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  NO ROOM FOR ENVY IN THE CHURCH
  by Theodore Epp
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and unity in
the church, recognizing that each person's gift is useful and worthy in
the Body of Christ.

Topics: "Unity in the Church", "Spiritual Gifts"
Scripture References: Romans 12:6

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DESCRIPTION
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Theodore Epp emphasizes the detrimental effects of envy within the
Church, urging believers to appreciate the diverse gifts bestowed by the
Holy Spirit. He warns against inflated self-importance and reminds the
congregation that each member of the Body of Christ is essential and
should be honored for their unique contributions. Epp encourages
Christians to embrace their God-given roles without desiring what others
possess, as every gift, regardless of its perceived significance, plays
a vital part in the Church's function. The sermon calls for a spirit of
love and mutual respect among believers, highlighting the importance of
unity in diversity.

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CONTENT
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Romans 12:6-16

What a shame when there is a spirit of envy among the members of the
Body of Christ. Instead, there should be praise for the way God is using
each one. One translator paraphrases Romans 12:3: "Now I have a warning
for you, prompted by the divine grace bestowed on me--and I address it
to all who are among you:--do not be uplifted with unjustifiable notions
of your importance. Let your thoughts tend to sober views, proportioned
to the measure of faith which God has allotted to each man" (Way).

When we become lifted up with feelings of importance because of the
particular gift we have, we should remember that it is a gift. The Holy
Spirit sovereignly bestows gifts on believers as He chooses (1 Cor.
12:11), not according to what the individual wishes. So when we
criticize a person who is exercising another gift, we are actually
criticizing the Lord who gave that gift to the person. The other
Christian is also part of the Body of Christ, and we need him just as he
needs us. All of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as personal Saviour
are members of the Body of Christ (v. 27).

A person should not aspire to be something that is not in the will of
God for him, because God has made him what he is and has a particular
place for him in the Body. Frequently people are dissatisfied with the
gift, or gifts, they have. They wish they had another gift or wish they
were like someone else. But each gift, no matter how insignificant we
may think it is, is useful and worthy in the Body of Christ. That's why
God has given each particular gift to someone. We need to realize that
God knows what He is doing when it comes to the distribution of gifts.

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour
preferring one another" (Rom. 12:10).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/theodore-epp/no-room-for-envy-in-the-church/
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