2023 1119 Romans 12 Giftings

Romans 12:5–8 NIV

so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 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; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 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.

Romans 12:5 NIV

so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

One Body Each Member

the church should be the ultimate in perfect diversity of every member

there is no gender, no race, no difference in human terms

again our gifts and talents feed into the one body of Christ

just as we differ in the natural qualities God has given us

so we differ in the spiritual giftings

Romans 12:6 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;

Different Gifts

individual dispensation

communal benefit

these gifts are for the Kingdom good

not for individual glory or power

so easy to go there

Grace Given

let us emphasize the giving by God

it is by God’s grace … his favour, his decision

there is intent behind the giving

it is our responsibility to remain within the God intent

but it is not a matter of human endeavour to get these gifts

think of yourself in sober terms

Church Benefit

these gifts are given in a church context

we must consider these gifts exclusively

exclusive to the function of the church

the nature of these gifts are obviously directed into the settings of the fellowship

Prophesying

at Liberty prophecy is expected, encouraged and accepted

1 Corinthians 14:40  But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

we believe that God continues speaks to us through the Spirit

in scripture, in wisdom, in prophecy, in dreams and visions

Ephesians 4:11-13 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,  to equip his 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.

there is the Jesus factor

this prophet is an office of the church

prophet will equip the people and build the church

prophet will enhance the maturity of believers

2 Peter 1:21

 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit

a prophet functions in the leading and inspiration of the Holy Spirit

according to Joel 2 the Holy SPirit is poured out on all men and women

all who call upon the Lord will have the Spirit

we cannot limit God is how he communicates with his people

you and I have the capacity to speak out words given directly

you and I can prophesy

1 Timothy 4:13-14 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

in God all things are in order and in agreement

the Spirit speaks what God the Father and Jesus speaks

scripture, preaching, teaching, wisdom and maturity must resonate together to the truth

1 Corinthians 14:29-31 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.  And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.

Paul’s instructions to the church at Corinth re tongues and prophesy

there is disorder and disgrace in the conduct of fellowship

a church of obvious spiritual chaos

there has to be order

there is no restriction apart from they must be prophets - so recognized in the body

two or three only

no distinction made between man and woman

there are examples of women prophets in the scriptures

there must be spiritual outcomes - instruction and encouragement

1 Corinthians 14:32-33 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

it is a matter of order

it is a matter of discernment

it is a matter of submission to the Spirit and godly office

it cannot be a free for all nor can it be a source of false words

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

no mention of women not allowed in the offices

women must be in submission to the law - the law at Corinth

not allowed to inquire but to do it at home

obviously uncontrolled talking was being disruptive in the church

it was not honouring God or the women and men for that matter

Romans 12:7 NIV

if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;

Serving

Teaching

Romans 12:8 NIV

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.

Encourage

Giving

Leading

Merciful