The Gifts & The Body 25: Koinonia Culture Part 3

Vengeance and the Attributes of God

Omniscience- God knows the entire situation completely, even down to the intentions of each person's heart.

Justice- God knows the exact measurements of the wrong for all parties involved. He is not swayed by opinion and He cannot be "paid off" to render a false verdict.

Goodness- God is compassionate, especially to the wrong-doer! His vengeance against them is tempered with His goodness so that His wrath is exact, not excessive.

Eternality- God has seen every wrong imaginable. He sees our current situation. He promises a complete vindication!

Mercy- God has been wronged in every possible way. Every sin is first and foremost a sin against Him. It is always personal. He is able to sympathize with those who have been wronged because He has been there to a greater degree.

The Gifts & The Body 24: Koinonia Culture Part 2

The Body & The Gifts 23: Koinonia Culture Part 1

"The word “spirit” (pneuma (πνευμα)) refers to the human spirit as that part of man which gives him God-consciousness, or to the attitude or disposition of a man, as “that man’s spirit is good,” or to the Holy Spirit. The definite article appears before it in the Greek text. The absence of the Greek definite article emphasizes character. 

If that were absent here, the reference would be to the disposition or attitude of a person. The presence of the article points to the Holy Spirit. It is the locative of sphere. That is, Paul exhorts to fervency in the Christian life which is engendered by the Spirit, not produced by the flesh (self-effort)."

The Body & The Gifts 22: The Spiritual Gift of Mercy

The Gift of "Mercy"- "the outward manifestation of pity; it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it."

W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 403.

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The Gift of "Mercy"- "to feel sympathy with the misery of another, especially such sympathy which manifests itself in action, less frequently in word."

Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 1 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 107.

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The Spiritual Gift of Mercy- 

The God-given ability to be sensitive or empathetic to people who are in affliction or misery and to lift internal burdens with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:8)

• Perceptive to people in need

• Find it hard to say “no” when asked to help

• Jump in quickly to help – sometimes without evaluating fully

• Lay aside personal desires and personal plans to help others

• A peacemaker

• Avoid arguments or controversial situations

• Rely heavily on feelings (sometimes hold them inside)

• Love people despite their faults

• Cheerful

• Try to find the best in people without doubting them

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"Mercy is a form of love determined by the state or condition of its objects. Their state is one of suffering and need, while they may be unworthy or ill-deserving. Mercy is at once the disposition of love respecting such, and the kindly ministry of love for their relief."

John Miley, Systematic Theology, Volume 1 (New York: Hunt & Eaton, 1892), 209.

The Body & The Gifts 21: The Spiritual Gift of Leading

The Gift of "Leading"- proistemi- 

①.- to exercise a position of leadership, rule, direct, be at the head (of)

②.- to have an interest in, show concern for, care for, give aid

"The ability to govern others without 'lording' leadership over them." -Woodrow Kroll

"Administrations" (1 Cor 12:28)- kubernesis- "indicates varieties of such leading positions in the ecclesial body of Christ" (p. 573).

This is the only occurrence of this word in the New Testament.

The one with the gift of administration "is a helmsman who steers a vessel, and thus this gift consists in managing and directing others whether officially as presbyters, pastors, or bishops or in unofficial ways. Some men and some women of the church, including even young people, have this gift to a marked degree and profit the church not a little by rightly putting it to use." -Lenski

The Spiritual Gift of Leading (Administration)- 

The God-given executive ability to lead people with care, while collecting data, setting policy, and developing plans which will guide a course of action with skill and wisdom (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 12:28).

• Assumes responsibility and stays on course until the work is accomplished

• Guides the efforts of the team on a project

• Develops, follows, and/or creates efficient plans

• Confronts people enthusiastically with the ability to confer, negotiate, and supervise in delegating responsibilities

• Good organizational skills, getting a high level of efficiency out of people and resources

• Remains calm in spite of obstacles, finding creative new approaches when needed

• Expresses opinions freely

"Necessary to the work of the church is the leadership given to it by God. In keeping with this need, the gift of administration and ruling is sovereignly bestowed upon a few (Rom 12:8; 1 Cor 12:28). It is clear that all Christians are on the same level of privilege in spiritual things, but in the providence of God some are given places of great authority. To those possessing the gifts of administration and ruling all Christians should give proper heed, being exhorted to observe such gifts and honor them by obedience (Heb. 13:7)."

John F. Walvoord, The Holy Spirit (Galaxie Software, 2008), 169.

The Body & The Gifts 20: The Spiritual Gift of Giving

The Gift of "Giving"- metadidomai- "give (a part of), impart, share."

Ex.- "that I may impart some spiritual gift to you" (Rom 1:11b). 

"Liberality"- haplotes- "simplicity, sincerity, uprightness, frankness" - ‘without strings attached’, ‘without hidden agendas’ -p. 104

“'Liberality' means generosity that is free of any self-serving motive." -Constable

William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 638.

The Spiritual Gift of Giving- Radmacher

The God-given ability to make and to give things most liberally and beyond all human expectation. (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 13:3)

• Dislike emotional appeals, wants the facts

• Ability to invest wisely

• Set and achieve long-range goals

• Use resources to get the most out of them

• Work to aid those needy people who are worthy of assistance

• Determines merits of a project before investing or getting others to invest

• Dislikes waste

• Make decisions quickly, but holds back when uncertain

"A believer with the gift of giving has the capacity to give of his substance to the work of the Lord or to the people of God consistently, liberally, sacrificially, and with such wisdom and cheerfulness that others are encouraged and blessed."

William J. McRae, The Dynamics of Spiritual Gifts (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010), p. 50-51.

The Body & The Gifts 19: The Gift of Exhortation

The Gift of "Exhortation"- parakaleo - verb.

①. to ask to come and be present where the speaker is, call to one’s side

②. to urge strongly, appeal to, urge, exhort, encourage

③. to make a strong request for something, request, implore, entreat

④. to instill someone with courage or cheer, comfort, encourage, cheer up

5. treat someone in an inviting or congenial manner

The Gift of "Exhortation"- paraklesis -noun.

①. act of emboldening another in belief or course of action, encouragement, exhortation

②. strong request, appeal, request

3. lifting of another’s spirits, comfort, consolation

Parakletos- "called to one's aid in a judicial sense" used when speaking of the Holy Spirit ("Helper"- John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7) and Jesus Christ ("Advocate"- 1 John 2:1).

The God-given ability to draw alongside of someone in order to comfort, to encourage, to rebuke, and to lead into insight toward action. (Romans 12:8)

• People-centered

• Stick with people through thick and thin

• See creative alternatives when facing problems

• Enjoy people, understand their feelings and attitudes

• Can be confrontative without being offensive

• Comfortable in either group or one-on-one setting

• Not easily discouraged, persistent

• See problems and struggles as an opportunity for growth

• Have a deep concern for people who are going through difficulties

"If you suspect you may have the gift of exhortation (too often exercised as the gift of criticism!), then you need to know the Scriptures well in order to exhort correctly, both in the content and spirit of the exhortation."

"As a part of the work of preaching, exhortation fills an important place. Differing from teaching in that it is an appeal for action, exhortation is the practical aspect of a preaching ministry. Some are given special gift in this work, enabling them to lead Christians into the active realization of the will of God."

The Body & The Gifts 18: The Gift of Teaching

The Gift of "Teaching"- didaskon- "instruction, clear explanation" of a doctrine or text. This will be accompanied by a systematic approach and development of a passage or subject while also driving home an application for those who hear.

Radmacher- "The God-given ability to lay down in systematic order the complete ladder of a doctrine and to apply it incisively and diligently to life. (1 Cor. 12:28-29; Romans 12:7).

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• Employ a logical, systematic approach to Biblical study

• Heavy emphasis on responsible action in light of what is known

• Ability to explain things clearly and concisely

• Summarize, evaluate, or pick out main points in a presentation quickly

• Set an example in behavior (a model for others)

• Careful in study

• Give attention to detail

• Like to be prepared, to avoid impromptu situations

• Prefer group settings to one-on-one settings

The Body & The Gifts 17: Sober Saints Who Serve

What is a "spiritual gift?"

"Gift"- charisma- "a supernatural endowment that has been graciously bestowed on those in Christ for the benefit of building up other believers."

This may be more properly understood as "grace gifts."

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What We Have Learned About Spiritual Gifts So Far (1 Peter 4:10-11)

1. Each believer has received a gift (v.10a)

2. This gift is for serving other believers (v.10b)

3. We are to be good stewards of this gift (v.10c)

4. Spiritual gifts demonstrate the manifold grace of God among the Church (v.10d)

5. The first category of spiritual gifts is "speaking" (v.11a)

6. Those with "speaking" gifts are to use them as "speaking the utterances of God" (v.11b)

7. The second category of spiritual gifts is "serving" (v.11c)

8. Those with "serving" gifts are to use them as "serving by the strength that God supplies" (v.11d)

* #6 & #8 show that spiritual gifts must be done by faith, not by flesh.

9. God is glorified through our use of spiritual gifts that He has given us when they are used His way (v.11e)

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What are the Implications of 1 Peter 4:10-11

1. Every believer has a gift; therefore every believer can serve!

2. By giving gifts, this means that God has plans for us- His will/good works- Eph 2:10

3. By giving gifts, His will/good works can only be accomplished by what He supplies. It's His way, done with His Word, and done in His power. We are simply the tools that He chooses to work through.

4. We are to be good stewards of these gifts- meaning that we must handle them well. Handling God's gifts God's way will be a major factor at the Judgment Seat of Christ -2 Cor 5:10.

The Body & The Gifts 16: How to Live in the End Times

What is a "spiritual gift?"

"Gift"- charisma- "a supernatural endowment that has been graciously bestowed on those in Christ for the benefit of building up other believers."

This may be more properly understood as "grace gifts."

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1. I speak up for Christian principles even when what I say is not popular.

2. I enjoy encouraging and giving counsel to those who are discouraged.

3. I have an ability to study a passage of Scripture thoroughly and effectively share its truth with others.

4. I often have insights that offer practical solutions to difficult problems.

5. I enjoy studying difficult questions about God’s Word and tend to find answers more easily and more quickly than others.

6. I am confident of achieving great things for the glory of God.

7. I enjoy giving money to those in serious financial need.

8. I enjoy comforting people in hospitals, prisons, or nursing homes.

9. I enjoy working behind the scenes without public recognition.

10. I can be counted on to step forward and assume leadership in a group where none exists.

11. I have the ability to organize ideas, people, and projects to reach a specific goal.

12. People often say I have good spiritual judgment.

13. I feel a need to speak God’s messages from the Bible to help people know what God expects of them.

14. After I talk one-on-one with people, they often are spurred to take positive action.

15. When a question arises from a difficult Bible passage, I am motivated to research the answer.

16. When they don’t know what to do, people often ask my advice.

17. I enjoy gathering information from multiple sources to find answers or information.

18. I often step out and start successful projects other people won’t attempt.

19. I joyfully give money to the church well above my tithe.

20. I feel compassion for hurting and lonely people and like to spend time with them to encourage.

21. I would like to assist my pastor and other church leaders so they will have more time to accomplish their essential ministries.

22. I don’t mind asking others to accomplish an important ministry for the church.

23. I am organized, set goals, and make plans to reach those goals.

24. I am a good judge of character and can identify spiritual falsehood.

25. It is easy for me to apply biblical principles to present-day situations.

26. I feel a need to challenge others to better themselves in their spiritual growth without condemning them.

27. Others listen to and appreciate my teaching of Scripture.

28. The Lord enables me to make appropriate application of biblical truth to practical situations.

29. I can independently recognize difficult biblical truths and principles.

30. I trust God’s faithfulness even when everything looks bad.

31. I am open to lowering my standard of living in order to be able to give more to the church or to others in need.

32. I want to do whatever I can for needy people, even if it means giving up something.

33. I enjoy relieving others of routine tasks so they can get special projects done.

34. I can guide and manage a group of people toward achieving a specific goal.

35. I am comfortable delegating significant responsibilities to other people.

36. I am able to distinguish between right and wrong in complex spiritual matters that aren’t clear to others.

37. I can organize and present biblical truth clearly in a way others understand.

38. People will tell me things they don’t tell others because they find it easy to talk to me.

39. My thinking is organized and my approach systematic when presenting Bible lessons to a group.

40. I am able to interpret and apply Scripture with keen insight.

41. I stick with a study I’ve started in order to develop a more complete understanding.

42. I often exercise my faith through prayer, and witness the Lord’s answers.

43. When I give money to someone, I often give anonymously and don’t expect anything in return.

44. When I hear of unemployed people who can’t pay their bills, I do what I can to help.

45. I enjoy helping others get their work done.

46. People often respect my opinion and follow my direction.

47. I can discipline myself under pressure to accomplish goals.

48. People come to me for help in distinguishing between spiritual truth and error.

49. I find the fundamental truths of Scripture to be worth repeating over and over.

50. I will stay with people and encourage them to finish a task once they have started it.

51. I can explain the teaching of the Bible clearly and concisely.

52. It is easy for me to put ideas into words, to analyze situations, and explain them well.

53. I have understood problems in the church and have seen answers when others didn’t.

54. I am willing to take on difficult assignments and meet obstacles head on.

55. I want to share my financial resources to help others in worthy endeavors.

56. I willingly lay aside my own desires in order to help others.

57. I often rearrange my schedule so I can help others.

58. I enjoy inspiring others and leading them for the sake of Christ’s work.

59. I can see the “big picture” of a project and can coordinate others who only see smaller parts.

60. When evaluating a situation, I am able to pinpoint sources of difficulty.

61. I challenge people to set high standards of biblical conduct in their daily lives.

62. I have deep concern for the spiritual welfare of Christians in crisis.

63. I have shared biblical truth with others in a way that they have found meaningful and helpful.

64. When discussing a problem, I can clarify the issue and what is needed to resolve it.

65. I study the Bible systematically, trying to see how one part relates to another.

66. I confidently expect God to respond to situations committed to Him in prayer.

67. Sharing financial resources for Christian ministry is one of the greatest joys of my Christian walk.

68. People tend to call on me when help is needed for someone in distress.

69. I share my material possessions with others when they are in need.

70. People seem to look to me for leadership when I am in a group.

71. I enjoy working out the necessary details to organize people and resources for a more effective ministry.

72. I seem to know when a situation is not right.

73. I long to proclaim the truth of God’s Word with authority and conviction.

74. I enjoy encouraging others by sharing God’s promises from Scripture.

75. I enjoy communicating biblical truth to others and seeing growth in their Christian faith.

76. I apply spiritual truth effectively in my own life.

77. I study matters thoroughly, so as to locate information others might overlook.

78. I’ve had great dreams and aspirations turn into reality despite the unlikeliness of accomplishing them.

79. When I give sacrificially, I am confident that the Lord will provide for my needs.

80. Preparing meals or helping those less fortunate gives me satisfaction and pleasure.

81. I enjoy short-term tasks rather than long-term projects.

82. I will take full responsibility to get things done and remain optimistic in spite of difficulties.

83. When faced with a difficult situation, I can get to the heart of the problem and take steps to resolve it.

84. When counseling, I can correctly identify a problem.