The Gift of Ministry

Introduction

Just a quick recap of what we have seen so far in this series:

The fruit of the Spirit. - This is a study on the gifts of the Spirit, but we have seen that basic Christianity involves us having the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Without the fruit of the Spirit, there is not benefit to practicing the gifts of the Spirit given to us.

After that we looked at the list of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12. This is a list of nine miraculous gifts that were meant for a specific time and a specific purpose. Does anyone remember what we call these gifts? Transitional/temporary gifts. These gifts allowed the apostles and those with the gift of prophecy to have proof that what they were preaching was indeed God’s word to the new church. These gifts lasted until, as 1 Corinthians 13 puts it, “that which is perfect” had come. What was the perfect thing that came that made these gifts irrelevant? The completion of the Bible. An interesting thing is the Bible tells us in Romans 10 is that faith comes, not by seeing miracles, but by hearing the word of God. Many might think that it would be good to have these miracles available to us today so that we could prove God’s word, and yet, faith comes by hearing God’s word, not seeing miracles done.

Which leads us to another question: these gifts were primarily for what purpose? The edification of the church. These were not signs to the world, but to those that believed in Jesus already.

After we looked at the transitional gifts, we moved out of 1 Corinthians 12 and into Romans 12 where we find ourselves now. There, we find the seven gifts of the Spirit that are still active now, the permanent gifts of the Spirit. We will look at the whole list of these again in just a moment, but who remembers the first one? Prophecy. Can anyone tell me anything that you remember about the gift of prophecy? What is it? What are its characteristics? What are its dangers?

Alright, well, let’s get into the gift we will be studying tonight- the gift of Ministry.

The Gift of Ministry

We find this second gift in Romans 12:6-8 (specifically in verse 7, but let’s read the whole list).

Romans 12:6–8 KJV 1900

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

So we see the beginning of verse 7 that says, “7 Or ministry, *let us wait* on *our* ministering...” and this is what we will dive into tonight.

We will go through this in the same manner as we did the gift of prophecy, examining three things:

What is the gift?

What the characteristics of this gift?

What are the dangers of this gift?

When you hear the word “ministry,” what comes to mind?

What Is the Gift of Ministry/Service?

Ministry means service. So if I say “the gift of service”, you will know that it is the same thing as the gift of ministry. This gift is also often referred to as the gift of helps, or simply, helps. Personally, I prefer service or ministry.

The one with the gift of ministry is motivated primarily through love.

This person easily identifies the needs of others and seeks to fulfill those needs. In a nutshell, that is what the gift of service is - seeing and fulfilling needs.

What Are the Characteristics of the Gift of Service?

As we study out this gift, the main person that we will associate with the gift of service is Timothy, a companion of the apostle Paul and the recipient of two of Paul’s letters (1 and 2 Timothy).

So, let’s look at the characteristics of this gift.

The person with the gift of service...

1 …Has the ability to see practical needs and a desire to meet those needs.

This person will do this by supplying or serving. Look at Philippians 2:19-20

Philippians 2:19–20 KJV 1900

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

Timothy had the desire to serve. It was a genuine interest that Paul recognized in him.

Timothy provided for Paul’s needs, and Paul, knowing this, asked for certain things when he wrote to Timothy: 2 Timothy 4:13

2 Timothy 4:13 KJV 1900

13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

In taking care of others, someone with the gift of service tends to neglect care of himself/herself, something we will look at more in the dangers section.

2 …Has the desire to serve others so they can serve Christ better or do “more important” jobs.

Philippians 2:22 (KJV 1900)

22 But ye know the proof of him [Timothy], that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

Timothy served Paul so that Paul could better travel and preach and teach.

3 …Has the desire to be with others as it gives them more opportunities to serve.

Timothy was always working with others.

Acts 16:1–2 KJV 1900

1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

Acts 17:14–15 KJV 1900

14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. 15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

Acts 18:5 KJV 1900

5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

Acts 19:22 KJV 1900

22 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

Acts 20:4 KJV 1900

4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

So Timothy is always around other Christians, and his reputation is that he serves them well.

4 …Has difficulty saying “no” when offered an opportunity to serve.

5 …Likes to develop and complete short-term projects and gets frustrated with long-term projects.

This is not only concerning physical projects, like building or remodeling, etc., but also spiritual undertakings.

1 Timothy 4:16 KJV 1900

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Taking heed unto doctrine is a long-term project. This kind of study takes time and is never complete. This is something that to a short-term project minded person might seem to big to accomplish.

Paul then tells Timothy to persevere and endure hardness like a soldier. This is something that for Christians, will come, and may even be long term hardness (like Paul had to endure.)

2 Timothy 2:3 KJV 1900

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

6 …Tends to think that they are too inadequate to serve the Lord in spiritual ways.

The one with this gift may think that they are not suitable to be in any kind of leadership. 1 Timothy 4:12-14

1 Timothy 4:12–14 (KJV 1900)

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

2 Timothy 1:5–6 KJV 1900

5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Paul is reminding that Timothy, a young pastor, is indeed able to lead as it is God who has empowered him to do so.

7 …Needs a lot of encouragement and instruction to confirm their service and to see that their service is satisfactory and necessary.

Timothy received the most personal instruction and personal encouragement from Paul than any other person.

Summary of characteristics:

The person with the gift of service...

Has the ability to see practical needs and a desire to meet those needs.

Has the desire to serve others so they can serve Christ better or do “more important” jobs.

Has the desire to be with others as it gives them more opportunities to serve.

Has difficulty saying “no” when offered an opportunity to serve.

Likes to develop and complete short-term projects and gets frustrated with long-term projects.

Tends to think that they are too inadequate to serve the Lord in spiritual ways.

Needs a lot of encouragement and instruction to confirm their service and to see that their service is satisfactory and necessary.

What Are the Dangers of the Gift of Service?

Struggling with Brotherly Love

The one with this gift struggles with showing brotherly love.

Romans 12:10 KJV 1900

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

When there is no brotherly love there will be a danger of...

1 …Not being able to be with others simply for fellowship.

or to simply show friendship. They have a desire to be helping and serving. E.g.: Martha. Luke 10:38-42

Luke 10:38–42 KJV 1900

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

2 …Not taking care of themselves and extending this lack of care to family.

Paul had to remind Timothy to take care of himself and his stomach issues by no longer drinking straight water, but taking a little wine for his stomach’s sake (1 Timothy 5:23 “23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” ) Timothy had the gift of service, and even as a young man, seemed to neglect his own care as he cared for Paul and others.

3 …Offering unsolicited help to others.

4 ...not going through the proper authorities to do the work he thinks is necessary.

It is good to take initiative, but stepping into other people’s area of responsibility, or making executive decisions without executive authority can be a detriment rather than a help. The loving thing to do is to point out an area where help might be needed and then offer that help.

It is not good to do something wrong to accomplish something good.

5 …Being overly aggressive.

The person with this gift wants things done “now.” They tend to be impatient with others who do not work at their pace. Timothy is instructed to be patient in his pastoring. 2 Timothy 4:2

2 Timothy 4:2 KJV 1900

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

1 Timothy 6:11 KJV 1900

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

6 …Reacting negatively with others who do not see the pressing needs he sees.

The servant sometimes interferes with the discipline God is giving others to help them instead of giving them time to react with repentance. E.g.: The prodigal son. What would have happened if a servant would have come along and help the prodigal out in his time of need? He may never have repented.

It is loving to do things in God’s timing, and to seek God’s guidance in helping, serving others.

Struggling with Honoring Self over Others

Romans 12:10 KJV 1900

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Where there is self-honor there is a danger of…

1 …Wanting to monopolize attention for what one has done.

If you have the gift of serving, you must not have a goal of receiving honor. We should prefer that others receive honor.

Colossians 3:22–25 KJV 1900

22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

2 …Excluding others to do a job faster.

They can be insensitive to toward others who also want to help, but do not do the job like they want it done.

3 …Serving to improve position.

Serving for the purpose of someone taking notice of you (in the home, work, church) Colossians 3:17

Colossians 3:17 KJV 1900

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

4 …Becoming sad or bitter because their service is not recognized.

1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV 1900

31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

General Application

The gift of service (ministering) is a gift that God gives. The believer who has this gift is one who is a hardworking person, is willing to serve others so that they can better serve God.

The person who has this gift will have to take care not to exercise it without love or seeking his own honor. The church needs people who have this gift and use it well.

Do you have the gift of serving? If so, use it with brotherly love and without seeking your own honor and you will be the servant that God wants you to be. If you are saved, you have at least one gift (I Peter 4:10) and you must use it in the body, the church.