the “who” that helps others flourishActivating My Gifts, Edifying My ChurchPastor Cary Schmidt • Sunday Morning • August 10, 2014

romans 12:6–86 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

introDuCtion

Review of Spiritual Gifts (Romans 12:6–8):

Prophecy (propheteia)—to preach God’s truth and purpose.

Service (Helps) (diakonia)—to serve others by handling delegated responsibilities.

Teaching (didasko)—to impart instruction, doctrine, to explain something.

Exhortation (parakaleo)—to call to one’s side, comfort, encourage, strengthen. 296 New Britain Ave, Newington, CT 06111

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n e w i n g t o n

for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11–12)

Church is .

“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:7)

I am .

“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: 14 Th at 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 craft iness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:13–15)

ConClusion

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

Every Christian is as unique as a snowfl ake or fi ngerprint. Th ere should be no unemployed Christians. Church is not merely a place to recharge your batteries for self. You don’t come to be served, but to serve… to give and invest into others. You cannot be following Jesus if you only come to BE served, rather than to serve. You must not only GET gospel ministry, you must also give it!—Tim Keller, author

Giving (metadidomi)—to impart, to supply or provide necessary things.

Leadership (Administration) (proistemi)—to be over, to preside over, to superintend.

Mercy (eleeo)—to help the aff licted with a heart of compassion.

1. how are spiritual gifts to be ?

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 12:3–5)

With spiritual .

In Specific to Each Gift:

Prophecy—v. 6 “…according to the proportion of faith.”

Service, Teaching, Exhortation—v. 7–8 “…let us wait on our ministering…”

Giving—v. 8 “…let him do it with simplicity…”

Leadership—v. 8 “…with diligence…”

Mercy—v. 8 “…with cheerfulness…”

2. what are my spiritual ?

“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6)

What do you have a strong, growing burden for? Your spiritual gift almost always manifests itself with a naturally increasing burden for a specific area of ministry.

What do you most enjoy doing in God’s service? Exercising your spiritual gift makes you come alive! It is a f lourishing experience that gives you a sense of providence!

What do your abilities tend toward? God’s enabling is always a part of the use of your spiritual gifts. He gives you the ability!

What do others affirm in you as spiritual giftedness? Others can usually see your spiritual gift more clearly than you can! Godly counselors can give good direction in this!

3. what happens when i

my gifts?

God is .

“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11)

Christians are .

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints,