Ephesians 4:11-16 1 Peter 4:7-11 Acts 9:36; Romans 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:28 Acts 6:1-7
Main Idea: God equips His people to do His work of building His church
Barna Study (link): Large parts of the church do not know what gifts are and their role in the church
- One-third of Christians asked have never heard of Spiritual Gifts
- Of those who had:
- 15% did not know their gift
- 28% did not believe they had one
- 20% claimed “non-biblical gifts” – a sense of humor, singing, health, life, happiness, patience, a job, a house, compromise, premonition, creativity, and clairvoyance
- Nearly two-thirds of the self-identified Christian population who claim to have heard about spiritual gifts have not been able to accurately apply whatever they have heard or what the Bible teaches on the subject to their lives.
- Only 1 out of every 5 Christians can give a biblically accurate explanation of spiritual gifts.
Point 1: Since the church is unique, the Holy Spirit uniquely empowers it
Point 2: Serving only in your strength will only produce “you” level results
Purpose of Ministry gifts – to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church as the body of Christ by bringing unity, faith, knowledge, and maturity in Jesus
- Apostles: A person sent to new places with the gospel. You may have heard of missionaries going to different countries to help spread the Word; they could be described as apostles. An apostle can also provide leadership to other churches or ministries and offer advice on spiritual matters.
- Prophets: The ability to speak the message of God to others. This sometimes involves foresight or visions of what is to come. Insite that could not come from outside knowledge. This skill should be used only to offer encouragement or warning.
- Evangelists: The ability to successfully communicate the message of the gospel, especially to nonbelievers.
- Pastor/Shepherd: The special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to assume long-term personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers.
- Teachers: The skill to teach from the Bible and communicate it effectively for the understanding and spiritual growth of others.
- Hospitality: A natural ability to make people—even strangers—feel welcome in one’s own home or church as a means to disciple or serve them.
- Helping: Someone with this gift is able to support or assist members of the body of Christ so that they may be free to minister to others.
- Administration: The gift of administration is the divine strength or ability to organize multiple tasks and groups of people to accomplish these tasks. The ability to help steer the church, or a ministry, toward the successful completion of God-given goals, with skills in planning, organization, and supervision.
Point 3: God wants to equip you for ministry in a way only He can
Life Change Challenge: Learn to use your gifts in humility and love while building up the church
Reflection:
I hear the Holy Spirit saying…
I live this truth out by…