Today we will continue looking at the church as the Bride of Christ and the gifts that were given to the Bride by Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. The last time that we studied this subject we discovered that Jesus gave gifts to his Bride.
Ephesians 4:11 “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.” We discussed the roles of each of these gifts and how they were pertinent to the church today. Also how they can help each individual to discover the ministry that God called them into. But we also recognized that not everyone is called to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers. God also lavished gifts on the Bride of Christ. Perhaps in discovering these gifts you will discover your ministry role.
Romans 12:6-8 “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
As I read this list I noticed that God had duplicated two gifts that were given by Jesus, the gifts of prophecy and teaching. Therefore I think we can conclude these gifts hold a certain importance. So let’s look at those two gifts first.
Gift of prophecy.
Ephesians 3:4-6 “As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.”
When we think of prophecy, we usually think of foretelling the future. That’s what the prophets of old did. We had a prophetic rock when I was growing up in West Virginia. It would forecast the weather. If it was wet, it was raining. If it was white, it was snowing. If it was dry, it was sunny. If it was gone, than a tornado was coming through. The other day I mentioned to someone as we watched the rainfall that there was an 80% chance of rain. The person’s response? “No I’m pretty sure it’s a 100%.”
When the word “prophet” is used in the Greek, it meant “one who speaks inspired utterances.” It’s those moments in life when a person is comforting someone or giving them guidance and the right words come. It seems that what they said was exactly what the other person needed to hear. They even may step back and have a moment wondering where it came from.
It was an inspired utterance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told his disciples not to worry about what they would say when troubles came. Jesus said, “For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said. God will give you the right words at the right time.” Why would He not do the same today?
If you find yourself at times being the one that people turn to for spiritual comfort because you just seem to know the right things to say, you may be a prophet. God may even reveal a word of divine knowledge to you. But let me warn you. If He does, share it with another person and agree it’s from God before you make it a public declaration.
Gift of teaching
Titus 2:15 “You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.”
I am your teacher. I am called to instruct you in the ways of the Lord. It’s my role to ensure that the Gospel is taught in a clear manner so that you might grow. I have been given, by the Holy Spirit, the authority to encourage you with the word and correct you if necessary. It’s a tough job and here’s why.
James 3:1 “Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
And Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
Gift of service
Ephesians 6:7 “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
Service requires effort. It is work. It can take the form of physical labor. For example, those who remain after service and help to stack chairs and tear down tables are exhibiting the gift of service. Those who bring items for me to deliver to the Free Store are exhibiting the gift of service. Our praise team exhibits the gift of service by putting in the effort it takes to bring us into a time of worship.
The gift of service is mostly done silently. Those with this gift seek no public acknowledgement. They feel their work is for the Lord in service to him. When I come up here on Mondays to sweep, mop, and clean toilets, I am not doing it for the landlady. I am doing it for me, to keep me humble and for you, to model servitude. I expect no thanks or public recognition because I don’t seek it. So why do it?
Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.”
This is a great reason to show your gift of service.
Gift of encouragement
Acts 4:36 “For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.”
When I read this I get a bit excited. Here was a guy whose parents named him Joseph. But he discovered his name written on the white stone to be “Son of Encouragement.” That was Barnabas’ ministry, to encourage others. When Saul was converted and became a believer, it was Barnabas who presented him to the apostles and told them his story. Barnabas stayed in the shadows of Paul and Peter acting as an encourager as they established the church.
Barnabas was an encourager to his cousin John Mark. John Mark was a young man who went on the mission field with Paul and Barnabas but could not handle the rigors of the lifestyle so he returned home. Later as a more mature man he wanted to go back on the mission field but Paul refused to let him do so. So Barnabas separated himself from Paul and took John Mark with him. It was because of the encouragement of Barnabas that John Paul would write the Gospel of Mark.
An encourager is someone who has the ability to give words of comfort and consolation. They never have a critical spirit. No matter the circumstances they have but one goal in mind and that is to make you feel better.
Encouragers will sacrifice for the good of others. We read this about Barnabas in Acts 4:37 “He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.”
Encouragers will support the friendless. Saul was rejected by the Jews for becoming a follower of Jesus. He was rejected by the Christians for persecuting the church. Only Barnabas was willing to stand up for Paul during this time of rejection.
Encouragers see potential in others. When Paul saw a young man in John Mark that had bailed out on him, Barnabas saw a young man with potential to be more than he could imagine.
Encouragers will be the first to respond to needs, the first to offer a hand to the fallen, the first to off an encouraging word to the discouraged, the first to forgive, the first to give a pat on the back, the first to say “thank you”, and the first to pray for you.
They will be the last to criticize, gossip, believe rumors, break confidence, judge anyone, or turn their back on a need. What a great gift to the church.
Gift of giving
Mark 12:41-44 “Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.’”
This is the gift of giving. It is relinquishing finances joyfully out of a desire to give and not the small portion of a surplus to make ourselves feel good. The purpose of God giving the law concerning the tithe was not due to the fact that he needed anything. The purpose of giving was to show their dependence on God. When we do not give we become dependent on our own resources and less dependent on God.
The poor widow was not bound to give all she had. Her small amount did not make much of a difference. It doesn’t say she went away rejected. She made the statement of her dependence on God and it did not go unnoticed.
The church in Corinth must have been filled with people that had the gift of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:3 “For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.” They gave not out of compulsion but rather joy.
I have known two ladies in my life who have exhibited this gift. They gave without hesitation when a need arose. And what they gave seemed to always be replaced so they could give more.
Gift of leadership
Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.”
The Bible is filled with examples of those with the gift of leadership. Like Noah, leaders do the right thing even when they are the only one. Like Abraham, leaders leave their comfort zone to follow God. Like Joseph, leaders will overcome their circumstances. Like Moses, leaders will protect those in their care. Like Joshua, leaders will lead by example. Like David, leaders will not flee from the giants. Like Isaiah, leaders will look for opportunities to lead. Like Daniel, leaders will remain steadfast in their resolve. Like John the Baptist, leaders will confront sin. Like Jesus, leaders will have a servant’s heart. Like Peter, leaders will not allow themselves to stay defeated. Like Paul, leaders will lead with passion.
Leaders will manage and direct. They will devote themselves to those they are called to lead. People will follow them with a sense of security and assurance.
Gift of kindness
Psalm 145:17 “The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.”
Kindness and righteousness goes hand in hand. It is the compellation of all that we have talked about today. It is speaking positive words into people’s lives. It is placing other’s needs above our own. It is teaching them the ways of truth. It is encouraging them. It is giving of our finances into the lives of others. It is leading by example. It is being as much like Jesus as possible.
In closing here is a story for you. An adult granddaughter was visiting her grandmother when she asked her to get a box of letters from her dresser. As granddaughter was getting the letters, she saw a beautiful hand made quilt in the drawer. The granddaughter asked about the quilt. Her grand mother said that she could take it out and look at it. As the granddaughter laid the quilt over the sofa she thought “What a masterpiece.” Her grandmother said that her mother in law had made the quilt as a wedding gift many years before. When her granddaughter asked her why she didn’t use the quilt, she said, "Oh, it’s much too beautiful to use." The grand daughter thought it was so sad that the quilt was hidden in a drawer and not used as the giver intended.
As we have skimmed these gifts today, do you feel that perhaps you have one of them? If so, quit hiding them. They are much too beautiful to be stored away. And if someone came to mind, tell that person about the gift they may have. Perhaps all they need is a bit of encouragement to put their gift to use.
