SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN THE CHURCH

Hallmarks

Distinctives of the Christian and Missionary Alliance of the Philippines

CHURCH ORDINANCES

            Ordinances of the church are ceremonies or practices that are ordained (ordered, decreed) by God in the bible.

            The Alliance, as most evangelical Protestant churches, practices two ordinances –baptism and communion.

Lesson 9

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

IN THE CHURCH

In order for every Christian member of a congregation to function as he should in building up the church, each believer is given one or more spiritual gifts.  These are not natural talents which all people have, but special spiritual abilities given by God to His children.  They are to be used for the benefit of the Body of Christ “so that in all things praise may be given to God through Jesus Christ…” 1Peter 4:10,11.  Therefore every believer needs to discover and develop his spiritual gift(s).  In this way he not only becomes aware of where he fits into the group, but also what his special ministry is as he works together with other believers.

I.                   Scripture teaches the importance of spiritual gifts in the ministry of the church.

A.      In Ephesians 4:1-16, after discussing the importance of the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of Christians and necessity of unity in the congregation, Paul lists the key offices in the church.

1.      What fruit of the Spirit is mentioned in verses 1-3?

2.      How is unity among the believers to be preserved? (vs.3)

3.      How does Paul describe this unity in verses 4-6?

4.      According to verse 7, who has received what?

5.      What key positions in the life of a congregation/denomination are identified in verse 11?

6.      For whose benefit are people with the necessary spiritual gifts appointed to these offices?  In order to achieve what result? (vv.12-14).

7.      In verse 15, what fruit of the Spirit is mentioned in connection with spiritual maturity?

8.      Why do we need to know where we fit in the body of believers? (vs.16)

Although every Christian has a special ministry for which God has gifted him, and the least noticed member is just as essential as the most prominent, in verse 11 Paul does mention certain positions as more prominent in relation to the building up of the Body of Christ.  These positions are separate, distinct offices in the Church.

1.      Apostle

The meaning of the apostle is a person or a messenger.  In the New Testament they were the individuals used to lay the foundation of and establish the Church – 1Corinthians 4:9-17.  The did not serve a local church, but their authority extended throughout all the churches.  Their ministry included the witness of signs and wonders – 2Corinthians 12:12

An Apostle has a special ability of leadership over other spiritual leaders (such as pastors and lay leaders), and his authority is recognized and accepted by those he leads.  Often he is a pioneer with great vision of what is to be done.  God uses him, along with the evangelist and prophet in founding and establishing churches.

2.      Prophet

Christians in the early Church did not have the benefit of the New Testament Scriptures that we have today, so prophets were of great importance in proclaiming God'’ mind and will.  They encouraged and strengthened the believers – Acts 15:32, and were more forthtellers than foretellers, although they also did this upon occasion – Acts 21:10,11.

This person speaks God’s message with authority and “his words have power to build; they stimulate and they encourage…” – 1Corinthians 14:3 NEB.  All genuine prophecy is always in conformity with the teachings of Scripture.

3.      Evangelist

An evangelist has a special ability to give the Gospel message with great effectiveness so that people come to Christ and receive salvation.  In the New Testament evangelists worked with the apostles in planting the Church everywhere.

Even though every child of God is expected to share his faith with others there are those with a special gift of evangelist.  Evangelists also inspire other Christians with a burden for the lost and help equip them in the ministry of evangelism.

                 

4.      Pastor/Teacher

            In this portion Paul groups pastor and teacher together.  The root meaning of the word pastor, here, is to protect, with the title of shepherd coming from it.  These people have a special ability to provide day-by-day care for the flock of God – leading them, feeding them from God’s Word and protecting them from spiritual danger – Acts 20:28,29.

            Teachers are vital to the health and growth of the church.  They have a special ability to understand and explain God’s truths to others and apply them practically to everyday life.  They are the ones able to explain the great doctrines of the Bible in such a way that people will understand and learn.

            The gift of teaching is often coupled with that of pastoring, enabling the pastor/teacher to understand, explain and apply God’s Word to the lives of his flock – Titus 1:9.

B.      Romans 12:3-8 deals with the principal functions in the life of the church and the spiritual gifts given by God for ministry within the congregation.  Every member is apart of the functioning of a congregation and exercises his spiritual gift(s) as an active participant in the life of the church.

1.      With what attitude are spiritual gifts to be used? (vs.3)

2.      This attitude is a result of what? (vs. 1,2)

3.      How does the example of a human body illustrate the importance of using the gifts of the Spirit? (vv.4-6)

4.      How are each of the spiritual gifts mentioned in verses 6-8 to be used?

5.      Having expressed the need for humility in the use of spiritual gifts (verses 3), in verses 9,10 what fruit of the Spirit does Paul emphasize?

            In addition to prophesying (verse 6) and teaching (verse 7), in this chapter Paul lists five other gifts needed for the proper functioning of the congregation.

Service (verse 7)

            The Christian with this gift has a special ability to see areas of need in God’s work and be of help in practical ways to meet them.  These individuals are particular blessing in the church because of their positive response to help when needed.

Exhortation (verse 8)

            This can also be translated as encouragement. although all Christians are to encourage one another – Hebrews 10:24,25, this gift is a special ability to minister through advising, comforting, counseling and in encouraging others to actively trust God and follow His Word.

Giving (sharing) (verse 8)

            All Christians are to contribute to the needs of the church and those in need.  However, some are given a special ability to contribute materially to the Lord’s work and other people in need – unselfishly, generously and joyfully. The exercising of this gift is not dependent upon the financial resources of an individual.

Leadership (authority) (verse 8)

            This is a special ability given to certain Christians to plan for God’s work and communicate those plans to others, guiding a motivating them to work together in accomplishing their objectives.

Mercy (kindness) (verse 8)

            Although mercy is a facet of the spiritual fruit of kindness which should be seen in the life of every believer – Luke 6:36, this gifts is a special ability to empathize and feel great compassion for those suffering from various problems and to demonstrate that concern by acts of kindness and comfort.

C.      1Corinthians 12 gives us some examples of how the Holy Spirit provides for the needs of the church through gifting its members.  The majority of the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible are found in this chapter.

1.      Although there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, who gives them? (vv.1,4)

2.      Although there are different ways of serving in the church, who is served? (vs.5)

3.      Although there are different abilities and kinds of workings, who is the source of power? (vs.6)

4.      How does verse 7 shows us that the gifts of the Spirit are not only for certain Christians? For whose benefit are they given?

There were problems in the Corinthian church because of misunderstanding concerning the functioning of spiritual gifts among the believers.  One of these was exaggerating the importance of the more spectacular gifts (particularly that of speaking in tongues), and considering them as the mark of spirituality.  This resulted in pride.  Those with such gifts felt superior, causing some others to be envious or discontented and perhaps not use their equally necessary though less noticeable gifts.  Also, those who possessed what seemed to be the more exciting gifts appear to have been given places of prominence in the church, excluding those who did not possess those gifts.

5.      How does Paul correct these misunderstandings in verses 12 to 26?

6.      How do these verses apply to us today?

7.      What are we forbidden to do? (vs. 21)

8.      How must we act? (vv.25,26)

9.      How does this prevent division and dissension among believers?

10.  How does 1Corinthians 13:1-3, show us that the fruit of the Spirit is necessary for spiritual gifts to be used effectively?

11.  In relation to the degree of importance in the functioning and building up of the church, whom has God appointed in first place?  In second place?   In third place? (vs. 28)

Additional gifts mentioned in 1Corinthians 12:

Wisdom (verse8)

            God gives certain Christians a special ability to speak and act wisely.  These individuals are gifted with spiritual insight and understanding of God’s will in various situations, and how to follow the right course of action.  They are able to diagnose and solve problems.

Knowledge (verse 8)

            The Christian with this gift has the special ability to discover and understand truths or facts and how to make use of them in practical way.  Sometimes this gift is coupled with that of teaching.

Faith (verse 9)

            This is not the faith necessary for salvation which every believer has, but a special ability to confidently trust God, regardless of hindrances and impossible circumstances.  This person does not doubt at all that God will remove mountains and work wonders –1Corintians 13:2.

Healing (verse 9)

            This gifts is evidenced by the supernatural power of God working through a person to bring healing to those who are ill and restore health apart from others means, such as medicine.

Working in miracles (verse 10)

            The Christian with this gift is used by God to display His power beyond that which are natural-outside the laws of nature.  This gifts seems to be associated with miracles other than healing – Mark 16:17; Acts 13:9-11.

Discerning of spirits (verse 10)

            Although every mature Christian should be able to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil – Hebrews 5:14, and are to test the spirits –1John 4:1, certain Christians are given the special ability to know, when necessary, whether words or actions, or what appear to be supernatural gifts and said to come from God, are really from Him or are of natural (human) or satanic origin.

Tongues (verse 10)

            This special ability given to some Christian to speak in a language they have never learned.  Any public use of this gift must be accompanied by the interpretation of what is said, and must conform to what Scripture commands – 1Corinthians 14:27,28.

Interpretation of tongues (verse 10)

            This is a special ability to understand and translate the message of the one who speaks in tongues. The one who speaks in tongues may also have the gift of interpretation.

Helps (verse 27)

            This is a special ability to support nd give assistance to others which is more than general helpfulness, and, when used to help fellow Christians exercise their gifts, enables them to be more effective in their ministries.  The one with this gift has a broad and range of ministry among all in the church.

Administration (power to direct) (verse 27)

            The word used here is the one for the helmsman of a ship, or the one who steers or directs a ship to reach its destination.  The person with this gift is a good manager, is able to understand the goals and direction of the church, and make plans and decisions necessary to keep the church functioning smoothly and moving ahead to accomplish its goals.

II.                How to Discover Your Gift

            C. Peter Wagner in his book, “Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow,” suggest five steps to take to discover your gift, but emphasizes that first you must be willing to work hard using your spiritual for God’s glory and the benefit of your church and fellow believers.  And you must pray, asking God to guide you into the ministry for which He has gifted you.

            Step 1: Explore the possibilities.

                              Learn what the gifts are God has given to the Church.  Of course your primary source is the Bible.  You also need to talk with Christians, who have discovered, developed and are using their spiritual gifts.

            Step 2: Experiment with as many gifts as you can.

                              Look around you and see what needs you can find in your church.  Look too for the needs of other people.  Then try to do something to meet a need.  Find where you can be useful and then offer to help.  Be available for any jobs you might be asked to do.  When you are given a job do it prayerfully, asking the Lord to show you whether or not you have a spiritual gift in that area.

            Step 3: Examine your feelings.

                              God knows each of us completely.  And, because He knows the spiritual gift best for you, you will enjoy using it.

            Step 4: Evaluate your effectiveness.

                              God gives you a gift so you will accomplish something for Him in the Body of Christ.  If you experiment with a gift and find that you consistently have negative results, it is most probable you do not have that gift.  If you have the gift of administration the organization under you will function well.  If you have the gift of teaching people will understand and learn through your instructions.

            Step 5: Expect confirmation from the Body.

                              Your gift needs to be confirmed by other in your church.  In many ways this steps is the most important of all, because your gifts is to be used within the Body of Christ.  For example, you may personally feel that God wants you to minister through counseling, but if after a period of time no one asks you for help or recommend you to others, or tells you how much you have helped them, you have good reason to doubt if you have the gift of exhortation.

                              It is also good to consult with mature Christians who know you and have observed you in your work for the church.

MISSIONS

Hallmarks

Distinctives of the Christian and Missionary Alliance of the Philippines

CHURCH ORDINANCES

            Ordinances of the church are ceremonies or practices that are ordained (ordered, decreed) by God in the bible.

            The Alliance, as most evangelical Protestant churches, practices two ordinances –baptism and communion.

Lesson 8

MISSIONS

         Although the Great Commission give by Jesus Christ to His followers is found in the New Testament, missions originated in the Old Testament where the need for and history of salvation began in the morning of our world.

        

I.             The Old Testament

                  In the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God.  Along with His judgment of sin, God made the promise of redemption that would be fulfilled when Jesus Christ would be victorious over Satan and sin – Hebrews 2:14,15.  And, because of Christ’s victory, His followers would also be victorious – Romans 16:20; Revelation 12:17.

                  With this background of God’s plan of salvation for mankind, God took another step.  He called Abraham.  This begins the history of the nation of Israel and God’s relationship to them as His chosen people.

                  Israel was chosen to represent God in the world – to be separate from other nations, to serve and be ruled by God – Exodus 19:5,6.  The Jews were to act as a witness by attracting other nations to come to God through them – psalm 67:1-7; 86:9.

A.         What does Genesis 12:1-3, say about Abram (Abraham)?

B.          What does Romans 4:13 give as the reason for God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants?

C.         Genesis 12:3 is interpreted in Galatians 3:6-9, 16,29.

1.           What was the Good News announced to Abraham?

2.           Why was Abraham accepted as righteous? (vs.6)

3.           Who are the real descendants of Abraham? (vs.7)

4.           Whom does this include?  Why are they included? (vs. 8a)

5.           Through what physical descendant of Abraham would salvation come? (vs. 16)

6.           Who, then, will receive God’s promises? (vs.29)

        

II.          New Testament

        In the New Testament God states that the Church of Jesus Christ (His followers) are His priests and holy nation, His own people – and they are to proclaim the acts of God – 1Peter 2:9.

        The Church of Jesus Christ is not to simply act as a magnet to bring people to Christ, it is to actively go and tell.  It is the responsibility of the followers of Jesus Christ to tell the message of salvation to all nations.

A.      The word apostle means messenger or one who is sent. This was used to describe:

1.      Jesus, as the One sent by God – Hebrews 3:1.

2.      The prophets sent by God to preach to Israel – Luke 11:49.

3.      The twelve disciples of Jesus – Mark 3:14-19; 6:7-12; 30.

4.      Those sent by churches – Acts 13:1-3.

                   

B.      After Jesus’ death and resurrection, just before He was taken up to heaven, He talked with His disciples and gave them what we call the Great Commission.

1.      Luke 24:47-49

a.         1) What is the message that must be preached?

2) How (in whose name) is it to be preached?

3) To whom is it to be preached?

4) Where are the disciples to begin.

b.         1) Compare this message with that of John the Baptist – Mark 1:4, and Jesus’ message at the beginning of His ministry – Mark 1:15.

2) What is repentance?

                                 3) Why must there be a repentance before there can be forgiveness?

c.         1) What command instructions and promise does Jesus give His disciples?

2) Why would they need power from above?

3) To whom does Jesus give these instruction, command and promises today?

4) Why do we also need power from God?

2.      Matthew 28:16-20

a.       1) Who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth?

2) On the basis of this authority, what four things does Jesus command His disciples to do?

b.      What promise is given to those who obey Jesus’ command?

3.      Acts 1:1-9

a.       1) To whom did Jesus give instructions before He was taken up to heaven? (vs.2)

2) Who gave Jesus power?

b.      What proved Jesus’ followers that He was really alive? (vs.3)

c.       1) What command and promise does Jesus give His disciples? (vv.4,5)

2) Compare verses 4 and 5 with Mark 1:8 and Luke 24:49.

3) When would Jesus’ followers be filled with power? (vs.8)

1)       What would be the result?

2)       Compare verse 8 with Matthew 28:19 and Luke 24:47.

4.  Matthew 24:14

a.       What will be preached? Where?

b.      For what reason will it be preached?

c.       What will happen when this is done?

III.       The responsibility of God’s Church Today in Missions

A.      Although all of us have a responsibility to reach our own “Jerusalem” and “Samaria” with the Gospel, god still chooses and calls certain people to take the Gospel to other nations and people, just as He called Paul during the days of the early church.

            Acts 9:15; 13:2; Romans 1:1;

            Galatians 1:1, 15,16; 2Timothy 1:11

                  Even though it is not possible for every one to go as missionaries to other countries, every Christian must be willing to go if God calls him.

B.      The apostle Paul considered it very important that the Christians pray for him.

2Corinthians 1:11; Ephesians 6:19,20

Colossians 4:3,4

Today it is equally important for every Christian to pray missionaries, as well as that people in other countries will hear and believe the Gospel.

C.      Members in the early churches also helped Paul financially.  Read Philippians 4:14-20.

It is still the responsibility of every Christian to give financially to the work of missions, to make it possible for missionaries to go.

In these three way –by going, praying and giving – our church can fulfill its responsibility to take the message of repentance and the forgiveness of sins to all nations, beginning, but not stopping with our own country.  The power of God which is provided by the Holy Spirit will enable the church to accomplish this, but each individual must do his part.

When all Christians join together in obeying Christ’s command, our world can be reached with the Good News of salvation.

The Christian and Missionary Alliance began as a missionary organization, a nd today that is still our purpose.  That is why the Alliance has churches all over the world.

Because members of Alliance churches here in the Philippines also share this responsibility, the CAMACOP has its own missionary program, with some missionaries already serving in countries outside the Philippines, and others preparing to go.

CHRISTIAN GIVING

Hallmarks

Distinctives of the Christian and Missionary Alliance of the Philippines

CHURCH ORDINANCES

            Ordinances of the church are ceremonies or practices that are ordained (ordered, decreed) by God in the bible.

            The Alliance, as most evangelical Protestant churches, practices two ordinances –baptism and communion.

CHRISTIAN GIVING

            Financial obedience to God is emphasized throughout the entire Bible.

            Some Christians mistakenly think that when they give money to their church they are paying or hiring a pastor to preach.  A pastor is called by God and trained to be a spiritual leader.  Money which we give to God at our place of worship is used for God’s work.  This includes providing enough for the needs of our spiritual leaders, and to promote God’s Kingdom through the ministry of our local church.

            We are also to help those who are in need.

I.       The Old Testament

A.    The Importance of Paying Tithes

1.      A tithe is a tenth part of a person’s income paid in kind or in money to God.

2.      In the Old Testament God commanded the Jews to tithe.  It did not matter whether a person was rich or poor.  Everyone was required to give 10% of all he owned, earned and produced, including crops and animals, to God – Leviticus 27:30,32.  Even the priests (pastors) were to pay tithes–Numbers 18:25-29.

3.      The Jews were to give their tithes, offerings and gifts to God at their place of worship – Deuteronomy 12:5,6,11.

4.      According to Malachi 3:6-12:

a.       To whom do the people owe their tithes?  Whom are they cheating (robbing if they do not pay?  (vs.8)

b.       What was the result of not paying? (vs. 9)

c.       Where were the tithes to be paid? (vs. 10)

d.       What would be the results of paying what they owe? (vv. 10-12)

                 

B.     The Importance of Gifts and Offerings

1.      In addition to their tithes, Jews were required to offer to God the first and best of everything they earned or produced.  These were known as “first fruits.”

                  Exodus 23:19a; 34:19; Numbers 28:26;

                  Deuteronomy 26:1-3,10;

                  Nehemiah 10:35,36

2.      The Jews were required to give to the Lord on special occasions.

                  Exodus 23:14,15;

                  Deuteronomy 16:16,17;

                  Leviticus 23:37,38

3.      The Jews made thanksgiving offerings to God for special mercies or blessings which they had received from Him.

                  Leviticus 7:12; 22:29;

                  2Chronicles 29:31.

4.      Although it is not a command to us, some Christians today also give God offerings of their “first fruits” on special occasions, and in thanksgiving.

C.    The Importance of Helping Others

1.      Whom does the Lord help? (Psalm 41:1)

2.      What happens when you are generous and help others? (Proverbs 11:25)

3.      What is giving to the poor like? Who will pay you back? (Proverbs 19:17)

4.      What is kindness shown to the poor? (Proverbs 14:31)

5.      What is the result of giving to the poor? (Proverbs 28:27)

II.                The New Testament

A.     In the New Testament Jesus says even more about giving.

1.      We must give with the right heart attitude.

a.      Luke 11:42

1)      What does Jesus accuse the Pharisees of neglecting?

2)      However, what were the Pharisees doing which Jesus said they should do?

3)      What do some Christians today neglect to do?

b.      Mark 12:41-44

1)      Contrast the poor widow with the rich people.

2)      Who, does Jesus say, gave the most? Why?

3)      Compare what the poor widow did with the words of Jesus in Mark 12:30.

4)      What does our giving to God show?

2.  We are to give generously to God and to others.  Luke 6:38

a.       What will be the result of our giving to others?

b.      How does God decide how much to give us?

B.     The apostle Paul also talks about giving.

1.      Giving provides us with the opportunity to help those in Christian ministry.   Philippians 4:14-20

a.       In verses 14-18 Paul describes the help he has received.  What is involved in Christian giving?

1)      Whose work do we share when we give?

2)      Who benefits?

b.      How does God look at our gifts? (vs.18)

c.       What principle of Christian giving do we find here?

d.      How will our needs be supplied? (vs.19)

2.      We should give to fellow Christians in need.

a.      Romans 15:26-28

1)         What had the Christians in Macedonian and Achaia (Greece) decided to do?

2)         Why are they concerned for the poor among the Christians at Jerusalem?

3)         What principle do we see here?

b.      2Corinthians 8:1-15

1)      What does Paul say God’s grace had accomplished in the churches in Macedonia? (vs.2)

2)      How much did the churches give to help God’s people in Judea? (vv.3,5a)

3)      To whom did the Christians give themselves first? (vs.5)

4)      How does Paul describe the gift of these Christians? (vv.6b,7c)

5)      By telling how eager the Christians in Macedonia are help what is Paul trying to find out about the Corinthian Christians? (vs.8)

6)      If we are eager to give, on what basis does God accept our gift? (vs.12)

7)      Why is it only fair to help others, especially when you have plenty? (vv.13,14)

8)      In verse 15, Paul quotes Exodus 16:18, when the Israelites gathered manna-food which God provided each day for them.  What is said about those who gathered much and those who gathered little?  What did they all have?

c.       2Corinthians 9:5-13

1)      Why should we give? (vs.5c)

2)      What decides whether a crop is large or small? (vs.6)

3)      Therefore, how should each one of us give? Why? (vs.7)

4)      If we follow the principle of giving gladly, what will be the result? (vs.8)

5)      What does God supply us with, and what will He do with it? (vs. 10)

6)      How rich will God make us if we give generously and gladly? (vv.8,11)

7)      What need does our service of giving meet? (vs.12)

8)      What does it also produce? (vs. 12)

9)      Our service of giving shows our loyalty to what? (vs. 13)

10)  Who receives the glory? (vs. 13)

             

III.             As Christians and followers of Jesus Christ, we give.

A.    We give because:

1.      God requires us to give.

2.      It shows our love for God.

3.      It shows our loyalty to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

4.      We can share God’s work

5.      We ourselves have received from god and others.

6.      We want to give – and we give gladly and generously.

                 

B.     As a result, our lives will be blessed of god and we will not lack the things we need.

C.    If all this is true, why don’t we give much more?

            In conclusion, give some practical examples of how you can fulfill God’s commandment to give.  What plan for personal Christian giving have you made for your life?