Concerning Spiritual Things (continued)
Gtcotr/ws031704
1 Corinthians 12 (Young’s Literal Translation)
1 ¶ And concerning the spiritual things, brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant;
2 ye have known that ye were nations, unto the dumb idols—as ye were led—being carried away;
3 wherefore, I give you to understand that no one, in the Spirit of God speaking, saith Jesus is anathema, and no one is able to say Jesus is Lord, except in the Holy Spirit.
4 And there are diversities of gifts, and the same Spirit;
5 and there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord;
6 and there are diversities of workings, and it is the same God—who is working the all in all.
7 And to each hath been given the manifestation of the Spirit for profit
I. Would not have you ignorant of the things of the spirit.
A. Each Person Has Been Gifted By Grace For Specific Purposes
B. Some People Have Been Appointed To Perform Certain Duties
C. Other People Are Assigned Positions Of Administration
D. There Are Five Tools Jesus Uses To Build The Church
E. The Holy Spirit Accomplishes Some Things By Working Directly Through People In Nine Discernable Ways
II. Five Tools Jesus Uses To Build The Church
* Ephesians 4:8 Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men." (NKJV)
* This is a picture of a conqueror; a military victory, leading prisoners behind a chariot, bound in submission to the victor of the battle.
* Psalms 68:18 You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, Even from the rebellious, That the LORD God might dwell there.
The Apostle Paul quotes the Psalmist David and changes a reflection of one who would receive or take gifts of or for men to one who now gives gifts to men. In battle one takes from some and in victory one gives to others. Such is the Benevolent Victor, Christ Jesus.
* Ephesians 4:9&10 are an encapsulated parenthetical thought which reveals that He, Christ, has conquered and is Lord everywhere and in all, even in the lower regions of the earth.
* Ephesians 4:8 … He gave gifts …
A. Greek - DOMA (dom-ah’) A thing given for your benefit such as a medical dose
B. Five Ministry Tools Jesus Uses
1. Apostle apostolos (ap-os’-tol-os) a delegate or messenger, one that is sent with orders [ apostle-78; messenger-2; he that is sent-1]
a. 1 Apostle of God (Hebrews 3:1)
b. 12 apostles of the Lamb
* Revelation 21:14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
* Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
c. Many apostles of the Holy Ghost
* Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
* 2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
* In both cases, YLT translates messenger(s) as apostle(s)
d. There are also Apostles of the church - sent by the church to set in order, carry messages, begin works etc.
2. Prophet prophetes (prof-ay’-tace) interpreter; spokesman; forseerer; foreteller - having the power and authority to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, stimulate, motivate and inspire as moved by the Holy Ghost.
a. Acts 11:28; Acts 21:10
b. Agabus was a New Testament Prophet
c. Acts 13:1 Prophets in resident ministry in NT Church
3. Evangelists euaggelistes (yoo-ang-ghel-is-tace’) a bringer of good news, used only 3 times in NT
a. Acts 21:8 Phillip was called an evangelist
B. 2 Timothy 4:5 Timothy admonished to do the work …
4. Pastors poimen (poy-mane’) shepherd-15; Shepherd-2; pastor-1. A herdsman shepherd under whose care and control sheep are entrusted.
5. Teachers didaskalos (did-as’-kal-os) Master-40; master-7; teacher-10; doctor-1. One who is fitted to teach others.
III. Some Common Misunderstanding About The Ministry Tools
A. What Are Their Duties & Responsibilities
* Ephesians 4:12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (NIV)
B. How Long Will They Be Necessary To The Process?
* Ephesians 4:13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ.
C. How Do We Judge Their Progress Or Success?
* Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Note: A Fair Question: Should We Look For Another?
Luke 7:19ff
19 ¶ And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"
20 When the men had come to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’"
21 And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.
22 Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.
23 "And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."
Note: A Fair Answer: The Kingdom Work I Was Sent To Do Is Being Done:
* The Church Is Being Strengthened And Doctrine Is Established
* Saints Are Being Prepared For And Allowed To Do The Work Of The Kingdom
* Blessed Are Those Who Join In The Work
IV. UNDERSTANDING THE FIVE MINISTERY TOOLS
| Apostle | Prophet | Evangelist | Pastor | Teacher |
| governs | guides | gathers | guards | grounds |
| discipline | deliver | demands | defends | disciples |
| stands over | before | stands out | understands | stands among |
| regard | revere | refreshed | rely | respond |
| sets in | sets straight | sets out | sets with | sets down |
| presides | points | promises | pleases | prepares |
| manages | measures | motivates | milks | molds |
| in charge | charges in | recharges | over-charged | instructs you how to pay what you have charged |
