Spiritual Gifts pt. 2

Romans 12:6-8

Prophesying, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy.

These are the gifts that some would call team gifts...

Tonight, we will be talking about these specific gifts.

PRAY

Prophecy

The Greek word translated “prophecy” in both passages properly means “a speaking forth.”

According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, the word refers to “discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; especially by foretelling future events.”

To prophesy is to declare the divine will, to interpret the purposes of God, or to make known in any way the truth of God that is designed to influence people.

A pastor/preacher who declares the Bible can be considered a “prophesier” in that he is speaking forth the counsel of God.

With the completion of the New Testament canon, prophesying changed from declaring new revelation to declaring the completed revelation God has already given.

The modern gift of prophecy, which is really more akin to teaching, still declares the truth of God. What has changed is that the truth of God today has already been fully revealed in His Word, while, in the early church, it had not yet been fully revealed.

Christians have to be careful of those people who say “They have a new revelation from God”

Serving/Ministry

Also referred to as “ministering,” the Greek word diakonian, from which we get the English “deacon,” means service of any kind, the broad application of practical help to those in need.

Every Christian should have this gift, well they do.. some just don’t practice it. • Children and youth leaders • Administrators • Secretaries • Janitors and maintenance workers to upkeep the building and grounds • Transportation workers for children or others unable to drive • Outreach workers • Ushers and greeters • Choir members and soloists • Musicians • Music directors, song leaders, etc. • Audio and video technicians • Website administrators and social media coordinators • Treasurers and accountants • Kitchen workers • Nursery workers

Teaching

It is a gift given by the Holy Spirit, enabling one to effectively communicate the truths of the Bible to others.

It is most often, but not always, used in the context of the local church. The gift of teaching involves the analysis and proclamation of the Word of God, explaining the meaning, context, and application to the hearer’s life.

The gifted teacher is one who has the unique ability to clearly instruct and communicate knowledge, specifically the doctrines of the faith and truths of the Bible.

Teachers are called to teach the truth’s of God’s Word not the wisdom of man.

You see many teachers who are gifted, but they choose to motivate with their teachings, they choose to make people feel good… Instead of teaching the full counsel.

Pastor and Teacher can be different.

A Pastor is someone who Shepherds the church…

They oversee the church body and care for the church.

Pastors will usually have the gift of teaching...

Encouragement

Also called “exhortation,” this gift is evident in those who consistently call upon others to heed and follow God’s truth, which may involve correction or building others up by strengthening weak faith or comforting in trials.

You would be good at encouraging someone...

You may be good at giving advice to someone about life.

You call people out for their sin, not to judge them, but to encourage them and correct them.

A person with the spiritual gift of encouragement can use his gift in both public and private settings.

Encouragement is useful in counseling, discipleship, mentoring, and preaching. The body of Christ is built up in faith as a result of the ministry of those with the gift of encouragement.

Probably the best biblical example of someone with the gift of encouragement is Barnabas.

His real name was Joseph, but the apostles called him “Barnabas,” which means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36).

We see Barnabas in Acts 9:27 coming alongside the newly converted Paul and introducing him to a wary church.

In Acts 13:43 Barnabas encourages the believers to continue in the grace of God.

In Acts 15:36–41 Barnabas chooses John Mark as a ministry partner, despite Mark’s having deserted a previous missionary endeavor. In other words, Barnabas gave Mark a second chance.

All through Barnabas’s ministry, he evidenced the gift of encouragement, calling others to his side in order to help, comfort, and encourage them to become more effective for Christ.

Giving

Gifted givers are those who joyfully share what they have with others, whether it is financial, material, or the giving of personal time and attention.

The giver is concerned for the needs of others and seeks opportunities to share goods, money, and time with them as needs arise.

This is pretty self explanatory… You give, doesn’t matter what, but you give because you felt the desire and need to.

Giving is a big part of the christian life… Why?

Because our God is a God of giving.

He gives in abundance… John 10:10. James 1:5. PSALM 103:8,

He loves to give.

As children of God, we are supposed to imitate Him.

Eph 5:1

I believe that all Christians should have this gift of giving.

Leadership

The gifted leader is one who rules, presides over, or has the management of other people in the church.

The word literally means “guide” and carries with it the idea of one who steers a ship. One with the gift of leadership rules with wisdom and grace and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit in his life as he leads by example.

There are several characteristics of those with the spiritual gift of leadership. First and foremost, they recognize that their position is by the appointment of the Lord and is under His direction.

They understand that they are not absolute rulers but are themselves subject to the One who is over them all, the Lord Jesus who is the Head of the church.

Recognizing his place in the hierarchy of the administration of the body of Christ prevents the gifted leader from succumbing to pride or a sense of entitlement.

The truly gifted Christian leader recognizes that he is but a slave of Christ and a servant of those he leads.

The apostle Paul recognized this position, referring to himself as a “servant of Christ Jesus” (Romans 1:1).

Like Paul, the gifted leader recognizes that God has called him to his position; he has not called himself (1 Corinthians 1:1).

Following Jesus’ example, the gifted leader also lives to serve those he leads, and not to be served by them or lord it over them (Matthew 20:25–28).

The goal of a Christian Leader is to guard and guide those they lead…

The spiritual gift of leadership is given by God to men and women who will help the church to grow and thrive beyond the current generation.

God has given the gift of leadership not to exalt men but to glorify Himself when believers use His gifts to do His will.

Mercy

Closely linked with the gift of encouragement, the gift of mercy is obvious in those who are compassionate toward others who are in distress, showing sympathy and sensitivity coupled with a desire and the resources to lessen their suffering in a kind and cheerful manner.

Mercy is expressed when we are moved by God to have compassion in our actions, words, and attitude =.

Mercy desires to answer the immediate needs of others and alleviate suffering, loneliness, and grief.

Mercy addresses physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual crises with generous, self-sacrificial service.

Mercy is a champion of the lowly, poor, exploited, and forgotten and often acts on their behalf.

Great example: Matthew 20:29-34

Mercy is not just a feeling, it also includes action.

Conclusion:

Do any of these things sound like you guys?

If you don’t have one of these gifts, could you gain it? Yes…