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SPIRITUAL ANATOMY – BODY LIFE, ROMANS 12:1-13 ESV, COLIN MUNROE, LEAD PASTOR

Spiritual Anatomy

BODY LIFE

Acts 6:1-7 ESV
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Acts 6:1 ESV
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 

  • Disciples were increasing in number.
  • Hellenists were Jewish Christian who spoke Greek and from the west.
  • The church mostly spoke Aramaic in these days.
  • There was a daily distribution of food to the widows.
  • What are the needs in our church family?

Acts 6:2-4 ESV

And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 

  • The Apostles – Elders and church leaders summoned all the disciples.
  • They said that preaching the Word and prayer was a priority for them.
  • They had them choose from among themselves 7 deacons. Not 1, a team.
  • They were not saying that this is beneath them.
  • What was the criteria for these 7 men?
  • Good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.
  • The church leaders like Moses appointed them to the ministry.
  • The Apostles remain devoted to prayer and the ministry of the Word!

Acts 6:5 ESV

And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

  • We not only see the pleasure of the people but the Lord as well.
  • They prayed and laid hands on them.
  • Because the Apostles continued, the word of God increased.
  • Meaning it spread, causing growth both in space and hearts.
  • There was a continued significant growth in the church.
  • Priests actually became obedient to faith in Christ.
  • In Paul’s letter he finishes with practical duties based in his teachings. 
  • Doctrine and duties are always in partnership.
  • What we believe helps to determines how we behave!
  • Our biblical learning ideally translates in to living.


Romans 12:4-5 ESV
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 

Romans 12:6 ESV

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith

  • Gifts are given to be a gift to others.
  • Spiritual gifts are tools to build with.
  • Not toys to play with.
  • And they are definitely not weapons to fight with.
  • Or presents to fight about.
  • Our gifts are for His glory and others gain.
  • The gifts are a partnership with the fruit.

Romans 12:7-8 ESV

if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

  • Is it possible to use our gifts with the wrong attitude?
  • That is what is being addressed here.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Romans 12:9-10 ESV

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 12:11-13 ESV

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.