GIFT EMPOWERED MINISTRY
Defining Our Ministry Through Our Giftedness
INTRODUCTION: here we are once again, on the other side of the Christmas season, and back to the book of 1 Corinthians. Now, before we changed gears and went into the Christmas season, we were looking at our spiritual gifts, and we had covered all but a few of them. But that was a few weeks ago, so it would do us some good to take a moment to review, and then forge ahead.
I SPIRITUAL GIFTS HAVE A PURPOSE
A They are an evidence of our salvation
B They propagate Christianity
C They edify the church
II SPIRITUAL GIFTS HAVE A DANGER
A Spiritual Gifts can be misused
B Spiritual Gifts can lead us away from truth
III WHY WE HAVE SPIRITUAL GIFTS
A Spiritual Gifts are a working Service to God
B Spiritual Gifts are a reminder of our unity in Christ
C Spiritual Gifts are an evidence of God’s diversity
IV SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE ALL ABOUT GOD, AND NOT ABOUT ME
V THE REALITY OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS IS THAT THEY ARE GIVEN ACCORDING TO GOD’S KNOWLEDGE OF OUR NEEDS AND ABILITIES
VI OUR LAST FEW GIFTS
A The Gift of Mercy
Romans 12:8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
1 The Greek word for Mercy is “Eleos”
a An outward manifestation of pity, compassion or sympathy towards another.
b People receiving this ministry of mercy from another should feel better afterwards, not worse
2 Scripture related to the gift of Mercy
Luke 10:37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
Ephesians 2:4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
2 Timothy 1:16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
James 2:13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
3 Benefits of this gift
a Sincere compassion to those who are really hurting
b Able to keep the church aware of those who are hurting.
c Jesus’ mercy motivated him to pray, heal, teach, and serve those who hurt the most
d Gift of mercy requires a close walk with the Holy Spirit of God
1 In order to determine when the gift should be exercised
2 In order to know when it is the Holy Spirit who is working in the life of the person
4 Common Characteristics of this gift
a genuine love and care
b sensitivity to words and actions which will hurt others
c need for deep friendships with mutual commitment
d desire to be obedient to God
e prefers personal contact
f emphasizes truth
g joy in faithfulness
B The Gift of Teaching
Romans 12:7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
Ephesians 4:11-16 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
1 Teaching is a gift that builds up the body of Christ through edification
1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
a Teachers are to speak as if what they were speaking was the utterance of God
b Teachers are to move students to
1 Sound doctrine
2 Spiritual maturity
2 People in the New Testament having this gift were often seen in areas of
a Speaking
b Discipleship
c Assisting others
3 Today, those with this gift might be seen in
a Lay-speaking
b Small group leadership
c Sunday School Classes
4 Characteristics of this gift
a thorough knowledge of scriptures
b intensely devoted or earnest, enthusiastic about teaching
c concern for accuracy
d sensitive to errors or deficiencies in others’ teaching
e willingness and desire to explain and lead others accurately
f boldness
g thorough investigation and research
h sequential and systematic approach, consecutive order, in presentation of materials
i concern for the truth
j desire to instruct
k desire to confirm and strengthen faith
C Pastor/Shepherd
1 This is a gift related to looking out for the spiritual welfare of others
2 This is a gift often confused with the office, and there needs to be some clarity here
a The office of pastor is not the same as the gift of pasturing or shepherding
b Pastors are to be shepherds – caring for the flock of the church
c Caring for the members is not limited to the pastor – others may have the gift, and not the office
3 This is an equipping gift according to Ephesians 4.
a Pastors are to equip others to do ministry
b Pastors are to encourage others to do ministry
c Pastor are to edify others to do ministry
d If you have a problem with others doing ministry, you probably do not have the gift of pasturing
D The Gift of Hospitality
1 This is the gift that, when used, makes visitors, guests, and strangers feel at ease.
2 People with this gift often open up their homes to others and for church functions
3 People with this gift help to integrate others into the church
1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Yet, when we get right down to it, why has God given us spiritual gifts. Why has he provided each church with a unique blend of gifts and ministry?
1. Our giftedness supports his vision of the Church
2. Our giftedness supports His mission for the church.
3. Our giftedness is important for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel
4. When we know our gifts, then God can lead us in service for Him.
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