Wk 16 - Gifts of The Holy Spirit (Part 2)

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Christmas Pageant - Dec. 15th

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?…

TODAY: The Gift of APEST

Opening Scripture:

1 Corinthians 12:1 (ESV)

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.

1 Cor. 12 gifts are given by the Holy Spirit, Rom 12:6-8 gifts are given by the Father, Eph. 4:7-11 gift are given by the Son.

All gifts ultimately come from the Heavenly Father

All gifts are possible because of Jesus’s sacrifice, the ultimate gift (Mk. 10:45)

All gifts are enabled by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Gifts we don’t know what do with?

Paul’s gift of abstinence… 1 Corinthians 7:7“7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.”

Are the gifts for Function or Ecclesiastical Office?

Some believe some gifts are offices while others believe the gifts are simply function, but the gifts are described as both in Scripture.

Aspect, Doing a Function, Having the Official Office

Authority,Limited or informal,Full, formal authority

Recognition,Temporary or situational,Official and ongoing

Accountability,Limited or shared,Full and clearly defined

Benefits,No official perks,Benefits, salary, or privileges

The gifts that I believe are an office and for the purpose of function of all believers:

Ephesians 4:10–12“10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,”

The Gift of APEST

Apostle

2 Corinthians 12:12 “12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.”

Church-building function

Community-building function

Prophet

1 Corinthians 14:31 “31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged,”

Prphecy functions as… 1 Corinthians 14:3 “3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.”

consolation = comfort received after a loss

NKJV = comfort, encouragement, & edification

The Holy Spirit: A Pentecostal Perspective Prophets

Prophecy, then, is a supernatural communication designed primarily to help believers in their Christian walk

Evangelist

Function… 2 Timothy 4:5 “5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Office… Acts 21:8 “8 On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.”

Evangelists go to non-Christians (cf. pastors are primarily for believers)

Shepherd

Often called pastors

The great Shepherd is Jesus… Hebrews 13:20 “20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,”

Christian leadership of a congregation is shepherding… 1 Peter 5:2 “2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;”

John 21:17 “17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

Context: Jesus prior to his ascension.

The sheep are to be fed with the Word of God

Some believe that the gift of administration from 1 Cor. 12:28 applies to the shepherd.

Teacher

Coupled with Shepherd in the original language

1 Timothy 2:7 “7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”

A teacher is one who provides the exposition of the Hebrew Scriptures and passes on the apostles teaching contained in the NT. Both through proclamation!

James 3:1 “1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”

Conclusion/Reflection:

If you often find yourselves feeling isolated or disconnected from your community, consider how your spiritual gifts can facilitate meaningful connections. Attend local events or gatherings and actively seek out opportunities to use your gifts. Start small—offer to help organize a community event or volunteer your time with your gift. By taking the initiative to share your gifts, you'll not only engage with others but also create an environment that reflects Christ's love, helping you and others to feel more connected and supported in life.

REMINDER: teardown seats

Talk It Over

What roles do the gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, and teacher play in building up the church?

According to 1 Corinthians 14:31, how can prophecy be used within the church?

How is the concept of community-building addressed in the context of spiritual gifts?