The Seven Gifts God Gives Us to Serve!
Romans 12:1-8
Dec 1, 2019 AM
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church, Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland
I. Introduction (Romans 12:1-8)
A. Of all the things Jesus taught, the greatest was how to serve others!
B. Most people see a life of service as something “some other” people do, but not themselves
C. Yet, the greatest purpose of your and my life, is not to enjoy life, or to rule other lives, nor to control empires, and make large sums of money and wealth, but to serve other people, and to serve the God who made us.
D. This morning, let’s continue to sit and listen as a man named Paul pleads with us and begs us to lower ourselves to that of a servant, and discover seven of the most priceless gifts THERE, at the bottom of life – that will make your life richer than any king has ever dreamed!
E. Because Christ Expects ALL His People to serve in God’s kingdom
F. And thankfully, we are all GIFTED to serve – Enabled – Empowered!
1. God has given 7 powerful GIFTS to enable the Christian to serve people!
2. Each of these 7 gifts are ABILITIES that you did not have 1 moment before we repented and believed the Gospel
3. They were specially given to every believer so that they could do the perfect will of God
II. Background – The Gifts of God (Romans 12:6-8)
A. Of all the gifts you have been given, CRITICISM is not one of them
1. Yet most Christians love to criticize – they open up their mouths constantly to point out some fault in someone else - God help you!
2. Tongues is another gift God has not given anyone since 70 AD
3. Healing is not a gift for today – there is no one on this planet that has the power to miraculously heal someone else
4. And ANGER is not one of the gifts of God today either
B. Seven Truths About the Gifts of God
1. The Gifts of God Are Perfect – just what God wants everyone to have
a. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
b. Not like many Christmas gifts that don’t fit, or are defective, and need to be returned
c. All 7 of the gifts are absolutely perfect for the person they are given to
2. Are Un-earned – given by grace – God just gives you a gift
a. They are just simply GIFTS from God
b. Don’t reject them or fear them or hate them
c. Enjoy them as gifts from God
3. Are based on need, not our want
a. God gives each of us a gift to serve based on the need around us
b. Not based on the gift we want to have, or think we might be good at
4. Are for more than self
a. You were saved to be an example of God’s grace to the world around you
b. And every gift God gives you is for you to use in service to someone else
5. Work with all the other gifts – like gears
a. Each of the following seven gifts are different
b. But they all work together for the good of the whole body of believers
c. None of them work alone – they all need the others
d. Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
e. Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
f. Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
g. Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
h. Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
i. Eph 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint [PART OF THE BODY] supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
6. Must be opened, trained in, and used – not neglected
a. Christ Expects ALL His People to serve in God’s kingdom
b. Too many are afraid of their gifting
c. Or are apathetic of it and neglect it
d. If you find yourself with a baby, READ UP ON HOW TO BE A GOOD PARENT
e. Don’t neglect the responsibility you have to develop your gift from God
7. Everyone has at least one of these gifts
a. Maybe two or three - Jesus had all of them
b. We are all GIFTED to serve – Enabled – Empowered!
c. God has given 7 powerful GIFTS to enable the Christian to serve people!
d. Each of these 7 gifts are ABILITIES that you did not have 1 moment before we repented and believed the Gospel
e. They were specially given to every believer so that they could do the perfect will of God
f. You will have at least one! Discover it!
III. Summary of the Gifts of Romans 12:6-8
|
GOD’S GIFT |
WHAT EACH DOES |
WHAT THEY ARE LIKE |
|
Prophecy |
Speak Up for God |
They have vision |
|
Ministry / Helps |
Hold Up the Brethren |
Have shoulders and hands |
|
Teaching |
Instruct people in the ways of God |
Have mouths and patience |
|
Exhorting |
Urge and Encourage Others |
Have lungs – are adrenalin |
|
Giving |
Meeting the needs of others |
Have pockets |
|
Ruling / Governing |
Manage People and projects |
Have heads/brains |
|
Showing Mercy |
Show great Compassion |
Have hearts |
A. People with the gift of Prophecy have vision
1. They can see ahead where God wants everyone
2. They see the will of God, and like a captain of a ship, steers everyone that singular direction as a church
B. People with the Gift of Ministry have shoulders and hands
1. You just like doing stuff for others in for church no matter what it is
2. You are like a waiter just waiting for someone to ask for something to be done no matter what it is
C. Teachers have mouths and great patience
1. They instruct people in godly living
2. They are patient with slow learners
D. Exhorters have lungs – they are pumped up – are like the adrenalin in a body!
1. They sing a lot
2. Tyhey rejoice a lot
3. They yell a lot, telling people they can go further, and can stay the course and finish the Christian race
E. Givers have pockets
1. Some deep, and some shallow
2. But they love giving away whatever is in their pockets
F. Rulers have heads/brains
1. Love details, spreadsheets, bank statements, organizing, planning
2. They don’t mind the boring hard stuff that has to go on in the background
G. And the Merciful have hearts
1. Great Compassion - For those who have fallen, or are hurting
IV.Message - The Gifts God Gives Us to Serve
A. The Gift of Prophecy (1Corinthians 14:3)
1Cor 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
1. The gift of prophecy SEES what God sees
a. They can see ahead where God wants everyone
b. They see the will of God, and like a captain of a ship, steers everyone that singular direction as a church
c. Prophets are the Eyes of a Church – have a vision of what God wants, not what WE want
2. They SAY what God said
a. Prophecy is proclaiming / broadcasting God’s truth to all people
b. With authority just as Jesus did (Mk 1:21,22) And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
c. A supernatural urging to speak up for God – being used as a mouthpiece by God – saying what He would say if He were in your shoes
d. Before the New Testament was completed
1) God used prophets to declare His words to people, and these prophets clearly foretold the future, and spoke God’s word (Eph 4:11,12).
2) They just preached – declared what God said. And then wrote it down
3) Warning people of their sins, and of coming judgments (i.e., Jonah warning “Yet 40 days and Nineveh shall be destroyed!”
e. Since the completion of the New Testament, Christians simply declare those same words
1) And every Christian is commanded to preach the same truths that all the prophets spoke – openly proclaim it (Mk 16:15; 1Cor 1:21)
2) Still warning people of their sins and of coming judgments, and of the only hope to be found in Jesus Christ!
3. Important Truths About the Gift…
a. The Gift of Prophecy is NOT the same thing as the Gift of a Prophet
b. There are no more prophets – they finished with the Apostle John and the completion of the Book of the Revelation at the end of your Bible
c. This is the pastor, the preacher in a church
d. Every church has several men who have this gift and need to be developing, sharpening this gift so they can help preach and have proper vision for the church
e. A person with this gift uses it not because they are able to, but because they are doing it by faith!!!
4. Test Yourself to see if you have this gift:
a. Do you have a strong opinion about right and wrong that you have to verbalise to people?
b. Do you make quick judgments about people especially from first impressions?
c. Can you sense when people are lying to you, and are you usually right?
d. Do you desire JUSTICE more than compassion?
e. Are you loyal to the truth more than to people?
f. Are you willing to suffer for standing up for right and against wrong?
g. Do you love God’s Word and fight anyone who would try and change it or water it down, or twist it to their own designs?
h. Do you have a sense that the Lord is constantly directing your life into and through specific situations, in order to get you to say and do what He would say and do if He were in your shoes?
i. If you do, you probably have the gift of prophecy
1) And you should learn use this gift in church
a) It is the gift that makes men in to PASTORS
b) It forges families into church starters and evangelists
c) It is what makes Elders in a church
2) So, learn how to preach this Book
3) Speak up with the Gospel at work, at school, to everyone
4) Always IN LOVE though – not with arrogance and superiority
j. If you don’t have these interests, then that is fine! There are six other Service Gifts from God. And you might relate to one or more of those gifts much easier!
B. The Gift of Ministry (Matthew 20:25-27)
Mt 20:25-27 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
1. Ministry means “serving” – to relieve the burdens that others can’t carry.
a. People with the gift of Service hold everything together by just doing all the little things that are needed to bring us together
b. People with this gifting reach down and pick up the weaker brethren, the defeated, the discouraged, the empty, and carry THEM and their burdens (Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.)
c. They wash tables, and feed widows and orphans - they minister to physical and spiritual needs of the people in a church. And they do it with joy!
1) They also mow grass
2) They repair people’s cars for free
3) They check on people who are alone
4) They setup for church, and put things away when we are done
5) They come and volunteer at the church office
6) They was and clean floors and carpets and toilets!
7) They just serve, in any way needed
2. These people have no special title – except servant, go-fer, worker
a. They may be Builders, and Mechanics, and Bus Drivers, and Chemists by trade…
b. They may play the piano, be able to sing, and can perform in front of large audiences…
c. But they minister to people as if they were ministering to the Lord Jesus Himself!
d. Mat 25:42-45 For “I” was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
3. Ministers are the shoulders and backs and hands of a church
a. You just like doing stuff for others in for church no matter what it is
b. You are like a waiter just waiting for someone to ask for something to be done no matter what it is
4. Paul says a servant is always ready to serve, and to do it by faith “let us WAIT…”
a. They can’t wait to just serve – since getting saved
b. They are like a WAITER, standing at attention, with watchful eyes, waiting for you to glance his way, and give him something to do for you!
5. These people are the unsung heroes of the church!
a. These are the people who are willing to work behind the scenes at those necessary but unglamorous tasks. Whether it is serving individuals, or the whole church together, the gift is the same and equally necessary.
b. Apart from these servants the church would be crippled. For a church's livelihood to be vibrant, there must be those who are willing and eager to take care of the needs of the brethren in that church.
6. How to tell if you have the Gift of Ministry and Helps
a. You notice and earnestly desire to meet practical needs of people
b. You ignore your own weariness because you feel compelled to help someone else
c. You have a hard time saying No to people’s requests for help
d. You have a knack for knowing what really blesses people. You make things special for people
e. You are driven by short-range and immediate needs – you find it hard to make long term plans
f. You enjoy putting extra touches on the jobs you do
C. The Gift of Teaching (Matthew 28:19,20)
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
1. It is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to communicate Bible truths - to clearly EXPLAIN God and his ways of doing things
a. Teaching involves thoroughly explaining the Bible so that other people understand just what God’s will is and how to fulfil it
b. The person who has this gift can’t help but show someone truth from the Bible– it is a drive, a passion, almost an obsession!
c. A teacher explains the Bible to everyone whether they are children, co-workers, family members, parents, bosses, neighbours, friends, and even enemies – but especially to believers, in a church, who assemble to be fed by the word of God
d. Jesus commanded Peter to not just preach, but to FEED His sheep (TEACH them)
1) John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
2) John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
3) John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
e. Teachers are more than just Children’s Church teachers
1) They are soul-winners, who go into all the world and teach the Gospel (Mt 28:19,20)
a) No one gets saved who does not first know AND UNDERSTAND the truths of the Gospel – it is the TRUTH that makes a person free (Jn 8:32)
b) Therefore, lost people need teachers – we call them soul-winners
c) They love telling what Jesus did for people at Calvary, and they love trying to explain it, and answer people’s questions, and to help people understand ALL the Bible’s truths!
2) They are the Addiction Programme instructors and Counsellors
3) They are the Teen Ministry teachers and helpers
4) They are the Creche workers and helpers
2. Teachers are the MOUTHS of a church
a. They carefully instruct people in godly living
b. They are patient with slow learners, and rebellious learners
3. The greatest example of the Gift of Teaching was found in Jesus (Matthew 5:1,2) And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them
4. How to Tell if you have the Gift of Teaching.
a. You don’t believe things until you have verified them as actual truth.
b. You love to STUDY and LEARN new things from the Bible – you have loads of commentaries and Bible handbooks, and helpful study tools to help you understand what the Scriptures is saying.
c. You love church and coming to learn more truth
d. You are thorough in your study of Scripture (2Tim 2:15) – truths don’t just come naturally to you.
e. You are Organized. Whether in conversation or in a more formal setting, they will seek to communicate information clearly so the listener can follow it.
f. You love to see people converted to God’s way of thinking and living – not just religious, but Biblical.
g. You are very detailed in your explanations – sometimes too detailed for people! You are Accurate. You just want to know the truth, so you test yourself, and ask the questions that others will ask, and make sure you are right before you teach something! You give attention to details and accuracy – not feelings and fears. This is what gives them you authority when teaching!
h. You are not impressed with personal experiences of yourself or of others – to you, truth is truth. And the greatest truths are found in the Bible!
i. You tend to argue over minor points – you easily see minor flaws in other people’s arguments. Because of the Gift of Teaching in you!
V. Conclusion
A. Summary of the First Three Service Gifts (Romans 12:6-8)
1. If your gift is Prophecy, you will proclaim God’s view of right and wrong. You will have a vision from God to reach this generation with the Gospel
2. If it is Ministry and Service, we will desire to meet others’ needs and do whatever is needed so everything and everyone just keeps going and keeps working.
3. If it is Teaching, we will spend our lives LEARNING how to help people know God’s truth so that they can be not just free from sin, but free “indeed” (John 8:32,36) – really free!
B. Whatever your gift is, USE IT (1 Peter 4:10) "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
C. Not every believer serves Jesus Christ (Romans 16:17,18)
1. Rom 16:17,18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
2. Whew. What a shame
3. People who are divisive and preach their own pet doctrines and cause divisions in a Bible believing church are not doing God any service at all, but instead are only serving their own appetites, and their own flesh
4. And unfortunately, this attitude is like a cancer in Christianity
5. And it should be exactly the opposite!
D. And not everyone has received the most important gift – of eternal life!
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Heb 2:3 How shall we escape [GOD’S JUDGMENT], if we neglect so great salvation.
1. Jesus is too easy to ignore today – to brush off
2. But judgment is still coming folks
3. And none of us will escape God’s wrath unless we get born again
4. Are you
saved? Do you know what that means? (Romans 5:6,8; 6:23; 10:13)