Spiritual Gifts

I. Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1–11

1 Corinthians 12:1–11 NASB95

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

1 Timothy 4:14–15

1 Timothy 4:14–15 NASB95

14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.

1 Peter 4:10

1 Peter 4:10 NASB95

10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

II. Define Spiritual Gifts

A God given assignment, capacity, and desire to perform a function within the body of Christ with supernatural joy, energy, and effectiveness.

The moment you receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior the Holy Spirit took up residence in your life. Every believer is gifted by the spirit. This is not for his or her sake alone but for the good of all.

III. List Spiritual Gifts

Administration

Apostleship

Discernment

Evangelism

Exhortation

Faith

Giving

Hospitality

Knowledge

Leadership

Prophecy

Service

Shepherding

Teaching

Wisdom

Mercy

Tongues/interpretation

Healing

1 Peter 4:10

IV. Administration

1 Corinthians 12:28

1 Corinthians 12:28 NASB95

28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.

DEFINITION: •Lead the body by steering others to remain on task. Enable the body to organize according to God’s given purpose and long term goals.

Joseph is a good example in the OT of an administrator- he was second in command to Pharoah(Genesis 37)

Nehemiah 8: Nehemiah is an administrator who administrated the reconstruction of the wall. He saw Ezra’s vision and made it happen.

JOBS in the church: Secretarial positions on any council, serve on any church committee, Sunday school director, church choir, help with productions and cantatas, take roll and keep list of current addresses and members, text messaging for individual Sunday school class, organize events for Sunday school class, VBS director, assist with organization of events such as Trunk or Treat/Easter Extravaganza, assist Pastors and department heads with organization of events, maintain the church calendar, organization of the kitchen for meal service, pot luck sign ups, organizing and selling tickets for events (spaghetti dinners, ladies tea)

V. Apostleship

A. Define

1.Motivate the body to look beyond its walls in order to carry out the great commission, plant churches, and serve as missionaries

2. Apostle in Greek means “one sent”

B. Scripture for Apostleship

1. 1 Corinthians 12:28

1 Corinthians 12:28 NASB95

28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.

2. Acts 15:2

Acts 15:22 NASB95

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren,

C. Examples of Gift used in church

1. Plant Church

2. Block Parties

3. Create Ministries

VI. Giving

A. Define

1. Financially support with joy and generosity the work and mission of the body

2.Look for areas in need of funds in the church body

B.Scripture

2 Corinthians 9:7 NASB95

7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

1. Gives this way all the time.

2. Doesn’t give because its a command.

2 Corinthians 8:9 NASB95

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

C. Examples where can be used.

1. Councils

2. Support Ministries

VII. Service

A. Define

1. Recognizes practical needs in the body and joyfully gives assistance to meet these needs. Do not mind working behind the scenes.

2. What characteristics does someone with service/helps possess?

B. Scripture

1. Philippians 2:1-7

Philippians 2:1–7 NASB95

1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

2. Acts 6:1–7

Acts 6:1–7 NASB95

1 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 “Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 7 The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

3. All of the New Testament uses of diakonos fall into two categories. First, there is the general or generic use of deacon, which means a servant or minister. In addition, there is the official use, which refers to an officer of the church. The term is used thirty times in the New Testament. Of these, all but three are used generically to refer to a servant rather than an official. Jesus said that “whoever desires to become great among you should be your servant” (diakonos, Matt. 20:26)

Matthew 20:26

Matthew 20:26 NASB95

26 “It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,

C. Church Involvement

1. Deacons

2. Lay People

VIII. Hospitality

A. Define

1. Those with the gift of hospitality go beyond the requirements of entertaining. Entertaining is usually judged by a worldly standard. Everything was just perfect- food, music, atmosphere etc. Those with the gift of hospitality put PEOPLE FIRST NOT THINGS.

2. What characteristics do you believe someone with hospitality possesses?

B. Scripture

1. Luke 10:38

Luke 10:38 NASB95

38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.

C. Church Involvement

•Kitchen committee

•Greeter

•Usher

•Benevolence committee

IX. Mercy

Characterized by cheerful acts of compassion, empathize with hurting people, keep the body healthy and unified by keeping others aware of the needs within the church.

Characteristics:

Have a great ability to feel the joy or distress of another person or group

Desire to see those who are hurting alleviated of their hurt. They see no benefit in pain and suffering.

Very sensitive to statements and actions that may hurt others

Have an ability to sense genuine unconditional love vs hypocritical love

Have a great need for friendship

Reluctant to speak against any person regardless of what they have done

Biblical Examples:

Apostle John- the apostle who wrote the most about love

Jobs in Church:

Serve as a deacon, visitation to home and hospitals, visits the widows and orphans, card ministry, KIT group, pray for those in need, call members who have missed service

X. Discernment

Aid the body by recognizing the true intentions of those within or related to the body , tests the message and action of others for the protection and wellbeing of the body.

Characteristics: the person with this gift is able to distinguish whether an idea, goal, teaching, action, or proposal is actually motivated by God, self, or Satan. Can be of extreme value when the church is making huge decisions about people and their welfare.

Biblical Examples:

Jesus discerning the pharisees

Acts 5:3

Acts 5:3 NASB95

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?

Acts 8:23 (Peter discerns the condition of Simons heart)

Acts 8:23 NASB95

“For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”

Acts 16:16–17

Acts 16:16–17 NASB95

16 It happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling. 17 Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, “These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.”

Jobs in Church:

Can be used through out the church. You need discernment in every aspect of church. Having a understanding of this gift makes for better decision making in the church

XI. Evangelism

A.Define

1.Lead others to Christ effectively and enthusiastically, build up the body by adding new members to its fellowship

2. I don’t have the gift of evangelism, does this mean I don’t have to actively evangelize?

–Great Commission: we ALL must evangelize

B. Scripture

1. Acts 1:8

Acts 1:8 NASB95

8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

2. Matthew 28:16-20

Matthew 28:16–20 NASB95

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

C. Biblical Examples

1. Paul

2. Silas

3. John Mark

D. Use in the Church

•Visitation team

•Block Party

•SOS ministry

XII. Exhortation

A. Define

Romans 12:6–8

Romans 12:6–8 NASB95

6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

1. Encourage members to be involved in and enthusiastic about the work of the Lord, often good counselors, motivate others to serve

2. παράκλησις Paraklesis Translation of a Greek word literally meaning “a calling of someone alongside to help.” Its primary meaning in the NT is the urging of someone to do something, more specifically some ethical course of action. In some contexts the same Greek word may also include the idea of comforting and consoling. The given context will determine which meaning to use.

B.What characteristics might someone with exhortation have?

1. Feel comfortable in small groups or 1:1 more so that any other grounding gift

2. Spiritual cheerleader who desires to cheer on believers to walk in faith no matter what their circumstances

C.Biblical examples

1. Barnabas

Acts 4:36

Acts 4:36 NASB95

36 Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement),

2. John the Baptist

Luke 3:7–18

Luke 3:7–18 NASB95

7 So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 “Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. 9 “Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 And the crowds were questioning him, saying, “Then what shall we do?” 11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.” 12 And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.” 14 Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, “And what about us, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.” 15 Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ, 16 John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 “His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 So with many other exhortations he preached the gospel to the people.

D. Use in Church

1. Call members who may be missing,

2. Visitation team- call or visit new visitors,

3. serve on church committees,

4.provide words of encouragement to leadership (Pastors, Deacons, Staff),

5. Encourage and support Sunday school teachers and director

6. Help discerners deliver their message

XIII. Teaching

A. Define

1. Instruct members in the truths and doctrines of God’s word for the purpose of building up, unifying, and maturing the body

2. Music is one of the most powerful ways to teach, entire book of Psalms musically inspired to help teach the word.

B. Characteristics

1. Organized mind but not organized desk

2. Tend to think that if people have enough information they can make their own applications

3. Strive to organize biblical facts into an orderly memorable system

4. Can make profound things simple and vague things clear

C. Scriptural Examples

1. Jesus taught more than he preached- The Parables (at least 36)

2. Teaching on Prayer to the Disciples

Matthew 6:5–15

Matthew 6:5–15 NASB95

5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. 9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. 11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread. 12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’ 14 “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

D. Jobs in the Church

1. Sunday School Teachers,

2. Lead a small group,

3. Teach a class for preschool children or youth,

4. Find a someone to mentor (Paul/Timothy relationship)

XIV. Faith

A. Definition

1.Trust God to work beyond the human capabilities of the people

2.Encourage others to trust in God in the face of insurmountable odds

B. Characteristics

1.God’s given capacity to understand the mind of Christ about his future plans for a unit of the body of Christ

2.Sees what God’s goals are when others can’t see them

3.A person with this gift will attempt the impossible if he/she is convinced the idea came from God

4.These people exhibit extraordinary VISION

C. Scriptural Examples

Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11 NASB95

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the men of old gained approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. 13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; 18 it was he to whom it was said, “In Isaac your descendants shall be called.” 19 He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. 32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36 and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. 39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

D. Jobs in the Church

1.Support for all leaders

2.Deacons- as support and encouragement for the sick

3.Committee work- when hard decisions have to be made

XV. Leadership

A. Define Leadership

Direct members to accomplish the goals and objectives of the church, see and communicate a vision about the future of the church, motivate people to work together in unity to fulfill the churches mission and purpose

B. Characteristics of Leadership

1.One with the gift of leadership cares not only for the cause but also for the people involved in the cause. Jesus is the prime example of the gift of leadership.

2.The gift of leadership is not granted on the basis ofchurch office or position. Gifted leaders are always servants to the body.

C. Misconception of Leadership

1.•Real leaders take charge without being personally enlisted. They rise up voluntarily to respond to God’s vision

Exodus 3:10–13 NASB95

10 “Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.” 13 Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?”

Exodus 3:16–17 NASB95

16 “Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I am indeed concerned about you and what has been done to you in Egypt. 17 “So I said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey.” ’

Exodus 4:1 NASB95

1 Then Moses said, “What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? For they may say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ ”

2.A person must be a good speaker to be a good leader.

Exodus 4:10–16 NASB95

10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 “Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” 13 But he said, “Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord burned against Moses, and He said, “Is there not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. And moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 “You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do. 16 “Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and he will be as a mouth for you and you will be as God to him.

3.•Leaders manage time and handle details naturally. (Exodus 18: 13-26)

Exodus 18:13–26 NASB95

13 It came about the next day that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood about Moses from the morning until the evening. 14 Now when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?” 15 Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 16 “When they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws.” 17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good. 18 “You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. 19 “Now listen to me: I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people’s representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God, 20 then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do. 21 “Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. 22 “Let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 “If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.” 24 So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said. 25 Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people, leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. 26 They judged the people at all times; the difficult dispute they would bring to Moses, but every minor dispute they themselves would judge.

4.The majority will always affirm the vision of a gifted leader. (Numbers 13-14)

D. Biblical examples of Leaders

1. Moses

2. Joshua

3. David

E. Jobs In The Church

1. Student Ministries

2. Chairman of Committees

3. Sunday School director

4. Chairman of Deacons

5. Small Group Leaders

XVI. Prophecy

A.Define Prophecy

1.Proclaim the word of God boldly to build up the body and lead to conviction of sin.

2.Prophecy does not usually involve foretelling or predicting the future as much as it does Forth telling, forcefully speaking the truth

B. Characteristics

1.Proclaim God’s truth with passion even if done alone

2.Tend to see everything as black or white (right or wrong)

3. Speak with conviction, thus saith the Lord

4.Sometimes viewed as negative

5.Must work hard to be positive

6.Often accused of talking too much, just can’t seem to help it

C. Biblical examples

1. Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1:5–10

Jeremiah 1:5–10 NASB95

5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 6 Then I said, “Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. 8 “Do not be afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you,” declares the Lord. 9 Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 10 “See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, To pluck up and to break down, To destroy and to overthrow, To build and to plant.”

2. Isaiah

Isaiah 6:8–9

Isaiah 6:8–9 NASB95

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’

3. Ezekiel

4. John the Baptist

5. Timothy

D. Jobs in the Church

1. Preacher

2. Teachers

XVII. Knowledge

A. Define Knowledge

1. The God given ability to learn, know, and communicate the precious truths of God’s word

2. A word of knowledge is a Spirit-revealed truth

Colossians 2:1–8 NASB95

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. 6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

B. Characteristics

1. supernatural ability to recall scripture and information needed

2. knows what needs to be done in a crisis situation

C. Biblical Examples

1. Paul

2. Jesus

D. Church Jobs

1. Preachers

2. Teachers

XVIII.Shepherding/Pastoring

A. Define Shepherding

1. Look out for the spiritual welfare and development of a group of believers

2. manifested in persons who look out for the spiritual welfare of others. Although pastors, like shepherds, do care for members of the church, this gift is not limited to a pastor or staff member

B.Characteristics of Shepherding

1.Long term perspective, takes time

2. Sensitive to problems in the flock that might cause disharmony

3.More like to cut people slack than the prophet or exhorter

4.Likes to study, but generally just enough to feed the flock

C. Biblical Examples of Shepherding

1.John 10:7–18

John 10:7–18 NASB95

7 So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 “All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 11 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12 “He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 “He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15 even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. 17 “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. 18 “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

2. Psalms 23

Psalm 23 NASB95

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

C. Jobs in the Church

1. Pastor

2. Deacon

XIX. Wisdom

A. Define Wisdom

1. Discern the work of the Holy Spirit in the body and apply His teachings and actions to the needs of the body

B. Characteristic of Wisdom

1. Capacity to understand the mind of Christ related to the application of truth in a situation where there is not clear specific scriptural guidance

2. Proverbs and Parables favorite parts of the bible

C. Biblical Examples

1. Psalms 111:10

Psalm 111:10 NASB95

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.

2. Paul

D. Church Jobs

1. Pastor

2. Teachers

3. Comittees