Romans 12:3 (KJV)

3. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

A proper interpretation of this verse requires a right understanding of Romans 12:1-2.

1. In light of God's mercies through Christ we are to worship and serve -- (v.1).
   1. Knowing that God has given us life.
   2. Knowing that God has made us holy.
   3. Knowing that God has made us acceptable.
2. This kind of faith, worship and service of God our Father -- (v.2).
   1. Is contrary to the world's way of thinking, and
   2. Happens only by the renewing of your mind. (1). As you receive the truth, (2). As you repeat the truth.

When you come to the place of understanding who you are by the grace of God, it is now time to flesh it out as you live in this world. God gives us specific instructions on how to relate to other Christians (vs.4-10), our boss (v.11), and our enemies (vs.12-13). First he gives some specific instructions on how we are to view ourselves in light of God's mercy.

1. I am not to think highly of myself.
   Since you are not more acceptable by what you do or don't do, or more holy by what you do or don't do, or more spiritual by what you do or don't do, then you can't think highly of yourself if you have been pretty successful in your devotion to Christ or in avoidance of the traps of sin. Let's get real practical -- you are not to think you are more godly because you haven't been divorced, or more holy because you don't watch movies, or more spiritual because you have a quiet time. Christ is my holiness.
   1. What counts is what Christ achieved, not what I have achieved.
   2. What counts is that Christ is praised, not that I am praised.
2. I am to think according to the truth.
   Paul doesn't just tell us what not to think, he goes further and tells us what to think. Paul says we are to think "soberly" about ourselves (NIV "with sober judgment"). "Soberly" is an interesting word in the original: it literally means, "to save the mind." Truth gives life. Lies destroy lives. Christ saves, my performance kills! Therefore, I am to think "according to the truth" and consider myself in relationship with Christ.
3. I am to think of myself in terms of grace.
   ". . . according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (v.3). What does this mean? Christians take two different views regarding the phrase.
   1. Some believe this means people are given different degrees of faith . . .
      Some have little faith, some have big faith, but God gives as He sees fit.
   2. Some, as do I, believe this refers to the gift of saving grace.
      It doesn't say different measures of faith," but "the measure of faith." "There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 2:5). This means:
      1. Every believer is as significant and valuable as you are.
      2. You are as significant and valuable as any other Christian.

   

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   Questions? Comments?
   Pastor Wade