10 As each one has received a grace/gift, serve/minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies,
that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
I. “Gifts” are Stewardships of Grace charis{ma} (for which we must give an account)
A. Gifts are Grace given by God's allotment to NT believers at time of conversion
Rm 12:6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly:
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 acquired, nor discovered nor developed. Eph 1:13 believed?sealed w/ HS
B. Intent of grace-gifts = exert Christ's control over the Church by empowering believers to serve the Body
1Cor 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man for profit of all. 3:12:70:500:120:3000
C. Function
1) Knowing Christ's will for His Body: apostles, prophets (Eph 2:20) , word of wisdom/knowledge, discering of spirits
2) Confirming/Authenticating His spokesmen: miracles, healing, tongues/interpretation, faith
3) Applying/Enforcing His will: teaching (pastoring/shepherding), exhortation, ruling/guiding/steering, giving, serving/ministering, showing mercy in meeting needs, helps [All believers have these responsibilities to each other.]
Gal 5:13 you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another
D. Temporary for stabilization of infant church, supplanted by maturity. Ministry of the gifted men taken over by the body (Eph 4:11-16)
11 He gave some to be apostles...12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ,
13 UNTIL we all come to (arrive at destination) the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God [A&P] , to a mature-complete man [E-Jew and Gentile], to a measure (part of the whole) of the stature/standard of the fullness (full control) of Christ [P-T]
14 THAT (purpose of maturity) we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro...every wind of doctrine, trickery... craftiness deceit...
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into headship of Christ 16 from whom the whole body...together by what every joint supplies, acc to the effective working...every part does its share, causes growth of the Body for the edifying of itself in love.
II. Stewardship: Grace/Gifts must be used in the Service of others in accordance with God's Purposes
1Cor 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, (Eph 2:20) and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
1Cor 4:1 servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
Lk 12:42 Who then is that faithful and wise steward...43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
Heb 6:10 God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name...ministered to the saints...
A. Dependence on God and Interdependence with each other contributes to God-glorifying unity
1Cor 4:7 who makes you differ from another? what do you have that you did not receive? 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit
2Pt 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever.
B. We serve grace by speaking what God would speak to each other (because we don't know or want to hear what God says)
2Cor 6:1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. Eph 4:15 above
Eph 4:29 no unuseful word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may minister grace to the hearers
C. We serve with grace by drawing on God strength to fully and faithfully accomplish God's purposes and plan. 2Cor 9:8 God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work
III. Grace/Gifts must glorify God:being seen thru edifying Truth and grace that change lives, resulting in Praise to God
2Cor 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Cor 3:2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered/served by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.
Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:- If we're made and equipped to glorify God, why do we tend to spend time glorifying ourselves (looking good in eyes of others)?
- How do charismatic gifts differ from natural or latent abilities? Why do you think there's an emphasis on gifts in some circles?
- Why do some think that if they “do their grace/gift thing” they are exempt from obeying other commands in relating to the Body?
- How has someone loved you by serving you grace with grace? If someone doesn't respond well have you done your job with grace?
- What has God given you to use for the benefit of the Body? How will you benefit others with the grace God has given you?
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