THE PRACTICE OF CHRISTIAN GIFTS

Romans 12:6-8

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   In our last lesson on Romans 12, Paul discussed the Christian’s relationship to the church, the body of Christ.  Three major points were noted.

1.    There is one body.

2.    There are many members.

3.    All members have not the same office.

 

B.   In Romans 12, he elaborates on some of the different Christians gifts that have been distributed to the members.  In fact, he highlights seven gifts.

 

C.   We have entitled this lesson:  “The Practice of Christian Gifts” (Rom. 12:6-8).

 

Having then gifts differing according to the measure of grace that is given to us, whether prophesy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministry; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation:  he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

I.             A REVIEW SENTENCE (Rom. 12:6a)

 

Having then gifts differing according to the measure of grace that is given to us…

 

A.   All Christians have been given gifts.  LESSON:  No Christian is excused from the service of God for lack of ability.

 

B.   Our gifts differ one from another.  LESSON:  Every Christian should appreciate the difference found between himself and others in the body of Christ.  Diversity is a divine treasure within the church.

 

C.   Our gifts flow not from ourselves, but from the grace of God.  He proportions them to us according to His will.  LESSON:  We have no reason to be puffed up because of our gift.  God is the giver.  We are simply the stewards of His blessings.

 

II.           A REFLECTION ON THE SEVEN GIFTS (Rom. 12:6b-8)

 

A.   A Spokesmen for God (Rom. 12:6b)

 

…whether prophesy, let us prophesy according to the measure of faith.

 

1.    Prophesy was one of the nine miraculous gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:10).

a.    A prophet was a spokes man for God.

b.    The difference between a prophet and an evangelist is that prophets could predict the future.

c.    In the early church, inspired men were needed to proclaim the word of God because the New Testament had not been revealed in its complete form.

2.    Paul discussed this gift in contrast to speaking in tongues in 1 Corinthians 14. 

a.    Words of prophesy were words understood by all (1 Cor. 12:3).

 

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

 

b.    Paul desired that all could prophesy instead of speaking in tongues because words spoken in tongues needed an interpreter in order for them to be understood (1 Cor. 12:5).

3.    Paul instructs the prophets to prophesy “according to the measure of faith.”

a.    Every Christian is at a different point of faith in his Christian life.

b.    A person should only speak to the level of faith he has at a given point in time.

1)    There are some who are in an elementary stage of faith. 

2)    Others have a very seasoned faith.

3)    “Let us prophesy according to the measure of faith.”

 

B.   A Servant to Others (Rom. 12:7a)

 

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering…

 

1.    The word “ministry” is “diaconia” and means “a service of any kind.

2.    NOTE:  Both men and women can render service to others (i.e, Phebe,. Rom. 16:1).

 

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea.

 

3.    Whatever form of service we find ourselves capable of rending to others, we are to give ourselves to it.

a.    Dorcas “was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did” (Acts 9:36).

b.    Gaius did faithfully shew charity and hospitality “to the brethren, and to strangers” (III John 5-6).

4.    Word of caution:  Be carful not to step into another person’s area of service. 

a.    Find a lane that is empty.

b.    If you cannot find an empty lane, do not just take over another’s work.  Ask to assist the individual in his labors.

 

C.   A Sage of the Word (Rom. 12:7b)

 

…or he that teacheth, on teaching.

 

1.    Teaching was a unique position in the body of Christ that differed from apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors (Eph. 4:11).

 

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers.

 

2.    Both men and women could occupy the position of teacher (See Tit. 2:4).

 

That they may teach the younger women…

 

3.    Teaching is a vital part of the body of Christ.

a.    The teacher is only supposed to teach what is written in God’s Word (Tit. 2:1).

 

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.

 

b.    Sages of the Bible will give an account for the words that they teach to others (Jam. 3:1).

 

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

 

c.    Teaching is not intended for the teacher.  He is not the one on display.  He is simply to be the one imparting the precious truth to those who are eager to learn of God’s ways.

 

D.   A Strengthener of the Brethren (Rom. 12:8a)

 

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation…

 

1.    The word exhortation literally means “to call near.”

2.    A person who exhorts others calls them to his side in order to teach, to encourage, to comfort, and to make them better.

3.    Examples:

a.    We have studied the man Barnabas.  He was a great encourager of others.  So much so that the apostles referred to him as “The son of consolation” (Acts 4:36).

b.    The writer of Hebrews called the Hebrew Christians near to encourage them in the epistle that bears the name Hebrews (See Heb. 13:22).

 

And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation:  for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

 

4.    We have plenty in the church who can tear others down.  They find the negative.  They find fault.  They are the critics.

5.    What we need are those who are encouragers of others (Heb. 3:13).

 

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

 

E.   A Sharer with Others (Rom. 12:8b)

 

…he that giveth, with simplicity…

 

1.    The word “giveth” means “to impart or to share.”

2.    There are some in the church who have the ability to share their goods with others.  They do not hesitate to impart what is theirs to others.

3.    Example:  the early church (Acts 2:44-45)

 

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

 

4.    Paul instructs those who give to do so with “simplicity.”

a.    The word “simplicity” means “with sincerity, mental honesty.”

1)    There are no hidden agendas.

2)    There is no exaltation of self.

b.    Jesus instructs us as to how to give our alms in Matthew 6:3.

 

And when thou doest thine alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.

 

c.    In Matthew 6:4, we learn that it is enough that God sees.

 

That thine alms may be in secret:  and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

 

F.    Superintendent of Others (Rom. 12:8c)

 

…he that ruleth, with diligence…

 

1.    Ruleth

a.    Strong (4291):  to stand before that is (in rank), to preside

b.    Thayer:  to be over, to superintend, to preside over

c.    Vine:  to stand before, to lead

2.    This responsibility has been put in the hands of the elders of the local congregation (1 Tim. 5:17).

 

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in word and doctrine.

 

3.    Paul tells these men that they are rule with diligence.

a.    The word “diligence” means “with haste, with eagerness, with earnest.”

b.    Leading involves taking a group of people from one point to another.

c.    Leaders establish the vision.

Leaders provide the opportunities.

Leaders guide the way.

Leaders overcome the obstacles.

Leaders protect their followers.

 

G.   A Sympathizer with Others (Rom. 12:8d)

 

…he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

1.    There are some in congregations who are very skillful in feeling the pain and suffering of others.

2.    They do not mind getting involved in tears, hurt, sorrow, and suffering.

3.    They long to be the comforters.

a.    They know what do say and not to say.

b.    They know the things to do and not do.

c.    They have some understanding of pain and suffering.

d.    They may have been the recipients of comfort in the past.

4.    Paul exhorts them to show mercy with cheerfulness.

a.    This does not mean they enter the home of the suffering with a bunch of joy.

b.    The cheerfulness is found in their hearts.  The job they are doing is difficult.  It should not be done out of a sheer sense of duty.  It is done out of a ready mind.  The person wants to be part of the affliction in order to provide assistance and comfort.

1)    1 Thessalonians 5:11

 

Wherefore comfort yourselves together…

 

2)    1 Thessalonians 5:14

 

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak be patient toward all men.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   The body of Christ is extremely diverse.

1.    Some of the positions in the church are limited.

2.    Others, however, have many avenues one can take.

 

B.   Paul wants us to find our gift and use it to make increase of the body of Christ.

 

C.   Barnes:  “True honor consists not in splendid endowments, or great wealth and function. It consists in rightly discharging the duties which God requires of us in our appropriate sphere. If all people held their talents as the gift of God; if all would find and occupy in society (and the church) the place for which God designed them, it would prevent no small part of the uneasiness, the restlessness, the ambition, and misery of the world” (and the church).  (e-sword, emp mine, vme).