Romans 12:4-8 (KJV)

4. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5. So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7. Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8. Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

In our study of chapter 12 we have seen that God, by His unconditional grace, makes those who trust in Christ holy and acceptable unto Him. For this reason, nobody should think more highly of themselves than they ought because God has given each of us "the measure of faith" which makes us equal in the eyes of God -- co-heirs with His Son.

However, until we die and God fully reveals His grace to us, we must relate to one another within His body called the church. There are several things this text teaches us:

1. The significance of every member is drawn from the head . . .
   The analogy in this text is of the human body. We are "the body of Christ" and He is the head. What gives each of us significance as believers is the fact that we are "His." For this reason, God calls us to show a healthy concern for each of our members. The admonition of Scripture is to look out for all the members, not just the honorable.. Read I Corinthians 12:20-27. In this text Paul reminds us of our duty to others:
   1. Keep a proper perspective.
      Others are as valuable to God as you, and you are as valuable to God as others. Paul speaks of "uncomely" members of the body -- members God has chosen.
   2. Work to preserve peace.
      "God hath tempered the body together . . ." (v.24). Tempered means "to sew."
      "There should be no schism in the body . . ." (v.25). Schism refers to a tear.
      We should do all within our power to heal and restore "torn up" members.
2. The service of every member is different than other members . . .
   In our text Paul lists seven "gifts of grace" given to members of the church. These grace gifts are different from "the measure of faith" and also different than talents.
   Prophecy -- to reveal the mind of God. This is usually associated with preaching.
   Ministry -- acts of service. The word "ministry" comes from the word "deacon."
   Teaching -- effectively communicating truth. We have many teachers in the body.
   Exhortation -- an encouraging word. This gift is of great importance to the body.
   Giving -- to contribute generously to the ministry of the church.
   Ruling -- to administrate or organize. This is accomplished through committees.
   Mercy -- showing practical compassion and empathy.
   When a church understands that God pieces together His church with different members who have different gifts, then leaders never motivate through guilt.
3. The satisfaction of every member is derived from resting in grace . . .
   Paul concludes his teaching on the church and how members relate to one another by encouraging grace-gifted believers to serve the Lord in light of His grace, not to obtain His grace. This is why people give generously, serve cheerfully, teach weekly, encourage daily, and administer diligently. The believer is doing his service to the church in grateful response to the wonderful, eternal grace of God in Christ.