Romans 12:6: Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith.
“Differing” means that the gifts differ; it does not mean that some folk do not have a gift. Every individual in the church has a gift. And the gift is part and parcel of the grace of God to us. When God saves you and puts you in the body of believers, you are to function. You are not to function as a machine, but as a member of a body, a living organization. When the gift is exercised, it is confirmed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Every believer needs to test his gift. If you feel that you have a certain gift and you are using it, you ought to test it. Analyze your effectiveness: Are you really a blessing to folk? Are you building up the church? Or are you dividing the church? “Prophecy” here does not refer to prediction but to any message from God. Notice that prophecy is to be done in “proportion” (this is a mathematical term) to God’s provision of the faith and the power to match the gift. 1
Application
- Receive your gift with grace, then use your gift with grace, and with faith.
- Prophecy is to proclaim God’s written word to others. Pastors do this as they teach from the Bible. Sunday school teachers do this. Actually, we all should be bring the prophetic word of God to others with much grace.
Prayer
Lord, help me to proclaim Your word more boldly and more frequently.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 9-16) (electronic ed., Vol. 43). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.