How to Understand the Spiritual Realities and Gifts

Introducing The Spiritual Realities and Gifts

1^st Corinthians 12:1-14

Introduction:

In 1^st Corinthians chapters 1-11, Paul corrected a number of serious issues in the Corinthian Church. But now in chapter 12, (also corrective teaching) he goes back to the foundation of our existence in the Body of Christ. He shows how He put us there, and the results of the Holy Spirit having placed us there.

¹ Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

We should compare John 4:23, 24. “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. ²⁴God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Spiritual Reality

Jesus told the Woman at the Well that God seeks those who worship from their spirit, and in complete truth. So, it is important that Paul not allow the Corinthian believers to remain ignorant. They would have no standard by which to measure “truth” or “falsehood.” It is also important that they understand there is such a thing as “Spiritual Reality:” Not all claims of “spiritual things” are true.

A woman once showed me a large painting her daughter had made. I could describe it as “ethereal.” It had swirls of cloudy, nearly shapeless, ascending color. But she claimed it was a “very spiritual” painting. I saw it as rather creepy modern art, with zero spiritual value. I had already attempted to share Christ with her. She had no interest. So, I said nothing in reply: I only nodded politely.

But there is a Spiritual Reality. And that is what God wants in us.

Spiritual Falsehood

Paul gave an example of spiritual falsehood. He said, ²Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.

The word “dumb” here, means speechless. The idols were wood, stone or metal carvings. They had no life in them, no ability to give life, to move, or even to speak. Paul says that they were led to those idols by others. The spiritual lies tied to those idols enslaved them.

We know of the spiritual enslavement the people of the Dom tribe have escaped through Christ. They lived their lives in fear of the evil spirits associated with their fetishes and taboos. The Gospel came to them through Jim and Judy Burdett, and The Holy Spirit set them free from that fear: They learned to live the Reality of their relationship with Jesus.

Falsehood and Reality

³Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

It seems clear that a true believer, speaking by the Spirit of God, will never malign the Lord Jesus. We have no trouble with the first statement: But the second clause is another matter.

People often used this verse attempting to “sort out false brethren.” They had the idea that it is “physically impossible” to say “Jesus is the Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. So, they made a person “repeat those words,” as some sort of “proof of Spiritual Reality.”

However: Many unbelievers also quote this passage. They “repeated those words” as “proof” that God’s Word is not true. So, we seem to have a problem! And the problem is not whether God’s Word is true: The problem is whether we understand it correctly.

Compare Scripture with Scripture

Remember what Jesus told the Woman at the Well: “God seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth!” And while unbelievers can verbally, orally say that “Jesus is the Lord,” their spirit will continue to control their actions (and their other words) in such a way as to give the lie to that statement. They did not say it “in spirit and in truth.” They are “mouthing good words,” but it means nothing to them. Their “good words” are cloaking an evil, unrepentant heart. They know that we think it is impossible to “say those words” apart from the Holy Spirit. So, they are deliberately seeking to deceive us by their use of those words.

A Practical Example

I knew a missionary, many years ago, who told me how an unbeliever (in a primarily Muslim nation) accosted him at a bus stop or some similar location: He said, “You Christians say that no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit! Well, ‘Jesus is Lord! Jesus is Lord!’ What do you say to that??”

The challenge shocked and surprised the missionary. He never saw the man before. He had no idea why the man chose to challenge him. The missionary looked off to one side and saw a group of Muslim men chatting on a street corner. So, he shouted to them, “Hey! This man says that Jesus is the Lord!” The men turned and looked at the man, who now was frozen in terror: He turned and sprinted away into the crowd, and in moments, he had disappeared. You see, the statement had held zero truth in him, and his behavior immediately revealed his spiritual reality.

We are trying to determine spiritual reality. A false spirit will eventually show itself, either through behavior or through heretical teaching, designed to turn people away from the Gospel.

What about the Gifts?

⁴Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. ⁶And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

Notice that there seems to be a division, here: A separation of ideas. He calls out three categories of Gifts:

Gifts (gifts of the Spirit)
Administrations (gifts of Christ: the Lord)
Operations (gifts of God)

Do I think I understand all this? No! I don’t. But I must point out the stated structure as it is given. I cannot just set it aside and “ignore it,” because I’m not satisfied that I fully understand it.

God lists three different “sets” of gifts. We will see the “Gifts” called out as gifts of the Spirit in this chapter.

God lists some of the Gifts of the Lord, (Administrative gifts) in Ephesians 4:11-16. He says these gifts are people: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds and teachers. He gave them to raise up the believers into maturity as true disciples: they build children of God into true Followers of Jesus.

Some of the “Operations,” Gifts specifically attributed to God, we can see in 2^nd Peter 1:1-15, and in Ephesians 1:3-14. We can see that He gave many of these gifts unconditionally: They are ours whether or not we are actually walking with God in obedience. He gave others, however, as conditional gifts: goals to be pursued and added to, through diligent pursuit of the God who calls us to walk with Him and to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. They are still gifts, only available to believers, but we can neglect them and miss out on their blessing.

And What is the Purpose of ALL the Gifts?

⁷But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Some translations render this sentence as, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:”

NO gift of the Spirit is given for self-blessing, or entertainment, much less self-aggrandizement. All the gifts are for the blessing, help and profit of the entire assembly, and ultimately the broader Body of Christ. They are to produce unity and promote the Agapé love, never to produce pride, selfish behavior or division.

God warns us of false gifts in James 1:17-21 and of false wisdom in James 3:13-18.

A Partial List of Gifts

⁸For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; ⁹To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; ¹⁰To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

Some commentators deny that any of the “Sign gifts” are still in existence. They virtually always cite 1^st Corinthians 13:8-12 as “proof.” The problem with that allegation is that they also insist that the “perfect” in that passage refers to the “completion” of the canon of scripture. So, they say that since the canon of scripture has been completed, (and I agree that it is complete) all of the things in that passage have ceased to exist.

However, I have never heard one of them also include the part that says, “Now we know in part, and prophesy in part, but then shall we know fully even as we are fully known.” None of them is so bold as to claim that they know Jesus fully: (literally “as well as He knows them!”)

Nor do any of them (usually) claim to have seen Jesus, face to face, when that passage clearly says we will! So, the completion of the scriptures cannot be the “Perfect” or “the completion” that is to come. So far as I can tell from scripture, all the gifts are still extant, but the sign gifts are very limited as to when and where they appear.

What About Sign Gifts?

1^st Corinthians 1:22 says that “The Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom.” And (possibly without exception) every time the Spirit chose to perform a healing, or a miracle, or a manifestation of tongues, etc., there were Jews present who still needed convincing, at some level. In Acts 3, where Peter and John were used to heal the lame man, it was for the specific purpose of drawing attention to the message of the Gospel and to convince the crowds of watching Jews that the Holy Spirit was indeed at work among them.

In Acts 10, when Peter and a group of other believing Jews went to Cæsarea, and presented the Gospel of Christ to a group of Gentiles (the household of Cornelius,) the entire group believed the Gospel, and were born again on the spot! They also spoke in tongues: The languages that those Jews understood, and which the speakers had not learned. Why? Because the Jewish believers needed proof that the Gentile believers did not have to “become Jews to be saved!

As far as I can see from scripture, the usual manifestations of miraculous sign gifts are (a) to draw attention to the message of Christ, and (b) to convince the children of Israel that Jesus truly is the Messiah. As far as I can see, the modern obsession with tongues and signs does neither. You can make of that what you will.

The Underlying Source of ALL the Gifts

¹¹But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

These gifts, regardless of how they manifest themselves and through whom, and at what times, are for the general profit and blessing, and edification of the Church at large. And, we do not get to choose what gifts we will have.

We can earnestly desire to have certain gifts. (Paul tells us to “desire prophecy! Preaching! See 1^st Corinthians 14:1) But the Holy Spirit is in charge, and He alone decides who gets what gift. He uses our physical body as an illustration of that concept.

¹²For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. ¹³For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

We are not going to spend a lot of time on this verse, but the baptism (immersion) of the believer BY the Holy Spirit INTO the Body of Christ, is the “real” baptism. Water baptism only commemorates the true baptism which occurred at the moment of saving faith.

Comparison: Body to Body

¹⁴For the body is not one member, but many.

The point, here, is “every part of the physical body has a function.” They all work together for the good of the whole. An arm hair can transmit tiny vibrations to your brain, warning you that a mosquito has landed: Respond quickly, and you may avoid a bite. Ears can detect storms long before they are close enough to do damage. Respond promptly, and perhaps you can find cover.

Similarly, all the members of the Body of Christ work together to strengthen, feed, and protect the flock. We will look at this concept in more detail in the following messages. Meanwhile, read ahead: read Romans chapter 12 and Ephesians chapter four. Consider how God may want to use you to bless the other believers around you.

Lord Jesus, open our eyes to the Spiritual Realities you reveal in Your Word. Give us Grace to respond to your call, and serve one another in simplicity, to worship You in Spirit and in Truth.

February 22, 2025February 22, 2025

What are the Gifts of the Spirit in 1st Corinthians 12?

Spiritual Gifts (4)

1^st Corinthians 12

¹ Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. ²Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. ³Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. ⁴Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. ⁶And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

Introduction:

We have spent the last three weeks discussing the gifts of the Spirit, including also those called the gift of God, and the gifts of Christ. Today let’s consider the gifts listed in 1^st Corinthians 12.

Categories of Gifts:

Notice that Paul listed three “categories” in verses 4-6:

Gifts, all by the same Spirit
Administrations, all by the same Lord, and
Operations, all by the same God.

We may not understand these ideas, but we can at least recognize that the categories exist. We saw the four administrative “gifts” given by Christ, in Ephesians 4:7-11. All four are human servants of the Church: Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, and Pastor/Teachers. These may be the ones Paul calls “administrations,” in verse 5.

Purpose of the Gifts

But the same principle applies to all the gifts: They are for the benefit of all. (See verse 7.)

⁷But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

Other translations say, “…for the common welfare.” The idea is that God has given every single believer one or more gifts by which the whole body of Christ is to profit in some way. In this chapter, we find that “there is one Body of Christ,” and every single believer is a part of that one Body, and every single member has a function. We are all designed to function. God has not called us to “just attend church.” Rather, we are all called to personally serve the Lord Jesus.

We already learned elsewhere (Romans 8:9, John 14:16, 1^st Corinthians 6:19, etc.) that every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, so the question now, is: “Because I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit, what should I expect in terms of function?” Paul lists some “gifts of the Spirit.”

Word of wisdom
Word of knowledge
Faith
Healing
Miracles
Prophecy
Discerning of Spirits
Tongues
Interpretation

Notice that the Holy Spirit distributes all the gifts as “He” wills. We do not get to “choose.”

Sign Gifts

It is strange that usually when people start stating their gifts, they want to claim one of the sign gifts. But of all those who have told me they “have the gift of ____,” it has never proved to have identifiable results in their lives. I have not seen miracles brought about by some other believer “having the gift of miracles.” The same goes for the other “sign gifts.”

Do I believe that those gifts still exist? Yes, I do! The “perfect” in 1^st Corinthians 13:10, which Paul says is yet to come, is in reference to the completion of the Body of Christ. After the completion of the church, we will no longer need the miraculous gifts, or the sign gifts. We will see Him face to face! But for now, evidently the gifts still exist.

Where or when should I expect to see the sign gifts? Probably only when someone first carries the Gospel into a given geographic area,. Or, perhaps when there are unbelieving Jews present. Jesus commented that the Jews always were asking for a sign, and Paul confirmed, “…the Jews require a sign….” (1^st Corinthians 1:22)

Can the Holy Spirit manifest Himself in one of the above ways, without giving the believer any gift in that area? Surely He can! He is God! In light of that, it does not bother me to know that most believers can look back over their lives and remember one or more times when God miraculously intervened, and either saved their life, met a physical need, or simply gave them the words they needed to answer an unbeliever’s challenge.

All In One Body, and All Under God’s Authority (v. 12-31)

Physical Body as an Object Lesson

¹⁴For the body is not one member, but many. ¹⁵If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁶And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? ¹⁷If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? ¹⁸But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. ¹⁹And if they were all one member, where were the body?

Individual examples

²⁰But now are they many members, yet but one body. ²¹And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. ²²Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: ²³And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. ²⁴For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

The Reality of the Body of Christ

²⁵That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. ²⁶And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

²⁷Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. ²⁸And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. ²⁹Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? ³⁰Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? ³¹But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Examples in the Body

Paul lists a number of gifts, as examples, with the intent of demonstrating that all are for the Body’s general health and function. They are not for the glory of the individual believer. God does not give us gifts for our own enjoyment: They are for the blessing and health of the whole Body of Christ. I will not give a “scholarly discourse” on the meaning and function of every gift, here, but I would like to use this same figure of a “body” in a slightly more graphic way:

Let’s consider a single human cell, taken from the living body of an athlete, an inventor, a ruler, a teacher, a fashion model, or any other person. But let’s say that it is a cell from the body of someone extraordinary in some way: the reason for their prowess is immaterial. The point is that this single cell, examined under a powerful microscope, displays none of the characteristics of “greatness” that we saw in the tissue donor. It will simply look like a tiny, ugly, essentially shapeless, and seemingly useless blob of tissue. That is a simple fact.

Every Part is a Picture of The Whole

But, it is also a fact, that, regardless of the location within the body from which you took the sample, whether it was from the brain, the nasal mucous membrane, the stomach lining, or whatever, every single cell from that same human body has, in its nucleus, the entire genetic code for the whole body. Ponder on that idea, for a moment, and consider how it might apply to the relationship between an individual believer and the whole Body of Christ:

God may have designed that particular cell (from a human body) for a single task: producing a specific endocrine, perhaps, or to help form the protective layers of the skin. But all the cells, collectively comprised the whole body, and, along with the collective experience of the whole body, they produce the person.

In our physical bodies there are parts we use all the time and other parts we completely forget about until we need them. None of them “feel left out!” They all do their jobs as planned. We nourish all the parts through the same stomach, heart and lungs. The brain connects withall the parts. Some responses require thought: others are automatic and involuntary. But they all work together for the benefit of the whole body.

God’s Object Lesson

God chose to use the physical human body as an “object lesson” as to how the Body of Christ is to function. We worry a lot about defining and identifying gifts. In the human body, most people do not know the “technical names” for each of their teeth… and no one planned or organized their own teeth: The teeth developed in God’s timing and by His assignment. Whether we know the proper terminology for them or not has no bearing on their function. We have them because God gave them, and we (mostly) use them for the benefit of the whole body, as we eat.

What about the Body of Christ? Each individual believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit: In fact, according to John 14:15-23, we can see that we are each indwelt by the entire Trinity, in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Individually, then, we each possess the key (or code) to what makes the entire Body of Christ what it is…we have Christ!

God makes the Church (collectively) to be the Bride of Christ, though it is incomplete, as yet. Collectively, the Spirit is building us into the Temple of God, though, for now, we are scattered across time and space.

Personal Knowledge and Satisfaction

I do not have to know how all the gifts work together: A living human cell, which, with others like it, comprises a hair follicle, for example, knows nothing about the workings of the neuron to which it is connected. But those neurons ultimately connect it to the brain! And, if a tiny weight, so much as a fruit-fly, lands on the hair that hair follicle has produced, the brain will immediately sense it, and make a decision as to whether the touch is a threat, an irritant, or something which may safely be ignored.

Lack of Satisfaction does not mean Lack of Blessing

The prophet Jeremiah had an incredibly unsatisfying ministry: He knew (though he embraced it very reluctantly) that he had been selected as a prophet; a “mouthpiece for God.” God had called him to communicate to the unbelieving, backsliding house of Judah, as well as other nations.

But, as far as we know, only two people believed his messages during his ministry. Did that mean he was ineffective, or even a “failure,” perhaps? No: it means that humanity, as a whole, habitually rejects the word of God. But, the false prophets of his time were quite popular, by comparison. (Give that some thought! Is it also true today? On the radio, say, or on the internet?)

And, even in Ezekiel’s case, though he was always faithful to bring only what God said, it turned out that the people were coming for the entertainment value, not because they were receptive to the Word of God. (Ezekiel 33:30-32)

Your gifting may not be particularly obvious, and it may not result in human praise. We are only called to do what God calls us to do: We are to be a blessing to one another, in ways that will profit the body of Christ, which will help or bless those in our circle of associates, and which, above all else, will honor God.

Choosing to Function

Sometimes it is very satisfying, to function: sometimes less so. Some gifts are fairly obvious, some are less so. Commit yourself to honoring God, and serving Him with your life, and He will reveal how he intends for you to function at your best. That does not mean you will only do that one thing: Paul was an Apostle, and a teacher, and a prophet; but he was also a tentmaker. When God required it of him, he served in that capacity. Was he honored by people, as a tentmaker? Perhaps he was… at least enough that he earned the money for himself and his entourage to proceed with their journey. But, was he honored as an apostle?

Sometimes he was, yes!…But, at other times he was savagely attacked: he was beaten, stoned, whipped, and imprisoned. Nearly everywhere he went, he was verbally abused, and, eventually, he was executed! Was he being faithful to God? Absolutely! Was he always happy and comfortable in the process? Nope! I don’t think so!

In Romans 12, and in 1^st Corinthians 13, Paul told how all the gifts are to be used: The core principle is to be the Agapé Love. And, in 1^st Corinthians 14, he said orderliness was to rule the use of the gifts—if the Holy Spirit is in charge, there will be neither disunity nor disorder.)

That is what we hope to see, here in our little assembly. We want the Holy Spirit to be in charge.

Lord Jesus, please help us to follow You closely, and to be submissive to Your hand, so that we begin to see how we are being used by Your Grace and Wisdom to bless others.

February 15, 2025February 26, 2025

Learning More Details About The Gifts of The Spirit

Spiritual Gifts (3)

More About Spiritual Gifting

Introduction:

For the lasttwoweeks, we have discussed the Spiritual Gifts listed in Ephesians, and in Romans. We only brushed over a few of gifts in Romans, for lack of time, and I want to delve into them a little more deeply, today.

Romans 12:8-11 (read it)

⁸Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.⁹Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. ¹⁰Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; ¹¹Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

The Relational Gifts

⁸Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Exhortation–Encouragement

Encouragement is a pretty vital gift: it is the ability to see a need in someone’s life, and strengthen them by drawing alongside and being a friend, or a helper, or to encourage them to make good decisions.

Some people are constant encouragers to those around them. Some are not. But, in Hebrews 10:24, 25, God tells us all to encourage one another! So those of us who do not come by it naturally have no excuse— we still have the command to do it.

But God has truly gifted some believers to be encouragers to other believers. Encouragement just seems to flow out of them wherever they go. These brothers and sisters are a tremendous blessing to the Church. We so badly need encouragers.

Giving with Simplicity

Giving, obviously, requires having something to give. But I remember hearing about a woman of limited income, who picked blackberries for pay, all summer, with the express intent of having enough to buy her little daughter a student violin. You can imagine how precious that violin had become, many years later, to her grown daughter, after her mother had passed away! She did not have enough to give what she wanted to give, so she found a way to earn the money, to give that violin to her daughter. It was truly a gift of love.

A person can “give for show,” making a spectacle of the gift—but Jesus condemned that practice. One can give simply, privately, with no attention to the gift or the giver: just to meet a need. That is a blessing. And the Greek word, “haplotēs,” sometimes translated as “simplicity” in King James English, also means “bountifully,” or “liberally.” So, be generous in your giving.

Seeing to the need of another person without regard to one’s own benefit is the simplest definition of Agapé Love. When we consider what Jesus did at the Cross, we see that he completely personified that Love.

Ruling with Diligence

Not all administrators are diligent…and not all are gifted to rule. But it takes diligent work to do a Godly job of overseeing any sort of work, or any group of people. Some people are gifted in administration: they can do a good job without damaging the people they serve. Others just want power: They cause offense, as they try to “bully” the others in their group, to force conformity.

This ungodly desire for preeminence is rooted in self-will. It has nothing to do with the gift of administration, or leadership. Compare 3^rd John 9-11…Diotrephes is the counterexample to what God commands His shepherds to be. And the shepherds are to act as examples to the whole flock. 1^st Peter 5:3 says, “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.” The Love of God has to be the motivating power in every area of the church, but especially in those who rule.

A gifted administrator, leader, ruler, elder—whatever name you choose to apply—must live as an example of Christ’s abiding presence. In 1^st Corinthians 11:1, Paul gave an invitation, “Be ye followers of me even as I also am of Christ!” Coming from anyone but a truly godly leader, that would sound incredibly arrogant. But every man to whom God has given the gift of leadership should be able and willing, along with Paul, to say that.You are supposed to be living as an example, so that you can truly say, “Do as I do!” (As opposed to “Do as I say!”)

Showing Mercy, with Cheerfulness

Mercy is another gift that goes along with service and encouragement. It is tremendously valuable, because it mends hearts, it comforts the feeble and it quiets the fearful. It is the Compassion of God, in human form.

The “Report Card” on this gift is how it is received. If little children and the elderly are blessed when they are near you, and people are comforted by your presence, then perhaps you are gifted in this area. It is difficult to describe, but it is easy to see in others.

In Hosea 6:6, God said that Mercy was more valuable, and more acceptable to Him than sacrifice. He said, “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”

Jesus cited this passage in Matthew 9:13, when He condemned the judgmental stance of the religious leaders. He said, “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” And again, in Matthew 12:7, under nearly identical circumstances: “But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.”

Notice that Jesus shows “Mercy” to be the opposite of condemnation and accusation. If you have a pattern of accusation, please take note: God clearly identifies the “Accuser” in Revelation 12:10, as Satan.

The opposite behavior, “Mercy,” is what God says He wants from all of us. And God has specially gifted some believers in this area, with a tender heart toward their fellow saints and sinners.

**Love is the Undergirding Principle for All the Gifts**

⁹Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. ¹⁰Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; ¹¹Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Love– the Agapé love (along with its companion word phileo—brotherly love) is the key to all relationships in the body of Christ. Those two loves, working together, never lead to evil; only to what is best. So, a person who is claiming to express agapé love, but is doing wrong, is faking the love for the sake of cloaking the evil. Paul says, love is to “be without dissimulation”—without fakery—without pretense. If what you are doing is wrong, then the Agapé Love “left the room” a long time ago!

We are to completely avoid evil, and see it as abominable, wherever it appears…but especially in ourselves: We need to be looking at our motives, and our thoughts, since that is where God is looking. In Hebrews 4:12,God says he “is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart.” We are to cling to what is good, without exception. Our love for one another must be pure, drawing us closer to one another and to Christ. Agapé love never leads to sin!

Preferring One Another

We should be most comfortable in the company of other believers, and He commands that we give each other full respect and honor as children of God. In business and productivity, Agapé Love should produce an excellent work ethic, as we recognize that we are serving God as well as our employer.

If our spirit is right with God, it should produce a fervent love and worship for God, and a fervent desire to do His will and draw others to Him as well. Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:34)

These are the principles by which we are to guide our walk with God, our relationships with other believers and our relationship with the World around us. I trust that, as we meditate on this passage we can see it come to life in us, and transform us into the hands and feet and heart of Jesus, doing His work in this World.

Next week we will begin to examine 1^st Corinthians 12, and the rest of the spiritual gifts.

Lord Jesus, please grip our hearts with the urgency of Your great Commission. Teach us to live in a way that honors You. Teach us to reflect Your Holiness, Your Love, and Your Mercy for the World around us to see, so that they will be drawn to You in faith.

February 8, 2025February 9, 2025

What Else Do We Know About Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual Gifts (Part 2)

Romans 12:9-16

Introduction:

Several passages in Scripture deal with the topic of “Spiritual Gifts.” We examined Ephesians 4:11-16, and the “Office Gifts,”…the people God has gifted to the church, to lead, supervise and teach the rest of the flock. We saw that they are also part of the flock: They are “shepherds,” but they are also “sheep” with the same needs and built-in weaknesses as every other believer.

Last week we looked at Romans 12:3-7, and saw that the people with the gifts are supposed to “Get on with the job.” Verse eight continues that idea, saying that if your giftedness includes encouraging others, that you should go do it! If your gift is giving, then so do so liberally. The Greek word translated as “simplicity,” here is “haplotēs.” It is translated as “simplicity” a few times in the King James Bible, but it carries the idea of “bountifully or liberally.”

But the passage culminated, in verse nine, with the Agapé Love.

The Love Relationship Between Believers

Romans 12:9-16 talks specifically about the Love relationship between believers: What should it look like? It is important to remember that the body of Christ at large (the Church, proper) is an organism, not an organization. A local church may share many aspects of an organization, but, it, too, is primarily an organism.

Any assembly of flesh-and blood people will require some organization, in order to function. But the church is not a “social club,” or a “political group.” We are an assembly of believers, and a local expression of the Body of Christ. As such, we are closely related to one another: we are to function as a body, though the local assembly is never called a “body” in scripture.

And what makes it all work is the Agapé Love. In spite of what I recently said about not spending too much time explaining the differences between Greek words, here are two Greek words that are frequently translated the same, but do NOT mean the same thing: And, we are commanded to practice both of them.

**Love—Agapé and Philéo**

⁹Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. ¹⁰Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

In November of 1981, I was working in the fields, harvesting Christmas trees. All the other workers were “transients” of one sort or another. One of them carefully (and cynically) explained to me the difference between a transient and a bum…it was interesting to hear it “from the horse’s mouth,” so to speak. One of the fellows there was a native-speaking Greek, probably in in his late forties, though I am not sure. But the fellow doing the explanation singled him out and declared him to be a bum. (He received a string of vile curses in reply.)

But, one day it occurred to me that I had a golden opportunity: I could ask the difference between two Greek words from a native speaker. He had no theological “ax to grind.” So I asked him, “George, what is the difference between ‘agapao’, and ‘phileo’?” He answered clearly: He said “Ah… ‘Phileo’ means ‘I love you! You’re my friend! You’re my brother! I love you!… But… ‘Agapao?’ It means ‘I give you my heart! I give you my soul! I love you!”

That was pretty profound for someone the other transients called a bum…he told me clearly that the two words are not synonymous. Consider the conversation between Jesus and Peter: Jesus asked “Do you love me?” using the ‘agapao’ verb, and Peter kept answering, using the ‘phileo’ verb, until Jesus changed his tack, and He used the ‘phileo’ word too. Then Peter was grieved. (They are not the same…and we are commanded to do both.)

Agapé

Most frequently and very emphatically (using “agapao”,) Jesus commanded us to “Love one another.” We are to be completely committed to the well-being of one another, without regard to how it affects us, personally. Jesus demonstrated that sort of love when He went to the Cross. Isaiah 53:10 confirms that He was pouring out his soul before the throne of God, for our sake.

When we read about love in 1^st Corinthians 13, it is the agapé love. And every description is of an action, not a feeling. Here in Romans 12:9, Paul says the agapé love is to be “without dissimulation”—unfeigned—not faked. In fact, the Greek word (“anupokritos”) means “without hypocrisy.” Don’t “pretend” agapé. This needs to be real, and coming from God.

When I was in Bible School, in 1975, I suddenly saw this as a command: And that set me free! Until then, I only thought I “have a problem” with a “lack of love.” Once I realized that this is a command, I was set free, because God does not say to confess “problems,” but sin. Once I knew that failure to love was sin, I could confess it and be cleansed.

I saw the issue before, but thought I had to somehow “stir up Love,” and produce it on my own. It isn’t “just a problem!”God says, “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1^st John 1:9) Not a “blanket solution” for “problems”…it is a blanket promise regarding sin! And, the word agapé, has nothing to do with feelings. It has to do with how you set priorities, and what you do about them.

Phileo

But, in verse 10, he also says we are to be kindly affectioned (Greek “philostorgos”) one to another, with brotherly love (“philadelphia”). The Love described in verse 10 is the phileo love, and it does mean how we feel and how we act toward one another. It even says that we should “prefer one another in honor.”

We should see our Christian brothers and sisters as closer relations than any other associate. We are to build close relationships with one another, and be drawn together by the love of the brethren. The Greek word philadelphia literally means the “love of the brethren.” Unfortunately, naming a city “brotherly love” does not change how people’s hearts work: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is no different than other large cities: Love is not what makes that city work.

The Christian Work Ethic

¹¹Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

The Greek word for “business,” here, is “spoude”—it means “diligence.” Not slothful means not lazy—not lackadaisical. In whatever we are doing, one way or another, we are to be known for diligence and zeal, as we are serving the Lord, . Ephesians and Colossians both address this idea, saying, “…whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men.”

We need to step back from the obvious, humanly visible circumstances, and remember who we actually serve. If you have a hard time with that, please take the time to read of Joseph the patriarch, Daniel the prophet, and Jeremiah the prophet. Each served evil men in hard, evil circumstances, but rose above the trial because they continually remembered who they served.

Examples From The Scripture:

Joseph could have become bitter: he was kidnapped, sold into slavery by his brothers, forced to serve an evil man, Potiphar the captain of the guard—(in charge of the prison, torture and executions.), and imprisoned, accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
Daniel was kidnapped, castrated (his boss was the boss of the eunuchs), and forced to serve the evil, monstrous kings of Babylon, who served evil, false gods. They murdered his people, and enslaved the survivors. But he remembered who he served, and he served faithfully. The result? At least some of those evil kings became believers…and his book stands today as one of the most important, key prophecies in the Bible.
Jeremiah was “drafted” by God, to serve as a prophet, but virtually no one believed him! As far as we know, only two believed his message, during his lifetime: Baruch (his partner/sidekick) and Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian eunuch. But his ministry, though sparse when he served, by human terms, has continued to benefit believers now, for 2500 years!

All three of those men (as well as countless other men and women of God) served under far harsher circumstances than we may ever expect to experience. And all of them served faithfully. They served diligently. They did good, honest work in what they were assigned, regardless of how it would be received. And they were rewarded by God accordingly.

Joy, Endurance, and Prayer

¹²Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Here is another hard one—Habakkuk saw the growing corruption he saw in Israel. He asked God why He wasn’t judging the rampant sin in Israel. God revealed that judgment was coming, in the persons of the Chaldeans (Babylonians.)

Habakkuk was horrified: He knew the Chaldeans were far worse than Israel. But God reiterated that he would bring the Chaldeans to purge Israel, but that Babylon would eventually be destroyed, and Israel would eventually be saved.

Habakkuk’s response was classic: He said, (Habakkuk 3:17-19) ¹⁷ Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: ¹⁸ Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. ¹⁹ The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

An Example for Us to Follow

Notice: All the things he listed were things God had used as allegorical teaching regarding Israel: the fig tree, the vine, the olive tree, the flock, and the herd. And all were to be destroyed.

Habakkuk foresaw the destruction of his nation in judgment from God. And his response was an act of the will: I WILL rejoice in the LORD… I WILL joy in the God of my salvation! And God’s response to that sort of faith? He will make me sure-footed, and He will set my feet on high places, allowing me to rise above the grief and shame of the coming judgment. And Habakkuk said this was to be a song, a hymn of praise and faith.

Share! Be Hospitable!

¹³Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Reach out to one another’s needs…open your home to others. Meeting the needs of other believers is what we would do with our natural family: Keep in mind that we are family.

It is interesting, too, that the word translated “hospitality,” here, is the Greek word “philozenian.” It means“brotherly love toward strangers!” This is not just a “membership benefit in the love-one-another-club.” He says to reach out to those we don’t know well—to strangers—as a life-style. Paul is not advocating irresponsible carelessness, here, as there are other places specifically warning against “false brethren; wolves in sheep’s clothing, etc.” But hospitality does not exclude strangers…it necessitates reaching out to strangers.

How Do We Respond To Bad Treatment?

Sometimes the strangers will not respond pleasantly. Sometimes even our own Christian family may be unkind to us. We are all “tarred with the same brush:” We each have an unsalvageable sin nature living within, as an “enemy within the gate.” (Romans 8:7says it cannot be made obedient to God. ) That results in bad attitudes, behavior and words. What do you do then?

¹⁴Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Inevitably, in “hostile territory,” we will occasionally be attacked, and come under fire for our lifestyle. Remember: the moment you received Jesus as your Savior, you became the youngest, lowest, greenhorn-recruit in His army: He is already “invading planet Earth.” So, you instantly became the mortal enemy of Satan and all His minions, whether human or otherwise.

Life will NOT get easier: in many respects: it will get harder. You are in a war, now: You are surrounded by enemy troops. So—what do you do when you are under attack? Being hated, do you respond in kind? When you are being lied about, do you “fight fire with fire,” and get into a sniping war, taking verbal potshots at them in return? Or do you remember that all these people hating you are precious souls for whom Jesus already died?

God says, “Bless them that persecute us. Bless and curse not!” That is a command. It is not easy—in fact, I am of the opinion that the Christian life is beyond difficult: it is impossible, except for His indwelling Holy Spirit.

Walk in Empathy and Humility

¹⁵Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

¹⁶Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Don’t consider yourself to be “above” other people’s suffering. Empathize! Go ahead and feel their grief. Go ahead and be touched by their pain…and rejoice when they are blessed, as well. We really are brothers and sisters, people. When things are good, be glad for your “Christian family.” When things are hard, grieve with them!

Cherish Unity

Unity is vitally important, too. Love and unity (the two things taught here) are two of the three criteria by which the World is invited to judge the church: Jesus said, (John 13:35) “by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” And later, (John 17:21) He prayed that the church would be one, just as the Trinity is One. Why? “…that the world may believe that thou didst send me.” Romans, here, says to “be of the same mind one to another.” We read about the tolerance and forbearance to which He called us, in Ephesians 4:3.

So…if the church falls down in the area of Agapé love, the world is not expected to believe that we are His disciples. And, if we fall down in the area of unity, they will not believe that Jesus is the Messiah.

The third way the world is allowed to judge the church is by our behavior. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Behavior is a catch-all that could include our Love and Unity, but also includes the practical outworking of a transformed life, as shown in Romans 12:2.

Finally, Learn Humility!

Don’t “get big-headed.” Don’t get the idea that you are “something special.” Nebuchadnezzar decided that he was something special, and look where it got him. Seven years on a strict vegetarian diet, we are told—in fact, he ate grass like a cow, and thought he was an animal, for all those years. God judged the sin, but saved the sinner, Nebuchadnezzar. Don’t go through that kind of experience to learn humility. God says, “clothe yourself in humility…humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1^st Peter 5:5, 6)

Pride and self-centeredness are offensive to everyone, both God and Man. God says that we are not to “mind high things”…not get puffed up with our great knowledge, our doctrinal purity, our long lists of “things we don’t do.” At that point we have become just like the Pharisees: Secure in our self-righteousness, but blind to the Holiness of The Almighty God we claim to serve.

Choose humility. Condescend to men of low estate. (Jesus did so, for you.) Choose to draw near to “uncomfortable people.” Choose to love the unlovely. Choose to reflect and to channel the Grace and Love of God to those around you. We are called to be lights in a dark world, but we are also called to be peacemakers, and ministers of God’s Grace.

It all works better in true humility.

Lord Jesus, Please allow us to see Your Holiness, and, in contrast, our own sin. Allow us to be changed by your Grace; by your Love; by the engrafted Word of Life, and the indwelling Spirit of the Holy, Almighty God. Make us over into your image.

February 1, 2025February 1, 2025

Do You Know What God Says About Spiritual Gifts? (Part 1)

“About Spiritual Gifts” Part One

Romans 12:3-7

Introduction:

We began looking at the practical outworking of our new relationship with Christ, a few weeks ago, studying Ephesians 4:1-6.

A proper relationship with Him in a growing, ongoing bond of love, results in a changed life. It also results in changed relationships with other people. In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul begs us to walk worthy of the vocation to which we have been called. He commands that we maintain unity with one another, and forbear (tolerate) one another. He calls us to learn to love and appreciate one another, just for who each of us IS, in Christ.

Romans 12:3-21 reminds us of some of the gifts of service. Gifts given by which to be a blessing to one another. He also tells in what spirit to use each of them.

What does “Christian Service” look like?

³For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

One obvious danger in “Christian Service” is the temptation to serve in the same spirit as does the world. We desire human recognition. We like to “feel appreciated.” So, churches often create special titles and “jobs,” so people will feel proud to do “their job.”

But this practice establishes “boundaries, and territories,” and it effectively divides the body. They encourage people toward “self” expression, and “self” fulfillment. they say they should be “owning” the ministry. By so doing, they can easily forget who the Head of the Body actually is. Paul cautions us to “not think more highly of” ourselves, but, rather, to think soberly.

In some areas, deacons may attach the title “Deacon” to their name. They introduce themselves as “Deacon So-and-so.” Many pastors do the same thing, and people expect them to do so. They call themselves “Pastor So-and-so.” Then we invent honorifics to go with the title, or even supplant it—the “Right Reverend so-and-so… your Excellency…your Grace!” But that only serves to feed pride!

A Servant’s Heart

The fact is, we don’t need a title, or a “territory,” to do what God calls us to do. We can sit and listen to someone else teach, and we take careful notes, so as to actually learn from their teaching: We should be perfectly happy doing so.

I have no need for the “limelight.” Usually, I would be happy to serve from the back pew, and I have frequently done so. But, initially, I taught because a pastor asked me to teach. Then, they repeatedly asked me to continue teaching. So I concluded that this must be what God has called me to do. So, I continue to teach, even in private, because that is my gift—it is simply what I do.

The result seems to be that the flock is fed, and their understanding increases. I don’t need an “office” or title, to do any of that. If it is the job—the gift—Jesus gave me to do, then I will either do it, or fail to do it. That is the only question He will ask at the Judgment Seat of Christ. (2nd Corinthians 5:10)

The Measure of Faith

Experience has led me to believe that my gifts are in this area, and when I pray, “Lord, I just don’t know what to do!” the immediate answer is “Feed my flock!” (See John 21:15-17, and Acts 20:28) So, by faith, I press on. If He gives me a different job, or assignment, He will let me know it. (And He did: I taught in churches for nearly 40 years, before my job changed, and I shared the ministry, here, as a pastor!)

All the gifts have this in common: they don’t need “titles”, or honorifics; they just need a willing heart. But we each have different gifts, though all the believers are part of that one Body of Christ. That is the source of Unity—our position in Christ. But each of us has something to offer.

Each of us can choose to be a blessing to those around us, but it will be done in different ways. Many years ago, a teacher told me, “If I go to church to be a blessing, I will almost always come home blessed. But if I go there to get a blessing, I can frequently come home empty and sour.” The Agapé love always seeks to bless those around it…not to receive a blessing. But the result is that it is always blessed.

The True Bond Of Unity

⁴For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:⁵So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Notice it says that we are members one of another. We are not just “co-workers—employees of the same company:” God says we belong to one another. We are truly part of a select brotherhood, because we are born from above, of the same Father. He says we are one body, and, though we may feel somewhat alienated from one another at times, due to sin, we really are one.

All of us know what it means to “hurt all over”, because of an injury or illness. I have heard of people who endured a fairly small injury (a mashed finger or the like) but who then went into shock and died…their whole body responded so drastically to the injury of the one member that the body shut down completely.

In contrast to the physical body, our mutual care will not shut us down; it will empower us. But God calls us to have that sort of deep compassion and care for one another, so that if one member is hurting, it is a concern for all. And, if God blesses one, then it is a joy to all, as all are invigorated by the goodness of God, reflected in another person’s life.

The Gifts: What Is A Prophet?

⁶Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

When we consider the New Testament gift of prophecy, we must remember that even the Old Testament word does not mean a “teller of the future”, but a spokesman for God; a “mouthpiece for God.” In Exodus 4:12, God told Moses, “…go, and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say!” That is pretty much the definition of a prophet, through all the ages. In the early days, it frequently involved “fore-telling.” In fact, when we use the word “prophecy”, or “prophetic,” we usually mean “the telling of the future.” But all the word really means is being “a mouthpiece for God.”

What is the Difference between a “Preacher” and a Teacher?

As far as I can tell, a person who simply gives the clear meaning of scripture and can tie it all together, so that the listeners can see it all as God’s Word, rather than just a collection of disconnected pamphlets by forgotten writers, is a good teacher. That would be one to whom God gave the gift of teaching.

What does a New Testament “Prophet” Do?

But if God also uses them to bring a corrective message, or a message of encouragement, or a message from scripture that builds up the believers for the work of service, then they are functioning as a New Testament prophet.

1^st Corinthians 14:3 states that “he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” That is the definition of a prophet’s job, in this age. The Old Testament gift of “foretelling the future” seems to have mostly disappeared by the end of the book of Acts, though culminating in the Book of the Revelation. The epistles tell nothing further about it, at least. God does not warn against false prophets, in the epistles, so much as false teachers. (2nd Peter 2:1)

A prophet, then, must have the faith to pursue God, personally, and absorb the Word of God, and learn the will of God, as revealed in Scripture. The prophet has to have the faith to see God’s will in black and white, and be able to declare it firmly, and humbly, knowing it to be true, only because Jesus says so!

“Let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.” This is Paul’s message to the prophets in the New Testament Church.

What is “Ministry?”

⁷Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Ministry means service. The Greek word, here, for service, is “diakonia.” The companion word, “diakonous” is where we get the word “deacon.” It simply means ‘servant.’ We disdain the word “servant,” as a “low-caste” calling, to which no one should be relegated. But God calls it a gift, and a high, holy calling. Jesus Himself said, “The Son of Man is come not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

It is interesting that the root of the word “menial” (which we really don’t like,) is exactly the same as that of the word “ministry” (which we claim to love.) Jesus taught this lesson in John 13. He performed a menial task (foot-washing) that was usually relegated to the lowest servants, in order to demonstrate the principle of ministry to his disciples.

Gifted to Serve

Every believer is called to this life of service, but some are gifted beyond others. They can throw themselves into any task without reserve, as it is their joy to serve. There are no restrictions as to who can serve God, other than having a clean and willing heart. Anyone can serve, but not all at the same tasks. He chooses our tasks.

There may be human restrictions of a practical nature. A life-guard, for example, absolutely must be a very strong swimmer. He or she must be trained to work in deep water to bring struggling or injured swimmers to safety. A church pianist must have endured the discipline of learning to play the piano. How well? Well enough to accompany singers, in any key needed.

There are many other human limitations, and we recognize them; but anyone can serve, and there are innumerable ways in which to do so. If you have a heart for service, God will give you an avenue in which to serve faithfully. And faithfulness itself is worthy of reward! God says, “Well done, thou good and faithful Servant!”

What about Teaching?

Teaching is the gift of being able to read, study and understand scripture, and to teach what it means, accurately. It must be in keeping with the rest of the Word of God, so that the hearers are not just hearing, but understanding the scriptures, themselves. It was mentioned in the Old Testament as well as the New, and is a valuable gift, as well. A teacher need not be a leader, but a leader (elder overseer, pastor) does have to be a teacher, as far as I can see.

1^st Timothy 3:1-8 states some of the qualifications of being an elder, and one of them is “apt to teach”—able to teach. I do not think that this is just the ability to teach carpentry, or cooking, or mathematics, as, in the first place, those are not related to the word of God.

It is also not just the rudimentary ability that ALL people have, to transmit information. It is specifically referring to the spiritual gift of teaching that is vital to the health of a church. This, along with the gift of prophecy, is how the Flock is to be fed…and they are to be fed on the Word of God, not philosophy, or other bits of human wisdom. God’s Word is clean “sheep food.” That is all we have to offer.

But How Can We Tell If We Are “Gifted?”

Using “teaching” as an example: “Teaching has not been accomplished until learning occurs.” I used to teach several classes at work; each had numerous tests associated with it. Some of the tests were quite difficult. None of the tests could be passed by someone who had not received the teaching. So, my “report card” as a teacher, was “what percentage of my students can now understand and use what I taught them? And …are they doing so?”

A Bible teacher should grade himself or herself by the same standard: “Do my students better understand the scriptures?”, and “Are they better able to apply them than before?” It is much harder to tell, for sure, as there is no “written exam” to apply. But I knew a woman (now home with the Lord) who taught “Good News Club” Bible classes in her home for many years, training little children to understand the Word of God. Her report card? Before she died (at 103,) most of the deacons in her church were men whom she had taught as little children, in her home. She had led many of them to Christ! That is a great “Report Card!”

The Rewards are From God

That sort of “report card” is not limited to seminary-trained theologians, nor “professional clergy.” In fact, I think it is more common among those who simply serve out of devotion to the Lord, than among those who see their work as their “job….just an occupation…” as if it were comparable to being a lawyer or a pharmacist.

If you are doing what God sent you to do, then there should be a measure of satisfaction and joy, in knowing that you are pleasing Him. And if you can at least occasionally see confirmation, through results, then it is especially joyful.

For the next few weeks we will continue to work through the various lists of spiritual gifts, as given in Scripture.

Lord Jesus, change us into your likeness. Teach us to discern your will and search for ways to serve one another in Love. Make us the men and women of God that you have called us to be.