Gift's That Ground Us in God's Word

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says “16 All Scripture is inspired by God, and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Chapter 4:2-4 says “2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. 4 They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.”

“God’s people need to hear God’s Word whenever they need teaching in the ways of God, rebuking in regard to their behavior, correcting when they have the wrong ideas or attitudes, training in how to relate to God and other people, and when they need to be encouraged to continue to walk in the path of faith” - David Francis

“Do you want to go to a club with us?”

We live in an era when God’s word is to be recieved with eagerness.

What are the gifts that ground us in God’s word?

1. Prophecy

Romans 12:6 says, “6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith;”

Paul said that 5 words of prophecy were more valuable than 10,000 words in tongues.

The OT prophets included one or more of these basic points in their messages:

Current events from God’s perspective.

Consequences of continuing in that path.

Need for repentance.

Promise of God’s grace and restoration if the change in direction is made.

Prophecy doesn’t usually include foretelling or predicting the future - as much as it does foretelling - forcefully speaking the truth.

The prophetic message of the gospel will move our worship.

The prophet edifies (builds up), encourages, and comforts the church.

The modern day church is in desperate need of a prophetic word.

2. Exhortation

Romans 12:6-8 says, “6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; 7 if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; 8 if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.”

This gift is less public than prophecy.

“Exhortation” (paraclete) - “One who is called alongside to help”.

The Holy Spirit with skin

Comforting

Counseling

Barnabas filled this role for Paul to the Jerusalem leaders.

A coach has the ability to get in a players face and when to give an understanding pat on the back. When to show a better way to execute a play or develop a player at a position.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 says , “11 As you know, like a father with his own children, 12 we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.”

Our front sign ought to so “Encouragers Wanted”.

A church without encouragement is no different than a balloon without helium.

3. Teaching

Romans 12:6-8 says, “6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; 7 if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; 8 if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Jesus has every spiritual gift. In His earthy ministry He was referred to as a teacher more than anything.

The teacher desires to help a teacher think.

Hebrews 5:12 says “12 Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food.”

We should all want to teach, but God has given some a special giftedness and a special responsibility to be called teacher.

Great teachers who can transform the vague to simple. Demand accuracy. Study, read, and write. Can use visuals.

If you have this gift, talk to me. We want to learn as the body of Christ.

4. Shepherding

Ephesians 4:11-13 says, “11 And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.”

The prophet speaks from a pulpit. Teacher behind a lectern. A shepherd is most comfortable sitting among the flock.

A shepherd is willing to work with others over a period of time.

Gets more excited about the people they are leading more than the content being taught.

Taking a liking to someone you are willing to help in their life over time. Spending time togther.

A shepherd loves to help the body of Christ be safe.

John 10:11-16 says “11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. 13 This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd.”

Jesus is the embodiment of every gift. What a joy to live like Jesus.