The Seven Gifts God Gives Us to Serve!
Romans 12:1-8
Dec 8, 2019 AM
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church, Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland
I. Introduction (Hebrews 12:28; Galatians 5:13)
Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
A. Of all the things Jesus taught, the greatest was how to serve others!
B. The Apostle Paul in this chapter pleads with Christians, and begs us to lower ourselves to the life of a servant – to become just like Jesus was – a servant
C. You will discover there, seven of the most priceless gifts – gifts from God that will make your life richer than any king has ever dreamed!
II. Background
A. Six MORE Truths About Serving, and the Gifts of God
1. We are all servants of some thing or some one
a. Serving, doing things specially for an employer, your children, a sports team
b. Working to serve a bank debt, or a credit card debt
c. Usually serving ourselves mainly – spending untold hours in front of the TV serving advertisers, or zillions of hours on play stations and smartphones
d. But, rarely serving the God who saved us
2. We all are gifted to serve
a. When we were saved, we were specially enabled to do something that pleases God, and accomplishes His will
b. God gave seven gifts described in Romans 12 that are NOT powerful, popular, or painless
c. But they make us more like Jesus every time we use them
d. And they actually change the world from the bottom up!
3. The greatest need of every home, and of society is for Christians to start serving
a. That means looking for opportunities to carry other people’s problems, sacrificing your time and attention to help someone out, making other people happy
b. Everyone has become so critical, so fault finding
c. Homes are filled with arguments, and battles over who is going to be leader instead of just everyone being servants of one another
d. So, too many Christians hold back, and are hesitant to just get up and serve!
e. They walk away from serving, and do the least amount of effort possible
f. Focusing more and more only on themselves instead of others
g. And are the most miserable of people ever
h. If only all Christians started serving – being a blessing, bringing joy to someone that matters!
4. The local Church is where serving is put to work
a. We are supposed to learn about serving first at home – obeying parents, setting the table, doing the dishes, mowing grass, obeying parenst (did I say that?), cleaning up messes, being a blessing to neighbours, prayting for one another, and so on…
b. But our serving is not limited to our families…
c. God saved us to serve one another, IN A CHURCH, filled with different cultures, different backgrounds, different needs, and a multitude of different problems!
d. Jesus commanded us to love the brethren, and serve one another in love
5. Christ Expects All His People to serve in His kingdom
a. A local Church is designed for full participation – never just a few people doing most of the work
1) Every believer serving every other believer
2) Every Christian loving all other Christians – the brethren
3) Every Christian doing something for the benefit of the kingdom of God - not the kingdom of business, or the kingdom of Sports, or the kingdom of Money
b. Never seeking to BE served, but TO serve!
c. Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
d. Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty [FREEDOM]; only use not [YOUR] liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
6. Do NOT let Satan Rob God of your service – because THAT is why Satan keeps you so busy doing so many things – so that you are not ABLE to actually serve the God who saved you! (John 10:10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
B. Why Worry About Your Discovering Gift?
1. Because There are Rewards for Using Your Gift
a. Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
b. Gal 6:9,10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
c. Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
2. And secondly, because you can LOSE rewards (2John 1:8) Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
a. By neglecting God’s gift
b. By seeking the praises of man instead of God
c. By complaining – you lose any reward you might have gotten from Christ
d. 1Co 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
C. Summary of the Gifts of Romans 12:6-8
|
GOD’S GIFT |
WHAT EACH DOES |
WHAT THEY ARE LIKE |
|
Prophecy |
Speak Up for God |
You will have vision |
|
Ministry / Helps |
Hold Up the Brethren |
You offer your shoulders and hands |
|
Teaching |
Instruct people in the ways of God |
You patiently use your mouth |
|
Exhorting |
Urge and Encourage Others |
You use your lungs and have adrenalin for everything |
|
Giving |
Meeting the needs of others |
You always are reaching into your pockets |
|
Ruling / Governing |
Manage People and projects |
You have a head/brains for planning and organising |
|
Showing Mercy |
Show great Compassion |
You have a big heart |
III. Last Week - The First Three 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. People with the gift of Prophecy have vision
a. They are not Prophets like in the Old testament times
b. But they can see down the road, where God wants everyone
c. They see the will of God, and like a captain of a ship, steers everyone that singular direction as a church
2. So, the gift of prophecy SEES what God sees
3. They SAY what God said
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. 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!
b. They just like doing stuff for others in for church no matter what it is
c. Like a waiter just waiting for someone to ask for something to be done no matter what it is
d. They just serve, in any way needed
2. People with the Gift of Ministry are the shoulders and backs and hands of a church
3. These people have no special title – except servant, go-fer, worker
4. Paul says a servant is always ready to serve, and to do it by faith “let us WAIT…”
5. These people are the unsung heroes of the church!
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. Teachers have mouths and great patience
2. 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. They carefully instruct people in godly living
b. They are patient with slow learners, and rebellious learners
IV.Message – Continuation – the Remaining Four Gifts
A. The Gift of Exhortation (Hebrews 3:13; 10:25)
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
1. This is my favourite gifting in people!
2. To “encourage thoroughly” – to help get back up and keep going
a. The gift of exhortation is the special ability God gives to certain members of a church to minister words of encouragement, comfort, and counsel to other members of the body so that they are helped and spiritually healed.
b. They motivate/influence believers through wise words and actions
c. They encourage, embolden, cheer, to advise. To excite or to give strength, spirit or courage by words or advice
d. To use words or arguments to motivate good deeds.
e. Exhorters rally behind people that others have given up on, and urge them to get back running, and then run along with them if need be, so that they finish their course!
3. These are spiritual coaches, who help other people stay encouraged. They live as examples to new Christians, and as examples to discouraged Christians that God is still on His throne (Rom 8:28), still working everything out for good!
a. In the Old Testament, this person would have been a counsellor – an advisor –someone who would be looked to for wisdom and leadership (James 1:5)
b. It includes the responsibility of not just encouraging, but urging – through warning, advising, counselling (Jude 1:3)
c. People don’t grow spiritually naturally – they have to be encouraged, counselled, taught and prodded in their walks
d. It is what a preacher does when he preaches – he exhorts using words and arguments – but not every preacher has this gift!
e. But SOME believers have this wonderful gift! They are men and women of faith and faithfulness who constantly encourage the brethren. They are high in spirit and comfortable in trouble!
f. They are like a boxing coach to the boxer in the ring! You may never have noticed them, but they are the most important person in that fight – because without that coach driving the boxer on, the fight will drain out of the boxer way too soon!
1) Churches are filled with JUDGES and SPECTATORS
2) But so few encouragers!
4. God knows every church needs people like this!
a. Because everyone of us need to be encouraged, counselled, and urged on in our Christian walk and race!
b. We have too many DIS-couragers
5. How to Tell if You Have This Gift.
a. You have a tendency to come to the side of those who are discouraged to strengthen and reassure them and keep them in the Christian race.
b. You find it easy to talk to people, challenge them if they are struggling, exhort them to believe God’s word over their feelings, and encourage those who have gotten off track in their faith or life and get them back in their race.
c. You often help others change their behaviour by applying biblical truth in their lives like a doctor applies an ointment;
d. You tend to see where people can be, and are quick to come up with ways to help them step-by-step achieve spiritual success
6. Exhorters are the lungs and volume of a Church
a. They are like the adrenalin in the body – pure energy
b. They sing a lot
c. They rejoice a lot
d. They are the energy in a church – like adrenalin – pumped up – excited for everyone
e. They yell a lot, push a lot, telling people they can go further, and can stay the course and finish the Christian race
7. Best Uses of Exhortation.
a. Soul-winning – Some people tell the Gospel, but exhorters, PLEAD the Gospel begging people to get saved (Act 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.)
b. Church visitation – just going and seeing how people are doing and keeping them encouraged
c. A Prison ministry – giving people hope
d. When Counselling people
e. Doing Hospital visitation
f. Loud, joyful singing
g. Just going for coffee with as many different people as possible – not just your friends only
B. The Gift of Giving (Matthew 14:15-17)
Mat 14:15-17 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
1. The gift of giving is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to contribute their material resources (money, time, talents) to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness.
a. It is the supernatural ability where Jesus channels through you the supply of the needs of others, whether individual, or together as a group… “give ye them to eat”
b. It has the attitude of willingly sharing what you have to meet someone else’s need with no strings attached, joyfully, and without regret.
c. This person does not give expecting praise for it. He or she asks nothing in return. They give for the sheer pleasure of ministering to the family of God in this way.
2. Every Christian is to be a Giver (Acts 20:35)
a. Act 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye [ALL OF US] ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
b. 2Co 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
c. So, we all give The tithe of our income
d. We give to Faith Promise Missions for our Missionaries (2Cor 9:6,7)
e. We personally give to the poor (Dt 15:7-14)
f. There is a tremendous blessing promised to the obedient giver (Luke 6:38) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
3. But God gives some people the ability to just give and give and give!
a. These people give over and above their tithe so that a church can reach out beyond just themselves, and take the Gospel to the farthest reaches of this planet!
4. Givers have a drive to give things and money away without fear or regard of your lack, out of a deep sense of appreciation towards God
5. Givers have pockets – they are the resources of a Church
a. Some deep, and some shallow – they just are constantly emptied
b. But they love giving away whatever is in their pockets
6. How to Tell if you have this Gift - People with this gift:
a. You are generally charitable, generous, hospitable with your belongings – comfortable with giving away your money to people’s needs.
b. You are Frugal (careful in your spending habits), Careful, Responsible with your money so that you have money to give away. Not so that you can be wealthy someday!
c. You are Full of Faith when you give to a need – trusting God to supply your need after you have met someone else’s need.
d. You cheerfully trust God to help you help others.
e. You support the work of the Gospel with giving more than just tithing to advance the Kingdom of God in my city and around the world
f. I am constantly aware of how much God has and is giving to me.
g. I see my giving as an opportunity to praise and worship God.
h. I easily trust God to always supply my needs, even if I only eat beans and toast for a little while.
i. I give simply – just giving as to the Lord, with no need for anyone knowing the gift came from me, and with no strings attached to the receiver.
j. THAT is what the Gift of Giving acts like!
C. The Gift of Ruling / Managing (Acts 20:28; James 3:4)
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Jas 3:4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
1. These people Run the church. They Govern it. They Lead it.
a. They are the leaders of a church. Elders. They make the leadership decisions.
b. They work a lot in the background dotting all the ‘I’s and crossing all the ‘t’s
c. They make sure all the bills are paid and ruled obeyed
d. They work at doing everything needed for a church group to succeed spiritually
e. They prayerfully manage all the activities, the events, the church services, the outreaches
2. Rulers are the Heads/Brains of a Church
a. Love details, spreadsheets, bank statements, organizing, planning, scheduling
b. They don’t mind the boring hard stuff that has to go on in the background
c. They do everything necessary to accomplish the mission!
3. A Person with this Gift is Usually:
a. Thorough in their activities
b. They are objective – they see the best way to do things instead of worrying about everybody’s feelings and seeing only problems
c. Responsible – they take responsibility and work like it all depends on them
d. Organized – planning and preparing to succeed and finish a task
e. Goal-oriented – they live to reach a goal
f. Efficient – not wasteful
g. Conscientious – they believe the little things matter as much as the big things
h. Methodical – they make the effort to do every step – no skipping steps, or cutting corners
4. How can you know if you have this gift?
a. You will have a knack for developing strategies or plans to reach identified goals;
b. You love to help church ministries to become more effective and efficient (doing the right things, and doing things right);
c. You love to organize people, tasks, or events, managing the details carefully and thoroughly.
d. You create order out of organizational chaos;
e. You have little or no problem managing or coordinating a variety of responsibilities to accomplish a task, even at the same time;
f. You keep people in motion, and producing fruit and results
g. You willingly take responsibility to reach a goal – you are not scared of failing because you believe the goal is the will of God and CAN be accomplished
h. You work hard to motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities;
i. One Note – it is sad when people have this gift, but only use it on their job and not in their church!
5. Thank God for people with the gift of management!
a. These people that have the gift of “taking responsibility” for accomplishing the goals of the Lord through the church!
b. They “live” to get the jobs of a church done for the Lord. They don’t want Christians just coming to church and then just going back home the same – they know that Jesus is building His church in this world to reach our world – but it won’t happen without management and direction, and organisation, and plans and vision, and just plain old hard work of sweat and tears!
c. They are the…
1) Treasurer – who wisely manages the monies
2) Deacons – figure ways to best serve the needs of people
3) Church secretaries – wisely manage all the projects of a church’s ministries so that the pastor can spend more time leading, praying, and caring for the flock
4) Volunteers in the Church Office doing all the invisible planning
5) Church elders – helping to manage specific church ministries under the pastor’s leadership
6) Youth ministry leaders – helping to lead the young people, and manage all their energies!
d. These kind of people love all that stuff!
D. The Gift of Showing Mercy (Luke 10:33-37)
Luke 10:33-37 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
1. These people comfort, and show mercy to Christians who are hurt, and confused, and need peace brought back into their broken life.
a. They know all about how rotten someone is, but can overlook that and work with them to get them saved, or to get them back right with God again!
b. They tend to overlook personal offenses, and just treat an offender better than he or she deserves.
c. Other words for merciful are: Comforter; Counsellor; Helper; Feeler; Builder of broken relationships; Empathy; Pity.
d. A merciful person is:
1) A compassionate and cheerful person; a mediator; their goal is a happy ending for everybody.
2) They are focused on the emotional needs of others, full of compassion, love, mercy, very forgiving; always saying, “can’t we all just get along?”
3) Their motivation is to watch for and comfort those who are in distress.
4) Emotional support is very important to the Merciful, instead of just material support like the Giver may try and supply.
2. The Merciful are the HEART of a Church
a. They have Great Compassion - For those who have fallen, or are hurting
b. They are Totally Blind to the faults of the person they are working with – able to overlook a whole load of sin
c. They are Joyful when people are happy, and sad when people around are sad
d. They have Sympathy in Suffering. The gift of mercy is the enablement to sympathize with a suffering person -- to come alongside the poor, the sick, the destitute, the orphan, the widowed, and those in prison, and minister. And maybe you won't give them anything, except your heart. 1 Corinthians 12:26: "And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it...."
e. They get hurt a lot!
f. They express love, grace and dignity to those facing hardships or crisis (1John 4:8)
g. They are very sensitive to words and actions that may hurt others.
3. How to tell if you have This Gift
a. You empathize with people’s troubles and hurts and pains – even to the point where you feel what they feel (Rom 12:15)
b. You delight in removing burdens from off of people, and relieving their pains and troubles. An Exhorter will try and show where a troubled person can find benefit from their hurts, but a merciful person will just try and take away that pain, and even take it onto themselves, to their own hurt!
c. You are deeply loyal to friends and will defend even their sinfulness for fear of losing them
d. You need deep relationships, not just superficial uncommitted ones
e. You find it hard to firm in your decisions
f. You are hurt most of the time by the people you are trying to help because they will usually only take advantage of your mercy (just as they do with God’s mercy).
4. Ministries for the Person With This Gift.
a. Deacons
b. Counselling and Emotional Healing
c. Community services
d. Hospital visitation
e. Nursery/Creche ministry
f. Prison ministry
g. Providing meals
h. Recovery group leaders and helpers
V. Conclusion
A. Summary of the List of 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!
4. If it is Exhorting, you will enjoy encouraging others and will refuse to criticize and find faults and reasons for people to quit
5. If it is Giving, you will find yourself always reaching into your pockets or purse to give to someone something just because you love Jesus and you love them!
6. If it is Managing/Ruling, you will love to help plan, and manage all the work that goes into having a church
7. If it is Showing Mercy, you will get such delight out of weeping with those that weep, and just caring about and comforting those that hurt, or are fallen away!
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."
1. This church needs helpers/fellow-servants. “I” need help. Can’t keep doing it all
2. What is Hindering YOU from serving God?
3. What could possibly be more important than becoming more like Jesus?
4. And what could possibly be more important than building the kingdom of God right here in Cork
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!
1. Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2. Heb 2:3 How shall we escape [GOD’S JUDGMENT], if we neglect so great salvation.
3. Jesus is too easy to ignore today – to brush off
4. But judgment is still coming folks
5. And none of us will escape God’s wrath unless we get born again
6. Are you saved? Do you know what that means? (Romans 5:6,8; 6:23; 10:13)
VI.Honouring Some of the People Who Have Served This Year…