Caring for the Body (The Ecclesia of God) Through Using Our Gifts

1. Caring for the Body (The Ecclesia of God) Through Using Our Gifts Feast of Tabernacles, Iowa, 2012 Cathy Leitch

2. We Are One Body • (1Co 12:13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. • (1Co 12:14) For the body is not one member, but many. • (1Co 12:18) But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. • (1Co 12:19) And if they were all one member, where were the body? • (1Co 12:20) But now are they many members, yet but one body.

3. Community of Care • (1Co 12:25) That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. • (1Co 12:26) And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it. • (1Co 12:27) Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

4. Body Grows and Builds as Each Part Does Its Work Eph 4:16 NIV • From him (Christ) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

5. One Body in Christ • (Rom 12:4) For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: • (Rom 12:5) So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6. What Are Some of the Needs of the Body? • Brethren have many differing trials…. • Physical (Health, Financial, etc.) • Emotional (Relationships, Mental Well Being) • Spiritual (Attitudes, Relationship with God) • What are some of the needs that you know about? • What are some of the needs that you have experienced?

7. Needs of the Body Helped by the Community of Care • What are some examples of needs being helped by the body? • How has the community of care in the body helped you?

8. God Gives Us Good Gifts • Mat 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? • Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

9. Use Our Gifts for One Another • (1Peter 4:10 ESV) As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

10. Discover Your God-Given Gifts • Book by Don and Katie Fortune • 3 Categories of Gifts • Manifestation Gifts • Ministry Gifts • Motivational Gifts

11. Manifestation Gifts • (1Co 12:7-10 ESV) To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. • For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. • (1Co 12:11) All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

12. 9 Manifestation of the Spirit Gifts 1. wisdom 2. knowledge 3. faith 4. gifts of healing 5. working of miracles 6. prophecy 7. discerning of spirits 8. divers kinds of tongues; 9. interpretation of tongues:

13. Ministry Gifts - Functions • (Eph 4:11-12 ESV) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

14. Five Ministry (Serving) Functions 1. Apostles (delegates or special messengers) 2. Prophets (inspired speakers) 3. Evangelists (preachers of the Gospel) 4. Shepherd (shepherds of the flock) 5. Teachers

15. Gifts Differing • Rom 12:6 Having then gifts (G5486) differing (G1313) according to the grace that is given to us • Gifts (G5486); from G5483: a (divine) gratuity, that is, deliverance; a (spiritual) endowment • Differing (G1313) Varying; also surpassing: - differing, divers, more excellent.

16. Motivational Gifts • (Rom 12:6-8 ESV) Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

17. 7 Motivational Gifts 1. Prophecy or Perceiver 2. Service or Server 3. Teacher 4. Exhorter 5.Contributes or Giver 6. Leads or Administrator 7. Acts of mercy or Compassionate Person

18. What does the scripture say about spiritual gifts? • (1Co 12:1ESV) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. • (1Co 12:4 -6 ESV) Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

19. Composite of Gifts lists • (1Co 12:18) But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. • (1Co 12:28) And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping,administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

20. Purpose of gifts – Edify the Body (called out ones) • (1Co 14:1-4) Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. • For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. • But he that prophesiethspeaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. • He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesiethedifieth the church.

21. 1Co 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. • 1Co 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel tothe edifying of the church.

22. Heb 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, andgifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

23. Participation and Interaction • As we go through the gifts with more explanation of each, think of practical applications of these gifts. • Also think of people you know who have these gifts. Sometimes we need others to help point out our gifts.

24. Prophecy or Perceiver • Declares the Will of God • Readily perceives, prays about, proclaims and promotes the will of God • Biblical Examples: John the Baptist; Jonah Don & Katie Fortune, Discover Your God-Given Gifts, 2009, pg. 55

25. Server • Renders Practical Service • Has joy in helping, assisting, carrying out instructions, and being of use • Biblical Example: Martha Fortune, pg. 83

26. Teacher • Researches and Teaches the Bible • Enjoys word studies; solves problems by starting with scriptural principles, self disciplined. • Biblical Examples: Aquila & Priscilla; Apollos (Act 18:24-26) Fortune, pg. 107, 112-113

27. Exhorter • Encourages personal progress • Keeps us applying spiritual truth • Biblical Examples: Barnabas, Silas, Titus Acts 4:36,11:22-26 (B); Acts 15:22-40 (S) Fortune, pg. 126

28. Giver • Shares material assistance • Shares liberally. Money, time, energy, love – all given freely. • Keeps specific needs provided for. • Biblical Examples: Dorcas, Abraham, Lydia, Cornelius (Acts 10:1-4) Fortune, pg. 144

29. Administrator • Gives leadership and direction • Facilitator, organizer. Assumes leadership when none present; delegates and supervises; zeal and enthusiasm. • Biblical Examples: Joseph, David, Deborah Fortune, pg. 165-168

30. Compassion Person • Provides personal and emotional support • Merciful, joyful, looks for good in people; helps the hurting and distressed; crusader for good causes. • Keeps us in right attitudes and relationships • Biblical Examples: Good Samaritan; Ruth Luke 10:30-35 Fortune, pgs. 184-194

31. Christ’s Example as a Perceiver • He spoke only what the Father told him • (John 12:49) For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. • He was the Truth • (John14:6) “I am the way, the truth, and the life” • He was frank and outspoken • Matt 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whitedsepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Fortune, pg. 220-221

32. Christ’s Example as a Server • He worked with His hands as a carpenter • Luke 2:51; Mark 6:3 • He demonstrated service • (John 13:5) After that he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. • He exalted service • (Mar 10:43 NIV) …whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. • He had a high energy level and kept pace with the demands of His ministry • (Mar 10:1 NIV) Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. Fortune, pg. 221

33. Christ’s Example as a Teacher • He taught God’s Truth • Matt 13:31 “The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field” • He quoted Scripture • Matt 4:4 It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. • He built on scriptural truth • Mt 5:21-22 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Fortune, pg. 221-222

34. Christ’s Example as a Teacher • He was intelligent and curious • Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. • He was self controlled • Luke 23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. Fortune, pg. 222

35. Christ’s Example as an Exhorter • He taught people to live victoriously • Sermon on the Mount, Matt 5-7 • He gave positive exhortations • “Love your enemies…bless…give…lend…be merciful…do not judge…forgive (Luke 6:27-37 NIV) • He prescribed precise steps of action • John 8:11 “go, and sin no more” Matt 19:21 (Mat 19:21) Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. • His own life was a witness to the truth • (John 18:37) Jesus answered, …To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Fortune, pg. 222

36. Christ’s Example as a Giver • He fed the five thousand • (Mark 6:41 NIV) Taking the 5 loaves and 2 fish….he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. • He gave His time, energy, abilities & love to others • He trained his disciples, taught the multitudes; healed the sick; cast out evil spirits and raised the dead. • He taught on giving • (Mar 12:42-43) …poor widow, and she threw in two mites, ….. Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: • He gave His life for us • (John 15:13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Fortune, pg. 222-223

37. Christ’s Example as an Administrator • He organized his followers • He trained 12 disciples (Mark 3:13-14) • He sent out the 70 two by two (Luke 10:1) • He was a man under authority and he taught about authority • (Matt 28:18 NIV) Jesus … said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” • He was an effective leader • (Matt 10:5,8) These 12 Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, …freely give”. Fortune, pg. 223

38. Christ’s Example as a Compassionate Person • He had a tremendous capacity to show love • (Mat 14:14) And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. • He was aware of people’s physical needs • (Mat 15:32) Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way. • He was alert to emotional and psychological needs • (Matt 9:36 NIV) When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Fortune, pg. 224

39. Christ’s Example as a Compassionate Person • He had empathy for others • When the Lord saw (the widow whose son had died), his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry” (Luke 7:13 NIV) • He expressed emotion • (John 11:35) Jesus wept. Fortune, pg. 224

40. Using our Gifts • Ask God –for gifts, for insight to know one’s gifts, to effectively use one’s gifts, etc. • Meditate on the biblical gifts • Brainstorm on your strengths – what do you do that you do well and comes easily for you? • Ask friends and relatives to tell you what they see as your strengths and gifts • Step out, fear not, and start using your gifts

41. Other’s Gifts • Be grateful for the gifts that God has bestowed on others • Each member of the body is needed for the body to fully function • Therefore each person must use his/her gifts

42. Our gifts • God has given a variety of gifts to His called out ones. • We are to use those gifts in service to the body of believers – to edify, to contribute. • We are to ask God for His gifts. • We are to use the gifts God has given us. • There are many opportunities both here at the Feast and back home to give of the good gifts God has blessed us with.

43. Questions/Comments? • Thank you for your time and participation.