Romans 12 7

Romans 12:7 kjv

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Romans 12:7 nkjv

or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;

Romans 12:7 niv

if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;

Romans 12:7 esv

if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;

Romans 12:7 nlt

If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.

Romans 12 verses

Romans 12 7 Meaning

Romans 12:7 instructs believers to faithfully and diligently apply the specific spiritual gifts they have received for the benefit of the body of Christ. If one's gift is "ministry" (service), they should minister; if it is "teaching," they should dedicate themselves to teaching. This verse emphasizes purposeful engagement and commitment to one's divine assignment, recognizing that these gifts are expressions of God's grace and vital for the church's functioning.

Romans 12 7 Context

Romans chapter 12 marks a pivotal shift in Paul's letter from rich theological exposition (chapters 1-11) to practical application for Christian living. Following the profound truths of God's grace, salvation, and sovereignty, Paul calls believers to offer their "bodies as a living and holy sacrifice" (Rom 12:1) and to "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Rom 12:2). This call for spiritual transformation underpins the exercise of spiritual gifts.

Verses 3-8 specifically address the topic of spiritual gifts within the unified body of Christ. Paul urges humility in self-assessment (Rom 12:3), recognizing that each believer is a unique member with distinct functions within one body (Rom 12:4-5). This forms the backdrop for understanding that different gifts (charismata) are given "according to the grace that was given to us" (Rom 12:6). Romans 12:7, along with verse 8, lists various specific gifts, emphasizing that each gift, whether "ministry" or "teaching," is to be exercised with dedication and in proportion to the grace received. The cultural context for the Roman church was diverse, with a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers, requiring unity amidst diversity and the humble exercise of gifts to build up the entire community. Polemics might indirectly be against a worldly pursuit of status or power, instead promoting humble service and effective use of God-given abilities for the common good.

Romans 12 7 Word analysis

• or ministry:

  • Greek: εἴτε διακονίαν (eite diakonian)
  • εἴτε (eite): "or," indicating an alternative or continuation in a list of gifts.
  • διακονίαν (diakonian): Accusative singular of διακονία (diakonia). It signifies "service," "ministry," or "waiting at tables." In a broader New Testament context, it refers to practical service to others, meeting needs, and sometimes the overall work of ministry (e.g., service of apostles). It encompasses various forms of practical aid and helpfulness in the community.
  • Significance: This word emphasizes practical, selfless service, contrasting with self-serving ambition. It implies an active contribution to the well-being of others and the functioning of the church.

• let us use it in our ministering:

  • Greek: τῇ διακονίᾳ (tē diakonia)
  • τῇ διακονίᾳ (tē diakonia): Dative singular of διακονία. Here, it means "in the act of ministering," or "by our service." The sense is that the gift of "ministry" should be fully utilized in ministry itself. The underlying Greek structure implies focused dedication: if one has the gift of service, let him perform it (in the area of) service.
  • Significance: Not just having the gift, but actively and wholeheartedly doing it. It calls for diligent application and fidelity in the exercise of this grace.

• or he who teaches:

  • Greek: ὁ διδάσκων (ho didaskōn)
  • ὁ (ho): The definite article, functioning here as "the one who..."
  • διδάσκων (didaskōn): Present active participle of διδάσκω (didaskō), "to teach." It refers to "the one teaching" or "the teacher." This indicates an ongoing function and spiritual capacity.
  • Significance: Identifies an individual gifted and called to impart biblical truth and instruction. It implies an authority derived from the gift, coupled with responsibility.

• in his teaching:

  • Greek: τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ (tē didaskalia)
  • τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ (tē didaskalia): Dative singular of διδασκαλία (didaskalia). This noun refers to "teaching," "instruction," or "what is taught (doctrine)." It denotes the activity, method, and content of teaching. Similar to "ministering," it means in the act or realm of teaching.
  • Significance: The teacher must be dedicated to their teaching role, implying thoroughness, accuracy, and diligence in preparing and delivering instruction. It underscores the importance of sound doctrine.

Romans 12 7 Bonus section

The injunctions in Romans 12:6-8 for each gift ("let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith," "let us use it in our ministering," "in his teaching") are all in the present active imperative form or equivalent. This grammatical structure conveys an ongoing, continuous action. It's not a suggestion but a command for sustained, purposeful, and active engagement. This speaks to the permanence and diligent commitment expected in the exercise of one's spiritual gift. The Spirit's enablement through these gifts is for perpetual active use within the believing community, not for mere possession or sporadic application. Furthermore, the gifts mentioned are not hierarchical; each serves a crucial role within the unified, functioning body of Christ.

Romans 12 7 Commentary

Romans 12:7 builds upon the foundational truth that spiritual gifts are given by God's grace for the common good of the church. It is not merely about possessing a gift but about faithfully and thoroughly exercising it. Paul specifically highlights two distinct but equally vital gifts: ministry (διακονία) and teaching (διδασκαλία).

The emphasis on "let us use it in our ministering" and "in his teaching" underscores commitment and dedication. It's a call to immersion in the God-given role; if you are gifted to serve, then serve; if you are gifted to teach, then teach diligently and accurately. This focus rejects a casual or half-hearted approach. Ministry here is broad, encompassing various acts of practical service and support that uplift the community and meet needs, embodying Christ's own example of servitude (Mark 10:45). Teaching, on the other hand, is the communication of divine truth, requiring diligence in study and careful articulation of sound doctrine to equip and edify believers. Both are indispensable for the health and growth of the body of Christ. Believers are encouraged to discern their grace-given role and, instead of seeking other or more visible gifts, to faithfully discharge the duties associated with their specific assignment.

• Examples:
  • A church member with the gift of "ministry" might faithfully volunteer to set up for services, coordinate outreach events, or care for the sick, seeing these tasks not as chores but as sacred service to Christ.
  • A teacher in the church might invest time in deep biblical study, prayerfully preparing lessons that accurately convey Scripture, ensuring the doctrine is sound and applicable to the lives of their listeners.