Last week,
we talked about being ‘grace-bearers’. Having been given so much of God’s grace, we have been called to
encourage and build others up – offering to them words of grace … words that
draw them closer to God’s design for them.
There are
other ways we can serve others, and particular ways we can share and serve
together. This is clearly pointed out in verse 10 of our reading from 1 Peter chapter 4.
Like good
stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift
each of you has received.
Before we go
on, let’s look at the earlier verses that give us some context. 7 The end of all things is near. The first disciples (or
apostles) believed that time was limited. Of course two thousand years later
things are still rolling along. Clearly the early disciples were heavily
impacted by the persecution they were experiencing. Anytime we are under deep
stress we might prefer that Jesus would come again. But the deeper point being
made here is the seriousness and urgency of the church’s mission. There is
never any time to waste. If things in the world are going in a direction that
you don’t like, and might be categorised as anti-God, then this is the time,
not to run, but rather to engage.
7b … therefore be serious and
discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. So that our prayers for positive
change might be answered, we take on the personal challenges of discipleship
(which relates to our attitudes, priorities and lifestyle). This is all a
matter of integrity and discipline; bringing our lives into line with all our
spiritual hopes.
8 Above all, maintain constant love
for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another
without complaining. Basically, we practice love. We have a heart
moved by the plight of others. We are open to building relationship with
people. We move beyond our comfort zones with practical expressions of love. And
we share what we have been given.
10 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
Ø The “grace of God” is here described
as “manifold” … meaning multifaceted. “Grace” not only saves us, but
prepares us for sharing that “grace” with others.
Ø A “steward” is a person who
has been entrusted to manage another’s property; “good stewards” doing
everything they can to ensure that this property is well cared for, maintains
its value, without any damage being done to it. A “good steward” in this
context manages the “grace” they have received from God well – in a proper way.
This ‘proper way’ is described as “serving” others with their (spiritual) gifts!
The New
Testament (in various places) talks about gifts being given by the Holy Spirit
to the people who have accepted and followed Jesus into the church. If you
bring the various areas of gifting together it becomes quite a long list. Each
Christian has at least one gift and often more (through which we are to serve
one another). It is God who has given the gifts, God certainly knowing best how
to bestow such blessings, and how all these gifts will best come together in a
mutually effective way.
Some of
these gifts are given a higher grading, yet all areas of giftedness are equally
needed. It is when all these gifts are brought together into a harmonious
expression of God’s grace that great things tend to happen.
And of
course, these gifts are never for the elevation or benefit of any single individual.
We should never seek praise for ourselves – all we should expect is encouragement
from our brothers and sisters in the faith. These gifts are always to be used
to point to Jesus and bring glory to God. 11 Whoever speaks
must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so
with the strength that God supplies, so
that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power
forever and ever. Amen. These gifts are given by God, to be
sensitively used under the guidance of God’s Spirit, toward the goal of people
experiencing for themselves the true and living God.
One
of the lists of spiritual gifts is given by Paul in the context of his ‘body’
theology. This is where the church resembles and functions like a human body. This
discussion can be found in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. [This follows Paul’s
teaching about the Lord’s Supper.] This is where every part of the body is
essential, and no part is dispensable. If certain parts decide not to
work, then this negatively affects the overall functioning of the body. Also,
all these parts have to work together in unison (with Jesus at the head) for
the right result to happen in terms of good functioning.
The
key verse in 1 Corinthians 12 is this: “To each is given the manifestation of
the Spirit for the common good”
(verse 7). Although the parts, like human personalities and areas of spiritual
giftedness are very diverse, being part of a whole, they can come together in
unity (i.e. with unified purpose) to everybody’s benefit. And the
“common good” should be seen in its most inclusive and broadest sense!!
Because
of all this inspired and complimentary gift-giving, there should never be
jealously or competitiveness; but rather supportive, cohesive and joyful
interaction. Spiritual gifts are not given for personal enjoyment, nor as
any mark of special merit; but rather to address the problems in the world. As
they are seen and experienced working together cohesively and lovingly,
spiritual gifts can offer new hope toward a better reality.
Bright Church of Christ has a good vision statement, and there are plenty of opportunities and
ideas through which to address this vision. “The purpose of this church
is to allow Christ to transform us together, so that His character, ministry
and mission are expressed through all of us.” So last week we looked at some
behaviour patterns, most specially the use of words, and the need to use them
in encouraging ways, as part of this need to be transformed. This week we
address a bit the idea of Christ’s ministry and mission being expressed through
all of us. This happens as we discover, encourage, develop and apply the gifts
God’s Spirit has given to each of us.
Whereas
there is no one definitive list, various bible passages mention different
giftings (usually in the context of the proper use of such gifts). Here is the
list of biblical possibilities (they come from Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12,
Ephesians 4, with a bit of Exodus 31 thrown in) – gifts which have also been
evident in church life over the centuries:
·
Apostleship (missionary/church planter) – the initiator of
new ideas or ministries; the adventurer
·
Shepherding (pastoral) – particularly good caring and support
skills, nurturing people in faith, guiding people’s growth toward spiritual
maturity
·
Leadership – able to promote vision, guide ministries,
motivate activity; able to gain the trust of people
·
Intercession (prayer) – demonstrates a high commitment to
prayer and a certainty concerning God’s response
·
Wisdom – provides proven good counsel and guidance, offering
helpful solutions through times of conflict or turmoil; applies knowledge
effectively in specific situations
·
Knowledge (clarity/special revelation) – clear understanding of
God’s ways and means
·
Discernment – provides vital and Godly insight into issues
and decision-making; distinguishes well between truth and error
·
Prophecy (speaking into problem areas) – able to communicate
strongly (with God-sensitively) into societal evils and perpetual problems
·
Teaching – interpret, explain and apply God’s Word; the
capacity to put concerted effort into study, reflection and preparation
·
Encouragement (exhortation/preaching) – speaking words that
strengthen, comfort or challenge people toward a deeper relationship with God
·
Evangelism – intentionally building relationships with people
through which to share the good news, and facilitating a response
·
Artistic communication (musician/singer/artist/writer/actor)
– inspiring and moving people toward a deeper connection with God and an
understanding of the Gospel message
·
Administration – efficiently dealing with matters of
organisation and finance
·
Faith (radical/out of comfort zone) – an exceptional and
unwavering confidence in God (that leads them to places others may fear)
·
Healing – able to touch people’s lives in a way that brings
new wholeness, health and well-being
·
Miracles (signs) – special instrument in God’s hands to bring
about supernatural interventions, pointing towards the need for a relationship
with Jesus
·
Mercy (compassion) – elevated empathy with the broken-hearted
and downtrodden, sharing and lightening their burden; addressing systemic
suffering and injustice
·
Giving (generosity) – offers resources to others
·
Helping (practical ministries) – contributing to practical
projects and maintenance
·
Hospitality (welcoming) – provides fellowship, food, shelter,
a sense of safety, a point of relational connection, a feeling of belonging
·
Craftsmanship – especially creative and good with their hands
·
Tongues – brings messages from God in unfamiliar languages.
Four
further points:
(i)
Some of these could be seen as natural talents or attributes in
people, but also they can be special; e.g. we are all called and equipped to be encouragers, but there are some
with a special gift of encouragement, such that this is clearly one of the
main things they do. We all need
faith, but some are really able to inspire others through the application of
their faith.
(ii)
Also, some of these gifts could have their origin in our
natural talents and abilities, e.g. the artistic gifts, practical helping or
administration, but when these are further touched by the Holy Spirit, they
become serious tools for the sharing of the gospel.
(iii)
Some of these gifts may come to us as a total surprise, and
the first we may know about them is that someone else recognises such a gift in
us.
(iv)
It’s difficult to pull off the proper, sensitive and
effective use of these gifts without working together. Why???
Ø
Because some of these giftings are incomplete in themselves
and need to be combined with others to be fully effective (e.g. leadership
& discernment, knowledge & wisdom).
Ø
Just like our bones join together, these gifts are
interactive with each other.
Ø
Also, the growth and development of our gifts require the
feedback of others.
So,
what is my gift? What can I contribute? Where do I best fit in participating in
a ministry to the world? I invite a wide-ranging consideration of these
questions.
What
are your interests? What are you drawn to? What would you like to have a go at?
Also be prepared for the mini-steps of preparation that might be involved. Be
prepared also to receive feedback. But having said that, being in a loving,
welcoming, encouraging community of people – don’t be shy to put your hand up!!
It’s
easy for leaders to keep going back to the same trusted people. We need to challenge
that! At the same time, understand that there may be some work you have to do
with God first, getting you ready. We will certainly be approaching people as
well, to see if certain ideas resonate with you.
I
believe in “EM – ME”. That is, everyone in ministry and a ministry for
everyone! That is the practical application of the New Testament’s teaching on
spiritual giftedness. In the same way as we can “grieve the Holy Spirit”
(Ephesians 4:30) through using our words badly, we can also “grieve the Holy
Spirit” by wasting the gifts that have been given to us.
People
grow best when they are involved (especially when they are involved in the
biggest cause of all – the sharing of the Gospel and advancement of God’s
Kingdom)! People grow (and I mean in all areas of their lives) as they use and
share their gifts in cooperative community. People grow:
Ø
as experiments succeed (and sometimes fail),
Ø
as people receive and give constructive feedback and thereby
become more effective,
Ø
as ministries and projects take off, and,
Ø
as people work hand-in-hand as never before.
Granted
… there are other things happening for us in life, and sometimes these are
hugely time consuming, however to still have in the front of our mind our
contribution to church (and therefore community) – keeps us on the right growth
curve.
We
should not be deterred by what we might see as personal limitations. God
doesn’t make mistakes when gifts are bestowed. We should not be too
easily discouraged if using our gift becomes difficult in some way or another. God
is with us, blessing others, even with meagre efforts that are done with the
right attitude.
Early in his career, jazz player Herbie Hancock was invited
to play in the quintet of Miles Davis, already a musical legend. In an
interview, Hancock admitted being nervous but described it as a wonderful
experience because Davis was so nurturing. During one performance, when Davis
was near the high point of his solo, Hancock played the wrong chord. He was
mortified, but Davis continued as if nothing had happened. “He played some
notes that made my chord right”, Hancock said. (Courtesy of “Our Daily Bread” and Julie
Ackerman Link.).
As
we together put our gifts into action (as best we can), it is God who brings
about the positive outcomes. As we recognise, utilise and mature each of our
spiritual gifts in a unified way, the body of Christ can appear to be very cohesive,
beautiful, with lots of vitality!
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