Equipped 2: Speak Truth
Introduction
You probably wouldn’t have any trouble identifying the top five fears that human beings face.
-The number one fear is Acrophobia (Fear of Heights)
-Number two: Arachnophobia (Fear of Spiders)
-Third is Claustrophobia (Fear of Enclosed Spaces)
-Aerophobia (Fear of Flying)
-Number five: Nyctophobia (Fear of the Dark)
-No real surprises there - the sixth top fear of human beings is Glossophobia - the Fear of Public Speaking.
George Jessel said, “The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.”
Last week we began a series of messages called EQUIPPED and we noted that the church is God’s workshop. Every Christian is given gifts that equip them to work within the church to God’s glory. There are seven gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8 - not an exhaustive list, but a vital one. Today we are going to focus on two gifts - what some call ‘the speaking gifts’. Although speaking in front of others is a major fear factor, it is necessary for sharing
the good news. Overcoming that fear is essential to the mission of the church to reach the lost and encourage the saved.
Romans 12:6-8 NIV We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
God equips His church with speaking gifts so that His truth is proclaimed clearly, courageously, and consistently.
1. God Gives Speaking Gifts (what they are & why they matter)
Prophecy - a spiritual gift we still have or one that has ceased? Generally, Churches of Christ are cessationist in principle. We believe that the miraculous spiritual gifts of the first century church eventually faded and are no
longer part of our experience. (Healing, tongues, interpretation of tongues, word of knowledge, and more).
We still believe God is active, answers prayers, and that the Holy Spirit is within us. In the first century, however, these gifts helped the early Christians know how to function and reach out to the world around them - much like the Bible does for us today.
So, is this prophecy in Romans 12 a miraculous gift or something else? Part of the answer comes in how the word Prophecy is used. The definition of the word essentially means one who proclaims openly or states publicly. Often behind this word is a note of authority. Prophecy = boldly proclaiming God’s truth in ways that help the church live faithfully.
Mark Copeland makes a good distinction when he says, “Today, the service most akin to prophecy is preaching, where one proclaims the counsel of God as already revealed and by expounding upon the Word of God, not through direct inspiration.” I think it’s important to note that the preacher is not the only one who exercises the gift of prophecy. We are blessed with several members who have the ability to speak forth the Word of God - and several members who also have the second gift we want to mention today.
Teaching
If prophecy is a gift of evangelism, teaching is a gift of training. 1 Corinthians 3:6 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.” Osborne says that teaching was a critical area in the early church because of the problem with false teachers, and it is even more critical today. Michael Fox described this gift as, “The ability to effectively instruct and to lead clothes to mature discipleship.”
The message of Christ needs not only to be proclaimed; it needs also to be explained. Teaching can take place in many contexts: Bible classes, mentoring, and even in conversations about spiritual matters.
A great example of someone who put this gift into practice can be found in the story of Aquilla and Priscilla, who were gifted teachers Paul called “co-workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3). In Acts 18 they encountered a powerful speaker named Apollos. In this account there were many great qualities of Apollos listed. Among them:
-He was mighty in the Scriptures (vs. 24)
-He was fervent in spirit (vs. 25)
-He was teachable (vs. 26)
The problem was he was unfamiliar with the teaching of Jesus on baptism - so he was only talking about John the Baptist’s message about baptism. Acts 18:26 relates, “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.”
Because of their willingness to teach, Apollos had great impact in the Kingdom. Acts 18:27-28 “When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.”
If you were wondering if Bible class teachers are making a difference, Teachers shape powerful servants for greater Kingdom impact.
In both of these gifts, Paul is cautioning all who speak to do so in a way that is consistent with Scripture.
He emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 4:6 “Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’ Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.” The emphasis of these two gifts is to Speak Truth.
2. We Must Use Speaking Gifts (how to apply them faithfully & fearlessly)
-Use your gifts! The Body of Christ needs everyone to do their part - if you have the ability to speak truth in a leading way, you are encouraged to exercise that gift. That may be in the setting of a class, an assembly, a small group, a support group, or in mentoring relationships with others who need to know what you know!
-Develop your gifts! Even as we speak of these actions as ‘gifts’, those who exercise these gifts still need to develop them through study, prayer, and experience. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
-Don’t let fear hold you back! Though speaking in front of others is a significant fear, overcoming that fear is the means to helping someone else find the Way of Christ in their lives. Paul’s Prayer in Ephesians 6:19-20: “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
-Encourage others who exercise these gifts. If God gifts the gifts of prophecy and teaching, then they are needed in the Body. Your participation, attendance, and encouragement are important. Especially for those teaching our children - seek out ways to bless and help them as you are able. That will be easier for you who have the gift of encouragement - but we will get to that in a few weeks!
Conclusion
With all of the gifts we will explore in the next few weeks, we are studying under the banner of Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
The transformed life is one in which we offer ourselves to God.
The transformed life is one in which our minds are renewed, thinking differently about our abilities and gifts.
The transformed life is one in which we are committed to following God’s will.
The first two gifts relate to speaking truth. That doesn’t mean that only those who have these gifts are to speak truth - that’s a calling we all have. If you have a talent in this area, develop it, put it to use, without fear, and in trust that God will use it to minister to the Body of Christ! This week, will you use your voice for God? Will you speak truth—in your home, your class, or your conversations? The church grows when God’s people speak God’s truth.
_________________________
To watch videos of sermons from Forsythe Church of Christ:
https://www.youtube.com/ForsytheChurchofChrist
Our church website is http://facoc.org
Forsythe Amazon Wish List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3T2VA3IW7IRDB
To receive sermon notes in your email inbox, subscribe here:
https://forsythesermons.substack.com/
To receive John Dobbs’ newsletter with photographs, books, Christian thoughts, and miscellany, Subscribe Here:
https://johndobbs.substack.com
John Dobbs is the author of several books. Find them on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-E.-Dobbs/author/B0CZLPDWHL
___________________
Discussion Questions
1. Paul began this section with a warning about pride. Why are those who have the ability to perceive truth and boldly proclaim the word of God particularly vulnerable to the temptation of pride?
2. Read Romans 12:6–8. What does Paul mean when he says “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us”?
3. How would you describe the difference between **prophecy** and **teaching** as gifts? Why do you think God gave these gifts to the church? What purpose do they serve?
4. In Acts 18, what can we learn from Priscilla and Aquila’s approach in teaching Apollos? How does their example encourage us today?
5. Why does Paul stress in 1 Corinthians 4:6, “Do not go beyond what is written”? How might that warning apply to anyone who teaches or preaches today?
6. Even if we don’t have the specific gift of prophecy or teaching, in what ways are all Christians called to **speak truth**?
7. What are some fears people may have when it comes to speaking truth (in class, in conversation, with family)?
8. Read Ephesians 6:19–20. What do Paul’s words teach us about courage in speaking the gospel?
9. How can we **develop** the gifts of teaching or proclaiming truth? What role do study, prayer, and encouragement from others play?
10. Who in your life has blessed you by exercising their gift of teaching or proclaiming truth? How could you encourage or thank them this week?
_______________________
Resources
Barclay, William B. Daily Study Bible Series: Romans. Westminster Press, Revised Edition, 1977.
Damiani, Pat. Using My Spiritual Gifts.
https://sermoncentral.com/sermons/using-my-spiritual-gifts-pat-damiani-sermon-on-spiritual-gifts-262766
Deffenbaugh, Bob. Thinking Straight about Spiritual Gifts
https://bible.org/seriespage/30-thinking-straight-about-spiritual-gifts-romans-123-8
Fox, Michael. Complete in Christ. Xulon Press, 2007.
Lucado, Max. The Blacksmith’s Shop. https://godandidotblog.wordpress.com/2020/09/28/the-blacksmiths-shop-upwords-september-28/
Osborne, Grant R. IVP New Testament Commentary Series: Romans. InterVarsity Press, 2004.
New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. Copyright © 2000 by The Zondervan Corporation.
Reaves, Bradford. Living Sacrifices: Transforming Minds, Transforming Lives.
https://sermoncentral.com/sermons/living-sacrifices-transforming-minds-transforming-lives-dr-bradford-reaves-sermon-on-transformation-286029
Stedman, Ray. Who Am I, Lord? https://www.raystedman.org/new-testament/romans/who-am-i-lord
Yarbrough, Robert W. ESV Commentary Series: Romans - Galatians. Crossway, 2020.
