The Basics Series - The Spirit Part 6

The Spirit – Part 6

Ministry, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leading, Mercy

Romans 12:7-8
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Romans 12:7-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

...ministry, let us use it in our ministering;

This is simple;  Serving in practical ways….

(diakonia), to serve (where we get word for deacons). A wide variety of activities one performs with the help of God to comfort, encourage, support and build up God's people.

1.         Sometimes referred to as "helps"

2.         There are many who have the natural gift of service / ministry, you'll find them working in benevolent organizations such as Red Cross or the Peace Corp.

3.         This spiritual gift is different in that the ministry that is done is supernatural, I.E. empowering the believer to minister in ways that might seem natural, but produces supernatural fruit.

4.         In Romans 16 Paul speaks honorably about Phoebe who had the gift of Helps…

”I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant (or deaconess) of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.”  Romans 16:1-2

5.         The person possessing the gift of ministry will display a servant heart like that of Jesus who said “I did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28).

6.         These are the folks that when a call goes out for volunteers, they're the first to sign up.

a.    If there's a cookout or an event, they will pitch right in and help without having to be asked.

b.    If a neighbor's grass needs to be cut, they'll cut it.

c.    Hands and feet of Jesus

7.         It's not uncommon for someone with the gift of Helps to feel like they don’t have any gifts at all.

a.    Not true! Service may seem natural, but empowered by the Holy Spirit it will have supernatural impact.

b.    Teaching a children’s class may not seem like a supernatural event, but in fact when we are empowered by the Spirit of God, (OK maybe the 2 year-old class!)

c.    …that time with those kids can have life-long, even eternal, fruit in the life of a child.

d.    As well, some that would not last 10 minutes in that classroom, supernaturally gifted will gladly serve for years.

8.         If you're in the parking lot greeting people, filled and empowered by the Spirit, exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit,

a.    …your five second interaction with a person walking in can have a life-long, even eternal, impact on that person’s life!

Teaching

he who teaches, in teaching;

9.         Teaching has the meaning of instruction, instructing others in knowledge.

a.    Natural - Obviously there are people throughout our educational system who have the natural gift,

10.     When the person who is supernaturally gifted teaches, the result is supernatural.

a.    The words or the style may not be dynamic, but when the gift is in effect, the words touch the soul and change lives (Bob Hoekstra)

b.    Supernatural results

11.     Often people will come up to me and say “what you said today was so ‘for me" did my wife talk to you?

a.    No, I didn't call your wife for background, or hack into your computer to see what you were up to…

b.    It was the Spirit of God, manifesting in the gift of teaching that did that work!

12.     People that have this gift...

a.    Love Gods word

b.    The Spirit gives insight and revelation that they feel compelled to share.

c.    When they teach, it's received and bears fruit!

13.     The gift of teaching often interworks with the gift of exhortation:

Exhortation

8  who exhorts, in exhortation;

14.     Exhort: to urge, advise, or caution earnestly; admonish urgently.

a.    Natural : Drill Instructors

15.     The gift of Exhortation is the supernatural ability to challenge people towards a deeper walk with Christ

a.    Could be obedience, repentance, agreement, reconciliation

b.    The gift of Exhortation can be utilized to motivate the Church in general or a Single person

16.     Example: The Old Testament prophets challenged God’s people to turn away from idols, and remain faithful to God.

a.    While the prophets were not immediately valued, and often persecuted, yet their service was indispensable to the spiritual health and vitality of the biblical health of the nation.

17.     Why it interworks

a.    If you teach, but never exhort, then there is not much benefit in the instruction.

b.    You could know the entire bible, from front to back, memorize every single scripture, but if you never take ACTION on that knowledge, then it is of little value.

18.     On the opposite side, those who are exhorted but not taught become excited and active, but have no depth or understanding to what they do and will burn out quickly or work in wrong ways.

19.     People that have this gift...

a.    Get excited about how the truth of God’s word

b.    See trials as opportunities for growth, and to see God move

c.    Find themselves wanting to encourage others often?

d.    When given the choice of helping someone practically, or spiritually, they’ll choose encouraging spiritually.

Giving

he who gives, with liberality;

20.     Natural gift: Philanthropy (Warren Buffett, Bill Gates) (I don't have, my wife does)

21.     Supernatural giving is a spiritual enablement of God that enables them to give in a significant way of their finances, time and talents toward the work of God.

a.    They have a desire and ability to give “free-will” offerings over and above the biblical tithe.

b.    Usually means that they have been gifted at generating wealth, but not always. (Luke 21 - Widow’s mite)

“Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” Luke 21:3-4

22.     In 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, the Apostle Paul elevates the Macedonian church over all the other churches because of the special grace God had given them to give to others out of their poverty.

23.     Some Christians have disdain for those that have a gift of making money, as if they are “selling out” for the riches of the world.

a.    The bible does NOT teach this, Jesus said it was the “love of money” that is the root of evil, not the “making of money.”

b.    God enables some to be good at creating wealth, for the purpose of the kingdom.

c.    That's why Paul says this gift must be exercised with liberality.

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share… - 1 Tim 6:17-18

24.     It is not uncommon for people with the gift of Giving to testify that the more they give to God, the more God blesses them so that they are able to give again. (Conduit)

25.     Caveat:  Yes some people are gifted by God to generate wealth, but it’s important for them to understand that the ability comes from God, and it has a purpose: To build the kingdom!

a.    When someone who is called and gifted to be a giver stops giving, they often experience their financial means drying up, or becoming a burden rather than a blessing, even a curse!  (Remember "bigger barns" Luke 12)

26.     People who have this gift:

a.    Sometimes wealthy, sometimes not, but they love to give to the kingdom.

b.    Have a spiritual understanding that God has entrusted resources to them, they will be good stewards.

c.    When a need arises, they feel spiritually compelled to meet it.

d.    Not always solo - they will often encourage others with resources to give

27.     Want this gift?  Pray for the Lord to bless you, so that you may store up treasures in heaven.

a.    When I pray for church finances, I pray that God would bless all of you, so that you will in turn partner with God for the work He's called us to here at CCW.

Leadership

he who leads, with diligence

28.     There is a natural gift, there are many great leaders, there have also been great leaders who have done terrible things,

a.    But the spiritual gift of Leadership is the God given ability to lead people to accomplish God’s vision and goals.

29.     The biblical image often used when describing leadership is “shepherd”.

a.    A Shepherd does not force his will upon the sheep, rather he tends and cares for them.

b.    Jesus Himself is the “Good Shepherd,”  and as under shepherds leaders must faithfully follow the example Christ, even being willing to lay their lives down for the welfare of the sheep (John 10:14-18).

30.     Those with the gift will usually see the gift recognized in the private sector (if they are not in full-time ministry), but they recognize and desire to use the gift for the building of God’s kingdom, not man’s kingdom.

31.     Caveat: Leaders within The Church are held to a higher standard before God. Hebrews 13:17 states…

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.  Hebrews 13:17

a.    In 1 Timothy 5:20, the Apostle Paul stresses

Those (leaders) who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. 1 Tim 5:20

32.     People that have this gift:

a.    Others are drawn to follow them

b.    Have a desire to invest in others

c.    Have a desire to see the kingdom grow, and want to be an integral part of that work.

If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 1 Tim 3:1

33.     All men have SOME - we are called to lead our family!

Mercy

he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

34.     Natural, in hospice, nurses, feeding the poor...

35.     Spiritual gift - supernatural ability to sense and respond to the emotional and spiritual needs of others, with love and understanding.

36.     Why cheerful? Mercy should lift up, don't step down into others misery.

37.     Do you have this gift? People with this gift:

a.    Are usually kind and gentle.

b.    Are drawn to people who are hurting and broken, (they are drawn to the people others tend to run from!)

c.    Have a desire to comfort and pray for others

d.    Fit well in prayer ministry, care ministry, (we have openings in both!)

Final Word

#1 UNITY + DIVERSITY:

38.     Even though as believers we are different and diverse, each and every one of you are unique and important!

a.    Values:  We value every ONE...

b.    Values:  We are a people of HONOR.

39.     And it is clear from our study that the Lord desires that we function as ONE, every believer engaging the gifts and abilities that the Spirit has endowed, working together for the common purpose of the church.

a.    In the same way our physical body works together for the common cause of the proper functioning of a human being.

b.    To proclaim the good news of the gospel to a dying world,

c.    To strengthen and build up the church for that mission.

#2 Humility

40.     Regardless of the gifts that have been given to us, we should never consider a single gift or a single person as being more important or more spiritual than another.

a.    Because you see we had absolutely no control over what gift the Spirit has given to us.

b.    So we can’t take credit or feel superior if we have a certain gift

#3 Maturity

41.     We should never assume that the manifestation of spiritual gifts in a believer equals maturity.  

a.    God can and does, for His own glory and purpose, distribute spiritual gifts to whomever He chooses; even some who are not especially spiritually mature, or close to Him.

42.     This is why spiritual giftedness is never the criteria for positions of leadership among Christians (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9), rather Christian maturity and character are the biblical criteria.

a.    God can grant anyone remarkable spiritual gifts in a moment, but character and maturity take time to build.

#4 Faith

43.     Though the manifestations of the Spirit are given as the Spirit wills, they still must be received with faith by the believer.  

a.    As well there is an aspect of developing the gift that has been given.

b.    Matthew 25 (parable of the talents) the Master gave talents to each of his servants, and expected that those talents would be increased.

c.    Ex:  The Lord gave me the gift of teaching, but I have had to work to improve and increase the gift - the early days were a little rough!

#5 Purpose

44.     The purpose of the gifts:  God has equipped us with these supernatural abilities to be able to accomplish His will here on this earth.

a.    We can accomplish SOME things with our natural skills and ability…

b.    But when the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit are engaged, we are able to accomplish GREATER things - beyond our natural ability.

c.    You see, God has called us... to change the world, that is a huge calling, and we cannot do it without His help.

45.     That is the beauty - God could do His work all by Himself, but He has chosen to allow us to partner with Him, which allows us to partake in the glory and joy at Jesus return!

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thess 2:19-20

(In closing) What gift or gifts has the Holy Spirit given you?

46.     ENGAGE – the process (created by the leading and gifting of the Holy Spirit by the way!) - the process that can help you discover how the Lord has gifted you, and how you can find your place in the kingdom!

47.     If God is really God, then His plan and direction for your life will be the most rewarding and fulfilling thing you could ever choose to do.

a.    Yes He may lead you into works that you normally would not do, that will be bigger than you can accomplish on your own.

b.    He may lead you into things that, in your own strength, will be completely impossible for you to accomplish

c.    Because He specifically designed you and gifted you for that purpose, and by His Spirit He will empower you to accomplish it!

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit…” Zech 4:6

48.     Empowered and equipped by the Holy Spirit of God, trusting by faith that He is working in and through you,

a.    You will not only accomplish what He has set before you, you will be more than conquerors.

b.    You and I will change the world - and God will be glorified!

Luke 11:9-13 "So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?  Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"  

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