Pg.1
Needful things
Opening Prayer: Dear God, maker of all blessings, we pray You will lead us tonight as we study Your word as given to us by Your servant Paul. Help us to apply, in our day to day living. these practices of the character and conduct that Christians are to exemplify. We pray that you will impart to us those matters that you would have us learn from this study, and that no word be spoken here that is contrary to your will. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are absent from our group tonight, that they may share our blessing in this study. Guide us now as we study your word. AMEN
Wisdom tells us this; God does not need us for His plan to succeed. However, He has deemed it wise to use us—to use His church—to accomplish His purposes in the world. The Lord has ordered things so that all of His people must exercise their gifts in order for His church to work properly in this world. We all have something to contribute, And God wants you to be aware of your gifts, and to use them in service to mankind, and in so doing you are serving God.
Romans 12:1- 10. The abundant life is a service life
Romans 12:1. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this is your true and proper work. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function
5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Discussion
In the preceding chapters we have followed the exposition of the unbelief and the destined restoration of the chosen nation, Israel. Now comes this uplifting sequel of this complex mass of spiritual facts and historical illustrations of the will and ways of the Eternal God . The progress of sanctification, dying to sin more and more, and living to righteousness more and more. The Christian is to be concerned with the carrying on of this renewing work, till it is perfected in glory. The great enemy to this renewal is, conformity to this world.
In these verses we are given sage and timely advice to offer ourselves in service to God.
Paul is exhorting the Christian to let God influence every aspect of how it is we live in this world, and yet not to become part of it. What the world offers is very often an open door to self desecration. God has made us for a purpose, and we are to best fulfill that purpose by seeking His will for our lives in whatever way He leads us, with the talents we are given. What talents do you have? Can you make a self analysis, not just your work in the church, but those talents we use every day. (1Corinthians 12:5-13)
Pg.2
Questions from page 1
1. What to you is most interesting observation in these verses?
2. How do we let God change the way we think?
3. What is meant by measuring ourselves by the amount of faith God has given us? Vs. 3
4. What are the gifts that Paul mentions that God has given us?
5. Everyone has at least one of these gifts, many have more, how do we discern which we have?
6. We need self confidence, so why should we not think of ourselves more highly than we ought?
Romans 12: 11- 21 Love God, forgive, and live peacably with all
Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Discussion
The professed love of Christians demands of each one, not only do that which is good, but to cleave to it. All our duty towards one another is summed up in one word, love. Love which is more tender and natural than any other. Agape love to God and man, with zeal for the gospel. God must be served under the influences of the Holy Spirit. He is honored by our hope and trust in him, and most especially when using those gifts which He has bestowed upon each of us for use in service to glorify his wonderful grace and never ending love for his creation.
Patience for God's sake, is true piety. Not only must there be kindness to our brothers and sisters in Christ, but Christians must be ready to entertain those who do good, and as there is occasion, we must welcome strangers. It means good will from the heart. True Christian love will make us take part in the sorrows and joys of each other. Labor as much as you can to agree in the same spiritual truths; and when you come short of that, yet agree in affection. Look upon worldly pomp and circumstance with holy contempt. Do not mind it; be not in love with it. Be reconciled to the place God in his providence has put you, whatever it be. Nothing is below us, but sin. We shall never find peace in our heart if we are not willing to put self last, behind others in any effort that is just and of Holy ordinance. (Hebrews 10:19-25)
Questions
1. What do you feel it means to honor one another above yourselves?
2. What are some examples you've seen of Christians practicing hospitality?
3. What are some examples you've seen of people following verse 15?
4. How do you feel you could do what is right in the eyes of everyone?
5. Take verses 17-19 and blend them into one sentence in your words, with no contradictions.
6. What are some ways you see evil being overcome with good in the world, in your church or home group, in your family, in your actions?
Pg.3
Scripture references
1 Corinthians 12:5-13 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body--whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spiri1t to drink.
Hebrews 10:19-25 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Closing Prayer
Father God, be with us now as we leave this place. May we carry with us your blessing as we continue in our efforts to live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. We thank you Lord for the teachings of your apostle Paul, and we pray that you will impart to our hearts, those things from this study that you would have us learn. We pray for your continued watch over us and our loved ones and those among us who need your healing hand to touch them in their time of distress. ____________Bring to these our friends, and loved ones, Your healing touch give them strength and courage and rest. Help them to recover their health. Bless them Lord, and those who care for them. Be with us now as we go our separate ways, and bring us together again next week. We pray this in Jesus Name Amen
Pg.4
Meditation: Gifts of the spirit
All believers, as members of the body of Christ, must be serving together in order for the body to be fully-functional. That is why a church needs pastors, teachers, helpers, servants, administrators, those with great faith, etc. All of the gifts of the Holy Spirit working together are needed to produce the full potential of the church. Since the gifts of the Spirit are gifts of grace, their use must be controlled by the rule of love - the greatest of all the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 13).
1) Prophecy – to interpret the purposes of God, preachers are our prophets, they have been called by God and educated to lead guide and direct their congregations, under God’s direction.
Acts 2:18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
2) Serving – Also referred to as “ministering,” the word “deacon,” means service of any kind.
Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
3) Teaching – This gift involves the analysis and proclamation of the Word of God, to clearly instruct and communicate the doctrines of the faith. Proverbs 6:23 For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life,
4) Encouraging – Also called “exhortation,” to call others to heed and follow God’s truth, which may involve correction or building others up by strengthening weak faith or comforting in trials.
Hebrews 10:25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
5) Giving – Those who joyfully share what they have, whether it is financial, material, or the giving of personal time and attention. 2 Corinthians 8:7 But since you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
6) Leadership – One with the gift of leadership rules with wisdom and grace and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit in his life as he leads by example. Jeremiah30:21 Their leader will be one of their own; their ruler will arise from among them. I will bring him near and he will come close to me-- for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?' declares the LORD.
7) Mercy – The gift of mercy is obvious in those who are compassionate to those who are in distress, showing sympathy and sensitivity coupled with a desire to lessen their suffering.
Jude 1:2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
8) Wisdom – The word of wisdom represents one who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with discernment. Jamess 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Pg.5
Gifts of the spirit cont.
9) Knowledge – knowledge allows us to see the circumstances of our life the way that God sees them. Through this gift we can determine God's purpose for our lives and live accordingly.
Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.
10) Helps –Those who aid and assist others in the church with compassion and grace. To help those in spiritual need with understanding and compassion. and to speak scriptural truth.
Heb 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
11) Faith – Bestowed on all who come to Christ, (Galatians 5:22-23). The gift of faith is a strong confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles.
1Peter1:9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
12) Healing – God miraculously heals. And the medical field is also a spiritual gift to man through which God also works, using his Healing power working through mans gifted abilities.
Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
13) Miraculous powers – Events that could only be attributed to the power of God, and through which God still works today, Prayer is a gift, Miraculous effects are the result
Psalms 77:14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.
14) Discernment of spirits – Satan, purveying deceptive and erroneous doctrine.is still loose in our world, but the gift of discerning spirits is given to the Church to protect it from Satan's wiles
Psalms 119:125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.
15) Hope – At a time when people often have trouble finding reasons to hope, those who place their trust in a Higher Power need more than ever to hear these words of Peter.
1Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
16) Prayer – God is omnipresent. The act of prayer is our request to join with Him in a sanctified moment in time where we seek His presence, and His attention. Spoken prayer is fellowship with the Supreme Being, Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened. It is A holy moment open to all who earnestly seek his presence in their lives. It is a conversation with a dear friend, God. Pro 15:8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
17) Speaking in tongues – The gift of tongues, given to the early Church to enable the gospel to be spread throughout the world, is still practiced by some in the Church today. And from
1 Corinthians. 14:27 - If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.
Pg.6
Gifts of the spirit cont.
18) Interpretation of tongues – Interpretation of tongues is the only one of the nine gifts of the Spirit that is dependent upon another gift. The gift of tongues must have been spoken.
1 Corinthians. 14: 28- But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
19) Governance- The Gift of Governance in this instance refers broadly to the mechanisms, processes and relations by which the Church, (God’s people) are ruled over and taught.
Psalms 2:10-11 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
20) Evangelism- The gift of evangelism is worldwide and is one of the best gifts God has given mankind. We are to make that our Goal as it is what Jesus has issued as our charge.
Ephesians 4:11-12 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, that the body of Christ may be built up
21) Hospitality- Practiced worldwide and most Christians the world over have this gift in some form or another. However the Church ( God’s People) are to be the mother of hospitality
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
22) Missionary – This also is a gift Most Christians will practice at sometime in their life either at home or abroad, and it is a gift that each can easily understand and put into practice.
Mat 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
23) Love - the greatest of all the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 13).
2John 1:6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
There are doubtless many more gifts than these listed, and perhaps with some determination, you may be able to think of more. Or perhaps you have, or know of someone, who has a special gift such as inspirational speaking or maybe someone who has a physical talent, a gift such as playing a musical instrument, singing, dancing, playing a sport, or someone with great physical strength (such as Samson). Talent and coordination of mind and body, special gifts which are usually exhibited in athletes, gymnasts, and entertainers, gifts such as these come from God as do all good gifts, and many of us are blessed with such gifts. As mentioned, there are more…. think about that.
There is no magic formula or spiritual gift test that can tell you what gifts of the Spirit you possess. What we need to focus on is serving God. Do you see a need in your church? Do what you can to meet it if you are able. Is there a position in a ministry that is vacant? Consider getting involved in a small group. Pray as to whether God would have you serve in some way. If we seek God's will and obey His leading, He will always equip us with whatever gifts of the Spirit we need.
No comments:
Post a Comment