The Right Spiritual Exercise
Romans 12:3-21
I.    Introduction
      A.  I have recently learned a lesson about exercise.
           1.  I went to my doctor to see about my back pain.
           2.  The doctor told me it wasn’t a structural problem – it was lack of exercise.
           3.  Exercising strengthened the problem area.
      B.  Spiritual exercise is crucial to the overall health of a Christian.
           1.  We are to be training ourselves spiritually (I Timothy 4:7-8)
                a.  Whatever problems we may have in the church are not “structural”
                b.  Paul describes the right kinds of exercises of the spiritual gifts God gives the church.
                c.  He states the right ways of going about these exercises.
II.   Right exercises of faith
      A.  God has given the church members who have different gifts. (Romans 12:6)
           1.  We each bring something unique to benefit the body. (I Corinthians 12:4-7)
           2.  God has made us, endowed within us those gifts which make the body of Christ strong.
           3.  These are meant to meet needs, make us useful to His kingdom.
      B.  These gifts require exercising, diligent use: “Let us use them.”
           1.  Prophecy (6) (Acts 21:10; I Corinthians 14:3); Service (7); Exhortation (8); Contribution (8)
                (I Timothy 6:17-19; I Corinthians 16:2); Leading (8); Acts of mercy (8)
      C.  The body can get the most benefit from these gifts if we each exercise them.
           1.  They require doing.
           2.  Physical lack of exercise restricts what the whole body could do.
           3.  When these gifts are not exercised by all members, the body is inhibited.
III.  Right attitude about service
      A.  In order to do these things properly, we must have the right attitude in using these gifts.
      B.  The use of these gifts will only flow from humble spirits. (Romans 12:3, 16)
      C.  They will be carried out by those who are committed to God and one another. (Romans 12:10,11)
IV.  Right motivation
      A.  The engine that drives the exercise of our faith is love. (Romans 12:9,10)
      B.  This will be shown in care, concern for others (Romans 12:15,16)
      C.  Without these at the core of what we do, any exercise is empty practice.
V.   Right response to others
      A.  We must understand that even the best efforts, intentions will not be reciprocated.
           1.  Unappreciated
           2.  Criticized
      B.  We must be prepared to deal with negative reactions in our exercise.
      C.  God’s word calls us to deal with the pain, and continue to exercise.
           1.  We are to keep doing right, even when dealt with wrongly. (Romans 12:14, 19-21)
           2.  This will keep the “inflammation” down, allow the body to heal.
VI.  Conclusion
      A.  These kinds of exercises are essential.
           1.  We were made to be active, doing good works in Christ (Ephesians 2:10)
           2.  We are dead spiritually withoug spiritual exercise (James 2:26)
           3.  God has given us spiritual gifts.  Let us use them!
      B.  What kind of spiritual shape are you in ?

May 3, 2009
Glenn Record