Jesus foretells His Death

The Great Commission

Part 12 – Jesus Foretells His death

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

House of Faith – www.PS127.org | www.TruthDigest.org

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WHERE WE ARE AT

† Peter confesses Jesus is God

† Jesus foretells His death

INTRODUCTION

At this point in time in Jesus’ Ministry, we see a shift in His teaching.

He goes from teaching crowds in Parables, to concentrating on preparing the Disciples for His coming death.

He will only spend approximately 3 ½ years with the Disciples before His crucifixion.

There is a lot to be done in this period of time.

SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 16:21 – 28

21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"

23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. 28 I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."

I. FROM THAT TIME ON

a. Jesus prepared the Disciples for what was coming

“From that time forth…”

This tells us that once Jesus began preparing the Disciples, He did not stop ‘preparing’ them until His death.

He told them He would suffer many things at the hands of the Elders, Chief Priests, and Scribes (or teachers of the Law).

He already hinted at this when He said, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." – John 2:19

But now, He began to speak it plainly to them.

Until now, He did not do this plainly because the Disciples were weak.

But now, strong in faith, and knowledge of understanding of the Word of God, they were capable to receive this Truth.

Note: Christ reveals his mind to his people gradually, and lets in light as they can bear it, and are fit to receive it.

b. What did He foretell?

i. The place He would suffer – Jerusalem, the Holy City. Though He lived most of His life in Galilee, He must die in Jerusalem, because that is where all the sacrifices were offered, He being the Great and true sacrifice.

ii. The persons by whom He would suffer. Although it was the Romans who handed out the actual punishment, it was at the prompting of the Elders, Chief Priests and Scribes.

c. Why did He do this

To prepare them for the work which was at hand, and that they (the Disciples themselves) were a product of an eternal counsel and consent; agreed upon by God Himself.

To show that foreknowledge and preparation had been made, and that God was in total control.

Also: The disciples, believing Jesus was the Messiah, did not understand the Spiritual implications of His position.

They assumed He was going to rise up and be a great leader among the men of earth, not fully understanding the separation sin had caused, and the true need for a Savior, to reconcile us to God our Creator.

Man’s views are always small in comparison to the REAL picture of things.

Telling them also allowed them time to reflect on the matter and prepare themselves not just for the heartache to come, but the work at hand.

II. PETER’S REBUKE

a. The Offense

22 “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"

Rebuke – to straightly forbid.

Perhaps Peter was a little elevated with the great things Christ had just said to him, which made him more bold with Christ. (Previous verse about Simon being called Peter).

It is difficult sometimes to keep our spirit low and humble in the midst of great advancements!

God does great things in your life, and you forget reverence.

Great things His Spirit does through you, and your pride swells.

God used you for His Glory, and you steal it.

At that moment, your spirit stands, and God’s Spirit departs.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." – James 4:6

Are you in opposition to the Lord today?

b. Man vs. God’s Plan

Peter, in the wisdom of man, said “God’s plan shall not be!”

If he would have been listening to the Spirit of Truth, he would have known this was God’s plan, and not rebuked Jesus.

c. Christ’s Displeasure

Did this upset Jesus? Absolutely it did.

23 “Get behind me Satan (Hebrew for ‘the accuser’) …

You are an offense to me.

For you think not of the things that be of God, but those that are of men.”

When we resist the Spirit of God, we are in OPPOSITION to the Lord.

When we are in opposition to the Lord, we are an offense to Jesus!

Is your pride causing you to be a contradiction to the Lord? An offense?

III. LAW OF DISCIPLESHIP

Jesus decides to not only rebuke Peter, but set the record straight on what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Because at this moment, Peter was not.

a. What is a Disciple of Christ?

It is to come after Him.

When Christ called the Disciples, it was with a command, “Follow me”.

A true Disciples of Christ follows Him in duty, and will follow Him to Glory.

Peter forgot His place, and tried leading Jesus, instead of following.

A disciple comes after Christ like the sheep after the shepherd.

A disciple of Christ walks like Jesus, in the Spirit.

b. What is required?

i. Let him deny himself

(LIT. If any man be willing to come…)

It is a deliberate choice.

AND with cheerfulness and resolution in that choice.

Peter was quick to advise Jesus to spare His life, and even did so himself when the time was at hand, denying he even knew Jesus to save himself.

But Christ tells us that we must be so far from sparing ourselves, that we actually DENY ourselves.

We must be in a state of self-denial.

Denying our flesh and its desires and understanding. It’s leading.

It’s only then, we can follow the Spirit’s leading.

ii. Let him take up his cross

We must bear the trails, tribulation and sufferings which come with following Christ.

Providential afflictions, persecution for righteousness’ sake, every trouble that befalls us.

These troubles are called crosses.

Every disciple of Christ has his cross.

Every Disciple must take up that which God has made your cross.

The cross lies in our way when we receive Christ.

Unless we pick up that mission, that special duty that the infinite and all wise Lord of all has chosen for each of us, we can not follow Jesus.

Many of us choose our own cross, which is not of God.

We must recognize that which God has given, and serve Him where He has called us, and not where we ‘think’ in our human wisdom where we should be.

This is what placed Peter in opposition to the Lord.

Following his human wisdom over the leading of God’s Spirit.

iii. Let him follow Me

We must look upon Jesus for direction, and encouragement. For God’s Grace alone is sufficient!

Jesus bore the heavy end of the cross…the end that had the curse!

But our yoke is light.

Followers of Christ must study Him, to imitate their Master, and conform themselves in everything to his example.

CONCLUSION

25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

28 I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." (Resurrection & beginning of the Spiritual Kingdom we are born into when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.)

Week of Renewal 2008 - Spiritual Gifts Part 3

5th Annual Week of Renewal 2008
“What are Spiritual Gifts and how do I use them?”
Pastor Bruce A. Shields


I. Introduction to Renewal
a. 5th Annual Week of Renewal
b. Tuesday Night – Old Testament & the Holy Spirit
c. Wednesday Night – New Testament & the Holy Spirit

Welcome

OPENING PRAYER

So what is a Spiritual Gift?

A Spiritual Gift is a special attribute given to us by God through the Holy Spirit, given to every member of the body of Christ, according to God’s grace for use WITHIN the context of the body.

This shouldn’t be confused with God given natural abilities. Although you may have natural abilities that were given to you by God, this is not the same as Spiritual Gifts.

God given natural abilities are abilities that you can do naturally.

You may be;
Very athletic
Adept at mechanics
Higher than average intelligence
Have an ear for music

But a Spiritual Gift is an ability that comes through you, not from you. A Spiritual Gift is an ability that comes from the Holy Spirit that is in you and is an ability from God, not you.

He may give you the Spiritual Gift for an ear for music if He deems it necessary for the body. But if He does, it will be His ability, not yours.

So we don’t want to confuse our natural abilities with our Spiritual Gifts; which are God’s abilities coming or manifesting from us through the Holy Spirit.



II. The Holy Spirit in the New Testament
a. How was the Spirit received?

1 Corinthians 12:7
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal:”

1 Corinthians 12:1
“1Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.”

Psalm 127:1
“Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”

Romans 12:4 – 6a
4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts according to the grace given us.”

1 Corinthians 12:12-18
“12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”

Matthew 25:14-30
Parable of the Talents

1 Corinthians 12:11
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.”


b. Who received the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

Everyone who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

The Holy Spirit is made available to all who are servants of Jesus Christ.


III. Examples of Spiritual Gifts in the New Testament

Romans 12:1-8
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

So we see listed here;
Prophecy Exhortation (encouragement) Mercy
Service Giving
Teacher Leadership

Luke 21:2-4 Giving
2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
Hebrews 13:7 Leaders/Pastors
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”




Remember The Definition for Prophecy – "The inspired, revelation, declaration and/or interpretation of the will and/or purpose of God." NOT telling the future!

Week of Renewal 2008 - Spiritual Gifts Part 2

5th Annual Week of Renewal 2008
“What are Spiritual Gifts and how do I use them?”
Pastor Bruce A. Shields


I. Introduction to Renewal
a. 5th Annual Week of Renewal
b. Tuesday Night – Old Testament & the Holy Spirit

Welcome

OPENING PRAYER

II. The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
a. How was the Spirit received?

God chose from among the people, those who would receive the Holy Spirit for His purpose.

He chose certain Kings, Judges, Prophets, Leaders…

These people received the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts along with Him.

The Spiritual Gifts were for building and strengthening God’s people.

Just as its purpose today.

Because of Christ and the Cross, more people have access to the Holy Spirit, but His purpose remains.

b. Who received the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament?

i. Joseph Genesis 41:38 & 39
38 So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?”
39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you (Spiritual Gift of Knowledge), there is no one so discerning (Gift of Discernment) and wise (Gift of Wisdom) as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you."

ii. Bezalel (craftsman) Exodus 35:30 - 34

30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom (Gift of Wisdom), understanding and knowledge in all kinds of crafts (Craftsmanship)- 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship (Aesthetics). 34 And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others (Teaching).


iii. Eldad & Medad (prophecy) Numbers 11:26 – 30
26 However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied (Prophecy) in the camp. 27 A young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp."
28 Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' aide since youth, spoke up and said, "Moses, my lord, stop them!"
29 But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!" 30 Then Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.

iv. Balaam Numbers 24:2 & 3

When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him 3 and he uttered his oracle (Tongues – Prophetic Utterance)…


v. Gideon Judges 6:34

Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. (Warrior of the Lord)


vi. Samson Judges 14:6, 19;

6 The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power (Supernatural Strength) so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done.

19 Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power (Supernatural Strength). He went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men…


vii. Saul 1 Samuel 10:6; 11:6

6 The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy (Prophecy) with them; and you will be changed into a different person (a new creature, a new creation for the old has passed away). 7 Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.

6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger (Righteous Anger). 7 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel." Then the terror of the LORD fell on the people,…
viii. David 1 Samuel 16:13

13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power (Holy Spirit Anointing).

ix. Elisha 2 Kings 3:14 – 16

14 Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or even notice you. 15 But now bring me a harpist."
While the harpist was playing, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha 16 and he said, "This is what the LORD says (Prophecy / Word of Knowledge):


x. Zechariah 2 Chronicles 24:20

20 Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, "This is what God says (Word of Knowledge): 'Why do you disobey the LORD's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.' "



III. Examples of Spiritual Gifts in the Old Testament
a. Knowledge (Gen. 41:39; Ex. 35:31)
b. Discernment (Gen. 41:39)
c. Wisdom (Gen 41:39; Ex. 35:31)
d. Understanding (Ex. 35:31)
e. Craftsmanship (Ex. 35:31)
f. Artistic Craftsmanship – Aesthetics (Ex. 35:33)
g. Teaching (Ex. 35:34)
h. Prophecy (Num. 11:26; 1 Sam. 10:6; 2 Kings 3:16)
i. Word of Knowledge (2 Kings 3:16; 2 Chr. 24:20)
j. Tongues (Num. 24:3)
k. Warrior of the Lord (Jud. 6:34)
l. Supernatural Strength (Judges 14:6; 14:19)
m. Righteous Anger (1 Sam. 11:6)
n. Anointing (1 Sam. 16:13)

- PROPHETIC UTTERANCES (Tongues of Angels)
- Angels = messenger of God
Remember The Definition for Prophecy – "The inspired, revelation, declaration and/or interpretation of the will and/or purpose of God." NOT telling the future!

Week of Renewal 2008 - Spiritual Gifts

5^th Annual Week of Renewal 2008

“What are Spiritual Gifts and how do I use them?”

Pastor Bruce A. Shields

Click here to Listen to this Sermon

I. Introduction to Renewal

a. 5^th Annual Week of Renewal

Welcome

OPENING PRAYER

b. What are Spiritual Gifts and how do I use them?

Pneumatology (Greek) – The study of the Spirit.

Until I attended Seminary, I really didn’t know or understand too much about the Holy Spirit.

But shortly after I started my classes I discovered something that I thought was the most awesome thing in the world, the Holy Spirit and the Spiritual Gifts.

God didn’t just leave us stranded down here, He has equipped us to serve, and we need to understand what it is He has given us.

God has given us through His Holy Spirit which dwells within believers:

The Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6)

The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5)

Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12)

II. What are Spiritual Gifts?

a. Defined

1 Corinthians 12:1 – 7 (What are the Spiritual Gifts)

To understand what Spiritual Gifts are, where they come from and what they are for, we must examine what the scriptures say.

An important scripture to remember is;

Psalm 127:1

“Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”

Only God can build us and this church. If we try to do it ourselves, we are doing it in vain, or wasting our time.

Although we do have responsibilities in our Christian walk, it is of nothing we DO that causes this church or ourselves to grow in the Lord. Other than submission and obedience to the Lord.

It is only by God’s hand that we grow.

Here in the Hebrew text the word Banah (baw-naw) is used, which was translated into build.

The literal translation of banah would be ‘to establish’.

Establish means to make firm or stable, to ordain.

So a more accurate translation of Psalm 127:1 would be;

“Unless God ESTABLISHES the house, they labor in vain that establish it.”

We cannot truly establish ourselves or this church. It must be done by God.

So we know that God has to establish us as a body of believers. He does this by creating unity among us.

Unity is the result of all acting in the Spirit of God

Unity is attacked in a church if;

† Members live in selfishness instead of love

† Members do not belong to the Body of Christ

† Members gossip

† Members back bite

† Members slander

† Members try to control the church or others

There are tears among the wheat.

Sewing discord within the body because they are self-serving, self-seeking, just plain selfish.

God instructs us to put others before ourselves.

Jesus said “If you love me, you will obey my commands.”

Jesus told the Apostles in the Great Commission “Teach them to obey all I command”.

So what does Jesus command?

When asked what the greatest commandment was, He responded,

“To love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, body and soul, AND to love your neighbor (the unsaved) as yourself.”

This is the difference between love, and selfishness.

Selfishness destroys churches.

b. Gifts / Fruits

Spiritual Gifts are not to be confused with the Fruits of the Spirit.

The Fruits of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." (Galatians 5:22)

c. Where do all these come from?

Paul tells us that these Gifts are from God, Specifically the Holy Spirit.

And although there are many diverse Gifts, they are all from the same spirit.

Paul mentions this so that all would know that they are from 1 Spirit, the Spirit of God, Christ does not contradict Himself, neither should the Gifts contradict Scripture.

d. Can I choose which Gifts I have?

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these work that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.

The Holy Spirit decides what Gifts you receive, but to every believer at least one gift is given. In this reference it says “severally”.

III. The Holy Spirit

a. The Holy Spirit

One MUST be saved (born again) to receive the Holy Spirit.

To Acknowledge Jesus Christ is God, confess you are sinful and in need of saving, and call on the only name that can save you.

Jesus will impart His Holy Spirit to you in a portion. To each man a measure is given.

But receiving the Spiritual Gifts is separate from Salvation.

b. Saved / Empowered

The Apostles were saved after Christ died on the Cross.

If they would have died with Him, they too would have went to be with the Lord.

But they did not receive the power of the Holy Spirit until the day of Pentecost.

c. Pentecost

Pentecost took place 50 days after the Crucifixion of Jesus.

This holy day was given to the Jews in Leviticus, when they were told to count 50 days after the Passover Sabbath, which was the Day Christ rose from the tomb.

This day was given as a celebration of receiving the Torah (the Word of God).

This is the same day that was later celebrated by the Jews because a declaration was given (Esther) by the King granting authority and power to the children of God to protect themselves from their enemies.

Now…We receive the Word of God through understanding given by the Holy Spirit.

And we receive power and authority from our King, along with Armor, Fruits and Gifts to build up, edify and defend ourselves from our enemy.

Which is a spiritual one!

Ephesians 6:10 – 12

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

On Pentecost, 50 days after the Passover Sabbath, and the Holy Day given by God in Leviticus, the same day in Esther a declaration was made giving the children of God authority by the King to defend themselves against their enemies; we…receive power and authority from God.

IV. Parable of Talents

Listen to what Jesus says in this parable, ironic how the term for currency used “Talent” also means gift or ability.

Matthew 25:14-30

¹⁴“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants (WE ARE CALLED) and entrusted his property to them.

¹⁵To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.

Then he went on his journey. (Ascended to Heaven)

¹⁶The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.

¹⁷So also, the one with the two talents gained two more.

¹⁸But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. (Took his to the grave)

¹⁹“After a long time the master of those servants returned (THE SECOND COMING) and settled accounts with them (JUDGMENT).

²⁰The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’

²¹“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness! (HEAVEN)’

²²“The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’

²³“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness! (HEAVEN)’

²⁴“Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

²⁵So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

²⁶“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?

²⁷Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

²⁸“‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.

²⁹For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.

³⁰And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (GEHENNA – Lake of Fire, final hell)’

He has given us these gifts for us to use and get a return from them. They must be used to profit withal, the whole body!

In doing this with our gifts, we are living as obedient believers in Christ. We are DOING what He has called us to do as Christians.

This is the DOING part of the scriptures.

We are to be DOERS of the word, not just hearers.

DOING is absolutely part of our obedience.

The servants had been given a measure according to their ability to obey.

Some may have more talents than others, but whatever you have you are expected to use.

To those who use all of their Spiritual Gifts to the best of their ability, receiving a profit from those gifts, God will reward them with more gifts.

Some of our gifts may still be undiscovered and buried.

This is why we are doing this series.

Together we are going to look at what the scriptures say about Spiritual Gifts.

We will examine scriptures showing different Spiritual Gifts being used in the Bible, what some of those gifts are, and finally, how we can discover what our gifts may be.

Because you can’t use your gifts if you do not know what those gifts are.

V. Gifts are entrusted to you

a. What / who are they for?

Each believer has been given God-abilities or Gifts from the Holy Spirit to strengthen or edify the whole body of Christ.

Your Gift may seem small or large, but it is yours to use in God’s service edifying His body of believers!

1 Corinthians 12:7

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal:”

To profit withal, does not mean to profit the individual believer, but the body of Christ. The whole of the body of believers.

All believers are given the Holy Spirit, this is the Gift Christ gave us after His ascension. It was first given at Pentecost to the disciples, and continues today to enable us to do God’s work.

This is how God works through us and in us.

This is how God establishes His body of believers.

So these Spiritual Gifts are not us, but God in us.

God set this up in a way to continue His theme of unity in the body of Christ.

He does this by giving us different gifts, so that we work together to make up a whole.

You will NEVER meet 1 person who has all the gifts, at least not here on earth. We will when we meet Christ.

God has equipped us in a way which causes unity among us, and dependence on each other to function as a whole.

We need each other to BE the body of Christ. We need each other to function and serve Christ the way in which God has called us.

1 Corinthians 12:12-18

“¹²The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. ¹³For we were all baptized by^[c] one Spirit into one body–whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free–and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

¹⁴Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. ¹⁵If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. ¹⁶And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. ¹⁷If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”

If you are here today, and I am assuming you are,

You are here because God has arranged you to be here. He has placed you here for a reason.

It is by God’s arrangement that you be here, and by God’s will you have been given a portion of Spiritual Gifts through the Holy Spirit to function as part of this body of believers.

He has arranged the composition of this body of believers the way HE wants it to be.

So, our gifts are given to us by God “Just as HE wanted them to be”

He chooses which Gifts you have.

So what are some of the gifts?

This is just a partial list…

· Missionary

· Healing

· Intercession

· Craftsmanship

· Hospitality

· Faith

· Discernment

· Mercy

· Giving

· Administration

· Leadership

· Helps

· Serving

· Knowledge

· Wisdom

· Exhortation

· Music

· Teacher / Preacher

· Pastor

· Evangelist

· Prophet

· Apostle

Tomorrow we will be talking about the Spiritual Gifts in the Old Testament, and how God chose who would receive the Holy Spirit and His abilities.

CLOSING PRAYER