Gifts for Service

Gifts for Service

Romans 12:6-8, “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.”

We need to look at these gifts a little closer so we can understand what they are and how God uses them in each of us to serve and strengthen the body of Christ. These are that are given not only to the preacher but to the individual members of the church to provide strength and growth within the body.

The first one listed is Prophecy and we look at that and think that is being able to foretell the future but that is not really what it is. A prophet is a discerner of truth. Through the revelation of God they are to discern the truth in and proclaim the truth now prophecy is an often misused gift in the church today and all prophets should be tested because the claims they make come from God when they are wrong they lead many astray and bring harm to the church. Prophets do still work within the church today but must be careful to be obedient to the Holy Spirit in there walk and conversations.

The next gift is service or ministry depending on the version of the bible version you are using. This area is one that each of us has some part in. It is the ability to see an area that can see a need and God has empowered the individual to perform that ministry. It is not just the pastor but any person who God burdens with trying to meet a need that is currently not being met within the church. This gift will show up as you serve others and provide support both physically and spiritually to others without being asked to do it.

These two gifts of the Spirit are available to any member of the body of believers and will be displayed as believers grow and feed the Holy Spirit through Bible study and prayer. We will look at some of the others tomorrow. If these are not the gift God has blessed you with it is alright. No one gift is more important than the others they are all required to have a healthy and growing church and as a body of believers they are all important and no one except Jesus has ever displayed all seven in one person. Have a blessed day and pray about what Spiritual Gift God has given you.

Gifts in the Body

When we have accepted and understood why God loves us we can begin to understand that everything we do in our lives has a direct effect on His kingdom and his plan of salvation he put into effect in Genesis when Adam and Eve were put out of Eden. But once we have accepted Jesus as Lord the Holy Spirit becomes present in our lives and indwells each believer. With this indwelling comes power and as we spend time in study and prayer we feed that side of our new nature and it will grow stronger. And in its fullness you will experience the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. In Romans 12 is a list of seven areas that the Holy Spirit works in; that a healthy church will have functioning within the body of believers.

Romans 12:6-8, “⁶ 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.

The only person who was ever able to operate in all seven areas was Jesus. Now you may feel like you have more than one but one will always be the driving force in why you serve God. Once you understand which one is your core than you are able to focus on that. It does not mean you do not need to understand the others and allow for opportunities to use them when God presents them. But you will only truly have that one is your central driving force in ministry.

 The scripture goes on to explain some guidelines for the use of these gifts in Romans 12:9-16:

^“9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. ¹⁰ Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. ¹¹ Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. ¹² Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. ¹³ When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. ¹⁵ Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!”

Once you know what your gift is allow God to strengthen it for his glory feed it through prayer and Bible study. If you are not sure what your gift is ask God to reveal it to you. Inquiry of others that you trust what they believe your gift might be. Understanding what gift God has called you to work in gives you strength to do the work He has placed before you. It also allows you to help strengthen the Body of Christ as we must work together for the growth of the kingdom. Have a blessed day and may God Bless you in whatever gift he has empowered you with.