July 5, 2015 I will take a Risk. I will find Common Ground with Everyone. I will do everything that I can to Save Some. I will Live on Purpose Gifted: Its Personal Romans 1:11 For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. Personal relationships add so much value to life s journey. Without the unique and distinct contributions from those around us, we would struggle to find our own personal identity. My relationship with my wife both cultivates and defines who I am as a husband. My children both teach me and give purpose to certain values that must take precedence in decisions I make. We can go on with co-workers and friends, at days end personal relationships determine the course of life we live. Not only do the personal relationships make such significant contributions in defining me but they also draw out of me certain things that also reciprocate back into their lives. Our relationship with God is the same way. Without our personal relationship with Him, we d be left with the most daunting life questions unanswered. What is my purpose? Why am I here? We wouldn t know what to value, what to say, how to act and respond to life. Knowing God- God is complex and He can be hard to understand. Isaiah makes this statement - Isaiah 55:8 9 (NLT) My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the LORD. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. The Friend of a Friend- God has sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within us so we can understand His thoughts and purpose but also have personal relationship with Him and be empowered to live our lives according to His will. John 14:26 (NLT) But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative that is, the Holy Spirit he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 1
The Spirit Knows- 1 Corinthians 2:9 11 (NLT) That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. 10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God s deep secrets Spirit to Spirit- 1 Corinthians 2:11 12 (NLT) No one can know a person s thoughts except that person s own spirit, and no one can know God s thoughts except God s own Spirit. 12 And we have received God s Spirit (not the world s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT) But people who aren t spiritual can t receive these truths from God s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Body Building- 1 Corinthians 12:18 (NLT) But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. Personal and Powerful- Not only does Holy Spirit come to make our relationship with God personal but also powerful. He comes to impart unto our lives ability to live out the fullest intent of our personal relationship with God. A Spirit Assignment- 1 Corinthians 12:1 (NLT) Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don t want you to misunderstand this. Ignorance and experience of spiritual gifts could be the root of much discouragement, insecurity, frustration and guilt that plagues much of the Christian community- Wagner A Complete Work- 1 Corinthians 12:4 6 (NLT) There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service (Ministries), but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works (Energizes) in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. Gifts- chárisma; to show favor. A gift of grace, an undeserved benefit. Specifically of the gifts imparted to Christians. There are numerous types of spiritual gifts that serve in differing aspects of bringing the kingdom of God to life here on earth. For Example: Five Fold Ministry, the Governing Gifts: Ephesians 4:8 11 (KJV) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 2
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; While in 1 Corinthians 12:4 11 the varieties of gifts are the diverse ministries allocated by the Spirit and the ability to exercise them, here the gifts are the persons themselves, given by the ascended Christ to his people to enable them to function and develop as they should. Christ supplies the church with gifted ministers 1. Apostleship (Eph. 4:11) to be sent forth to new frontiers with the gospel, providing leadership over church bodies and maintaining authority over spiritual matters pertaining to the church (Greek Word: apostolos - 'apo'=from 'stello'=send; one sent forth) 2. Prophet (Eph. 4:11) to be given revelation about the future plans of God that relate to the ministry of Jesus and create an expectation for His return to the earth. 3. Evangelism (Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:5) to be a messenger of the good news of the Gospel (Greek Word: euaggelistes - preacher of gospel; eu=well, angelos=message - messenger of good) 4. Pastoral (Eph. 4:11) to be responsible for spiritually caring for, protecting, guiding, and feeding a group of believers entrusted to one's care. Pastor- poimḗn; gen. poiménos, masc. noun. Shepherd, one who generally cares for flocks. Metaphorically of Jesus as the Great Shepherd who watches over and provides for the welfare of the Church, His flock. The spiritual guide of a particular church (Eph. 4:11; Sept.: Jer. 2:8; 3:15; Ezek. 34:2, 5). Syn.: hēgemṓn (2232), a leader; archēgós (747), leader; presbúteros (4245), elder, spiritual leader; didáskalos (1320), teacher; epískopos (1985), overseer, superintendent. 5. Teacher- (Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11) - to instruct others in the Bible in a logical, systematic way so as to communicate pertinent information for true understanding and growth. didáskalos; gen. didaskálou, masc. noun from didáskō (1321), to teach. Instructor, master, teacher. Serving Gifts: Romans 12:6 8 (NLT) In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 3
1 Corinthians 12:27 28 (NLT) All of you together are Christ s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. 1. Helps (1 Cor. 12:28) to render support or assistance to others in the body so as to free them up for ministry antílēpsis; gen. antilḗpseōs, fem. noun from antilambánō (482), help, relief. Literally the receiving of remuneration. It came to mean a laying hold of anything, the holding of that which one has, perception, apprehension. In NT Gr., used like the verb antilambánomai (482), to receive in return for, render assistance, help. It is in this way that we must understand the meaning of the word helps as one of the gifts of the Spirit. 2. Administration (1 Cor. 12:28; Acts 6:2-3) to steer the body toward the accomplishment of God-given goals and directives by planning, organizing, and supervising others (Greek Word: kubernesis - to steer, guide, helmsmen) κυβέρνησις kubérnēsis; gen. kubernḗseōs, fem. noun from kubernáō (n.f.), to govern. Government, a governing in relation to the churches (1 Cor. 12:28). 3. Ministry Service (Rom. 12:7; 2 Tim. 1:16-18) Being of service to administer to the needs of the body of Christ. To have charge over an assignment. diakonéō; contracted diakonṓ, fut. diakonḗsō, aor. diēkónēsa, from diákonos (1249), servant, deacon. To serve, wait upon, with emphasis on the work to be done and not on the relationship between lord and servant. (I) In its narrowest sense, diakonéō means to serve by waiting on a table, serving a dinner 4. Encouragement (Rom. 12:8; Heb. 10:24-25) to come along side of someone with words of encouragement, comfort, consolation, and counsel to help them be all God wants them to be. parakaléō; contracted parakalṓ, fut. parakalésō, from pará (3844), to the side of, and kaléō (2564), to call. To aid, help, comfort, encourage. Acts 4:36 (NLT) For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement ). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 5. Giving (Rom. 12:8; 1 Cor. 13:3; Acts 4:32-35) to share what material resources you have with liberality and cheerfulness without thought of return. 4
metadídōmi; fut. metadṓsō, from metá (3326), with, denoting association, and dídōmi (1325), to give. To share with someone, to impart, communicate, followed by the dat. (Luke 3:11; Eph. 4:28). Used in an absolute sense meaning one who distributes alms, an officer of the church. 6. Leadership (Rom. 12:8; Acts 13:12) to stand before the people in such a way as to attend to the direction of the body with such care and diligence so as to motivate others to get involved in the accomplishment of these goals. proı śtēmi ; to place, to stand. Trans., to cause to stand before, to set over. In the NT only in the intrans., meaning to stand before. With the meaning to be over, to preside, rule. 7. Mercy (Rom. 12:8; Luke 5:12-13) to be sensitive toward those who are suffering, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally, so as to feel genuine sympathy with their misery, speaking words of compassion but moreso caring for them with deeds of love to help alleviate their distress eleéō; contracted eleṓ, fut. eleḗsō, from éleos (1656), mercy. To show mercy, to show compassion, extend help for the consequence of sin, as opposed to sklērúnomai (4645), to be hardened. The general meaning is to have compassion or mercy on a person in unhappy circumstances. Today we want to speak about the Power Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:7 11 (KJV ) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 1. Word of Wisdom (1 Cor. 12:8) to apply knowledge to life in such a way as to make spiritual truths quite relevant and practical in proper decision-making and daily life situations. sophía;. Wisdom, skill, tact, expertise in any art. (I) Skill in the affairs of life, practical wisdom, wise management as shown in forming the best plans and selecting the best means, including the idea of sound judgment and good sense (II) In a higher sense, wisdom, deep knowledge, natural and moral insight, learning, science, implying cultivation of mind and enlightened understanding. Paying Taxes- Matthew 22:17 22 (NLT) Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. 5
You hypocrites! he said. Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Here, show me the coin used for the tax. When they handed him a Roman coin, 20 he asked, Whose picture and title are stamped on it? 21 Caesar s, they replied. Well, then, he said, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God. 22 His reply amazed them, and they went away. Solomon and the Baby- 1 Kings 3:25 28 (NLT) Then he said, Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other! 26 Then the woman who was the real mother of the living child, and who loved him very much, cried out, Oh no, my lord! Give her the child please do not kill him! But the other woman said, All right, he will be neither yours nor mine; divide him between us! 27 Then the king said, Do not kill the child, but give him to the woman who wants him to live, for she is his mother! 28 When all Israel heard the king s decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice. 2. Word of Knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8) to seek to learn as much about the Bible as possible through the gathering of much information and the analyzing of that data. gnṓsis; to know. clear and exact knowledge which expresses a more thorough participation in the object or knowledge on the part of the knowledgeable subject. The power of knowing, intelligence, comprehension. Rich Young Ruler- Luke 18:22 (NLT) When Jesus heard his answer, he said, There is still one thing you haven t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. Calling of Nathanael- John 1:47 48 (NLT) As they approached, Jesus said, Now here is a genuine son of Israel a man of complete integrity. 48 How do you know about me? Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you. 3. Faith (1 Cor. 12:9) to be firmly persuaded of God's power and promises to accomplish His will and purpose and to display such a confidence in Him and His Word that circumstances and obstacles do not shake that conviction. pístis; to win over, persuade. Faith. Subjectively meaning firm persuasion, conviction, belief in the truth, veracity, reality or faithfulness (though rare). Objectively meaning that which is believed, doctrine, the received articles of faith. Faith and Prayer- Mark 11:22 24 (NLT) Then Jesus said to the disciples, Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you ve received it, it will be yours. 6
The Gentile Women- Matthew 15:26 28 (NLT) Jesus responded, It isn t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs. 27 She replied, That s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters table. 28 Dear woman, Jesus said to her, your faith is great. Your request is granted. And her daughter was instantly healed. Lord I believe Help my Unbelief- Mark 9:21 24 (NLT) How long has this been happening? Jesus asked the boy s father. He replied, Since he was a little boy. 22 The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can. 23 What do you mean, If I can? Jesus asked. Anything is possible if a person believes. 24 The father instantly cried out, I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief! 4. Gifts of Healing (1 Cor. 12:9, 28) to be used as a means through which God makes people whole either physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually iámatos, to cure. Healing. A healing or cure, the result of the process of healing. Gate Called Beautiful- Acts 3:2 8 (NLT) As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. 4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, Look at us! 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, I don t have any silver or gold for you. But I ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk! 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. Shipwrecked on Island- Acts 28:8 9 (NLT) As it happened, Publius s father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him. 9 Then all the other sick people on the island came and were healed. 5. Working of Miracles (1 Cor. 12:10) to be enabled by God to perform mighty deeds which witnesses acknowledge to be of supernatural origin and means. dúnamis; gen. dunámeōs, to be able. Power, especially achieving power. All the words derived from the stem dúna- have the meaning of being able, capable. Prayer Clothes- Acts 19:11 12 (NLT) God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. 12 When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil 7
spirits were expelled. Snake Handling- Mark 16:17 18 (NLT) These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed. The Viper- Acts 28:3 5 (NLT) As Paul gathered an armful of sticks and was laying them on the fire, a poisonous snake, driven out by the heat, bit him on the hand. 4 The people of the island saw it hanging from his hand and said to each other, A murderer, no doubt! Though he escaped the sea, justice will not permit him to live. 5 But Paul shook off the snake into the fire and was unharmed. Shipwreck Strategy- Acts 27:31 32 (NLT) But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard. 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away. 6. Prophecy (1 Cor. 12:10; 1 Thess. 5:20-21; Eph. 4:11) to speak forth the message of God to His people. prophēteía; to prophesy, prediction, the foretelling of future events, including the declarations, exhortations, and warnings uttered by the prophets while acting under divine influence... Purpose of Prophecy- 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NLT) But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. Spirit of Prophecy- Revelation 19:10 (NLT) Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, No, don t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters* who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus. Corporate- 1 Thessalonians 4:15 18 (NLT) We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died.* 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died* will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words. Personal- Acts 21:10 11 (NLT) Several days later a man named Agabus, who also had the gift of prophecy, arrived from Judea. 11 He came over, took Paul s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, The Holy Spirit declares, So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in 8
Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles. 7. Discerning of spirits (1 Cor. 12:10) to clearly distinguish truth from error by judging whether the behavior or teaching is from God, Satan, human error, or human power. diákrisis; to distinguish, decide, judge. A distinguishing, discerning clearly, i.e., spoken of the act or power. By implication Rom. 14:1, literally meaning not for scrutinizing of thoughts, i.e., not with searching out and pronouncing judgment on their opinions (cf. Rom. 14:5, 13). Try the Spirits- 1 John 4:1 (NLT) Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. Simon the Sorcerer- Acts 8:20 23 (NLT) But Peter replied, May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God s gift can be bought! 21 You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God. 22 Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, 23 for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin. The Python- Acts 16:17 18 (NLT) She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved. 18 This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And instantly it left her. Intuition- Matthew 12:25 (NLT) Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 8. Unknown Tongues (1 Cor. 12:10) to speak in a heavenly, not understood, language that communicate directly to God. glṓssa; Tongue. Of a particular language or dialect as spoken by a particular people In the phrases glṓssais hetérais (2083), tongues others or different, meaning different than their own native tongues. Also glṓssais kainaís (2537), qualitatively new, to speak languages not known to them before, means to speak in or with tongues other than their own native tongue. John Twelve- Acts 19:5 6 (NLT) As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. Talking to God- 1 Corinthians 14:2 (NLT) For if you have the ability to speak in 9
tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. Personal Benefit- 1 Corinthians 14:4 (NLT) A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. 1 Corinthians 14:14 15 (NLT) For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don t understand what I am saying. 15 Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit,* and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. Jude 20 (NLT) But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 9. Interpretation of Tongues (1 Cor. 12:10) to translate the message of someone who has spoken in tongues Close: hermēneía; to interpret. Interpretation, explanation, metonym for the ability to interpret, as a charisma. 1 Corinthians 14:5 (NLT) I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened. 1 Corinthians 14:13 (NLT) So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said. Spirit Empowered- 1 Corinthians 12:7,11 (NLT) A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. Vs. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have. 1 Corinthians 12:31 (NLT) So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all. Multiple Gifts- 2 Timothy 1:11 (NLT) And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. 10
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