1 Matthew 22: And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38 "This is the great and foremost commandment. Matthew 22: "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' John 13: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus – let’s pray together and ask the Lord to instruct our hearts and bless this sermon for His glory (prayer) Matthew 28: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
2 We have been going through Romans 12 and a mini series I’m calling “the most important things in life” Romans 11:33-12:21
3 Why church/your local body of believers should be important to you and one of your top prioritiesThe Church is important to God (therefore it should be important to us) – He planned/predestined the church before the creation of the world, He purchased/cleansed each member of the church by His own blood/death on the cross, He calls the church His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27, 2 Corinthians 11:2) and His body (1 Cor. 12), and is coming back to rescue His bride from the coming wrath of God (1 Thess. 1:10) and to reward/rejoice/and reign with them in the marriage supper of the Lamb in the coming Kingdom of Jesus (Rev. 19:9). The Church is important to all true believers, because believers comprise and make up the church – therefore to love the church is to love one another as Jesus commanded us to (John 13:34-35, 15:12, 1 John 3:11, 2 John 1:5). We are commanded to build/edify/and make the bride of Christ beautiful and prepared from the return of the bridegroom. (1 Corinthians 14:12) The Church is important to world (even if they don’t know it!) because the Church is God’s chosen method to disseminate the gospel throughout the world (1 Timothy 3:15) *** Bottom line – if Christ died/sacrificed Himself for the church, shouldn’t we prioritize and love His bride? Ephesians 5: Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.
4 The Most Important Things Series Everyone doing their best to build/edify our Church to be the most excellent, beautiful, and glorifying to our King Jesus Worthy Worship (Romans 12:1-3) “Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Fully Utilized (Romans 12:4-8) “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly.” Selfless Devotion (Practicing all the “One Anothers”) (Romans 12:9-21) “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” (Click) How are you each doing in… 1. Giving worthy Worship and obeying Romans 12:1-3 “Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” How are you doing in 2. Being fully utilized in this church by knowing, developing, and fully utilizing your spiritual gifts in various ministries within this local church? Romans 12:4-8 says “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly.” Next week we’ll tackle “selfless devotion” and what it means obey and practice all the “one anothers” that make up the critical components of Christian love
5 (1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Romans 12:4-8)Fully Utilizing Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 3 - (1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Romans 12:4-8) Today we are doing a continuation from last week about Fully Utilizing Your Spiritual Gifts Fully Utilizing Your Spiritual Gifts (Part 2) Our primary texts are 1 Cor. 12 and Romans 12 Today we will look more closely at 1 Cor. 12, specifically verses 28-31
6 Propositional StatementBeing FULLY UTILIZED for the Kingdom of God requires knowing… The Mission of the Church The Offices of the Church The Spiritual Gifts of the Church SO THAT EVERY MEMBER OF THE CHURCH IS DISOVERING, DEVELOPING, AND FULLY UTILIZING THEIR GOD-GIVEN SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO BUILD, EDIFY, AND HELP MAKE THEIR LOCAL CHURCH BE THE MOST EXCELLENT, BEAUTIFUL, AND GLORIFYING TO GOD AS POSSIBLE. So we need to finish point three from last week – knowing, identifying, developing, and fully utilizing our spiritual gifts in order to best build, edify, and make this local church beautiful in God’s eyes. If you were not here last week we said: Fully utlilzing your spiritual gifts requires knowing… The Mission of the Church The Offices of the Church, and The Spiritual Gifts of the Church SO THAT EVERY MEMBER OF THE CHURCH IS DISOVERING, DEVELOPING, AND FULLY UTILIZING THEIR GOD-GIVEN SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO BUILD, EDIFY, AND HELP MAKE THEIR LOCAL CHURCH BE THE MOST EXCELLENT, BEAUTIFUL, AND GLORIFYING TO GOD AS POSSIBLE.
7 Being holy and blameless before Him in loveBeing FULLY UTILIZED for the Kingdom of God requires knowing… 1. The Mission of the Church The overall MISSION of the Church is to glorify God by… Being holy and blameless before Him in love Becoming MATURE (complete/perfect like Christ) Ephesians 5: Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. Ephesians 1:4 He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Being FULLY UTILIZED for the Kingdom of God requires knowing… The Mission of the Church The overall MISSION of the Church is to… -Be holy and blameless before Him in love Ephesians 1:4 He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. -Become MATURE (complete/perfect) Loving God and becoming like Christ with ALL our HEART /totality of being (be) SOUL /appetites/passions/desires (know) STRENGTH /effort/strivings/actions (do) Ephesians 4: And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. There are many other Scriptures that would affirm our mission as a Church. Ephesians until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
8 Being FULLY UTILIZED for the Kingdom of God requires knowing… 2Being FULLY UTILIZED for the Kingdom of God requires knowing… 2. The Offices of the Church
9 Church Offices (Ephesians 4, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1)Ephesians 4:11 lists 4 of the 5 Church Offices that require different/unique spiritual gifts: 1. Apostles (the Apostolic sign gifts – apostolos semeion “signs, wonders, miracles” to validate the authority of the early church leaders and their inspiration to write N.T. Scripture - 2 Cor. 12:12, Acts 2:43, 5:12, 2 Peter 1:19-21, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Cor. 11:3, Rev. 2:2) 2. Prophets (the gift of prophecy – propheteia “to foretell, to declare beforehand” “the interpreter or forth-teller of the divine will” – Acts 11:28, 20:29, 21:10) 3. Evangelists (the gift of persuasion/exhortation – parakaleo “to call alongside” Acts 21:8, 2 Timothy 4:5) 4. Pastors/Teachers (Elders) (the gift of teaching – didaktikos “to teach, instruct, exposit” – 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9, 2 Timothy 1:13, Titus 2:1, 2 Timothy 4:2) 5. Deacons (the gift of service – diakonia “to serve” – 1 Timothy 3:8-13, Acts 6:1-6) Ephesians 4:7-12 “7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift… 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ…”
10 TBC Believes that Some of the Spiritual Gifts Were Only Given to the Apostles (Apostolic Sign Gifts) (With the passing of the Apostles, so did the gifts God gave them to authenticate their leadership over the church and inspire N.T. Scripture) 2 Corinthians 12: The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. Acts 2: Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. Acts 5: At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's portico. 1 Corinthians 12: All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. 2 Corinthians 11: For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. Revelation 2:2 2 'I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;
11 Requirements for the Office of Apostle (how to test so-called “modern day Apostles”)Directly commissioned by Jesus Christ (avpo,stoloj apostolos: sent one, messenger, to send on a mission) (Matthew 10:2, Luke 6:13, Mark 3:16 – he appointed 12, literally “he made twelve” (you can’t make yourself an apostle) Acts 1:2 He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. Chosen by God not self-appointed (Acts 1: Peter and the 120 in the upper room replaced Judas to fulfill Psalm 69:25/109:8 “Let another man take his office.” Acts 1: You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship) There are only 12 Apostles to Israel (Revelation 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.) Paul was chosen by God as an Apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15, Romans 11:13, 1 Cor. 15:8-9, Eph. 3:8, 1 Timothy 1:11, 2:7) Acts 9:15 …he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel. There were Apostles of the early church - for the purpose of leading the church, missionary work, and writing NT inspired Scripture (Barnabus - Acts 14:14, James – Gal. 1:19, possibly Andronicus and Junias – Romans 16:7) All Apostles must be have seen the resurrected Lord (1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.) The 12 Apostles to Israel must have accompanied Jesus from His baptism to His death (Acts 1: "Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us-- beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.“) All Apostles must be verified by signs, wonders, miracles, and CONVERTS (2 Corinthians 12:12 “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.”) (Acts 2:43, Acts 4:33, Acts 5:12, Acts 8:18, 1 Corinthians 12:28) (1 Cor. 9:2) All Apostles suffered great persecution – all but one were martyred - 1 Corinthians 4:9 9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. Requirements for the Office of Apostle (how to test so-called “modern day Apostles”) - Directly commissioned by Jesus Christ (avpo,stoloj apostolos: sent one, messenger, to send on a mission) (Matthew 10:2, Luke 6:13, Mark 3:16 – he appointed 12, literally “he made twelve” (you can’t make yourself an apostle) Acts 1:2 He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. - Chosen by God not self-appointed (Acts 1: Peter and the 120 in the upper room replaced Judas to fulfill Psalm 69:25/109:8 “Let another man take his office.” Acts 1: You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship) - There are only 12 Apostles to Israel (Revelation 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.) Paul was chosen by God as an Apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15, Romans 11:13, 1 Cor. 15:8-9, Eph. 3:8, 1 Timothy 1:11, 2:7) Acts 9:15 …he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel. - There were Apostles of the early church - for the purpose of leading the church, missionary work, and writing NT inspired Scripture (Barnabus - Acts 14:14, James – Gal. 1:19, possibly Andronicus and Junias – Romans 16:7) - All Apostles must be have seen the resurrected Lord (1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.) - The 12 Apostles to Israel must have accompanied Jesus from His baptism to His death (Acts 1: "Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us-- beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.“) - All Apostles must be verified by signs, wonders, miracles, and CONVERTS (2 Corinthians 12:12 “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.”) (Acts 2:43, Acts 4:33, Acts 5:12, Acts 8:18, 1 Corinthians 12:28) (1 Cor. 9:2) - All Apostles suffered great persecution – all but one were martyred - 1 Corinthians 4:9 9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. CONCLUSION: No one today can possibly meet the qualifications of the OFFICE of an Apostle – that is why TBC is not going to rank ourselves under any so-called higher authority than our local Elders – as we believe in the autonomy of local churches where believers place themselves under the authority of a plurality of Elders who are in subjection to His Holy Word and under the ultimate headship of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 11: For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Revelation 2:2 2 'I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;
12 1 Corinthians 12: 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.
13 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 Timing/Order of the Giving of Giftse;qeto etheto God has placed / appointed in the church: e;peita epeita (afterwards/ thereafter) FIRST: Apostles Effecting of miraculous powers Gifts of Healing SECOND: Prophets Kinds of Tongues THIRD: Teachers Administrations Helps
14 Helps (plural) avntilh,myeij: antilempseis (anti – against/opposite) lambano (to take/receive). Help, assistance, those who help others (not those who take/receive/and help themselves). Very general term, in the plural (helps) so could be category by which referring to the many helping/service oriented gifts.
15 Administrations (plural)kubernh,seij: kuberneseis (administrations, governments) from kuberna,w kubernao (to steer, guide, govern) literally to steer/navigate like a captain of a boat Probably refers to church administrations/leadership teams that have all the gifts necessary to lead and manage the church.
16 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 Categories of Spiritual GiftsAppointed Offices Apostolic Age Sign Gifts Speaking Gifts Serving Gifts 1. Apostles Gifts of Healings Administrations Teaching, Exhortation Word of Wisdom Leadership Helps Service Giving Mercy Faith Discernment 2. Prophets Miraculous powers 3. Teachers (Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers) Kinds of Tongues (Speaking and Interpreting Foreign Languages)
17 Being FULLY UTILIZED for the Kingdom of God requires knowing… 3Being FULLY UTILIZED for the Kingdom of God requires knowing… 3. The Spiritual Gifts of the Church
18 Spiritual Maturity requires…Knowing, Discovering, Developing, and Fully Utilizing our God-given Spiritual Gifts 2 Corinthians 12:12 1 Corinthians 13:8 1 Peter 4:7-11 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 28-31 Romans 12:3-8
19 TBC Believes that Some of the Spiritual Gifts Have Ceased (The early church at Corinth misused, clamored over, and was over emphasizing certain spiritual gifts – Paul not only gave them strict guidelines from the Holy Spirit on how they should be used but even told them that as the early church grew towards Teleios/Maturity – 4 gifts would cease 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect (maturity) comes, the partial will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide (remain) these three; but the greatest of these is love. A key verse is 1 Corinthians 13:8 – which says certain gifts will cease. This is why we are cessasionists (certain gifts have ceased and are not operational) and not continuationist – that all the gifts in 1 Corinthians are still for today. First we want to be clear that God can do anything He wants at anytime – He can and does still heal, do miracles, and I have no reason to doubt the various missionary stories of men of God enabled to learn quickly or instantly other languages in order to share the gospel with unreached language groups. So the question is not IF God can do something – the question is if certain gifts are normative, or if lets say the gift of healing is bestowed regularly through a specific person. Because of the danger of added books to the Bible when we have a complete cannon – I believe the gift of knowledge has ceased. Because of the problem of pride – I believe the gift of sign, wonders, and miracles were only given to the Apostles and when the Apostles died off – so also the Apostlostic Sign Gifts which were necessary to establish the Apostles as the first leaders of the church, as the inspired writers of Scripture, and as those especially commission by Jesus to get the early church started and established. Also, I believe the gift of tongues is not normative – as I know of no church today where tongues and interpretation of tongues is being conducted EXACTLY according to the guidelines of Scripture – 1. That tongues is a sign for unbelievers, 2. That tongues more properly is translated languages – an ability to preach the gospel in a language you have never learned, 3. That there must always be an interpreter so that the rest of the congregation knows what you are saying (Oh –so and so is witnessing to those who came today who do not know our language), 4. That tongues/interpretation of tongues always came upon people at the initiative of the Holy Spirit and were not learned or excercised at the whim or will of people – and certaintly never was to edify, honor, or draw attention to the individual speaking in tongues (look how spiritual I am) , but truly was a blessing to the hearer of the tongues – who were hearing the gospel or NT doctrine in their own language so that new people were saved and the church expanded to other people groups as God wants the church to be compromised of all nations. So if tongues is conducted EXACTLY according to 1 Cor – I would not forbid it (forbid not the speaking in tongues), as the Holy Spirit would never give/fall/bestow tongues in a way contrary to His own rules/guidelines that Paul was correcting the Corinthians on (the proper use/motive/outcome of spiritual gifts). But then 1 Cor. 13:8 is a conclusion where Paul shows – hey don’t misuse (draw attention to yourself), clamor over/pursue so that they becomes a pride issue, as these gifts are partial, childish, dimly and about to cease – so pursue the gifts that remain – especially faith, hope, and love. The evidence for this is … four gifts (knowledge, prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues) will be done away (3x) and cease (1x). When will they cease? When the perfect comes – better translated “maturity” (teleios) – when the maturity or completion comes. Continuationists have typically argued the perfect is the return of Christ (but this is not in the context). Cessassionists have typically argued that the perfect is the completion of the NT canon (this is in not in the context). What is the context is the early church, the struggling and immature Corinthians church that in many ways needs to grow up. Notice the plural pronouns “we” – speaking of the church – the church knows in part, prophecies in part, but when the church grows towards maturity – four gifts will cease – further evidence Paul is bringing to not misuse or overemphasize certain spiritual gifts. Maturity of the church interpretation is confirmed by Paul’s immediate following illustration – when he was a child, he spoke, thought, and reasoned like a child, but when he grew up to full manhood he did away with childish things – drawing the analogy that the spiritual gifts the Corinthians thought were so important – that four of them will cease when the church comes into maturity. So Paul says of these four gifts – they are partial, they are childish, and they will cease. Further – he says that with these four gifts currently operational – the church’s vision is dim – not seeing accurately as with ancient mirrors which were not clear like our glass today and reflected a poor image – rather than seeing a face reflecting an accurate depiction of your face when looking into a mirror. (Not referring to seeing Jesus face to face as some have suggested). Then, he says that with maturity comes fuller knowledge (which certainly would be helped or greatly assisted in the early church by the completion of the N.T. canon). Lastly, in light of all this – he reminds the early church that bedrock qualities of Christian conduct and character – faith, hope, and love will REMAIN (best translation) – therefore he urges the church to pursue these over gifts that will soon cease/pass away. (Church history in my opinion has verified that the Apostilic Sign gifts did cease with the passing of the Apostles and that these four gifts are no longer normative where one person regularly manifests and excercises them (why we would accept no one telling us they have a 67th book of the Bible because they have the “gift of knowledge, prophecy, or tongues” to tell us something “new” from God when the Bible clearly says in 2 Peter 1:3 – we have everything we need for life and godliness.” So cessassionism is critical in protecting the canon, protecting the church from being distracted from pursuing “experience” over/above obedience to the Word, and protecting from Satan’s clear use to mislead/deceive people with “words” they think are from God but are not from the Holy Spirit but from falling spirits or the creations of people’s own minds or emotions.
20 Young’s Literal Translation:9 Spiritual Gifts: Word of Wisdom Word of Knowledge Faith Healing Miracles Prophecy Discerning of spirits Kinds of Tongues Interpretation of Tongues 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 Young’s Literal Translation: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 And concerning the spiritual things, brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant; 2 ye have known that ye were nations, unto the dumb idols -- as ye were led -- being carried away; 3 wherefore, I give you to understand that no one, in the Spirit of God speaking, saith Jesus is anathema, and no one is able to say Jesus is Lord, except in the Holy Spirit. 4 And there are diversities of gifts, and the same Spirit; 5 and there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord; 6 and there are diversities of workings, and it is the same God -- who is working the all in all. 7 And to each hath been given the manifestation of the Spirit for profit; 8 for to one through the Spirit hath been given a word of wisdom, and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; 9 and to another faith in the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healings in the same Spirit; 10 and to another in-workings of mighty deeds; and to another prophecy; and to another discernings of spirits; and to another divers kinds of tongues; and to another interpretation of tongues: 11 and all these doth work the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each severally as he intendeth.
21 Romans 12:4-8 Romans 12:1-3 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
22 God’s Purpose in Giving Spiritual Gifts to UsRomans 12:1-8 shows us that spiritual gifts are all about God: possible because of God’s Mercy designed for God’s Worship given by God’s Will useful to unify/edify God’s Body distributed differently by God’s Grace
23 Romans 12:1 Spiritual Gifts are made possible by God’s MercyTherefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
24 Romans 12:2 Spiritual Gifts are for God’s Glory (Worship)…which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
25 Romans 12:3 Spiritual Gifts are given by God’s WillFor through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
26 Romans 12:4-5 Spiritual Gifts are to edify and unify God’s Body (the church)For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
27 Romans 12:6-8 Spiritual Gifts are distributed differently by God’s GraceSince we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
28 Word for Word Translation:Romans 12:6-8 7 Spiritual Gifts: Prophecy Service Teaching Exhortation Giving Leadership Mercy Word for Word Translation: But we have gifts according to the grace the giving to us differently. If prophecy – according the proportion of the faith. If service, in the service, if the one teaching, in the teaching, if the one exhorting, in the exhortation, the giving one in generosity, the leading one in diligence, the merciful one in cheerfulness.
29 7 Spiritual Gifts Romans 12:6-8 Speaking Gifts Serving Gifts Prophecy(Ceased 1 Cor. 13:8-12) Service Teaching Giving Exhortation Mercy Leadership
30 1 Cor. 12 and Romans 12 Combined List of 15 Spiritual GiftsApostolic Sign Gifts Speaking Gifts Serving Gifts Gifts of Healing Prophecy Service Effecting of miraculous powers Kinds of Tongues Mercy Interpretation of Tongues Faith Teaching Discernment (Distinguishing of human hearts/spirits) Exhortation Word of Wisdom Word of Knowledge Leadership Helps Administrations
31 Application
32 Description (Romans 12:8-10)Name Description (Romans 12:8-10) profhtei,a propheteia (from prophetes - word for prophet) Inspired speaking, to forthtell or interpret divine messages for revealing truth 1. Prophecy We need a plurality of Deacons (see Elders for Deacon Application) 2. Service (Deacons) diakoni,a diakonia (from diakonos - word for deacon) To serve or minister for helping and meeting needs We need to add to our plurality of Elders (pray for Alden coming ) 3. Teaching (Teachers) dida,skw didasko (from didaskolos – word for teacher) To teach or to instruct for learning/applying truth/doctrine We need lay counselors/disciplers (set out to complete the 7 classes yourself, so you can take others through them, we always want to see people using their musical talents to edify/encourage the church) 4. Exhortation (Disciplers, Counselors, Musicians/Arts) parakale,w parakaleo (from kaleo – to call) To call alongside (urge, appeal, implore, plead), to encourage, to comfort for salvation, edification, or restoration of people Know what the gifts are We can always use more faithful givers (if everyone tithed – not out of compulsion but out of joy and progress – we could bring Kevin on full time, hire my dad to lead the counseling ministry, and hopefully hire a full time youth pastor) 5. Giving (Financial Supporters) metadi,dwmi metadidomi (from didomi – to give) To give among, provide a share for material provision/blessing We need male leaders in charge over every one of our ministries (goal to not have Elders over a ministry, our church is to equip/oversee not do all the ministry) (children’s and youth are greatest area of need) 6. Leadership (Elders & Ministry Leaders) proi
33 Description (Romans 12:8-10)Name Description (Romans 12:8-10) 1. Prophecy “According to the proportion of the faith” (pistis: faith, faithfulness – also belief, trust, confidence, reliance. “Proportion” means in agreement/right relationship with what is received from God. “Of the faith” refers back to 8:3 talking about God allotting each a measure (gifts) of faith (belief, trust). Interestingly, the word for “proportion” in the Greek is analogian - ana (upwards) logos ( divine word/revelation), so prophecy is not only a gift based on how God has allotted it to certain people (8:3), but for those people it is to be exercised according to when and how God chooses to give His upwards/heavenly revelations (8:6).) 2. Service (Deacons) “In his serving” (diakonia: ministry, help, support, aid, preparation/waiting on tables) 3. Teaching (Teachers) “In his teaching” (didaskalia: instructing doctrine, teaching God’s Word, educating the saints about God’s will) Use them/exercise them accordingly 4. Exhortation (Disciplers/Counselors, Musicians) “In his exhortation” (paraklesis: earnest requests/appeals for change, affirmations for encouragement, consolations for comfort) 5. Giving (Financial Supporters) “With liberality” (haplous: singleness/simplicity/sincerity – no hidden agendas or ulterior motives, openness/generosity) 6. Leadership (Elders & Ministry Leaders) “With diligence” (spoude: earnestness/effort, devotion, zeal, genuine commitment) 7. Mercy (Ministries to the Sick, Poor, Orphans, Widows, Elderly, Prisoners) “With cheerfulness” (hilarotes: gladness, readiness of mind/not reluctance)
34 Spiritual Gifts for TODAY: (9 Active Gifts)Leadership (Elders, Ministry Leaders – Hebrews 13:17) Faith (Prayer, Colossians 4:2) Discernment (Interpretation, Apologetics, Titus 1:9) Service (Deacons/Ministries) Giving (Financial Supporters) Mercy (Ministries to the Sick, Poor, Orphans, Widows, Elderly, Prisoners) Teaching (Elders/Pastor-Teachers) Exhortation (Pastor-Teachers, Evangelists, Disciplers, Counselors, Musicians) Word of Wisdom (Pastor-Teachers, Disciplers, Counselors) Helps (Serving/Assistance Gifts) Administrations (Speaking/Steering Gifts) Till we all are like one mature man who resembles Christ in all His fullness – this will require us FULLY UTILIZING OUR GIFTS in concert/coordination with each other. (teamwork!)
35 How to identify/discover your spiritual gifts 1 Peter 4:7-11: Categories & Purpose of Spiritual Gifts Two categories of gifts Speaking Gifts (speak as one speaking the utterances of God) Serving Gifts (serve by the strength God provides) One purpose of gifts – God’s Glory So start by identifying your gifts Pray – ask God which ones you have (start by seeing if you generally like to serve or speak to edify the church (the two categories of gifts in 1 Peter 4:11) Ask others – your spouse/especially the church leadership (Elders and Deacons) which ones you have Ask yourself – what are you good at (God often matches spiritual gifts with natural talents), what do enjoy/desire (God often leads us through our desires – was long as we are walking with Him in the Spirit – His desires become our desires) Ask your church where there are needs – holes to fill in ministry (God often works through specific opportunities to serve that he opens up to us or presents to us without asking or seeking) Ask everyone where your gifts have been confirmed by FRUITFULLNESS – spiritual gifts actually being used produce results – if people are taught and growing in their knowledge of God then you are good teacher, if people are encouraged then you are a good exhorter, if prayers are being answers or people are better perservering because of you – you are exercising your gift of faith, if God is using your financial support to bring new people to Christ or Christians to greater maturity then your gift of giving is being utilized, if the needs of the church are being met through practical acts of service – you are a good Deacon/servant with the gift of service, if people are comforted as you use your gift of mercy/compassion then you are utilizing that gift, if you are counseling or discipling others wisely according to Biblical principles then you likely are utilizing the gift of wisdom, if you are helping the church stand up and be beautiful and productive with organization skills, recruitment skills, and leading by example – then you are excercising your gift of leadership, and finally if God is using you to warn the church of false teachers or false converts then God has likely gifted you with the gift of discernment. But may we all fully utilize our gifts not for our own recognition, or our own glory but for God’s glory alone – (lets’s pray) 1 Peter 4:11 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.