Pastor Lowell Nelson teaches Romans 12:3 "Grace-Powered Humility" on 3/2/2026 for our Monday Upper Room Bible Study.
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
00:00 - Introduction and Prayer Pastor begins with a prayer for the Spirit’s guidance and sets the stage for studying the "foundation of service" in Romans 12:3.
02:22 - The Substructure of Service: Romans 12:3-8 An overview of the text, emphasizing that humility and a proper self-appraisal are the necessary foundations for using spiritual gifts.
06:53 - The Necessity of a Sensible Appraisal Exploring what it means to have a "sober" opinion of oneself—avoiding both over-inflated pride and the trap of feeling unnecessary.
09:07 - Built on Grace: Getting What You Don’t Deserve A deep dive into the definition of grace. Pastor contrasts justice (getting what you deserve), mercy (not getting what you deserve), and grace (getting what you don’t deserve).
13:29 - Paul’s Example: I Am What I Am by Grace Using 1 Corinthians 15 and Ephesians 3 to show how Paul viewed his entire ministry and labor as a result of God’s grace rather than his own merit.
20:51 - Humility Within the Body of Christ A look at how we function as members of one body. Just as a finger cannot function without the heart, no believer is independent or superior to another.
25:56 - Necessary Parts: Honor for the Unseen Referencing 1 Corinthians 12, Pastor discusses how "less honorable" or unseen parts of the body are often the most necessary for the whole to function.
31:02 - The Dangers of Pride and Fained Humility A warning against seeking visible positions for recognition and the subtle pride of "waiting to be elevated" while acting humble.
34:28 - Naaman’s Leprosy: Pride vs. God’s Way The story of Naaman from 2 Kings 5 illustrates how our status and expectations can hinder us from receiving God’s simple, grace-filled instructions.
41:16 - The Pharisee and the Tax Collector A study of Luke 18, highlighting the danger of trusting in one's own righteousness and despising others.
45:30 - The Three Phases of Moses: Somebody to Nobody to God’s Instrument Tracing Moses’ life in 40-year increments: learning he was "somebody," realizing he was "nobody," and finally seeing how God uses a "nobody."
55:41 - Thinking Soberly: A Right Mindset Concluding thoughts on the "measure of faith." Recognizing that God supplies the gift, the duration, and the fruitfulness of our service.
01:02:16 - Closing Prayer and Benediction A final prayer asking God to burn the truth of this foundation into our hearts so we may serve Him effectively.
