this from those with the gift of generosity and encouragement. Quite literally, we are to rub off on one another to help each other to become more like Jesus.
Application
1. Start at the Altar Today
Literally say to the Lord, “Here is my body … it’s Yours—use my eyes, ears, hands, and steps for Your glory.”
2. Refuse the Mold
Identify one cultural pressure (approval, comfort, hurry, image) that’s trying to shape you and replace it with a kingdom practice (solitude, generosity, Sabbath, simplicity).
3. Renew Your Mind Intentionally
Feed on Scripture daily (logos) and invite the Spirit’s personal guidance (rhema). Remember that the Holy Spirit never gives rhema that contradicts logos. But in hiding God’s Word in your heart, you will not only not sin against God, but you will discover His general will for your life.
4. Practice Micro-Surrenders
Through the day, pray short prayers: “Yes, Lord.” “Lead me, Spirit.” “Not my will, but Your will.” These minute-by-minute choices form a life of worship. Also, take time to worship today, even if it’s for five minutes.
5. Learn to Test and Approve
Before making a decision—ask: Does this align with God’s Word? Will it please Jesus? Will it form Christlikeness in me? If yes, then proceed in faith; if no, release it.
6. Name Your No’s
By grace, say no to the desires of the flesh, the world’s ambitions, and the demonic’s schemes; and say yes to the Spirit’s leadership in every arena—home, work, church, and neighborhood.
Literally say to the Lord, “Here is my body … it’s Yours—use my eyes, ears, hands, and steps for Your glory.”
2. Refuse the Mold
Identify one cultural pressure (approval, comfort, hurry, image) that’s trying to shape you and replace it with a kingdom practice (solitude, generosity, Sabbath, simplicity).
3. Renew Your Mind Intentionally
Feed on Scripture daily (logos) and invite the Spirit’s personal guidance (rhema). Remember that the Holy Spirit never gives rhema that contradicts logos. But in hiding God’s Word in your heart, you will not only not sin against God, but you will discover His general will for your life.
4. Practice Micro-Surrenders
Through the day, pray short prayers: “Yes, Lord.” “Lead me, Spirit.” “Not my will, but Your will.” These minute-by-minute choices form a life of worship. Also, take time to worship today, even if it’s for five minutes.
5. Learn to Test and Approve
Before making a decision—ask: Does this align with God’s Word? Will it please Jesus? Will it form Christlikeness in me? If yes, then proceed in faith; if no, release it.
6. Name Your No’s
By grace, say no to the desires of the flesh, the world’s ambitions, and the demonic’s schemes; and say yes to the Spirit’s leadership in every arena—home, work, church, and neighborhood.
Closing Prayer
Lord, I offer myself to You today. Thank You for placing me in Your body and for the grace-gifts You have given me and others within the church. Show me the gift(s) You’ve entrusted to me, and teach me to use them to help others thrive in You. Make me humble, eager to learn from those differently gifted, and faithful to build up Your people so that, together, we live on mission for the sake of the gospel—both gathered and scattered. Amen.