Ministry Gifts of the Congregation
Notes
Transcript
A Brief Summary
A Brief Summary
In this next section, Rom. 12 - 15:13, Paul goes into the purpose and calling of all followers of Yeshua. As mentioned before, I have broken up this section of Romans as follows:
Rom. 12:1-8 Ministries of the Congregation
Rom. 12:9-21 Principles governing the Congregation
Rom. 13:1-7 Respect for authority
Rom. 13:8-14 Call to love and hope
Rom. 14:1-12 Respecting one another
Rom. 14:13-23 Pursuing shalom
Rom. 15:1-13 Strengthening one another
Last time we focused in on the renewing of our minds and t:he transformation that occurs in our lives. This week we will look at each of the Ministry Gifts given to the Congregation. Let’s re-read Rom. 12:3-8
For through the grace given me, I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think—but to use sound judgment, as God has assigned to each person a measure of faith. For just as we have many parts in one body—and all the parts do not have the same function— so we, who are many, are one body in Messiah and everyone parts of one another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace that was given to us—if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; or the one who teaches, in his teaching; or the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who gives, in generosity; the one who leads, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
A Measure of Faith
A Measure of Faith
Last time we touched on the first 3 verses, this time we are picking up at the end of Verse 3 specifically where it says Romans 12:3 “God has assigned to each person a measure of faith.”
I would like to know by a show of hands, how many people feel that they are less gifted than others? I had a sense that many of us would have that feeling.
Although we are not supposed to, we have this bad habit of comparing ourselves to each other. We are not alone in that. In fact we read in Luke 9:46-48 and Luke 22:24-27 that the talmadim of Yeshua were arguing over this very issue. We will read from the second passage: Luke 22:24-27
But there was also a quarrel among them about which of them is considered the greatest. And Yeshua said to them, “The kings of the nations have mastery over them, and those exercising authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But with you, it is not so. Rather, let the one who is greatest among you become like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who reclines or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.
Both passages show Yeshua encouraging his talmidim to serve one another. Yeshua is encouraging us to do as Paul said in Romans 12:3a “[Do] not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think.”
It is from this place of humility that Paul then explains that every single one of us has been given a measure of faith, and every single one of us has a gift that we can use to serve others in the Congregation. In fact, part of my role is to help and encourage all of you to operate in measure of faith and the giftings that God has already given you.
Spiritual Gifting in the Body
Spiritual Gifting in the Body
Let us now look at different roles or spiritual gifting in the Congregation. These roles/giftings are very similar to what is discussed in 1 Cor. 12, 13 -14. Much of the same structure is used in both letters. Let’s have a close look at each one of the “gifts that differ according to the grace given to us” and I will try to give a definition, and exhortation, and a warning for each one.
Prophetic Gifting
Prophetic Gifting
It is interesting that some in the Body of Messiah try to say that the gift of Prophesy has ceased. This is exactly what the Rabbis have claimed as well.
In the “Tannanitic Period (10 to 220 A.D.) the Sages [declared] that prophesy had ceased, and the later Rabbis [claimed] that the office of the prophet had been transferred to the Sages. Later still, even a bat kol or the “echo” of God’s revelation, was disputed as authoritative for a halakhic ruling, and prophesy was regarded as only for fools and children.
However, this is not a concept that is held by any of the authors of the New Covenant. Some believers try to point to 1 Cor. 13:8-10 that states that 1 Corinthians 13:10 “but when that which is perfect has come, then that which is partial will pass away.” The problem with this, is that Paul does not explain what the perfect thing is that will come, and so some try to infer that “perfect” refers to the Canonization of the books in the Bible, but Paul does not say this.
We should all be very careful saying something emphatically that none of the authors of the Bible were willing to say.
Definition
Paul describes Prophesy in 1 Cor. 14:3 and 1 Cor. 14:31
But one who prophesies speaks to people for building up, urging on, and uplifting.
For you can all prophesy one by one, so all may learn and be encouraged.
For a definition of Prophesy, I will use The Expositor’s Bible Commentary:
The nature of the gift [of prophesy] is not primarily prediction but the communication of revealed truth that will both convict and build up the hearers. (1 Cor. 12:28, Eph. 4:11)
Exhortation
Paul’s exhortation to those who function in this gift, is to prophesy up to the proportion of faith that God has given you. What does that mean? Well, firstly this is a gift that comes from the outworking of the Ruach HaKodesh. Secondly, there are levels of prophesy. I think that most people, who are gifted in this area by the Ruach, have the ability to build up or edify someone, or urge them on with encouragement or uplift them by comforting them. And we encourage all who want to do this at HYC to feel free to do this.
However, you will notice that Paul’s list of description both in 1 Cor. and Rom. does not include directional, correctional or even predictive prophetic words. For these sort of words (directional, correctional and predictive) we at HYC follow what John said in 1 John 4:1
Loved ones, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
At the moment, the way things are currently structured at HYC, this means that before you give a directional, correctional or predictive word to anyone in the congregation, please write this word down on a piece of paper and give it to the Eldership at HYC. At the moment this is Eleanor and myself, for us to test the word.
Prophesy is not a hot-potato, you do not need to get rid of it as soon as you get it. And writing a prophesy down does not make it less potent. Think of all the prophesies in Scripture, are they less of a prophesy because they are written down? Paul will go on to say in 1 Cor. 14:32
The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets,
Warning
As a warning, under the Mosaic Covenant, the punishment for giving a predictive prophesy that did not come to pass is found in Deut. 18:20
But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My Name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet will die.’
Thankfully we are under the New Covenant, but this is why any predictive prophesy needs to be tested by others. What I am saying is this: For those who are gifted prophetically, please feel free to practice edifying, encouraging and comforting others. And if you receive directional, correctional or predictive prophesies, please submit them to be tested before passing them on to others.
Gift of Serving
Gift of Serving
The second spiritual gifting that Paul speaks of is Service. Service includes “activities such as prayer, financial contributions, and preaching, and is frequently characterized in rabbinic texts by the need to act without thought for personal gain.” [Joseph Shulam, A commentary on the Jewish Roots of Romans, p. 403.]
Definition
A good definition could be:
Service is the “ministration to the material needs of believers.”
Exhortation
And a great example of this is found in Acts 6:1-7
Now in those days, when the disciples were multiplying, grumbling arose among the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily support. So the Twelve called together the whole group of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. So, brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the Word.” The statement pleased the whole group; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Ruach ha-Kodesh, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. They placed these men before the emissaries; and after praying, they laid hands on them. The word of God kept on spreading, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem greatly multiplied; even a great number of the kohanim were becoming obedient to the faith.
Basically, the early congregation had a daily food kitchen that provided for widows and orphans (including single Mothers), and some people were not getting what they needed. The Apostles acknowledged that this was wrong, and appointed seven people to oversee the work of service.
These people were of good reputation and were filled with the Ruach and wisdom. I think that this is a wonderful gifting and am so thankful for all those who serve.
Some translations will use the word “Administration” as this relates to the passage in Acts that we just read. This refers to the ability to serve many people, not just individuals. Paul also calls this the gift of helping in 1 Cor. 12:28.
Warning
One individual who is noted as a server is Martha. We pick up the story in Luke 10:38-42
Now while they were traveling, Yeshua entered a certain village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. She had a sister called Miriam, who was seated at the Master’s feet, listening to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; so she approached Yeshua and said, “Master, doesn’t it concern you that my sister has left me to serve alone? Then tell her to help me!” But answering her, the Lord said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and bothered about many things; but only one thing is necessary. For Miriam has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
As I mentioned before, I think that serving is a wonderful gift. The only warning is, as Yeshua said, don’t miss out on spending time in God’s presence, and receiving from Him, due to too much serving.
Teaching
Teaching
In some way’s the gift of teaching is self explanatory.... Unlike prophesy, which is usually linked to a supernatural revelation, teaching is more closely linked to knowledge and study.
Definition
Teaching was to give help in the area of … living [as a Believer] rather than [simply] formal instruction in doctrine, even though it must be granted that the latter is needed as a foundation for the former.
Exhortation
The root meaning of the Hebrew word “Torah” is “to teach” and the Word of God was given in order to “teach a man to walk in His ways.” Ex. 4:15
You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will be with your mouth and with his, and teach you what to do.
This is confirmed multiple other places throughout the Scriptures. David writes an entire Psalm about Adonai teaching us His ways. We read in Ps. 25:12
Who is this man who fears Adonai? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.
Paul would later tell Timothy in 2 Tim. 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for restoration, and for training in righteousness,
I have brought up these passages, because in the context of the Congregation, the role of the teacher is to explain and apply the Holy Word of God to people’s lives. Paul will later explain that his gift of teaching is his “priestly service to the Good News of God.” Paul also hopes that those listening (or reading) would become pleasing to God and be made holy by the Ruach HaKodesh. Rom. 15:15-16
Warning
The warning for teachers is most succinctly written by Jacob, the brother of Yeshua, in Jas. 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, since you know that we will receive a stricter judgment.
Jacob then goes on for the next several paragraphs pointing out the power of the tongue. But the warning is the same, God will hold those who teach His Word to a stricter standard. Teachers are always seen as authorities and as Yeshua points out in Matt. 18:6
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who trust in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea!
Exhorting/Encouraging
Exhorting/Encouraging
Exhortation or encouragement seems very similar to both Prophesy and Teaching, however there is a slight difference.
Definition
The word parakaleo can mean, to urge, to implore & to exhort. We see from the way that it is translated, that it also has the sense of comforting.
Exhortation
The gift of exhortation goes along with a short, to the point, word that implores and encourages others to action. This seems to be associated with the role of an Evangelist, as they often only have a few seconds to implore unbelievers to change direction, to repent and return to God.
There is also another interesting aspect. The word used is also associated with one of the names/roles of the Ruach in John 14:16
I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper so He may be with you forever—
The word here for Helper is also translated “Comforter, Advocate, or Counsellor”. It comes from the same root as the word that Paul is using in Rom. 12:8.
This refers to a person who comes along side of another, to bring comfort, advice, and encouragement. It can be in a public setting, but also in a private setting. A picture of this is someone who visits people in hospital or a family after a death. They do not need to say much, but they are bringing comfort and encouragement in a time of need. This can also apply to friendship-evangelism. Many times people will not be willing to listen to you, until they know that you actually care for them.
Warning
The only warning that I can think of, is that when you are providing encouragement or comfort, do so with sincerity. Don’t act from a need to feel needed, or a desire to get something back, but rather simply from a desire to be encouraging.
Giving
Giving
Giving also seems fairly self-explanatory.
Definition
“Contributing to the needs of others” has to do with spontaneous private benevolence.
This is not the same as serving, as that had to do with an individuals time, this gift specifically refers to the giving of resources including money.
Exhortation
A good example of this is found in Acts 4:32-37
Now the whole group of those who believed was one in heart and mind. No one would say anything he owned was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the emissaries were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and abundant favor was upon them all. No one among them was needy, for all who were owners of lands or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds and set them at the feet of the emissaries. And the proceeds were distributed according to the need each one had. Now Joseph, also called Barnabas by the emissaries (which is translated Son of Encouragement), was a Levite and native of Cyprus. He sold a field that he owned and brought the money and laid it at the feet of the emissaries.
Here we see the example of Joseph, nick-named Barnabas, willingly selling property and providing the proceeds to the believers in Jerusalem. Now Barnabas was a major character who lived behind the scenes. Without Barnabas, it is unlikely that Paul would have become the person that he was called to be. Barnabas not only encouraged the Apostles to accept Paul, but it would seem from this passage, was a huge contributor in financing the initial Congregation in Jerusalem, and possibly the first missionary journey of himself and Paul.
By the way, people who are gifted in this area, are usually gifted with the ability to make money. The two go hand in hand. Yeshua puts it this way in Luke 16:12
Now if you have not been trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you anything of your own?
Warning
Well, the warning comes in the next chapter in Acts 5, with the story of Ananias and Sapphira. The problem with having reasources, is that you have probably had to personally sacrifice, and save and deny yourself immediate gratification, for the sake of the future. And that is not a problem, in the sense that it has caused you to be good with money. However, when you give the money or resources, there is a temptation to want to control the gift after it is given, or to gain the credit and approval of others for the gift. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is an example of the latter. And Paul addresses the former, by warning the giver to give “generously”. The word for generosity means:
[Give] with singleness of heart, free of mixed motives, without regret (over having given so much).
Yeshua gives one other warning in Luke 16:13
No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick by one and look down on the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Note that Yeshua does not say that you can not have money, but it is not supposed to rule over us and control us, that is a position only for God.
Leadership Gift
Leadership Gift
Definition
[The word “leadership” comes from] a word that means “to stand before” others, so the idea of governing derives readily from it.
This leadership also corresponds to the role of the “overseer” or “elder” that is spoken of in 1 Tim. 5:17-19
The elders who lead well are worthy of honor and honorarium—especially those who work hard in the word and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wage.” Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Exhortation
The qualification of an overseer are clearly defined in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and the qualifications of a servant-leader are immediately following in 1 Tim. 3:8-13. I will simply read the qualifications of the overseer here:
Trustworthy is the saying: “If any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.” An overseer, then, must be beyond criticism—the husband of one wife, clear-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money, managing his own household well, keeping his children under control with all respectfulness. (But if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s community?) He must not be a new believer, or he may become puffed up and fall into the same judgment as the devil. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with those outside, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.
Warning
The warning is also included above and is a restatement of what Yeshua explained to his Talmidim about being great in the Kingdom of God. If humility, gentleness and generosity are requirements, then the opposite are the downfall: pride, harshness, and greed.
Mercy
Mercy
The final gifting is that of showing mercy to others. This is possibly the most important gift mentioned based upon the fact that, the rest of chapter 12 focuses on this gift.
Definition
“Showing mercy” does not pertain to the area of forgiveness or sparing judgement. It has to do with ministering to the sick and needy.
Exhortation
We are not going to have time to go into the rest of Rom. 12:9-21 today. But I think that it is important to notice a few things:
Both here in Rom. 12 and also in 1 Cor 13, Paul deliberately points to the importance of showing mercy to others. I think that we focus a lot on the other giftings, especially those that stand in front of a lot of people and speak. But when I read through Scripture, it would seem that God is more impressed with people who are merciful, instead of those who are great leaders or communicators. Paul actually tells the Believers in 1 Cor. 1:26-28
For you see your calling, brothers and sisters, that not many are wise according to human standards, not many are powerful, and not many are born well. Yet God chose the foolish things of the world so He might put to shame the wise; and God chose the weak things of the world so He might put to shame the strong; and God chose the lowly and despised things of the world, the things that are as nothing, so He might bring to nothing the things that are—
Paul says in 1 Cor 13:13 that the greatest of all the gifts is love.
The love that is referred to here is the love of a carer. It is not the same as a friendship, or intimate love, but rather the love of a nurse for their patient, or of someone who will feed the homeless. Yeshua tells us many times to love those from whom we will receive nothing back. One example is Matt. 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than anyone else? Even the pagans do that, don’t they? Therefore be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Now some people have a natural gift and ability to do this, to love those who show no thanks in return. The rest of us should work on developing a skill in this area.
Warning
There is a warning relating to those who have a gift of mercy. Paul addresses the positive side, saying that mercy should be shown with cheerfulness. Charity needs to be done in a way that “conveys blessing rather than engendering self-pity.”
If mercy is done begrudgingly or out of a need to feel needed, then it is no longer a blessing, and what is supposed to be a wonderful gift of love can turn into a form of emotional manipulation.
Application
Application
As I have said before, the entire last section of the letter to Rome is all about application. Each one of us have been gifted in different ways. There will be areas that come naturally to us, that are not easy for others. But each of us must learn to grow and develop skills in other areas as we all work together as one body.
Yeshua told his talmidim in John 15:9-14
“Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you. Abide in My love! If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and your joy may be full. “This is My commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: that he lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.
