Serving as a Sacrifice

Serving as a Sacrifice

One of Calvary Church’s core values is that we aspire to be “authentic servants.” We define this as “meeting needs, modeling Christ, and utilizing gifts from the Holy Spirit in all aspects of life and ministry.” Serving is a central quality of a follower of Jesus, but we often reduce service to filling an organizational need. To be the type of authentic servants as stated in our values requires a more robust vision than simply recruiting for a vacant volunteer position.

In my position as Campus Pastor, I have the privilege of walking through the membership process with those wanting to invest in Calvary’s community. During my interactions with candidates, I often hear something like, “I don’t want to be a passive participant; I want to use my gifts in the church.” These are the words of someone who understands that the church is not something to consume.

In Romans 12:1-8, Paul augments this perspective of life in the church by highlighting three big ideas: being a living sacrifice, receiving a new perspective, and putting your gift to work.

Being a Living Sacrifice

In verses 1-2, Paul describes the Christian life as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). He elaborates by describing sacrificial living as “spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1, ESV). The approach of the Christian life should be marked by sacrifice—a life that is devoted to God and demonstrates love for others. This however isn’t our default. Inertia—the natural tendency of our lives—moves us to consume rather than serve.

Receiving a New Perspective

To live as a sacrifice first requires a new perspective. As Paul says, you need to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2, ESV). What does this renewal look like? Paul tells us in verse three. To be renewed in your mind is to think with “sober judgment” (Romans 12:3, ESV). His warning is that we are inclined to think too much of ourselves. And when we do, we lose perspective; we become consumers rather than sacrificial members. A new mind—a right understanding—helps us see our role as a living sacrifice. But how does this look in practice?

Putting Your Gift to Work

In verses 4-8, Paul lists various gifts in the church. Each gift is given “according to the grace (i.e., gift) given to us” (v. 6). These gifts are meant to be used! If you have the gift of prophecy, then speak! If you are gifted with teaching, then exposit the word of God. Do you have the gift of service? Then model what it looks like to be a servant of Christ. 

Your gifts are essential for the flourishing of the church and the advancement of the gospel. We don’t need you to fill an organizational role; the church needs you as a critical member of the body by putting your gift to work.

In high school I played football. Well, “played” is probably too strong of a word. I was on the team, but rarely was I on the field on Friday nights. I spent most of my football career in a first-row seat watching the best from the sidelines. Unfortunately, this is the mindset many in the church have. I am going to sit and watch the best teach and preach. I will watch the most gregarious stand at the door and greet guests. But this benchwarmer perspective devalues the Holy Spirit given gift you received when you came to faith in Jesus Christ. Discover your gift and allow God to use you as a vital member of this team we call the church. We’ll see you on the field!

Next Steps to Using Your Gifts

1) First, take the SPIRITUAL GIFTS INVENTORY on our website. You will receive a follow-up email with your gift results and how you can use your gifts.

2) Schedule a meeting with one of our pastors. We can walk through your results and help you discern how you can use your gifts.

3) Start using your gift!

Photo by Francisco Arnela on Unsplash