Romans 12:5

so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another.

'Severally' -'Individually' (NASV)

Points to Note:

1. 'A further safeguard against pride is found in the fact that in the...church there is. wide variety of gifts; no one should expect to possess all the talents and to do all the work necessary for the life of the church.' (Erdman p. 146)

2. The work of the church never falls on the shoulders of one man.

3. The failure of. congregation to grow never falls on the shoulders of one person.

4. At times we violate this passage when we try to force people into 'functions', that they do not have the abilities for. Every young man isn't cut out to be. preacher or song leader. Every woman isn't cut out to be. teacher. We are doing more harm to the body of Christ than good, when try to force someone into. 'function', that is not their area of expertise. The same truth is taught in 1 Corinthians 12:28.

5. The members of the body of Christ, are individuals, not denominations. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

'members one of another' -'and each acts as. counter-part of another' (Knox). Every member of the body is. needed member (1 Corinthians 12:14). It is. false humility to say, 'The church down there doesn't need me'.

Hence my talent, ability or in N.T. times my spiritual gift, is only useful, if. use it for the benefit of the whole body. God given abilities that are used for selfish interests are talents that end up wasted. Here we see the sin and ugliness of the person who refuses to offer their talent for the benefit of the body of Christ. To be receiving the benefits of the talents of others, and yet refuse to share mine, is selfish. It appears that what was true of spiritual gifts, must also hold true with natural abilities. The purpose of our talents isn't to build ourselves up, but rather to build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:4; 1 Corinthians 14:12).