What does it mean to be a part of the “body of Christ?” The Bible often refers to Christians and the Church as the body of Christ, but what does that mean? Are there practical implications for the believer? In Romans 12, Paul has been outlining what a Christian looks like – one who expresses love in a variety of ways. One of the places in which love manifests itself is in the Church. Christians are called to “love one another with brotherly affection” (Romans 12:10), after all. Paul reminds believers that they are to be active in loving one another, and that means they must help one another in need, even when a believer who is a “stranger” needs help. This is “The Marks of the Christian 4: Generosity” (Romans 12:13).

I. The General Context
A. Response Not Requirement
B. Specific Not General

II. Sharing with the Saints
A. The Needs of Others
B. Met with Generosity

III. Helping with Hospitality
A. Hardship
B. Eager Help

Questions for consideration: (1) Why is it so important to understand that all of these commands from Paul are a result of salvation, not a prerequisite? (2) Why is it important for us to see that the “needs” of the saints can be (and often are) more than financial? (3) What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word “hospitality”? Why is that first impression often not helpful?