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2. A Study of Romans

3. Interdependent Living in an Independent World
Today’s Teaching
Interdependent Living in an Independent World
Romans 12:1-5

4. Romans 12
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

5. Romans 12
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

6. Romans 12
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

7. Romans chapters 1-11 Romans 12
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Romans chapters 1-11

8. Romans 12
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

9. Romans 12
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

10. Romans 12
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual (REASONABLE) worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

11. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 

12. Grace brings humility which minimizes favoritism
Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 
Grace brings humility which minimizes favoritism

13. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 

14. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 

15. A Christian’s new identity is CORPORATE
Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
A Christian’s new identity is CORPORATE

16. Watchman Nee, The Normal Christian Life
Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
Watchman Nee, The Normal Christian Life

17. Romans 12
This is the very opposite of man’s condition by nature. In Adam I have the life of Adam, but that is essentially individual. There is no union, no fellowship in sin, but only self-interest and distrust of others. As I go on with the Lord I soon discover, not only that the problem of sin and of my natural strength has to be dealt with, but that there is also a further problem created by my “individual” life, the life that is sufficient in itself and does not recognize its need for and union in the Body.
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 

18. Romans 12
This is the very opposite of man’s condition by nature. In Adam I have the life of Adam, but that is essentially individual. There is no union, no fellowship in sin, but only self-interest and distrust of others. As I go on with the Lord I soon discover, not only that the problem of sin and of my natural strength has to be dealt with, but that there is also a further problem created by my “individual” life, the life that is sufficient in itself and does not recognize its need for and union in the Body.
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 

19. Romans 12
This is the very opposite of man’s condition by nature. In Adam I have the life of Adam, but that is essentially individual. There is no union, no fellowship in sin, but only self-interest and distrust of others. As I go on with the Lord I soon discover, not only that the problem of sin and of my natural strength has to be dealt with, but that there is also a further problem created by my “individual” life, the life that is sufficient in itself and does not recognize its need for and union in the Body.
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 

20. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
I may have got over the problems of sin and the flesh, and yet still be a confirmed individualist. I want holiness and victory and fruitfulness for myself personally and apart, albeit from the purest motives. But such an attitude ignores the Body, and so cannot provide God with satisfaction.

21. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
I may have got over the problems of sin and the flesh, and yet still be a confirmed individualist. I want holiness and victory and fruitfulness for myself personally and apart, albeit from the purest motives. But such an attitude ignores the Body, and so cannot provide God with satisfaction.

22. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
He must deal with me, therefore in this matter also, or I shall remain in conflict with his ends. God does not blame me for being an individual, but for my individualism. His greatest problem is not the outward divisions and denominations that divide his Church but our own individualistic hearts.

23. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
He must deal with me, therefore in this matter also, or I shall remain in conflict with his ends. God does not blame me for being an individual, but for my individualism. His greatest problem is not the outward divisions and denominations that divide his Church but our own individualistic hearts.

24. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
Yes, the Cross must do its work here, reminding me that in Christ I have died to that old life of independence which I inherited from Adam, and that in resurrection I have become not just an individual believer in Christ but a member of his Body. There is a vast difference between the two.

25. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
When I see this, I shall at once have done with independence and shall seek fellowship. The life of Christ in me will gravitate to the life of Christ in others. I can no longer take an individual line. Jealousy will go. Competition will go. Private work will go. My interests, my ambitions, my preferences, all will go.

26. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
When I see this, I shall at once have done with independence and shall seek fellowship. The life of Christ in me will gravitate to the life of Christ in others. I can no longer take an individual line. Jealousy will go. Competition will go. Private work will go. My interests, my ambitions, my preferences, all will go.

27. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
When I see this, I shall at once have done with independence and shall seek fellowship. The life of Christ in me will gravitate to the life of Christ in others. I can no longer take an individual line. Jealousy will go. Competition will go. Private work will go. My interests, my ambitions, my preferences, all will go.

28. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
When I see this, I shall at once have done with independence and shall seek fellowship. The life of Christ in me will gravitate to the life of Christ in others. I can no longer take an individual line. Jealousy will go. Competition will go. Private work will go. My interests, my ambitions, my preferences, all will go.

29. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
When I see this, I shall at once have done with independence and shall seek fellowship. The life of Christ in me will gravitate to the life of Christ in others. I can no longer take an individual line. Jealousy will go. Competition will go. Private work will go. My interests, my ambitions, my preferences, all will go.

30. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
When I see this, I shall at once have done with independence and shall seek fellowship. The life of Christ in me will gravitate to the life of Christ in others. I can no longer take an individual line. Jealousy will go. Competition will go. Private work will go. My interests, my ambitions, my preferences, all will go.

31. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
It will no longer matter which of us does the work. All that will matter will be that the Body grows.

32. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
I said: “When I see this...” That is the great need: to see the Body of Christ as another great divine fact; to have it break in upon our spirits by heavenly revelation that “we, who are many, are one body in Christ.”

33. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
Only the Holy Spirit can bring this home to us in all its meaning, but when he does it will revolutionize our life and work.
W. Nee, Normal Christian Life

34. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 

35. Two very different models of church
Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 
Two very different models of church

36. Them EXPLAIN?

37. God
Them EXPLAIN?

38. God
Clergy
Them EXPLAIN?

39. God
Clergy
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

40. The Traditional Paradigm
God
Clergy
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

41. The Traditional Paradigm Staff-centered Paradigm
God
Staff-centered Paradigm
Clergy
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

42. In this model you “go to church”
The Traditional Paradigm
God
Staff-centered Paradigm
Clergy
In this model you “go to church”
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

43. The Traditional Paradigm Staff-centered Paradigm
God
Staff-centered Paradigm
Clergy
In this model you “attend a weekly meeting” (if it fits your busy schedule)
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

44. In this model you “become a member” of the church association or club
The Traditional Paradigm
God
Staff-centered Paradigm
Clergy
In this model you “become a member” of the church association or club
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

45. The Traditional Paradigm Staff-centered Paradigm
God
Staff-centered Paradigm
In this model your church grows “because we have an awesome preacher” or “really high quality music”
Clergy
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

46. The Traditional Paradigm Staff-centered Paradigm
God
In this model you join a group that “fits your stage of life” or your “areas of interest” or which includes “people you can relate with”
Staff-centered Paradigm
Clergy
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

47. The Traditional Paradigm Staff-centered Paradigm
God
Staff-centered Paradigm
In this model you “church shop & church hop” when the going gets rough (Why shop at Dillon’s when Walmart’s prices are better?)
Clergy
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

48. The Traditional Paradigm Staff-centered Paradigm
God
Staff-centered Paradigm
In this model there is nothing tying you to all the sinful, annoying people like you (and me) who make up the church!
Clergy
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

49. The Traditional Paradigm Staff-centered Paradigm
God
Staff-centered Paradigm
This model is largely built on the best strategies that the world’s system has to offer.
Clergy
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

50. Is there a different model?
The Traditional Paradigm
God
Staff-centered Paradigm
Clergy
Is there a different model?
Them EXPLAIN?
Laity

52. Christ (the head)

53. Christ (the head)
Leaders
(elders)

54. Christ (the head)
Leaders
(elders)
Servants
(deacons)

55. Christ (the head)
Leaders
(elders)
Servants
(deacons)
The Rest (ministers)

56. The Biblical Paradigm
Christ (the head)
Leaders
(elders)
Servants
(deacons)
The Rest (ministers)

57. The Biblical Paradigm Christ (the head) Leaders (elders) Servants
Ephesians 4:  And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
The Biblical Paradigm
Christ (the head)
Leaders
(elders)
Servants
(deacons)
The Rest (ministers)

58. The Biblical Paradigm Christ (the head) Leaders (elders) Servants
Ephesians 4:  And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
The Biblical Paradigm
Christ (the head)
Leaders
(elders)
Servants
(deacons)
The Rest (ministers)

59. The Biblical Paradigm Christ (the head) Leaders (elders) Servants
Ephesians 4:  And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
The Biblical Paradigm
Christ (the head)
Leaders
(elders)
Servants
(deacons)
The Rest (ministers)

60. The Biblical Paradigm Christ (the head) Leaders (elders) Servants
Ephesians 4:  And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. 16 From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part.
The Biblical Paradigm
Christ (the head)
Leaders
(elders)
Servants
(deacons)
The Rest (ministers)

61. The Biblical Paradigm
Christ (the head)
The Organic Paradigm
Leaders
(elders)
Servants
(deacons)
The Rest (ministers)

62. The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm

63. The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm

64. The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm

65. The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm

66. The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm

67. The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm

68. The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm

69. The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm

70. This is why our name is The Village Organic Church Network
The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm
This is why our name is The Village Organic Church Network

71. The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm
This type of church has the ligaments that enable it to stick together through thick and thin.

72. The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm
This type of church takes time and is built on the new corporate identity.

73. This type of church is the path to lasting joy.
The Biblical Paradigm
The Organic Paradigm
This type of church is the path to lasting joy.

74. Romans 12
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

75. Romans 12
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 

76. Romans 12:6-16 Some Elements of a Healthy Church
Next Week at CT
Romans 12:6-16 Some Elements of a Healthy Church

77. Questions?
Comments?

78. Thanks for coming out to Central Teaching
See you next week!