OFFICES AND THE SPIRIT
"Mutants. Born with extraordinary abilities. And yet still they are children stumbling in the dark, searching for guidance. A gift can often be a curse. Give someone wings and they may fly too close to the sun. Give the power of prophecy and they may live in fear of the future. Give the the greatest gift of all. powers beyond imagination, and they may think they are meant to rule the world."
Professor X
X-Men: Apocalypse
In the beginning of this film, the camera runs through a tunnel, It stops on Jesus carrying the cross, on his knees with the cross becoming an X on his shoulders. It runs almost immediately through time and hits the Nazi/Hindu broken cross the swastika.
https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007453&gclid=Cj0KEQjw2-bHBRDEh6qk5b6yqKIBEiQAFUz29mcROlH60Qu9citKfNCsRxk0lmpFzgNcy0z8kQ_d6jsaAu9f8P8HAQ
With the use of Cerebro, the mind amplifying machine, Professor X can find any mutant. He can literally be in everyone's mind. As the nearly all-powerful villain in the movie says when he decides to steal the professor's power: "Now, with you, I can be everyone."
And behind Apocalypse's appeal to those who would join him is a lie: "I will increase your power and I will set you free. From rules; from systems. " If it sounds like Satan, it was most likely meant to.
It was only recently as I was watching this movie which I picked up at the library for no real reason other than I saw it and was apparently prompted by the Spirit, that I realized something about the X-men something their creator, new Age purveyor Stan Lee, may or may not have intended. The X-men come from all over the world and they are the result of evolution, the current Spirit of science which is a power of Nature, the unnamed God. They each have a gift which is powered by their genes, altered by evolution, the flesh and mind moving toward perfection by the force of Nature. They use their gift under the guidance of Professor X and he guides them by being in them and telling them what to do, how to use their gift. Does this sound familiar to those who have been following the last few posts?
More, they have team leaders chosen by the Professor, each having a gift of leadership.
I suggest the X-Men have been so popular because they are really reaching the unconscious mind and prodding people toward what God wants for them. I also hope you recall my statement about Satan: he can't create anything, he can only ape God.
But we have to realize something from the X-Men: they are a team. A fictional team. We are meant to be a real team, more a body, as Paul says. A body following the directing mind of Christ which is in us, the Holy Spirit. And fall into line in the places in the body that he has designated for us..
https://bible.org/article/gifts-spirit
And before we get to the offices lets again repeat the gifts to remind us and to expand even further on the list:
Along with our notations from Peter and here, there are other gifts to consider:
Now about the Offices keeping in mind that they should be based on the gifts of the person serving in them. Also bear in mind that any time we make a list it has to start somewhere and no office, no matter where it gets placed on this list, is more important than any other office.
Another point is that I can usually find studies and preaching on any topic related to what I am posting on and it would seem the offices God has designated for His Church would be a vital important topic much discussed and expanded on, but this is where it gets odd. I can find a lot of things on qualification for elders and used some of the best again to save me typing for hours, but they are few and far between and and I suppose this is because we all tend to see the church as the institution and the offices as institutional especially in America where we have church universities and seminaries and synods and diocese and all manner of human designed structures that we don't want to endanger by suggesting the requirement of being gifted in a "job". And I further suspect NOT requiring gifting in pastoring, in overseeing, in teaching, means a less powerful ministry and filling those "positions" with people with degrees instead of gifting can make
Also we have to avoid confusing gifts with roles. An example from YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS Can Help Your Church Grow by C, Peter Wagner:
"I once spoke about Spiritual gifts at a church and in my presentation mentioned that gifts are distributed in the Body of Christ much like assignments are distributed on a football team. I mentioned that offensive guards and tackles do not make touchdowns and get their names in the headlines, but without guards and tackles the team would lose because the running backs then could not make touchdowns either. After the meeting, a big man came up to me and told me he played offensive tackle in college. I asked him if he ever made a touchdown. He smiled a broad smile and said he had made one once. It was a freak play and he was one of the few tackles in the NCAA to ever make a touchdown. But when the ball popped loose he stopped blocking, grabbed it and started running. His "gift" in this analogy was blocking, but in running the ball for a touchdown he was exercising his role, jusr as a Christians should when an opportunity arises."
Apostle:
https://www.gotquestions.org/apostleship.html
Question: "What are the biblical qualifications for apostleship?"
Answer: An apostle (“one sent on a mission”) is one whom God has sent on an errand or with a message. An apostle is accountable to his Sender and carries the authority of his Sender. An apostleship is the office an apostle holds.
Jesus Christ Himself has an “apostleship.” He wears “Apostle” as one of His descriptive titles (Hebrews 3:1). He was sent to earth by the Heavenly Father with God’s authoritative message, which He faithfully delivered (John 17:1–5).
While Jesus was here on earth, He personally selected from His many followers twelve men and gave them an apostleship—special responsibility to receive and spread His message after He returned to heaven (John 17:6–20; Matthew 10:1–4; Mark 3:14–15; 6:40). These chosen and sent ones were His apostles. During the time Jesus was training them, He did not explain the criteria that He used to choose them.
One of the twelve was Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus to His enemies. In agony of conscience, Judas hanged himself (Matthew 27:5). Thus, when Jesus returned to heaven, He left behind only eleven apostles.
Some days later, the remaining apostles were in Jerusalem praying with Jesus’ mother, His brothers, and other believers. The group totaled about 120 (Acts 1:12–26). Simon Peter addressed the group and told them that Psalm 69:25 predicted Judas’ desertion and Psalm 109:8 predicted that the defector’s place among the apostles should be filled. The apostleship must fall to someone else.
Peter proposed choosing a new apostle and set the qualifications. Not everyone could be considered for an apostleship. Candidates needed to have been with Jesus during the whole three years that Jesus was among them. That is, he needed to be an eyewitness of Jesus’ baptism when the Heavenly Father validated Jesus’ person and work. He needed to have heard Jesus’ life-changing teachings and been present to see His healings and other miracles. He needed to have witnessed Jesus sacrifice Himself on the cross and to have seen Jesus walk, talk, and eat among the disciples again after His resurrection. These were the pivotal facts of Jesus’ life, the heart of the message they were to teach, and personal witnesses were required to verify the truth of the good news.
The prayer group in Jerusalem nominated two who met these qualifications for apostleship: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. Then the disciples asked God to guide them to know which one was to fill the post. Using a method of determining God’s will that was common at that time, they cast lots, thus giving God freedom to make His choice clear. The lot fell to Matthias, and he became the twelfth apostle.
On repeated occasions, the apostles gave witness of their personal observations of Jesus, making such statements as, “We are witnesses of everything Jesus did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen” (Acts 10:39–40).
Months later, Saul, one of the Pharisees, was trying to stamp out the new “cult” of Christianity by killing and jailing some of Jesus’ followers. While Saul was on one of his deadly errands to Damascus, the living Jesus personally appeared to him. This undeniable encounter with the resurrected Lord revolutionized Saul’s life. In a vision to another believer in Damascus, Jesus said that He had chosen Saul “as My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15; cf. 22:14–15). Following his conversion, Paul spent some time in Arabia, where he was taught by Christ (Galatians 1:12–17). The other apostles recognized that Jesus Himself had appointed their former enemy to be one of them. As Saul went into Gentile territories, he changed his name to the Greek “Paul,” and Jesus, who gave Paul his apostleship, sent many messages through him to His churches and to unbelievers. It was this apostle, Paul, who wrote over half of the books of the New Testament.
In two of his Epistles, Paul identifies the office of apostle as the first that Jesus appointed to serve His churches (1 Corinthians 12:27–30; Ephesians 4:11). Clearly, the work of apostleship was to lay the foundation of the Church in a sense secondary only to that of Christ Himself (Ephesians 2:19–20), thus requiring eyewitness authority behind their preaching. After the apostles laid the foundation, the Church could be built.
While Paul never claimed to be included among the original twelve, believers have recognized that Jesus appointed him as His special apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 9:1; Acts 26:16–18). There are others in the early church referred to as “apostles” (Acts 14:4, 14; Romans 16:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:6), but only in the sense that they were appointed, authorized, and sent by churches on special errands. These individuals bore the title “apostle” in a limited sense and did not possess all the qualifications of apostleship that the original twelve and Paul did.
No biblical evidence exists to indicate that these thirteen apostles were replaced when they died. See Acts 12:1–2, for example. Jesus appointed the apostles to do the founding work of the Church, and foundations only need to be laid once. After the apostles’ deaths, other offices besides apostleship, not requiring an eyewitness relationship with Jesus, would carry on the work.
I hear people proclaim themselves apostles in some "movements" and I can't find it in myself to stop laughing at them. The ones I have heard make the proclamation are from churches where the misuse of gifts is practiced. They make the claim because they are founding churches and bless them for doing that and preaching Jesus when they do. But I just think those people have ego problems. Chuck Smith who literally founded a new denomination never made that claim, nor did Martin Luther nor the Wesley brothers. The Papacy makes that claim but for centuries Popes have failed that claim.
Prophet:
https://proof.directory/a-certain-televangelist-claims-to-be-a-prophet-is-there-special-qualification-for-such-a-claim/
A prophet, according to the Scriptures, is someone who is used by God to communicate His message to the world. He was also called a “seer” because he could see dreams and visions from God (1 Samuel 9:9). The Bible qualifications for a true prophet are:
A. He is called to service by God “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5-10; Amos 7:14, 15; Isaiah 6:1-10).
B. He has to live a godly life “…A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:15-20).
C. He would speak and write in harmony with what the Bible teaches “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:19, 20).
D. He will predict events that will come to pass “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him” (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
E. He will have visions or dreams that will help guide God’s people in the right path “And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream” (Numbers 12:6).
Note: the modern office of prophet seems more in line with someone who interprets the already given word of God in a Spiritually enlightened way, one which was not seen before, one which correctly understands and interprets Scripture for others.
The gift of foreseeing the future or supernaturally guiding others may or may not have died with the Apostles as some claim. No matter. If someone gives you a personal prediction don't listen to them for one minute unless you can test it out. Be certain they have a record of accuracy and Godly living.
Elders/Bishops/Shepherd:
Pastor:
http://www.acts29.com/biblical-qualifications-of-a-pastor/
Teacher:
Able to teach relates more directly to the ministry connected with the office of overseer. In the present context of heresy, this qualification would necessarily include teaching and preaching (5:17; 2 Tim 2:1) and refuting the heresy (2 Tim 2:24; Tit 1:9). In view of the apparent division of labor among the elders alluded to in 5:17, perhaps this qualification is typical and the ability to teach need not be equally in evidence in each candidate (compare Rom 12:6-8).
Evangelist:
http://www.reformedspokane.org/Doctrine_pages/The%20doctrine%20of%20the%20church/The%20Offices%20in%20the%20Church/Temporary_Offices_Spiritual_Gifts.html
The writer of that passage sees evangelist as an office that was temporary, which I disagree with, but the rest is accurate. the writer is concerned about untrained evangelists roaming the country getting people saved and doing nothing other than that, not leading them to churches and certainly not appearing on TV and asking for money.
I was saved at a Billy Graham Crusade so I'm prejudiced. I fully believe the Spirit acts in individuals specially called to evangelize. I believe there are those who are as much frauds in tent revivals and Christian networks, Elmer Gantry wannabes who belly up to God's salad bar and load up their plates and every Christian needs to apply the rules for elders and pastors as well.
Missionary:
Oddly, those who gladly fund missionaries overseas are those who like to deny the office of evangelist here in the USA. I guess their idea of a qualification is one risking body and limb for little or no money and needing to learn a foreign language and get a battery o shots and a passport.
http://www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-10-missionary-qualifications/
(Scripture Portion: Acts 13: 1-14)
In the opening verses of this section of scripture we have the record of the calling and sending out of two missionaries, Barnabas and Saul. The church at Antioch was the cradle of Christian missionary enterprise. The question to ask is this: What were the qualifications possessed by these two missionaries? And in speaking of them as missionaries, let’’s remember that it is the plan and purpose of God that every Christian should be a missionary. We outline here the qualifications needed for any servant of the Lord who is called to any specific work, whether at home or overseas. What are these qualifications?
1. A missionary must be in the Church (verse 1)
Notice the significance of the words “”in the church””, because a missionary must first be a Christian. This is the first qualification for Christian service. Barnabas and Saul were not only in the local church at Antioch, but they were in the Church (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The Holy Spirit had brought them out of the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of His Son (Colossians 1:13). No-one can bring others to the Lord who does not know the Lord himself.
2. A missionary must prove that he has some gift (verse 1)
We read here about prophets and teachers; that is to say, those who preached and those who taught. Surely this emphasises the fact that those whom God calls to His service must have some gift. In the Antioch assembly there were five men and they all had a specific gift. Every Christian is called to be a missionary, but only when that Christian manifests some special gift is he called to specific missionary service. Generally speaking, the Holy Spirit does not call and commission dull, slow men who give little evidence of possessing any gift. Usually, it is advisable and beneficial to undertake a period of special training before entering upon special ministry or missionary service.
3. A missionary must be an utterly dedicated man or woman (verse 2)
Notice three important things about the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch: (1) “”they ministered to the Lord””; (2) they “”fasted””; and (3) they were ready to be separated –- available for the Holy Spirit to use. The fact that they ministered to the Lord shows us that they were deeply devoted people. The fact that they fasted tells us that they were willing to sacrifice time, pleasure and necessities so that they might seek God’’s face and do His will. The fact that the Holy Spirit said, “”Set apart for me…”…” tells us that He was able to select them and set them aside for the special task He had in mind. Today God requires men and women who are fully surrendered and available for the Holy Spirit to use.
4. A missionary must receive a definite call to service (verse 2)
How definite the call was –- even their names were mentioned! It was to engage “in “the work to which I have called them””. How else would they have known where to go? It is a presumption for anyone to go out without God’’s specific call. Please note the following:
1. The need is not the call. The need is great but does not constitute a call.
2. The ability is not the call. God wants men and women with ability, because He is worthy of the very best, but the ability is not the call.
3. The desire is not the call. Many desire to serve the Lord, but it’s not enough.
4. The willingness is not the call. We should all be willing to do anything, go anywhere for God, but willingness is not the call.
The Holy Spirit’s call is clear and unmistakable, though sometimes inexplicable!
5. A missionary must be willing to work with others (verse 4)
Notice the words “”the two of them……went…”…” This refers to Barnabas and Saul, very different men but called to work together. In missionary service one of the first requirements is that we are willing and able to work with others. The biggest test is not relating to our health, the language, or the resources: it has to do with human relationships. Could Saul work harmoniously with Barnabas, and vice versa? Would they be willing to give-and-take?
6. A missionary must be in fellowship with the local church (verse 3)
We read that it was the local church who sent them on their journey and that they identified themselves with the missionaries. In effect they said, ‘‘You go out as one of us, as our representatives, and as you go we go with you!’’ Now there are many good freelance workers whom God has called, but generally speaking those He calls should be in fellowship with a local church.
7. A missionary must be a Spirit-controlled man (verse 4)
Not only did the Antioch Christians send them out and identify themselves by the laying on of hands, but they were sent out by the Holy Spirit, who was now the Administrator in this missionary enterprise, and because of this four things resulted from their obedience:
1. They could discern God’’s will about their place of service (verses 4-6): “”Seleucia……Cyprus……Salamis……Paphos”…”
2. They were empowered to preach the gospel (verse 5) – – “They proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues”” –- so that is why they were sent.
3. They knew victory over the powers of darkness. See verses 6-12.
4. They were able to overcome discouragement. All missionaries meet this. Barnabas and Saul were deserted by Mark, but they pressed on –- read verses 13 and 14.
Now let's get institutional and follow these applications for the modern church design.
Suggested Categories for Gift Mobilization
This list is by no means definitive, nor dogmatic; it is just a guide to point you in the right direction. The Gifts for the job may vary due to experience and education.
1. Teaching and Discipleship roles: The main gifts needed for Sunday School Teachers, Bible Study Leaders, and Small Group Leaders are teaching and/or knowledge.
a. Sunday School Superintendent: teaching, administration, leadership
b. Small Group Leaders: hospitality and/or pastor, teacher
c. Children's Sunday School Teachers can have a wider range of Gifts, when they have a love for children, and patience.
2. Evangelism: the main Gifts needed are those of evangelist, missions, and exhortation. (The Gift of evangelist usually appears in combinations with other Gifts) Here are sub-teams that can go under the main team of Evangelism, that other Gifts can participate in also:
a. Visitation: mercy and administration
b. Shut ins: pastor, mercy/helps
c. Personal witnessing/ door to door: everyone should try this often, but the main gift is that of evangelist.
d. Outreach: mercy, service, hospitality, helps
e. Team leaders can have the gifts of leadership and/or administration
3. Elders: Leadership, pastor, exhortation, administration; and also wisdom and faith. If there is to be an elder from each ministry team, the representative should have these Gifts, too.
4. Deacons: helps, service, mercy
5. Missions: evangelist, missions, wisdom, service.
6. Prayer: intercession, everyone.
7. Youth and children's Ministry: teacher, exhortation, pastor, hospitality, leadership.
8. Counselor: counseling, exhortation, wisdom, intercession.
9. Committee leader: administration, leadership, and gifting in the area of the committee.
10. Treasurer / Finance: administration, wisdom, learned knowledge in finance.
11. Usher: hospitality and service.
12. Nursery Worker: service, mercy, helps.
13. Church Secretary: helps, administration.
For effective teamwork, these traits are necessary. They are not necessarily Spiritual Gifts, but they can be learned, and developed. Character and empowerment from the Fruit of the Spirit is essential. Also, honesty, the enjoyment of working with people, knowledge, and the skills necessary in the area of service--or the willingness to learn them--will be a key. Remember, people learn best when they can see a proper model, not just told how. In other words, how you live is as important, if not more important, than what you say!
Remember, this is merely a guide. People with other Gifts can serve in positions temporarily out of their Gift range, or perhaps to develop and strengthen a weaker Gift that may not register on a Gifts inventory. For example, almost any Gift can usher, but usually the person with the Gift of Hospitality will enjoy it and do it better. Anyone can research and prepare a sermon, but the person with the Gift of Teaching will enjoy it and be able to do it better.
http://www.discipleshiptools.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=37246&columnid=4216
VI. Discovering Your Spiritual Gift(s)
A. THREE PREREQUISITES
As you seek to discover your spiritual gift or gifts, ask yourself these questions:
1. Have I received Christ as my Savior? Unlike natural talents, spiritual gifts are bestowed only on
believers.
2. Am I walking in fellowship with the Lord? To be effective, spiritual gifts must be manifested in the
context of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This fruit is impeded by unconfessed sin and a failure to abide
in Christ (John 15:4).
3. Do I really want to develop my gift(s)? A prerequisite to knowing your gifts is a willingness to go
through the effort to be involved in discovering and developing them.
B. SIX STEPS
1. Asking. Begin to ask God to show you your gifts (cf. Phil. 4:6-7; Jas. 1:5). God wants you to
discover and implement the gifts He has given you, and this is a request you can make with
confidence and expectation.
2. Awareness.
a. Expose yourself to the Biblical teaching on spiritual gifts by studying Romans 12, 1 Corinthians
12-14, and Ephesians 4.
(I include Romans 12 for you to read here, Ephesians 4 has already been printed. Also 1 Corinthians 13 the post before that. :
Romans 12:1 For this reason I make request to you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you will give your bodies as a living offering, holy, pleasing to God, which is the worship it is right for you to give him.
2 And let not your behavior be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God.
3 But I say to every one of you, through the grace given to me, not to have an over-high opinion of himself, but to have wise thoughts, as God has given to every one a measure of faith.
4 For, as we have a number of parts in one body, but all the parts have not the same use,
5 So we, though we are a number of persons, are one body in Christ, and are dependent on one another;
6 And having different qualities by reason of the grace given to us, such as the quality of a prophet, let it be made use of in relation to the measure of our faith;
7 Or the position of a Deacon of the church, let a man give himself to it; or he who has the power of teaching, let him make use of it;
8 He who has the power of comforting, let him do so; he who gives, let him give freely; he who has the power of ruling, let him do it with a serious mind; he who has mercy on others, let it be with joy.
9 Let love be without deceit. Be haters of what is evil; keep your minds fixed on what is good.
10 Be kind to one another with a brother's love, putting others before yourselves in honour;
11 Be not slow in your work, but be quick in spirit, as the Lord's servants;
12 Being glad in hope, quiet in trouble, at all times given to prayer,
13 Giving to the needs of the saints, ready to take people into your houses.
14 Give blessing and not curses to those who are cruel to you.
15 Take part in the joy of those who are glad, and in the grief of those who are sorrowing.
16 Be in harmony with one another. Do not have a high opinion of yourselves, but be in agreement with common people. Do not give yourselves an air of wisdom.
17 Do not give evil for evil to any man. Let all your business be well ordered in the eyes of all men.
18 As far as it is possible for you be at peace with all men.
19 Do not give punishment for wrongs done to you, dear brothers, but give way to the wrath of God; for it is said in the holy Writings, Punishment is mine, I will give reward, says the Lord.
20 But if one who has hate for you is in need of food or of drink, give it to him, for in so doing you will put coals of fire on his head.
21 Do not let evil overcome you, but overcome evil by good.
(BBE)
Study this a while. We will return here and to the other passages next time.
b. Expose yourself to one or more of the helpful books on spiritual gifts.
Jesus Continued by J. D. Greear
Flying Closer to the Flame by Charles R. Swindoll
Living Water by Chuck Smith
c. Expose yourself to other Christians who clearly know and use their spiritual gifts. Ask them about
their gifts and how they discovered them.
3. Aspiration. God is committed to your joy, not your misery. Then you will take delight in the Lord,
and he will answer your prayers (Ps. 37:4). As you pray and learn about the various gifts, ask
yourself what you would most want to do. For it is God who is at work in you both to will and to
work for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). Your feelings should not be the only test, but they may
indicate the direction for you to take. For example, Paul told Timothy, If someone aspires to the
office of overseer, he desires a good work (1 Tim. 3:1).
4. Activity. Just as we discover our natural talents by trying our hand at numerous things, in the same
way we can discover our spiritual gifts by experimenting with several of the available gifts. If we
don't try, we will never know. This requires availability and a willingness to learn our weaknesses
as well as strengths.
5. Ability. Activity eventually points to ability. Don't be premature in your personal evaluation,
because ability increases with practice. Be sensitive to areas of improvement. Look for opportunities
within the community of believers of which you are a part, and seek the evaluation of mature
Christians who are familiar with your activities. Because of the danger of self-deception, spiritual
gifts are best recognized by other members of the body.
6. Affirmation. The final affirmation of a spiritual gift is the blessing that should result from its
exercise. As you use your gift or gift-combination in the power of the Spirit, God will confirm and
establish you in your ministry, and there will continue to be positive feedback from those to whom
you minister. It has been said that desire may indicate it, ability will confirm it, and blessing will
accompany it.
All that and all the study and still, still, there remains something more to say about this about the use of the gifts and about our worst enemies: ourselves.
"Mutants. Born with extraordinary abilities. And yet still they are children stumbling in the dark, searching for guidance. A gift can often be a curse. Give someone wings and they may fly too close to the sun. Give the power of prophecy and they may live in fear of the future. Give the the greatest gift of all. powers beyond imagination, and they may think they are meant to rule the world."
Professor X
X-Men: Apocalypse
In the beginning of this film, the camera runs through a tunnel, It stops on Jesus carrying the cross, on his knees with the cross becoming an X on his shoulders. It runs almost immediately through time and hits the Nazi/Hindu broken cross the swastika.
https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007453&gclid=Cj0KEQjw2-bHBRDEh6qk5b6yqKIBEiQAFUz29mcROlH60Qu9citKfNCsRxk0lmpFzgNcy0z8kQ_d6jsaAu9f8P8HAQ
The swastika has an extensive history. It was used at least 5,000 years before Adolf Hitler designed the Nazi flag. The word swastikacomes from the Sanskrit svastika, which means “good fortune” or “well-being." The motif (a hooked cross) appears to have first been used in Neolithic Eurasia, perhaps representing the movement of the sun through the sky. To this day it is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Odinism. It is a common sight on temples or houses in India or Indonesia. Swastikas also have an ancient history in Europe, appearing on artifacts from pre-Christian European cultures.
The symbol experienced a resurgence in the late nineteenth century, following extensive archeological work such as that of the famous archeologist Heinrich Schliemann. Schliemann discovered the hooked cross on the site of ancient Troy. He connected it with similar shapes found on pottery in Germany and speculated that it was a “significant religious symbol of our remote ancestors.”
In the beginning of the twentieth century the swastika was widely used in Europe. It had numerous meanings, the most common being a symbol of good luck and auspiciousness. However, the work of Schliemann soon was taken up by völkischmovements, for whom the swastika was a symbol of “Aryan identity” and German nationalist pride
This conjecture of Aryan cultural descent of the German people is likely one of the main reasons why the Nazi party formally adopted the swastika or Hakenkreuz (Ger., hooked cross) as its symbol in 1920.
The Nazi party, however, was not the only party to use the swastika in Germany. After World War I, a number of far-right nationalist movements adopted the swastika. As a symbol, it became associated with the idea of a racially “pure” state. By the time the Nazis gained control of Germany, the connotations of the swastika had forever changed.
Both crosses still hold power today though on opposite ends of the good and evil spectrum.With the use of Cerebro, the mind amplifying machine, Professor X can find any mutant. He can literally be in everyone's mind. As the nearly all-powerful villain in the movie says when he decides to steal the professor's power: "Now, with you, I can be everyone."
And behind Apocalypse's appeal to those who would join him is a lie: "I will increase your power and I will set you free. From rules; from systems. " If it sounds like Satan, it was most likely meant to.
It was only recently as I was watching this movie which I picked up at the library for no real reason other than I saw it and was apparently prompted by the Spirit, that I realized something about the X-men something their creator, new Age purveyor Stan Lee, may or may not have intended. The X-men come from all over the world and they are the result of evolution, the current Spirit of science which is a power of Nature, the unnamed God. They each have a gift which is powered by their genes, altered by evolution, the flesh and mind moving toward perfection by the force of Nature. They use their gift under the guidance of Professor X and he guides them by being in them and telling them what to do, how to use their gift. Does this sound familiar to those who have been following the last few posts?
More, they have team leaders chosen by the Professor, each having a gift of leadership.
I suggest the X-Men have been so popular because they are really reaching the unconscious mind and prodding people toward what God wants for them. I also hope you recall my statement about Satan: he can't create anything, he can only ape God.
But we have to realize something from the X-Men: they are a team. A fictional team. We are meant to be a real team, more a body, as Paul says. A body following the directing mind of Christ which is in us, the Holy Spirit. And fall into line in the places in the body that he has designated for us..
https://bible.org/article/gifts-spirit
II. Diversity and Unity in the Body of Christ
When the Holy Spirit descended on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, a new organism was created. This organism consists of all those who have received the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus. In Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:4-7, and Ephesians 2:19, it is described as a spiritual household or family. By virtue of both adoption and new birth, we have become sons and daughters of God. This organism is also called a holy temple in Ephesians 2:20-22 and 1 Peter 2:4-5, and believers are its living stones. But the most frequently used metaphor for this new creation is the body of Christ (see Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 1:22-23; 3:6; 4:4-16; 5:5:23-30; Col. 1:18; 2:19).
The three major New Testament lists of the gifts are all introduced by a description of the unity and diversity in the body of Christ. Paul's metaphor for the church could not be more appropriate, because both the universal church (all believers) and the local church (geographically localized groups of believers) are unities which are built out of diverse elements. All believers have been baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). Christ is the head, the ruler of the body (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; Col. 1:18), and believers are the individual members or components. In this analogy, each Christian has been given a special function to perform and the ability to fulfill it in a way that will benefit the other members. There is quantitative and qualitative growth when believers discover and actively use their spiritual gifts. Each part of the body depends on the rest for its well-being, and there are no useless organs. This is why edification through teaching and fellowship is so necessary in the local church. The biblical concept of koinonia or fellowship communicates the fact that isolation leads to atrophy. Just as no organ can function independently of the others, so no Christian can enjoy spiritual vitality in a relational vacuum. The Spirit has sovereignly distributed spiritual gifts to every member of the body, and no single member possesses all the gifts. Thus, growth does not take place apart from mutual ministry and dependence.
The body of Christ is an organism, not a dictatorship or a democracy. As such, the local church is best structured around the distribution and function of the spiritual gifts found in its members.
(Repeat that for emphasis: The body of Christ is an organism, NOT a dictatorship OR a democracy.)
(Repeat that for emphasis: The body of Christ is an organism, NOT a dictatorship OR a democracy.)
Exercise: In Ephesians 4:4-16, Paul outlines the role of God-given gifts in the edification of the body. What are the seven points of unity found in verses 4-6? According to 4:7-10, what is the basis for the giving of gifts to the church? Verse 12 speaks of quantitative (corporate) growth, while verse 13 speaks of qualitative (individual) growth. How does 4:11-13 relate to 4:14-16?
And before we get to the offices lets again repeat the gifts to remind us and to expand even further on the list:
A. THE GIFTS IN ROMANS 12, 1 CORINTHIANS 12, AND EPHESIANS 4
1. Prophecy (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:10, 28-29; 14:1-40; Eph. 4:11)--The ability to receive and proclaim a message from God. This could involve the foretelling of future events, though its primary purpose as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:3 is forthtelling: one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation. This gift provides a word from God to a specific group, not the normative Word of God to all believers. Some maintain that prophecy is still operative in this sense today, while others say that the nearest current equivalent is Spirit-empowered preaching.
2. Service (Rom. 12:7)--The ability to identify and care for the physical needs of the body through a variety of means. The Greek word for this gift is the same as that for ministry or deacon, but the gift should not be confused with the office.
3. Teaching (Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11)--The ability to clearly explain and effectively apply the truths of God's Word so that others will learn. This requires the capacity to accurately interpret Scripture, engage in necessary research, and organize the results in a way that is easily communicated.
4. Exhortation (Rom. 12:8)--The ability to motivate others to respond to the truth by providing timely wordsof counsel, encouragement, and consolation. When this gift is exercised, believers are challenged to stimulate their faith by putting God's truth to the test in their lives.
5. Giving (Rom. 12:8)--The ability to contribute material resources with generosity and cheerfulness for the benefit of others and the glory of God. Christians with this spiritual gift need not be wealthy.
6. Leadership (Rom. 12:8)--The ability to discern God's purpose for a group, set and communicate appropriate goals, and motivate others to work together to fulfill them in the service of God. A person with this gift is effective at delegating tasks to followers without manipulation or coercion.
7. Mercy (Rom. 12:8)--The ability to deeply empathize and engage in compassionate acts on behalf of people who are suffering physical, mental, or emotional distress. Those with this gift manifest concern and kindness to people who are often overlooked.
8. Wisdom (1 Cor. 12:8)--The ability to apply the principles of the Word of God in a practical way to specific situations and to recommend the best course of action at the best time. The exercise of this gift skillfully distills insight and discernment into excellent advice.
9. Knowledge (1 Cor. 12:8)--The ability to discover, analyze, and systematize truth for the benefit of others. With this gift, one speaks with understanding and penetration. Some also associate supernatural perception with this gift.
10. Faith (1 Cor. 12:9)--The ability to have a vision for what God wants to be done and to confidently believe that it will be accomplished in spite of circumstances and appearances to the contrary. The gift of faith transforms vision into reality.
11. Healing (1 Cor. 12:9, 28, 30)--The ability to serve as a human instrument through whom God supernaturally cures illnesses and restores health. The possessor of this gift is not the source of power, but a vessel who can only heal those diseases the Lord chooses to heal.
12. Miracles (1 Cor. 12:10, 28, 29)--The ability to serve as an instrument through whom God accomplishes acts that manifest supernatural power. Miracles bear witness to the presence of God and the truth of His proclaimed Word, and appear to occur most frequently in association with missionary activity.
13. Distinguishing of spirits (1 Cor. 12:10)--The ability to clearly discern the spirit of truth and the spirit of error (cf. 1 John 4:6). With this gift, one can distinguish reality versus counterfeits, the divine versus the demonic, true versus false teaching, and in some cases, spiritual versus carnal motives.
14. Tongues (1 Cor. 12:10, 28, 30; 14:1-40)--The ability to receive and impart a spiritual message in a language the recipient never learned. For other members of the body to be edified, this message must be interpreted either by the recipient (1 Cor. 14:13) or by another person with the gift of interpretation (1 Cor. 14:26-28).
Because of the controversial nature of this gift, here are several observations:
a. Paul qualified the public use of this gift, stating that in a meeting of the church, two or atthe most three could speak in a tongue, it must be done in turn, and a person with the gift of interpretation must be present so that the body would be edified (1 Cor. 14:26-28).
b. There are a number of differences between the manifestation of tongues at Pentecost(Acts 2:1-13) and its use in Corinth (1 Cor. 14), and these differences suggest that the two are not identical (see J. Oswald Sanders, The Holy Spirit and His Gifts, p. 125).c. In his list of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:28, Paul spoke of kinds of tongues.
This, coupled with the statements in 1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, 14-15, 28 has led many todistinguish a private use of tongues, often called a prayer language (1 Cor. 14:14-15), from the public use of tongues which must be interpreted. Paul wrote that if there is no interpreter, he should be silent in the church. Let him speak to himself and to God (1 Cor. 14:28).
d. This gift is easily counterfeited and often abused. It can be a source of spiritual pride, excessive preoccupation, and divisiveness.
e. Contrary to some teaching, tongues are not the only sign of the filling of the Spirit, and not all believers are to manifest this gift (1 Cor. 12:17-19,30).
15. Interpretation of tongues (1 Cor. 12:10, 30; 14:5, 13, 26-28)--The ability to translate into the vernacular a message publicly uttered in a tongue. This gift may be combined with the gift of tongues (1 Cor. 14:13), or it can operate separately (1 Cor. 14:26-28).
16. Apostleship (1 Cor. 12:28,29; Eph. 4:11)--In the New Testament, the apostles were not limited to the Twelve, but included Paul, Barnabas, Andronicus, Junias, and others as well (Acts 14:14; Rom. 16:7; 1 Cor. 15:5,7; 1 Thess. 2:6). If the requirement for the office of apostle includes having seen the resurrected Jesus (Acts 1:22; 1 Cor. 9:1), this office ceased to exist by the second century. However, many believe that the gift of apostleship continues to be given. As a spiritual gift, this is the ability to begin and/or to oversee new churches and Christian ministries with a spontaneously recognized authority.
17. Helps (1 Cor. 12:28)--The ability to enhance the effectiveness of the ministry of other members of the body. This is the only usage of this word in the New Testament, and it appears to be distinct from the gift of service. Some suggest that while the gift of service is more group-oriented, the gift of helps is more person-oriented.
18. Administration (1 Cor. 12:28)--This word, like helps, appears only one time in the New Testament, and it is used outside of Scripture of a helmsman who steers a ship to its destination. This suggests that the spiritual gift of administration is the ability to steer a church or Christian organization toward the fulfillment of its goals by managing its affairs and implementing necessary plans. A person may have the gift of leadership without the gift of administration.
19. Evangelism (Eph. 4:11)--The ability to be an unusually effective instrument in leading unbelievers to a saving knowledge of Christ. Some with this gift are most effective in personal evangelism, while others may be used by God in group evangelism or cross-cultural evangelism.
20. Shepherd or pastor (Eph. 4:11)--Peter was commissioned by Christ to shepherd His sheep (John 21:16), and Peter exhorted the elders in the churches of Asia Minor to do the same (1 Pet. 5:2; cf. Acts 20:28). A person with this spiritual gift has the ability to personally lead, nourish, protect, and care for the needs of a flock of believers. Not all people with the office of pastor (elder, overseer) have or need the gift of pastoring or shepherding, and many with this gift do not have or need the office.
Along with our notations from Peter and here, there are other gifts to consider:
B. OTHER GIFTS
None of the lists in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4 is complete, and it is evident that there are other spiritual gifts apart from those listed above.
C. Peter Wagner in Your Spiritual Gifts suggests seven others: celibacy (the ability to enjoy being single and maintain sexual self-control; 1 Cor. 7:7-9); voluntary poverty (the ability to renounce material comfort and adopt a life-style of relative poverty; 1 Cor. 13:3); martyrdom (the ability to display an attitude of joy while suffering or even dying for the faith; 1 Cor. 13:3); hospitality (the ability to welcome and provide for those in need of food and lodging; Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9); missionary (the ability to minister effectively in a second culture); intercession (the ability to pray for a long period of time on a regular basis for the ministries and needs of others); and exorcism (the ability to discern and cast out demons with authority). Other spiritual gifts (e.g., music, craftsmanship) are also given to members of the body of Christ for mutual edification.
Now about the Offices keeping in mind that they should be based on the gifts of the person serving in them. Also bear in mind that any time we make a list it has to start somewhere and no office, no matter where it gets placed on this list, is more important than any other office.
Another point is that I can usually find studies and preaching on any topic related to what I am posting on and it would seem the offices God has designated for His Church would be a vital important topic much discussed and expanded on, but this is where it gets odd. I can find a lot of things on qualification for elders and used some of the best again to save me typing for hours, but they are few and far between and and I suppose this is because we all tend to see the church as the institution and the offices as institutional especially in America where we have church universities and seminaries and synods and diocese and all manner of human designed structures that we don't want to endanger by suggesting the requirement of being gifted in a "job". And I further suspect NOT requiring gifting in pastoring, in overseeing, in teaching, means a less powerful ministry and filling those "positions" with people with degrees instead of gifting can make
Also we have to avoid confusing gifts with roles. An example from YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS Can Help Your Church Grow by C, Peter Wagner:
"I once spoke about Spiritual gifts at a church and in my presentation mentioned that gifts are distributed in the Body of Christ much like assignments are distributed on a football team. I mentioned that offensive guards and tackles do not make touchdowns and get their names in the headlines, but without guards and tackles the team would lose because the running backs then could not make touchdowns either. After the meeting, a big man came up to me and told me he played offensive tackle in college. I asked him if he ever made a touchdown. He smiled a broad smile and said he had made one once. It was a freak play and he was one of the few tackles in the NCAA to ever make a touchdown. But when the ball popped loose he stopped blocking, grabbed it and started running. His "gift" in this analogy was blocking, but in running the ball for a touchdown he was exercising his role, jusr as a Christians should when an opportunity arises."
Apostle:
https://www.gotquestions.org/apostleship.html
Answer: An apostle (“one sent on a mission”) is one whom God has sent on an errand or with a message. An apostle is accountable to his Sender and carries the authority of his Sender. An apostleship is the office an apostle holds.
Jesus Christ Himself has an “apostleship.” He wears “Apostle” as one of His descriptive titles (Hebrews 3:1). He was sent to earth by the Heavenly Father with God’s authoritative message, which He faithfully delivered (John 17:1–5).
While Jesus was here on earth, He personally selected from His many followers twelve men and gave them an apostleship—special responsibility to receive and spread His message after He returned to heaven (John 17:6–20; Matthew 10:1–4; Mark 3:14–15; 6:40). These chosen and sent ones were His apostles. During the time Jesus was training them, He did not explain the criteria that He used to choose them.
One of the twelve was Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus to His enemies. In agony of conscience, Judas hanged himself (Matthew 27:5). Thus, when Jesus returned to heaven, He left behind only eleven apostles.
Some days later, the remaining apostles were in Jerusalem praying with Jesus’ mother, His brothers, and other believers. The group totaled about 120 (Acts 1:12–26). Simon Peter addressed the group and told them that Psalm 69:25 predicted Judas’ desertion and Psalm 109:8 predicted that the defector’s place among the apostles should be filled. The apostleship must fall to someone else.
Peter proposed choosing a new apostle and set the qualifications. Not everyone could be considered for an apostleship. Candidates needed to have been with Jesus during the whole three years that Jesus was among them. That is, he needed to be an eyewitness of Jesus’ baptism when the Heavenly Father validated Jesus’ person and work. He needed to have heard Jesus’ life-changing teachings and been present to see His healings and other miracles. He needed to have witnessed Jesus sacrifice Himself on the cross and to have seen Jesus walk, talk, and eat among the disciples again after His resurrection. These were the pivotal facts of Jesus’ life, the heart of the message they were to teach, and personal witnesses were required to verify the truth of the good news.
The prayer group in Jerusalem nominated two who met these qualifications for apostleship: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. Then the disciples asked God to guide them to know which one was to fill the post. Using a method of determining God’s will that was common at that time, they cast lots, thus giving God freedom to make His choice clear. The lot fell to Matthias, and he became the twelfth apostle.
On repeated occasions, the apostles gave witness of their personal observations of Jesus, making such statements as, “We are witnesses of everything Jesus did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen” (Acts 10:39–40).
Months later, Saul, one of the Pharisees, was trying to stamp out the new “cult” of Christianity by killing and jailing some of Jesus’ followers. While Saul was on one of his deadly errands to Damascus, the living Jesus personally appeared to him. This undeniable encounter with the resurrected Lord revolutionized Saul’s life. In a vision to another believer in Damascus, Jesus said that He had chosen Saul “as My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15; cf. 22:14–15). Following his conversion, Paul spent some time in Arabia, where he was taught by Christ (Galatians 1:12–17). The other apostles recognized that Jesus Himself had appointed their former enemy to be one of them. As Saul went into Gentile territories, he changed his name to the Greek “Paul,” and Jesus, who gave Paul his apostleship, sent many messages through him to His churches and to unbelievers. It was this apostle, Paul, who wrote over half of the books of the New Testament.
In two of his Epistles, Paul identifies the office of apostle as the first that Jesus appointed to serve His churches (1 Corinthians 12:27–30; Ephesians 4:11). Clearly, the work of apostleship was to lay the foundation of the Church in a sense secondary only to that of Christ Himself (Ephesians 2:19–20), thus requiring eyewitness authority behind their preaching. After the apostles laid the foundation, the Church could be built.
While Paul never claimed to be included among the original twelve, believers have recognized that Jesus appointed him as His special apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 9:1; Acts 26:16–18). There are others in the early church referred to as “apostles” (Acts 14:4, 14; Romans 16:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:6), but only in the sense that they were appointed, authorized, and sent by churches on special errands. These individuals bore the title “apostle” in a limited sense and did not possess all the qualifications of apostleship that the original twelve and Paul did.
No biblical evidence exists to indicate that these thirteen apostles were replaced when they died. See Acts 12:1–2, for example. Jesus appointed the apostles to do the founding work of the Church, and foundations only need to be laid once. After the apostles’ deaths, other offices besides apostleship, not requiring an eyewitness relationship with Jesus, would carry on the work.
I hear people proclaim themselves apostles in some "movements" and I can't find it in myself to stop laughing at them. The ones I have heard make the proclamation are from churches where the misuse of gifts is practiced. They make the claim because they are founding churches and bless them for doing that and preaching Jesus when they do. But I just think those people have ego problems. Chuck Smith who literally founded a new denomination never made that claim, nor did Martin Luther nor the Wesley brothers. The Papacy makes that claim but for centuries Popes have failed that claim.
Prophet:
https://proof.directory/a-certain-televangelist-claims-to-be-a-prophet-is-there-special-qualification-for-such-a-claim/
A prophet, according to the Scriptures, is someone who is used by God to communicate His message to the world. He was also called a “seer” because he could see dreams and visions from God (1 Samuel 9:9). The Bible qualifications for a true prophet are:
A. He is called to service by God “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5-10; Amos 7:14, 15; Isaiah 6:1-10).
B. He has to live a godly life “…A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:15-20).
C. He would speak and write in harmony with what the Bible teaches “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:19, 20).
D. He will predict events that will come to pass “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him” (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
E. He will have visions or dreams that will help guide God’s people in the right path “And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream” (Numbers 12:6).
Note: the modern office of prophet seems more in line with someone who interprets the already given word of God in a Spiritually enlightened way, one which was not seen before, one which correctly understands and interprets Scripture for others.
The gift of foreseeing the future or supernaturally guiding others may or may not have died with the Apostles as some claim. No matter. If someone gives you a personal prediction don't listen to them for one minute unless you can test it out. Be certain they have a record of accuracy and Godly living.
Elders/Bishops/Shepherd:
Who were the overseers and deacons? The term translated overseer in the NIV was first used outside the church to refer to supervisors of various sorts. As a description of one level of church leadership, it appears in Acts 20:28 and, again alongside "deacons," in Philippians 1:1. To judge from the account of Paul's farewell meeting with the elders (presbyters; compare 1 Tim 5:17) of Ephesus (Acts 20:17-38) and the instructions in Titus 1:6-7, the terms "overseer" and "elder" referred to the same office. Moreover, church leaders alluded to in Romans 12:8 ("leadership," "govern") and 1 Corinthians 12:28 ("those with gifts of administration") as well as in Ephesians 4:11, "pastors and teachers," would probably hold this office. Among the duties assigned to this office (though perhaps not exclusively) were preaching and teaching and generally leading or managing the church.
The office of deacons (which may have included women; see below on 3:11) probably emerged as the church grew in size and the demands on the leadership required that certain functions be delegated. The table-waiting deacons of Acts 6:1-6 may have been prototypical of the office referred to here and in Philippians 1:1. Teaching and ruling are not specifically mentioned in connection with deacons; they were apparently subordinate to the overseers and generally charged with seeing to the fellowship's practical needs. Nevertheless, some deacons would have been active in preaching the gospel (Stephen and Philip show how widely the preaching ministry extended).Overseers: A Reputation Above Reproach (3:1-7)
The second of Paul's "trustworthy sayings" (see 1:15) promotes the office of the overseer as a noble task. Perhaps the problems in Ephesus had led some to regard the offices with suspicion and disrespect. If so, a reminder of the honor and importance traditionally attached to the position might restore some of that respect and instill confidence in carefully chosen leaders. But as the following guidelines imply, the viability of the office is closely linked to the one seeking to hold it. For us today, whose too-full schedules lead us rather to disregard offices in the church, the same reminder could well be taken as an exhortation to availability.
The code that follows in verses 2-7 gives guidelines for measuring a candidate's reputation, which must be above reproach. This requirement, one word in the original Greek, is the only one in the code that requires further definition. The items that follow give an idea of the directions that "irreproachability" should move in. Generally, the focus is on observable conduct. Most of the items of behavior that follow require little explanation. The reference to the overseer's marriage, however, is an exception.
Although we might cringe at the thought, most of us would probably admit that one's marriage sheds a good deal of light on one's character. Paul apparently held similar feelings. But the meaning of the condition that the overseer be the husband of but one wife (literally, a "one-woman man") continues to provoke discussion, and some of the interpretations bear a closer look.
1. The qualification prohibits polygamists from holding this office. However, this is not likely to have been Paul's intention. Monogamy was by far the norm of that day. Polygamy was generally regarded as abhorrent and did not need to be mentioned in such a list.
2. The qualification excludes those who have remarried after the death of a spouse. This is an equally unlikely suggestion. Remaining single, particularly in the case of widows, was often commended, but Paul seems to have allowed and even to have encouraged the remarriage of the surviving partner (1 Cor 7:39-40; 1 Tim 5:14).
3. The qualification specifically rules out those who have remarried after divorce. But even granting a fairly strong stand in the New Testament on the issue of divorce, exceptions to the rule prohibiting remarriage were made in the case of adultery (Mt 5:32; 19:9) and perhaps in the case of desertion by the unbelieving mate (1 Cor 7:15). Furthermore, there is nothing to exclude from consideration those who fall into this "exceptional" category (apart from this uncertain phrase, for which in any case there is no first-century evidence of its use in connection with divorce).
4. The qualification is a requirement of faithfulness in marriage. Given the context, this interpretation seems more plausible. Actually, the tone of the phrase is positive rather than prohibitive, which suggests a nuance of meaning different from the first three positions. The flow of thought in the list moves from personal to church life, from domestic to official functions. Implicit in this movement is an important axiom: what one does or is in one's private life has consequences for the church. It follows that within Paul's holistic outlook, which brings together personal and domestic qualities, it is far more likely that he would stress fidelity in marriage. So the point of the phrase is probably not how often one can be married, nor precisely what constitutes a legitimate marriage (that the marriage of the candidate is legitimate is assumed), but rather how one conducts oneself in one's marriage.
Without a break in the sentence, Paul inserts several personal qualities to amplify the meaning of above reproach. The candidate must be temperate, or better "sober," which taken figuratively, as probably intended here (in view of the prohibition of drunkenness in v. 3), means to be clear-headed or vigilant. Vigilance is the opposite of drunkenness or fuzzy thinking, which in this context has the life of faith in view. Christians are to guard against spiritual laziness and avoid habits that lull one to sleep (things and activities that draw us away from God).
Self-controlled, next on the list, is a quality Paul refers to frequently in the Pastorals as a basic element of the observable Christian life (2:9, 15; 2 Tim 1:7; Tit 2:2, 4, 5, 6). As a fundamental aspect of the new existence in Christ (Tit 2:12), it is the ability to take charge of the mind, and Christians have this possibility opened to them. This allows control over impulses (to overindulge the physical appetites, to think wrong thoughts about others and ourselves) which without control would drive us to excessive behavior.
Respectable refers to observable behavior that corresponds to inner self-control. It is behavior of all kinds (2:9) marked by self-discipline, order and balance. Paul's use of this traditional quality, especially in connection with self-control, sets before us the possibility and challenge of developing a life in which inner motivation and outer action achieve a harmonious balance. The ancients viewed inner control as the strength of life and outer balance as the beauty of life.
But Paul was not simply lauding traditional values that, some two thousand years later, are of no use to us. On the one hand, vigilance, self-control, respectability, and the balance of inner and outer life that Paul envisions are realities available to us in the Spirit. They are also necessities. Without vigilance (spiritual awareness and discernment) we will not exercise self-control. Without self-control we will indulge ourselves freely according to the advice of the world around us instead of setting the limits that produce godly balance.
Hospitality was a virtue also widely heralded in Greco-Roman culture. Within the church, however, the practice of hospitality was imperative. Some Christians had been forced out of their homelands by persecution or found it increasingly difficult to make a living. And this was always a prospect for Christians in the Roman Empire. The practical and sacrificial sharing of one's home and minimal resources might mean survival for someone. The New Testament enjoins all believers to practice hospitality (Rom 12:13; 1 Pet 4:9), but the Pastorals mention it only in connection with those who would serve (5:10; Tit 1:8), who are then to be examples.
Pastor:
http://www.acts29.com/biblical-qualifications-of-a-pastor/
Above Reproach
(, ; )
This is the overarching, summarizing characteristic. You will find similar (but not identical) lists in First Timothy and Titus. Living a life above reproach is the first requirement in both lists and Titus repeats it. The other items on the list explain what “above reproach” means. If we peruse the two lists, as well as First Peter, we find 17 qualifications of an elder and pastor who is above reproach.
- A pastor must be devoted to his wife; one-woman man (; ). The pastor’s marriage illustrates Christ’s love for His church—His bride ( ff.). A Pastor must love his wife exclusively with his mind, will and emotions and not just his body.
- A pastor’s children must be in submission, though not perfect (; ). If a man does not know how to manage his own family, he will not know how to take care of God’s church. The first flock for a pastor is his own family as Pastor Dad. A Pastor’s qualification for the church starts in his home management as he leads them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord ().
- A pastor is a faithful steward (). Here the term used is overseer (Greek episkopos). It is not another office, but a functional title of the elder. It is what he does. He is a steward, a manager of God’s resources and Jesus’ flock. He takes responsibility, but not ownership.
- A pastor must be humble — not arrogant (). A pastor must constantly demonstrate the gospel by admitting when he is wrong and assuming responsibility and restoring relationships.
- A pastor must be gentle — not quick-tempered (; ). No man will be of any use in the kingdom that is quick-tempered. The difference between how Jesus demonstrated anger is that He was angry at the abuse of others in the name of religion and the dishonoring of God. We get angry at how it affects us.
- A pastor must be sober — not a drunkard (; ). This is not just overindulgence in alcohol but is idiomatic for any behavior that fuels addictive responses.
- A pastor must be peaceful — not violent (; ). A pastor is prone to inflict violence through his words. He is to be a peacemaker.
- A pastor must have financial integrity — not greedy for gain (; ; ). A pastor is to be upright in his financial dealings and not accused of pursuing money over the kingdom of God.
- A pastor must be hospitable (; ). A pastor’s home is to be open for others to enjoy. A pastor’s home is not a heaven on earth, but rather a place of ministry.
- A pastor must be a lover of good (). A pastor genuinely loves what is good. He does not just think he should love it.
- A pastor must be self-controlled (; ). Self-control is a characterization of every area of a pastor’s life: diet, time, mouth, exercise, relationships, sex, and money.
- A pastor must be upright (). He has integrity in his relationships and in how he treats others.
- A pastor must be holy (). His life is devoted wholeheartedly to Jesus externally and internally.
- A pastor must be able to teach (; ). All of the other qualifications are character qualities. This is the only ability-based requirement. He is to be able to teach sound doctrine, not just be able to communicate in an excellent manner. His teaching can be to one or two, to twenty, to a hundred or to a thousand. Most of the churches in Crete were house churches. The elders were to defend the faith once delivered to the saints against the numerous false teachers that arose.
- A pastor must be spiritually mature (). Positions of authority without spiritual maturity lead to the trap of pride. When pride grows in a man, sin abounds.
- A pastor must be respectable (). That does not mean that everyone must like him or even appreciate him. It means that there is no credible witness to an ongoing sinful behavior.
- A pastor must be an example to the flock (). Elders are examples of biblical expressions sexually, time management, marriage, parenting, worship, relationships and any other way. A pastor should be someone your sons could pattern their life after and the kind of man your daughter should marry.
Conclusion
What would you do if an elder violates one of these requirements? warns us not to accuse an elder flippantly. gives us the steps: 1) Go to the elder alone, 2) If still unsatisfied, go with another person, 3) If still unsatisfied, let the greater eldership know. If accusations are verified and the elder remains unrepentant, rebuking that elder before all is the next biblical step.
Teacher:
Able to teach relates more directly to the ministry connected with the office of overseer. In the present context of heresy, this qualification would necessarily include teaching and preaching (5:17; 2 Tim 2:1) and refuting the heresy (2 Tim 2:24; Tit 1:9). In view of the apparent division of labor among the elders alluded to in 5:17, perhaps this qualification is typical and the ability to teach need not be equally in evidence in each candidate (compare Rom 12:6-8).
Evangelist:
http://www.reformedspokane.org/Doctrine_pages/The%20doctrine%20of%20the%20church/The%20Offices%20in%20the%20Church/Temporary_Offices_Spiritual_Gifts.html
The office of Evangelist
There is one other temporary office that needs to be mentioned, as those holding it also partook in some measure of the special gifts of the Spirit. In Eph. 4 the Apostle Paul also mentions the office or function of evangelist, which is not mentioned in I Cor. 12. What this function or office was is not difficult to determine. The word itself means to gospelize. Timothy is told to do the "word of an evangelist." Philip is also called an evangelist. The evangelists were co-laborers with the apostles. Peter, John , Paul and the others could not be everywhere at once. The apostles had with them co-laborers who assisted them in the work, particularly of missions. This work was not independent from that of the apostles. Philip, for example, preached to the Samaritans. When a group was formed, Peter and John were sent to that work, Acts 8:12-17. In like manner Titus is left in Crete by the Apostle Paul to finish the work there, Titus 1:5, and set things in order. In the same way. Paul remains in Athens while Silas and Timothy remain in Macedonia to finish the work there, Acts 17:14, 15.
Insofar as there was a distinct office of evangelist. as is suggested by Eph. 4:11, it was that of a co-worker/assistant to the apostles in their missionary labors. What the office emphatically was not was that of someone who went to those who were already Christians, or where the gospel had been preached with a view to stirring them up by some kind of religious pep rally. It was always in connection with mission work where the gospel had never gone before and always in connection with forming and establishing churches. Titus was to ordain elders in Crete. The distinction is somewhat between that of a groundbreaker, Paul, and one who finishes and lays the foundation upon that plowed ground. It is for this reason that Paul, while he labored extensively in Corinth, says that he did not baptize many there and was not sent to baptize, I Cor. 1:13-17. The work of teaching and baptism, following it, was evidently conducted by his co-laborers, since we know that a large church was formed in Corinth and that Paul labored there for an extended period of time.
Again, while the distinct character of this function as a co-worker with the apostles has ceased, the principle of it abides in the present office of the ministry of the Word, which is not only that of pastor and teacher but also that of an evangelist. Timothy, manifestly, as Paul's life was drawing to a close, was laboring as the pastor of the church in Ephesus ( see II Tim.). It is particularly the function of missionaries sent by Christ through the church to do the work of an evangelist, though every preacher is engaged in gospelizing those who hear. Moreover, none of these men simply roamed around at will. They certainly were not unsupervised. They were under the apostles' direct supervision and instruction as to their work. Hence we have an epistle like Titus. Their work was always among the unchurched, where the gospel had not yet gone. The purpose of it was always to establish in good scriptural order, churches. They were not laymen, but ordained office bearers, called to that labor as was Barnabas, Acts 13:2, and Timothy, I Tim 4:14.
Insofar as there was a distinct office of evangelist. as is suggested by Eph. 4:11, it was that of a co-worker/assistant to the apostles in their missionary labors. What the office emphatically was not was that of someone who went to those who were already Christians, or where the gospel had been preached with a view to stirring them up by some kind of religious pep rally. It was always in connection with mission work where the gospel had never gone before and always in connection with forming and establishing churches. Titus was to ordain elders in Crete. The distinction is somewhat between that of a groundbreaker, Paul, and one who finishes and lays the foundation upon that plowed ground. It is for this reason that Paul, while he labored extensively in Corinth, says that he did not baptize many there and was not sent to baptize, I Cor. 1:13-17. The work of teaching and baptism, following it, was evidently conducted by his co-laborers, since we know that a large church was formed in Corinth and that Paul labored there for an extended period of time.
Again, while the distinct character of this function as a co-worker with the apostles has ceased, the principle of it abides in the present office of the ministry of the Word, which is not only that of pastor and teacher but also that of an evangelist. Timothy, manifestly, as Paul's life was drawing to a close, was laboring as the pastor of the church in Ephesus ( see II Tim.). It is particularly the function of missionaries sent by Christ through the church to do the work of an evangelist, though every preacher is engaged in gospelizing those who hear. Moreover, none of these men simply roamed around at will. They certainly were not unsupervised. They were under the apostles' direct supervision and instruction as to their work. Hence we have an epistle like Titus. Their work was always among the unchurched, where the gospel had not yet gone. The purpose of it was always to establish in good scriptural order, churches. They were not laymen, but ordained office bearers, called to that labor as was Barnabas, Acts 13:2, and Timothy, I Tim 4:14.
The writer of that passage sees evangelist as an office that was temporary, which I disagree with, but the rest is accurate. the writer is concerned about untrained evangelists roaming the country getting people saved and doing nothing other than that, not leading them to churches and certainly not appearing on TV and asking for money.
I was saved at a Billy Graham Crusade so I'm prejudiced. I fully believe the Spirit acts in individuals specially called to evangelize. I believe there are those who are as much frauds in tent revivals and Christian networks, Elmer Gantry wannabes who belly up to God's salad bar and load up their plates and every Christian needs to apply the rules for elders and pastors as well.
Missionary:
Oddly, those who gladly fund missionaries overseas are those who like to deny the office of evangelist here in the USA. I guess their idea of a qualification is one risking body and limb for little or no money and needing to learn a foreign language and get a battery o shots and a passport.
http://www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-10-missionary-qualifications/
(Scripture Portion: Acts 13: 1-14)
In the opening verses of this section of scripture we have the record of the calling and sending out of two missionaries, Barnabas and Saul. The church at Antioch was the cradle of Christian missionary enterprise. The question to ask is this: What were the qualifications possessed by these two missionaries? And in speaking of them as missionaries, let’’s remember that it is the plan and purpose of God that every Christian should be a missionary. We outline here the qualifications needed for any servant of the Lord who is called to any specific work, whether at home or overseas. What are these qualifications?
1. A missionary must be in the Church (verse 1)
Notice the significance of the words “”in the church””, because a missionary must first be a Christian. This is the first qualification for Christian service. Barnabas and Saul were not only in the local church at Antioch, but they were in the Church (Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:13). The Holy Spirit had brought them out of the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of His Son (Colossians 1:13). No-one can bring others to the Lord who does not know the Lord himself.
2. A missionary must prove that he has some gift (verse 1)
We read here about prophets and teachers; that is to say, those who preached and those who taught. Surely this emphasises the fact that those whom God calls to His service must have some gift. In the Antioch assembly there were five men and they all had a specific gift. Every Christian is called to be a missionary, but only when that Christian manifests some special gift is he called to specific missionary service. Generally speaking, the Holy Spirit does not call and commission dull, slow men who give little evidence of possessing any gift. Usually, it is advisable and beneficial to undertake a period of special training before entering upon special ministry or missionary service.
3. A missionary must be an utterly dedicated man or woman (verse 2)
Notice three important things about the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch: (1) “”they ministered to the Lord””; (2) they “”fasted””; and (3) they were ready to be separated –- available for the Holy Spirit to use. The fact that they ministered to the Lord shows us that they were deeply devoted people. The fact that they fasted tells us that they were willing to sacrifice time, pleasure and necessities so that they might seek God’’s face and do His will. The fact that the Holy Spirit said, “”Set apart for me…”…” tells us that He was able to select them and set them aside for the special task He had in mind. Today God requires men and women who are fully surrendered and available for the Holy Spirit to use.
4. A missionary must receive a definite call to service (verse 2)
How definite the call was –- even their names were mentioned! It was to engage “in “the work to which I have called them””. How else would they have known where to go? It is a presumption for anyone to go out without God’’s specific call. Please note the following:
1. The need is not the call. The need is great but does not constitute a call.
2. The ability is not the call. God wants men and women with ability, because He is worthy of the very best, but the ability is not the call.
3. The desire is not the call. Many desire to serve the Lord, but it’s not enough.
4. The willingness is not the call. We should all be willing to do anything, go anywhere for God, but willingness is not the call.
The Holy Spirit’s call is clear and unmistakable, though sometimes inexplicable!
5. A missionary must be willing to work with others (verse 4)
Notice the words “”the two of them……went…”…” This refers to Barnabas and Saul, very different men but called to work together. In missionary service one of the first requirements is that we are willing and able to work with others. The biggest test is not relating to our health, the language, or the resources: it has to do with human relationships. Could Saul work harmoniously with Barnabas, and vice versa? Would they be willing to give-and-take?
6. A missionary must be in fellowship with the local church (verse 3)
We read that it was the local church who sent them on their journey and that they identified themselves with the missionaries. In effect they said, ‘‘You go out as one of us, as our representatives, and as you go we go with you!’’ Now there are many good freelance workers whom God has called, but generally speaking those He calls should be in fellowship with a local church.
7. A missionary must be a Spirit-controlled man (verse 4)
Not only did the Antioch Christians send them out and identify themselves by the laying on of hands, but they were sent out by the Holy Spirit, who was now the Administrator in this missionary enterprise, and because of this four things resulted from their obedience:
1. They could discern God’’s will about their place of service (verses 4-6): “”Seleucia……Cyprus……Salamis……Paphos”…”
2. They were empowered to preach the gospel (verse 5) – – “They proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues”” –- so that is why they were sent.
3. They knew victory over the powers of darkness. See verses 6-12.
4. They were able to overcome discouragement. All missionaries meet this. Barnabas and Saul were deserted by Mark, but they pressed on –- read verses 13 and 14.
Now let's get institutional and follow these applications for the modern church design.
Suggested Categories for Gift Mobilization
This list is by no means definitive, nor dogmatic; it is just a guide to point you in the right direction. The Gifts for the job may vary due to experience and education.
1. Teaching and Discipleship roles: The main gifts needed for Sunday School Teachers, Bible Study Leaders, and Small Group Leaders are teaching and/or knowledge.
a. Sunday School Superintendent: teaching, administration, leadership
b. Small Group Leaders: hospitality and/or pastor, teacher
c. Children's Sunday School Teachers can have a wider range of Gifts, when they have a love for children, and patience.
2. Evangelism: the main Gifts needed are those of evangelist, missions, and exhortation. (The Gift of evangelist usually appears in combinations with other Gifts) Here are sub-teams that can go under the main team of Evangelism, that other Gifts can participate in also:
a. Visitation: mercy and administration
b. Shut ins: pastor, mercy/helps
c. Personal witnessing/ door to door: everyone should try this often, but the main gift is that of evangelist.
d. Outreach: mercy, service, hospitality, helps
e. Team leaders can have the gifts of leadership and/or administration
3. Elders: Leadership, pastor, exhortation, administration; and also wisdom and faith. If there is to be an elder from each ministry team, the representative should have these Gifts, too.
4. Deacons: helps, service, mercy
5. Missions: evangelist, missions, wisdom, service.
6. Prayer: intercession, everyone.
7. Youth and children's Ministry: teacher, exhortation, pastor, hospitality, leadership.
8. Counselor: counseling, exhortation, wisdom, intercession.
9. Committee leader: administration, leadership, and gifting in the area of the committee.
10. Treasurer / Finance: administration, wisdom, learned knowledge in finance.
11. Usher: hospitality and service.
12. Nursery Worker: service, mercy, helps.
13. Church Secretary: helps, administration.
For effective teamwork, these traits are necessary. They are not necessarily Spiritual Gifts, but they can be learned, and developed. Character and empowerment from the Fruit of the Spirit is essential. Also, honesty, the enjoyment of working with people, knowledge, and the skills necessary in the area of service--or the willingness to learn them--will be a key. Remember, people learn best when they can see a proper model, not just told how. In other words, how you live is as important, if not more important, than what you say!
Remember, this is merely a guide. People with other Gifts can serve in positions temporarily out of their Gift range, or perhaps to develop and strengthen a weaker Gift that may not register on a Gifts inventory. For example, almost any Gift can usher, but usually the person with the Gift of Hospitality will enjoy it and do it better. Anyone can research and prepare a sermon, but the person with the Gift of Teaching will enjoy it and be able to do it better.
http://www.discipleshiptools.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=37246&columnid=4216
VI. Discovering Your Spiritual Gift(s)
A. THREE PREREQUISITES
As you seek to discover your spiritual gift or gifts, ask yourself these questions:
1. Have I received Christ as my Savior? Unlike natural talents, spiritual gifts are bestowed only on
believers.
2. Am I walking in fellowship with the Lord? To be effective, spiritual gifts must be manifested in the
context of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This fruit is impeded by unconfessed sin and a failure to abide
in Christ (John 15:4).
3. Do I really want to develop my gift(s)? A prerequisite to knowing your gifts is a willingness to go
through the effort to be involved in discovering and developing them.
B. SIX STEPS
1. Asking. Begin to ask God to show you your gifts (cf. Phil. 4:6-7; Jas. 1:5). God wants you to
discover and implement the gifts He has given you, and this is a request you can make with
confidence and expectation.
2. Awareness.
a. Expose yourself to the Biblical teaching on spiritual gifts by studying Romans 12, 1 Corinthians
12-14, and Ephesians 4.
(I include Romans 12 for you to read here, Ephesians 4 has already been printed. Also 1 Corinthians 13 the post before that. :
Romans 12:1 For this reason I make request to you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you will give your bodies as a living offering, holy, pleasing to God, which is the worship it is right for you to give him.
2 And let not your behavior be like that of this world, but be changed and made new in mind, so that by experience you may have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God.
3 But I say to every one of you, through the grace given to me, not to have an over-high opinion of himself, but to have wise thoughts, as God has given to every one a measure of faith.
4 For, as we have a number of parts in one body, but all the parts have not the same use,
5 So we, though we are a number of persons, are one body in Christ, and are dependent on one another;
6 And having different qualities by reason of the grace given to us, such as the quality of a prophet, let it be made use of in relation to the measure of our faith;
7 Or the position of a Deacon of the church, let a man give himself to it; or he who has the power of teaching, let him make use of it;
8 He who has the power of comforting, let him do so; he who gives, let him give freely; he who has the power of ruling, let him do it with a serious mind; he who has mercy on others, let it be with joy.
9 Let love be without deceit. Be haters of what is evil; keep your minds fixed on what is good.
10 Be kind to one another with a brother's love, putting others before yourselves in honour;
11 Be not slow in your work, but be quick in spirit, as the Lord's servants;
12 Being glad in hope, quiet in trouble, at all times given to prayer,
13 Giving to the needs of the saints, ready to take people into your houses.
14 Give blessing and not curses to those who are cruel to you.
15 Take part in the joy of those who are glad, and in the grief of those who are sorrowing.
16 Be in harmony with one another. Do not have a high opinion of yourselves, but be in agreement with common people. Do not give yourselves an air of wisdom.
17 Do not give evil for evil to any man. Let all your business be well ordered in the eyes of all men.
18 As far as it is possible for you be at peace with all men.
19 Do not give punishment for wrongs done to you, dear brothers, but give way to the wrath of God; for it is said in the holy Writings, Punishment is mine, I will give reward, says the Lord.
20 But if one who has hate for you is in need of food or of drink, give it to him, for in so doing you will put coals of fire on his head.
21 Do not let evil overcome you, but overcome evil by good.
(BBE)
Study this a while. We will return here and to the other passages next time.
b. Expose yourself to one or more of the helpful books on spiritual gifts.
Jesus Continued by J. D. Greear
Flying Closer to the Flame by Charles R. Swindoll
Living Water by Chuck Smith
c. Expose yourself to other Christians who clearly know and use their spiritual gifts. Ask them about
their gifts and how they discovered them.
3. Aspiration. God is committed to your joy, not your misery. Then you will take delight in the Lord,
and he will answer your prayers (Ps. 37:4). As you pray and learn about the various gifts, ask
yourself what you would most want to do. For it is God who is at work in you both to will and to
work for His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). Your feelings should not be the only test, but they may
indicate the direction for you to take. For example, Paul told Timothy, If someone aspires to the
office of overseer, he desires a good work (1 Tim. 3:1).
4. Activity. Just as we discover our natural talents by trying our hand at numerous things, in the same
way we can discover our spiritual gifts by experimenting with several of the available gifts. If we
don't try, we will never know. This requires availability and a willingness to learn our weaknesses
as well as strengths.
5. Ability. Activity eventually points to ability. Don't be premature in your personal evaluation,
because ability increases with practice. Be sensitive to areas of improvement. Look for opportunities
within the community of believers of which you are a part, and seek the evaluation of mature
Christians who are familiar with your activities. Because of the danger of self-deception, spiritual
gifts are best recognized by other members of the body.
6. Affirmation. The final affirmation of a spiritual gift is the blessing that should result from its
exercise. As you use your gift or gift-combination in the power of the Spirit, God will confirm and
establish you in your ministry, and there will continue to be positive feedback from those to whom
you minister. It has been said that desire may indicate it, ability will confirm it, and blessing will
accompany it.
All that and all the study and still, still, there remains something more to say about this about the use of the gifts and about our worst enemies: ourselves.
