12:3 {3} For I {g} say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not {h} to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think {i} soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of {k} faith.
(3) Thirdly, he admonishes us very earnestly that every man keep himself within the bounds of his calling, and that every man be wise according to the measure of grace that God has given him.
(g) I charge.
(h) That he does not please himself too much, as those do who persuade themselves they know more than they actually do.
(i) We will be sober if we do not take that upon us which we do not have, and if we do not brag of that which we do have.
(k) By faith he means the knowledge of God in Christ, and the gifts which the Holy Spirit pours upon the faithful.
12:3 Through the grace given to me. The grace to him, specially, was that of apostleship. See Ro 1:5 15:15 1Co 3:10.
Not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think. A much needed exhortation. To be puffed up in one's own conceits is the end of progress. It is the humble who are exalted (Mt 23:2); those that hunger are filled (Mt 5:6 Lu 6:21).
Think soberly. Let each one take a sober judgment of himself, of his powers, and duties.
The measure of faith. That measure of faith which would enable one to exercise spiritual gifts. Ro 12:4-8 show that this is Paul's meaning. It is not the ordinary faith that saves the soul, but the extraordinary faith, which was accompanied in the first century by supernatural gifts, that is meant.
12:3 And I say - He now proceeds to show what that will of God is. Through the grace which is given to me - He modestly adds this, lest he should seem to forget his own direction. To every one that is among you - Believers at Rome. Happy, had they always remembered this! The measure of faith - Treated of in the first and following chapter s, from which all other gifts and graces flow.
12:3-8 Pride is a sin in us by nature; we need to be cautioned and armed against it. All the saints make up one body in Christ, who is the Head of the body, and the common Centre of their unity. In the spiritual body, some are fitted for and called to one sort of work; others for another sort of work. We are to do all the good we can, one to another, and for the common benefit. If we duly thought about the powers we have, and how far we fail properly to improve them, it would humble us. But as we must not be proud of our talents, so we must take heed lest, under a pretence of humility and self-denial, we are slothful in laying out ourselves for the good of others. We must not say, I am nothing, therefore I will sit still, and do nothing; but, I am nothing in myself, and therefore I will lay out myself to the utmost, in the strength of the grace of Christ. Whatever our gifts or situations may be, let us try to employ ourselves humbly, diligently, cheerfully, and in simplicity; not seeking our own credit or profit, but the good of many, for this world and that which is to come.
