SERVICE: In Shape III

Luke 1.1-4 “Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us. So it also seemed good to me, since I have carefully investigated everything from the very first, to write to you in an orderly sequence, most honorable Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.”

Details (others might leave out)…

Luke 22.41-44 “Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and began to pray, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Then an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. Being in anguish, he prayed more fervently, and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.”

Spiritual Gifts: Exhorting

DEF= παρακαλέω (parakaleo) — ‘call alongside;’ encourage; comfort

Description: Encouraging spiritual progress in others

EXAMPLE: Paul

Sincere words of encouragement for his ‘son in the faith’…

2 Timothy 1.3-5 “I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.”

Encouragement can be direct, convictional…

Romans 12.1-2 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

[“Urge” in v.1 is same words as is used for “exhorting” in v. 8.]

Spiritual Gifts: Giving

DEF= μεταδίδωμι (metadidomi) — give (over); share; grant

Description: Develop and distribute resources to further God’s kingdom

EXAMPLE: Matthew

Noting that Jesus taught on giving…to do it without seeking attention, etc. …

Matthew 6.1-4 ““Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father in heaven. So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward. But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Emphasizing the goal of generosity for the sake of Christ’s kingdom…

Matthew 2.11 “Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

Matthew 27.57-60 “When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body. Then Pilate ordered that it be released. So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen, and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb.”

CONCL—

Do you like (not like) broccoli? [former Pres. George HW Bush] … steak? … Carolina reaper peppers? HOW DO YOU KNOW??

How do I discover my spiritual gifts?

Through SERVING!

…Examining my feelings. [Psalm 37.4 “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” ]

…Expecting confirmation from my church family.

…Evaluating my effectiveness.

Romans 12:6–8 CSB

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

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