Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 12

Other duties of church leaders

Romans 12:8

We are very aware of the tasks that our church leaders carry out during the meetings. Perhaps we are less aware of the many tasks that church leaders carry on at other times. However, they still need to carry on those private tasks with faith (belief and trust in God). This work is still a sacred duty, even when nobody but God knows about it.

(1) So, church leaders are responsible for the gifts that people give to the church. Really, those gifts are gifts to God, and so they are very holy. However, it is the leaders in the church who decide how to use those gifts. Paul urges those leaders always to act in a sincere manner.

Often, a church appoints people with the special duty to deal with the gifts. You can read how the first church, in Jerusalem, did this in Acts 6:1-6.

(2) A Christian leader should think about himself as a servant of God, rather than as someone important (Mark 10:42-44). However, he is still leading people, because he shows them how to live. People should be able to learn from his life, and to imitate his good behaviour (1 Corinthians 4:16; Titus 1:6-9; Hebrews 13:7). So, Paul urges leaders to do this work of leadership in an eager manner. In 2 Corinthians 8:16-17, Paul mentions how eager Titus was to do God’s work in Corinth.

(3) Finally, Paul urges church leaders to carry on acts of kindness in a joyful manner. It is not always easy to visit ill people or to care for people who are suffering greatly. So, when we carry out sad or uncomfortable tasks, we should remember God’s goodness. He has been very kind to us. We should be grateful that he is showing his kindness to other people by means of us. Then, when we share other people’s pain, the joy in our hearts will help them to be stronger.

Next part: Instructions for every Christian (Romans 12:9)

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