7 But to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ…10 that he might fill/control all things.1:23; 2:19

Truth is not determined by: by belief, sincerity, nor experience, but is that which best explains ALL the facts, found at the convergence of Revelation (supernaturally authenticated), Reason (logically consistent) and Reality (what consistently works across time and culture)

G - Gifts are grace given differentially (Rm 12:4; 1Cor 12:4,11,19,30) by God's allotment to NT believers at time of conversion (Eph 1:13; 1Cor 12:13)

                Grace = the coin of the realm of heaven (power to do business in the spiritual realm...bestowal of the Holy Spirit)

                Not an pre-conversion ability, nor something to be discovered or developed, nor spirit domination

Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, if prophecy, according to the measure of faith

I - Intent= exert Christ's control over the Church by emancipating believers from self-centeredness and empowering them to serve the Body

Rom 8:13…by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body…1Pt 1:22 purified souls by obeying the truth thru the Spirit to love Jn 8:32

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering/patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23  gentleness, self-control…

1Cor 12:7 the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man for profit of all 13 baptized into one Body. 14:26…When you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. Rm 8:9

F - Function: diversityÞunity Eph 4:16…effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love

                                                                                                                                                                                 Cx Pagan Worship vs Response to Revelation

1) Knowing Christ's will for His Body: apostles, prophets, word of wisdom/knowledge, discerning of spirits Heb 5:14  (tie into HQ apostolic doctrinal purity)

Eph 4:11-12 {gifted men}…or the equipping/perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ

13 until we all arrive at the unity of the faith… to a complete/mature man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ 14 that no longer be children …carried about with every wind of doctrine…15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ

2) Authenticating His spokesmen: miracles, healing (Js 5:16), tongues/interpretation, faith  (judge Israel in that God was with a  new group)

2Cor 12:9-12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, wonders, mighty deeds. (f 1Pe 1:5 Heb 11:6)

Power/Miracles Heb 2:4 God bearing witness, both with signs & wonders, and with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Cf Eph 2:20

1Cor 14:22… tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.

3) Applying His will: teaching (1Tim 4:1; 5:17; 2Tim 2:2;3:16); (pastoring/shepherding 1x=Eph 4:11; 1Pt 5; Acts 20:28); ruling (1Tim 3:5);  exhortation, giving (Eph 4:28), serving/ministering (2Cor 9:12; Rev 2:19), showing mercy (Mt 5:7; Jude 1:22), helps (1x)

Teaching Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need of one to teach you again Jas 3:1; 1Ti 5:17

Exhortation 1Th 5:11…exhort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (1Th 4:18; 5:14; Heb 3:13; 10:25; Titus 1:9)

Tongues 1Cor 14:17  you give thanks well, but the other is not edified. 19 in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than 10,000 words in a tongue. 20  Brethren, do not be children…but in understanding be mature. 23  Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24  But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25  And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

1Cor 14:26…Let all things be done for edification. 27  If anyone speaks in a tongue, two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28  But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.

T - Temporary for the stabilization of the infant church, (unity/complete/measure of control  Eph 4:13-16) supplanted by reproductive maturity.

                Ministry of the gifted men taken over by the maturing body (Eph 4:11-16) (see elder requirements 1Tim 3; Titus 1 no gifts needed )

1Cor 13:8  Love never fails. But whether prophecies, they will fail; whether tongues, they will cease; whether knowledge, it will vanish away. 10  But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.11  When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

S - Stewardship (Accountability) Required

1Pt 4:10 As every man has received a gift, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Mt 12:36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. Rm 14:12,16

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. What kinds of things build up the body? What has built you up personally? How do you seek to build up others?

2. What causes people to move from being self-centered, temporally focused  worldlings to Christlike other-centered servants who love?

3. What is it that causes a believer to experience sustained victory over temporal desires? How does someone change filters/values?

4. If faithfulness is using the Master’s resources for the Master’s purpose and benefit, what is that purpose and how does He benefit?

5. How can you use the grace and abilities God’s given to you to build up the Body this month? Who will profit from your “ministry”?