Part 31
5. Finger bone — It points to everyone's faults.
6. Rib bone — Rib the pastor till he can't take it anymore.
7. Shoulder bone — It does the work.
Some churches I've seen remind me of my own body at times. My mouth runs before my mind is engaged. Sometimes I feel like I'm hooked up backwards; my nose runs and my feet smell.
We sometimes begin to think we're pretty important, but remember as you sit there you are worth $.90 chemically. You're pretty much worthless,
unless you are energized atomically, then you become worth millions per pound because you could produce 11 million kilowatts per pound of flesh.
Spiritually we're worthless without the Holy Spirit, but with Him we are priceless to God.
What kind of a body are we for Christ? The next text has specific reference to the local assembly as does Ephesians four, but by application we could see truths for the invisible church as well.
Take a few moments to read this text, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Some facts from the text:
V. 12) One body, many members
V. 13) All are placed in the body via the Holy Spirit. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This takes place at salvation.
V. 15) If a member, out of disgust, declares himself not of the body, he still is in the body, like it or not.
V. 17) There is a diversity of types. The body isn't just an eye. The body isn't just an ear. It's a complete body, arms hands, legs, feet etc.
V. 18) God placed us where He wanted us. This includes what we are. He chose what member you are and placed you in the body where He wants you.
This passage has direct application to every one of us today. How? 1. We should carefully find out what local assembly He wants us working in. 2. After we know where we are to be, we should find out what we should be doing. This means more than just sitting idle while the hand scratches your foot. Every member of a healthy body functions. What are you supposed to be doing? 3. God placed. Not man. We are not to judge another member's place or ability. God thinks his ability is what He wants in that place. You may feel I am a rotten teacher. Maybe I am. Maybe I don't have interesting studies. Maybe I am bald. Maybe I don't have a sense of humor. Maybe I tick you off with all of my detail. But — you did not
place me in this position. At this time god wants me here no matter what I'm like. Tomorrow He may want me in some other position. This can be done in a number of ways. Don't judge God's placement of members.
Vs. 21-22) One member can't do without the other if it is going to function properly.
Every job in the church is important to the smooth functioning of the body. Imagine if your left knee joint was rendered inoperative. Just how well would your back feel after hobbling along with a stiff knee? Every job is important to the body.
V. 23) We should try to honor these less important members. This is done by giving credit where credit is due and giving a thank you and pat on the back once in awhile.
V. 24) God gives honor to these less important parts, by spiritual blessing, by joy in serving, by rewards later.
A missionary friend once told a church that he'd help with their Vacation Bible School. He didn't get to speak in that church. He served them as a less important member. On his next furlough the church opened a day of services to him and support followed.
V. 25) This honor is done so there is no division in the body.
All members should care for one another. If there isn't a mutual caring, then someone's spiritual life is not in a proper relation to God.
There is a phrase in the Scripture that is very indicative of what we are talking about. "One another." The Bible mentions many things that we are to do for and to "one another." I would suggest a study of these passages for your further enrichment. It will take awhile, yet the benefit will be well worth it. The listing of these passages is in Appendix six.
V. 26) There should be common suffering and rejoicing: How do you feel when your tooth aches? Do you feel great all over? No. How do you feel when it's fixed. Great — all over. So we might surmise that if one member of the church body is off center then the whole body is slightly askew.
Some of the members have certain spiritual gifts to train, while all of us have a gift or more for the enrichment of the whole. Let's look at
Ephesians 4:11-16 and see how this relates to the body of Christ. Vs. 11) Some gifts given for a purpose. Vs. 12) We see there is a reason in this verse: For the perfecting of the saints. (complete as a machine, ready to go.) In short, the purpose is to teach every Christian so that he is ready and able to go for God. Be it witnessing or whatever.
The pastor is to be helping complete the others in the church. At the same time there may be others in the church that can help in completing the pastor. This is not open season on telling your pastor what and how to do his work, but there may be opportunity for you to assist him in his ministry in a way that he learns.
The result of this mutual completing is a church that is growing maturity wise as well as number wise. It is a process by which a church can begin to function as a unit and not an octopus with many tentacles flailing the water.
Let's recap:
We — every one of us — is a member of a local assembly.
It does not matter if you hold membership or not. If you are attending a gathering you are in essence a part of that body. You — every one of you — have a spiritual gift. God placed you in your local church at this time because of your gift. It is needed to do what God wants done at this point in time.
These gifts are varied. You may have more than one. You may have the gift of giving, of helps, of pastor-teacher, of evangelist, of governments (oversight), of ministry (material, deacons), of exhorter (paraclete), of ruler (elder), or of mercy.
No matter what your gift you should be sharing that gift with the other believers. If you aren't sharing that gift, you are hindering and impeding the health of the body. What is worse — you are hindering and impeding the work of God.
It's easy to sit back and relax while others do all the work, but when you see it in its true light it's the fact that you are hindering and holding up God's work. Are you ready to admit to that?
There is another warning that might be drawn from this thought. The church leadership which does not allow all of the people to minister is throwing up a roadblock to God's work as well. Every gift is present for a purpose and should be used in the assembly.
God can work around you. He can do this is two ways: 1) by shifting your load to someone else, or 2) by bringing other people into the assembly to take your work.
Is someone else doing work in your assembly that you should be doing?
Not only should we be suing our gifts in the local church, but we also have other responsibilities.
Every organization has rules and regulations — no matter how loose the organization. Every organization has members. those members have set responsibilities. Even in the hippy groups of the 60's there were certain responsibilities. The hippy dress was to be different than the straights. They wore patches and rags so they could be different. My question is this — if they were so different why did they all look alike when they dressed differently? At any rate, they had certain responsibilities to the group.
This holds true concerning the members of the body of Christ. We will be looking at these responsibilities for a moment.
A. The first responsibility is to mature. Even though there are many immature Christians that have been saved for twenty-five years, our prime interest is in maturing and learning in our new life. This can be done in many ways.
1. Regular attendance at services. Not just the am, pm, & Wednesday, but all that are available. Many churches have training hours and different age group fellowships.
2. Daily prayer is needed to keep the channels of communication open. All the sermons, lessons, and devotions in the world will be useless unless you are on your knees asking God to apply them to you.
3. Regular personal Bible study. A very good place to begin here is to read through the Bible so you know what's there. Then get into
detailed studies. Mix your ways of studying up so that you don't become bored.
B. You are responsible to honor other members of the body.
1. This does not allow for talking behind someone's back. This does not allow for backbiting. Our pastor years ago preached on the armor of God. He explained carefully how the front of the body was well protected, but there is no protection in the rear. He explained that the Christian soldier was always to be going forward. He also mentioned that it should have included protection from the rear. He told us that he had had more trouble from the rear, from Christians, than he had had from the front.
He didn't say it, but what has happened in today's church is this -the Devil has infiltrated the Lord's ranks by getting Christians to sin.
2. This includes a mutual trust between members. All members are Christians and as such should be honest. If you have any proof of wrongdoing, go to the person in question. If you have only suspicions, be quiet. If God has placed a person in a place of leadership then it is your duty to keep his or her reputation, not tear it down.
C. You are responsible to support the body.
1. This can be in the form of help. Helping in the ministry. All are to be working. Every member. It is wrong to push all responsibilities onto one member. Remember your spiritual gift is to be used to support the body.
2. Spiritual support between members is needed. A mutual encouraging of one another. a. This can be on a one to one basis. b. This can be in informal fellowship. c. This can be during testimony times.
D. You are responsible to build up the body.
1. By personal witness. The early church was built by Christians witnessing, winning and bringing people into church.
2. As you talk to others about your church don't dwell on the dim side, like how little room there is or about how boring the Sunday School class is, but emphasize the positive.
E. You are responsible to keep your attitudes straight.
1. Personal attitudes in a church are very important to smooth operation.
2. Don't get hurt when a vote goes against what you wanted.
3. Don't get upset if someone gets a job you wanted. Volunteer..
F. It is your responsibility to mind your own business. Our world is changing drastically. Everyone is out to mind everyone else's business.
1. It used to be that how you raised your children was your business, but it seems everyone has to get into the show. A man shared with us once that he had taken a child out for several applications of the board of education on the seat of learning. Still the child gave trouble so he got up again and every person in the church turned and stared. To which the pastor said, "Now you people never mind — that child needs that."
2. It is proper and courteous to allow others to have a different opinion and leave it at that. Today, especially on spiritual things, if you have a difference of opinion you are treated like the scum of the earth. Many times when you take a stand on something you believe in, you are radical and stupid. This oft times is worst from Christians.
G. It is your responsibility to be content with what you have and with where you are in the body. 1 Timothy 6:8 "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." 1 Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain;"
I. You are responsible to apply what you hear and learn from Scripture to yourself and no one else. When you hear something don't say, "Oh boy, does so and so need that." Say, "Does that relate to me?" Let the Holy Spirit work on everyone else. He can do it if you let Him. He is God, and conviction is one of His ministries to the believer.
J. You are responsible to keep your family in proper order so they are an honor and asset to the body.
1. The man has a set responsibility in the family (Ephesians 5:22-25). We've been studying Christ's headship. The husband is the head of the
family. I see no reason given in Scripture whereby this relationship can be changed.
2. Children are to obey their parents. Colossians 3:20 "Children, obey your parents in all things; for this is wellpleasing unto the Lord." Also see Ephesians 6:1-3. Note obey and honor are two things for us to do. Another good study for insight is the term "honor" and the term "obey."
As a teenager I was very cautious of honoring my father. He was the county treasurer — above reproach. Never did wrong. One night I went sliding around a corner and sped off only to be followed by a flashing red light. The first thought in my mind was not of the money or embarrassment to me, but of what my father would say and secondly what his friends and acquaintances would say. In court I was thinking about my name being in the paper and the dishonor it would mean to him. As children — not only kids and young people, but everyone that has living parents — it is your duty to honor your parents. Keep their esteem and worth in view in all that you do.
K. You are responsible to help keep unity in the assembly. A group of people bound together by a shared goal will be united behind that goal and the effort to obtain that goal. If you find you are at odds with the group, check to see if you are spiritually (sin-wise) prepared to make your decision, then make your decision on a Scriptural basis. Don't decide on what you think, but on what God says. If you are at odds you might try prayer.
If all of us keep our end of these responsibilities we can expect a smooth running church that will be quite honoring to God. If we begin to slip in these areas we can expect strife, hurt feelings, and trouble.
We've been talking about the body of Christ and the responsibilities of the members. Our study now should turn to how the members can be responsive. Really the only way. Take a moment and read through 2 Timothy 2:14-26
How do your religious conversations go with other people? Are they argumentative? Are they calm or heated? Are they based solely on Scripture or upon what someone thinks or feels? Are they profitable?
If they are heated or argumentative or based on thought, feeling or philosophy, then they are unprofitable and will subvert the hearers. Possibly an illustration of this concept would be good. Many years ago I was working on an F.M. radio. I was trying to align or adjust it in a certain manner. My boss said, "You can't do it that way." I said, "You're crazy — I'm doing it." A lengthy argument ensued which became heated. At last my boss, an electronic engineer conceded that I, only a technician, was right. What were the last four words about a heated argument? Will subvert the hearers. I had convinced a friend of mine, also. The problem came when I found I couldn't align the radio in that manner. Thinking back I found where I was wrong. The point? A heated argument subverted my friends and my bosse's thinking. I then had to not only tell them I had argued them into falsehood, but that I was sorry for the whole mess.
This happens many times in religious discussions. The same is true when we draw conclusions from discussions based on philosophy or someone's thoughts and beliefs.
Paul says — subverting is the result.
Vs. 15 "Study to show thyself approved...." Someone has asked the question: If you were arrested and tried for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you? Think about it. If you took your case before God right now and said, "Lord, I've studied in the Word in the following areas and I've spent this many hours a week studying your Word," would He say, "Here is your reward faithful servant." Or would He say, "You're a slothful servant. You will have no reward." Would He put His stamp of approval on you?
"...a workman...." This assumes that you are working for Him. Are you?
"...that needeth not be ashamed...." Have you ever witnessed to someone, or been in a discussion concerning religion and found you can't answer questions put to you — or you feel you were a miserable witness? If so this is your problem. You are ashamed. Why? Because you aren't an approved workman. Why? Because you haven't studied diligently.
This does not require length in study, but diligence to the study you have.
"...rightly dividing the word of truth...." Another area where embarrassment enters in when someone catches you teaching something wrong from the Word. Again this usually comes from poor study.
Vs. 16 "...stay away from babblings...." Another way to explain the discussions of v 14. If you are subverted and continue, you will be increasing your ungodliness. If you are a teacher and teach others, you are multiplying your ungodliness.
Paul goes on to give information concerning false teaching and the importance of being very careful in our acceptance of things taught. I have told classes and congregations all my life to check up on what their pastor tells them and to check up on what I tell them. Indeed, that is a good warning to the reader. There may be things in this volume that are false. Not because I am desirous of misleading you but there are ways in which falsehood can creep in.
We trust that this look into the body aspect of the church has been helpful and that the reader will continue to do further study on the subject as time permits.
7. SPIRITUAL GIFTS
There has been so much written about spiritual gifts that it doesn't seem logical to go into great detail in this section. I would like to just share some information that might be of use to the reader.
Miscellaneous information and thoughts concerning Spiritual gifts.
1. Gifts Are Not Synonymous With Natural Talents. The gift may however be a supernatural enhancement of a natural talent. An example is a case of a man in Nebraska that was asked to paint a large Vacation Bible School banner for the church. He was somewhat of a sign painter, however made many mistakes and goofs in his work. He was very reluctant to take on this banner. The pastor encouraged him to do it. The man set out to do the banner and did not run into any difficulties and it came out quite nicely.
Many can teach as we see in the public schools however only the gifted can teach spiritual things in a powerful life changing way.
2. Gifts Are Not Ministries. The Lord gifts for the ministries for which he has called you. He will not give you the gift of pastor if you are never going to do any pastoring. He prepares you for whatever He desires for you to do.
3. Gifts Are Not Offices. Those holding offices will have gifts and their gifts may well relate to their office, yet it is not an office as such. The gift of pastor teacher is not the office, though the man holding that office should have the gift of pastor and the gift of teacher. (See appendix eight for more detail on this.)
4. Gifts Are Not Spiritual Maturity Or Fruit Of The Spirit.
5. Everyone Has One. (Ephesians 4:7 "unto everone of us is given grace"; Romans 12:6-8.) The gift or gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the church. Each believer has a gift, whether he knows what it is or not. In some cases a person will not know their gift for some time after salvation.
6. They Will Differ From Person To Person (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:11.) Everyone in a church will not have the same gift,
though there may be several that have the same one. For example there will normally be several gifted teachers for the training of the saints. In a large church there may be more than one "pastor-teacher" for the ministry of the saints.
7. Gifts Are For The Common Good Of The Body (1 Corinthians 12:7, "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit." The profit will be to the person, yet to the body as well. The whole purpose of the gifts is to benefit the body of Christ. Christ set the church into motion for a purpose and these gifts are to aid and assist in the body's completion of that task.
8. The Gifts Are Given Through The Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:7) Ephesians four declares that Christ gifted some, but He did it through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It is assumed that Christ specifies the gift and the Holy Spirit empowers or gifts accordingly.
9. The Purpose Is The Edification And Growth Of The Body Of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-14.) If everyone has a gift and the gifts are for building up of the body then it follows that if some of the people are not ministering in the church, that the church is not growing properly.
10. We Are To Know About Them. (1 Corinthians 12:1, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." This is not to say that a believer should set aside all he is doing to seek and find his gift. The believer is to look at the Word and know of the gifts and then as they walk with the Lord their gift will be revealed to them. There was a time in the 70's in which the church in general seemed to be stuck on gifts. All the new books were on the gifts, all the sermons were on the gifts, and the concentration of believers was diverted to the gifts rather than other things of ministry. This was not all bad, for the spiritual gifts prior to that time were very subdued in the church, however it tended to sidetrack people.
11. The gifts can be abused as is evidenced in the book of 1 Corinthians where Paul comments on the proper/improper use of the gift of tongues.
12. Most Feel That You Can Have More Than One Gift. They quote 1 Peter 4:10 "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." I am not
sure what they are seeing in this verse. The NASB mentions a "special" gift which might possibly indicate a special as well as a not so special gift.
There are some the teach a primary/secondary gift line of thinking. They feel there is a primary gift in which the believer actually does most of their ministering, and then one or more secondary gifts which assist them in their overall ministry. For example the pastor may have primary gifts of pastor and teacher while also the secondary gift of helps which he uses in ministering to sick and shut-ins. Though there seems little Scripture to base this on, observation over the years seems to indicate it.
13. If You Know What Your Gift Is Then You Should Function In That Area Of Your Church. If you are not functioning with your gift then you are in sin. The gift was given for use.
14. Most Believe That The Gifts Are Given For Life. If you are given the gift of pastor, then you will die a pastor gifted person. You may not be able to function as before, but your mind set will function around that gift that you have been given. If you have the gift of giving and you find yourself one day on a very limited Social Security income — you still have the gift of giving and you will probably be a real giver even though it is limited.
HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR GIFT
The normal question from the person that does not know what his gift is, centers on how to find what their gift is. Let's consider that for a few moments.
1. Know what the gifts are, what they mean, and the action that each is able to perform.
2. Go to work and find out what area you seem to flourish in. The old adage "God can't steer a parked car." is very appropriate. Get busy in several different areas and see if you function well in them. This may take some time so don't be discouraged. (Stephen is seen as a deacon but is soon preaching. Phillip as well.)
3. Consider what part you would like to have in the local church. The desire will be found resident if the gift is there. If you really like to teach then teaching may be your gift.
4. Dedicate yourself to the Lord and to serving Him the best way you can (Romans 12:1-5). Be controlled by the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead you.
5. Try to develop the gift you think that you might have and see if the gift is there or if it is just a talent.
6. Wait and see if others view you as having the gift as well.
7. Do not worry if you do not know or find your gift. You can function in the church without knowing.
8. Take a test and know what your gift is. I have passed out tests and have seen tests which are billed as "Indicators" of your gift. I have seen people take these tests and "KNOW" what their spiritual gifts are. NOT SO. These tests usually are accurate in indicating what a gift might be. In people that know their gifts and have taken the tests, the tests seem fairly accurate. Be careful however not to base your knowledge of a gift on a test. Allow the Lord to lead you to what your gift is.
I would like to give some listings of the gifts in different groupings for your personal study and reference. These are to be found in appendix seven.
THE GIFTS EXAMINED BRIEFLY
Prophecy: This gift is quite often listed in the sign gift area due to the revelatory nature of it in the New Testament. "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." (1 Corinthians 14:3) Some feel that prophecy rightly belongs in the ministry gift area due to this verse. In truth it would seem that possibly the gift of prophecy had a redefinition in the New Testament times. In the Acts the gift has the idea of forthtelling with the future involved as in the Old Testament prophets. While this verse (1 Corinthians 14:3) sounds very much like a gift that belongs in the Ephesians four category.
Some see different aspects of the gift in the New Testament. There is the prophetic aspect of revealing God's message to man, there is the forthtelling of God's message as in what we view as preaching. I'm not sure there is enough evidence to justify either side of the case. The important item is this, if you see the gift of prophecy in place today, be sure that you explain what you mean by that gift, and not allow people to believe there is prophecy of the New Testament revelation type going on today.
Faith: This gift seems to be the God given faith to see something that God wants done and to go forward planning and praying toward that end. This would probably be in view in the book of James. "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up;" James 5:15
This might be the little old lady that Knows That God Is Going To Send Someone Into The Ministry From Her Church. A professor of mine at Western Bible College in Denver, CO shared that he had been a secular school teacher for some time, and the Lord began leading him into the ministry. He had a masters in education and he was planning to go on now to seminary. His pastor asked him to share this in church, so he did. After the service a little old lady came up to him and was shaking here skinny finger in his face and she said, "I've been praying for years that God would raise up someone from our church to go into the ministry, and for the last three years, I've been praying that it would be you." The moral of my story? Watch out for those little old ladies, or you may become a missionary or who knows what.
Word Of Wisdom: This is usually seen as a sign gift, and rightly so, however there may be a sense in which you should watch the wisdom that comes your way as you walk through life. I personally believe that the gift of wisdom is a sign gift, yet I have seen some very wise men who God has placed in my path. Don't discount wisdom when it walks up to you and says hello. Learn from it.
It seems to be the ability to take the facts and consider all information and wisely choose the course of action to be taken. You may run into this fellow when you begin trying to figure out what the Lord wants you to do with your life. You may give him all your assets and fears, and he will work through your fears and help you to an understanding of what you
can do and encourage you toward that end. Not all people are as wise as they profess, so be very careful, of those that you take advice from. If you don't have confidence in them, if you don't see evidence of wisdom in that life then don't ask them advice.
Word Of Knowledge: The ability to search the scriptures, systematize and communicate the knowledge received. Again this is usually viewed as a sign gift and should be. There is the idea of it in our own day also however. Hopefully this is what we have in the books that we are reading. The men of God of our day and past days are looking at the word, looking at the language, and looking to other areas of research and are setting down information that we might be able to use in our own lives.
Healing: The miraculous bringing about of cures to all manner of diseases. Another sign gift. This is seen as the complete and immediate cure of the malady. This is seen in several accounts of the healing in the Book of Acts. It is significant to note that the apostle Paul healed many in the book of Acts, yet in later life he could not heal himself or others mentioned in the epistles. This is proof that he no longer had the gift of healing.
We might make comment also that God is able to do as He pleases in response to our prayers, and based on this it should be noted that He does heal at His choice and discretion. This healing is done directly and not through a faith healer or some other third party.
Miracles: The supernatural intervention of someone with the laws of nature to bring about some work via a command or prayer. Again this is a sign gift that is no longer in existence. The fact that God works in miraculous ways in this day is not disputed. He, as we have said, can do as He pleases, and does intervene at times in wonderful ways.
Discerning Of Spirits: The ability to discern the difference between a spirit of truth and a spirit of error. Though I believe that the gift has passed away, I would encourage you to develop your impressions and feelings toward people and what they teach. As you go along you may feel, with no cause there is something wrong. Go carefully and see if your feelings or impulses are correct.
I have noticed many times that we will meet someone in a secular setting and I will tell my wife that I would bet the person is a charismatic. I have
been quite accurate. We arrived for a deputation meeting in Oregon and about fifteen minutes into the Sunday School lesson, I leaned to my wife and said that I thought there was something very wrong in the church. She said that she felt the same thing. Within a couple of weeks someone told us that the church had gone charismatic.
Tongues: The supernatural ability to speak in a previously not known tongue or language. This is definitely one of the sign gifts and is not for the use of the believer today. The so called heavenly tongue that many claim to use is easily proven to be of something other than the Lord and His plan.
Interpretation Of Tongues: The supernatural ability to interpret what is spoken by the person speaking in tongues.
Apostles: This would seem to be the office that the disciples and Paul held. There is no equivalent to this office or gift today.
MINISTRY GIFTS
Ministry: This would seem to relate to the work of the Deacon. This is the ministering to the physical needs of the saints. I rather suspect that many people have this gift in there is so much to be done in this area of the church. Indeed, I have to think that many of the bench warmers that we have in our churches may well have this gift, for there is quite often to much ministering to be done for those that minister.
Teaching: The God given ability to search the scriptures and declare that truth which has been learned. This seems to carry with it the ability to create interest in spiritual things and have insight into the needs of the students. We have many teachers in our churches, but I'm not sure how many gifted teachers we have in our churches. (That are busy Ministering at any rate.)
Exhortation: The Spirit given ability to comfort and help those that call you along side for help or assistance. The term is also used of the Holy Spirit in relation to his ministry as the comforter. The person who has this gift quite often finds that people with problems seek them out for help, advice or just a listening ear. If you have this gift PLEASE use it at every opportunity. Many in our churches are hurting and have no one to talk to.
Giving: The ability to give money for the ongoing work of the Lord with a single minded commitment to continue to do so as long as the Lord allows. This does not mean that you are or will be rich. We had a supporter that felt that giving was his gift. He was on a disability income from social security and is unable to work. He and his wife give as much as they can and are determined to do so as long as the Lord gives them income and life. Even though they are low income, they seem to have the gift of giving.
Ruling: Some would lump this into the gift of governments however there is a possibility that the two are different. Ruling may have the idea of ruling over the church as in oversight. The idea of the one that guides the church along.
Mercy: The ability to show mercy or kindness to those in the body of Christ that are hurting and/or are in need of encouragement. This will normally be a part of a pastors ministry, however there may be some in the body that could do a much better job of mercy. We should teach people this so that the pastor is not burdened with a ministry that he is not gifted to do. The pastor can do his part and allow others to come in and hurt with the people. I've noticed in the past, however that normally the pastor does do well in this area and is probably gifted for the ministry.
Helps: The ability to step into any situation and assist in accomplishing the task at hand. This gift may well involve the ability to organize and carry through on a task until done. In a church in Nebraska there was a man that always headed up everything. At potlucks if something needed done he was in the middle of rounding up workers to get it done. His motto was, "Everybody works." Many joked of the man's work, but he was a man that got the work completed in quick and good order.
Governments: As opposed to Ruling this gift would be in the area of administration. The smooth running of the church affairs. Possibly an assisting of the different church leaders. We have churches and organizations with gifted people in this area, but the heads of the groups are to insecure to allow them to minister and have a great effect upon the body.
Evangelists: The gift that enables it's bearer to share forth the Gospel to the unsaved in a way that is both powerful and effective unto the leading
of souls to the Lord. Some churches are seeing an advantage in having an evangelist on staff. This is a man that is equipped, not only to evangelize, but to train others to do the same. He is usually head of outreach for the church and is given a certain amount of time in the pulpit to exercise his gift among the assembly.
It is not necessarily the man that is called in for evangelistic services. The order of evangelism in the New Testament is for the church to train workers that go out evangelizing and then bringing the new converts into the church for training. (I think that you have read that before.) If the church was functioning properly, there would be no need for an outside evangelist to come in for meetings.
Pastor-Teacher: (Again, I would suggest you read appendix eight for more on this topic.) The shepherd of the flock that can both shepherd and feed the flock with the food from the Word of God. This man may well have the gift of administration in a small church, yet not in the large church where they have a very good business manager. When you are organizing the church as it develops, be sure to see what qualified and gifted people you have. This may well help you know what ministries the Lord has in mind for your people. If you are in a city and find that you have three evangelists and four or five pastor-teachers, you might conclude that a few satellite churches would be in order.
Let's look at a few views of the gifts by other groups.
Old Time Pentecostal View:
1. They believe in the New Birth.
2. They view Spirit Baptism as Post Salvation.
3. They lay emphasis on all the miraculous gifts especially tongues and healing.
4. Tongues are the evidence of the Spirit Baptism.
Current Pentecostal View:
1. Hold to Spirit Baptism. (May be pre or post salvation.)
2. The book of Acts is a pattern for today.
3. You are spiritually lacking without tongues.
4. Healing is also seen as very "today."
Protestant — Non Pentecostal View:
1. Miraculous gifts.
2. Spirit Baptism is at salvation.
3. All gifts are active today.
4. Each believer has one or more.
5. They rely on experience. One of the leading seminaries fired three men for holding to this position. At the time of hiring they knew the men leaned this way, but when they shifted and started propagating their beliefs the seminary let them go.
Protestant — Non Pentecostal — Non Sign Gift View: (Body life movement people.)
1. The lack of gifts has hindered the church.
2. They emphasize interpersonal relations and normally are light on the theology.
3. Many differences on the types of gifts.
4. Many differences on definitions of gifts.
5. Many differences as to which gifts are for today.
Protestant — Average Fundamental View:
1. The sign gifts were for the establishment of the Gospel message in the time of the apostles.
2. The ministry gifts are for today for the edification of the local church.
3. There are differences as to which are active today but usually this difference is prophecy.
4. The gifts are for the believers use within the church, but it is not a "hurry up and find it" attitude. The gifts will surface as a person is active within the church.
5. Misuse or none use of a gift would be considered sin. (That is assuming that you know what your gift is.)
For a number of years the emphasis was upon the gifts. You must find yours. What is yours? etc. It was not unlike the worlds quest for knowing their astrological signs. Many would ask what your gift was before getting to know you.
The better emphasis is very definitely upon the giver of the Gifts, Jesus Christ. Christ's provision of the gifts through the Holy Spirit was for the building up of the church.
To dwell on gifts is to be a poor steward of your time. To uplift your gifts is to be a poor steward of your humility. May we all seek to minister in the church to the best of our ability? Indeed, that is what the Lord would have us do. We should function as we are gifted to the best of our ability.
A WORD OF WARNING CONCERNING GIFTS
There are some in the church that will not allow others to minister in the area of their gifting. I really have to wonder if those people won't be held accountable for limiting the gifted peoples function in a particular instance.
As you go out into the ministry, seek to help people find their gifts and then use them in the assembly.
Realize that unless all are functioning properly, then the church is not functioning properly. If you have bench warmers, then the church is not functioning properly. If you have absentees, then the church is not functioning properly. Apply that one when you want to go to the mountains. If you are not involved in a local church then some local church is not functioning properly, unless you are in an itinerant type ministry.
A pet view of mine follows and I am not sure that I could prove it from scripture, but I believe that the indications of scripture run along this line.
Every church or organization has just as many gifted people as they need to do the work that God intends to have done. This may mean that if something is not being done, then someone is not functioning. Either from inability to or lack of desire to. This means that if a new aspect of ministry comes along and there is no one present that can do it, then you should begin praying for the person needed and look to the Lord for His provision. This means wait till the provision is made before launching out into that ministry. It means that if your only gifted teacher is transferred to South Africa there may be one present and just not knowledgeable of his gift. You should check around and train him when you find him.
SOME CLOSING THOUGHTS
I trust that you will pay attention to the next section of information. I believe that if it isn't helpful now, that it may well be useful to you at some time in the future.
We have been talking about spiritual gifts and the fact that you have one or more. God has called many people into ministries of many different character.
Some in the ministry begin to question whether they should really be there or not. Usually this question is raised because they are in ministries that are not going well or not going at all.
The following thoughts are based on observation, plus a bit of scriptural indication.
SOME BIBLICAL INDICATORS
Paul always went to the Jews each time he entered a new area. They rejected his message. Take Note Of Some Things: The rejection was of Christ and not of Paul. The rejection did not mean that Paul was a failure. The rejection did not indicate that the Lord did not lead Paul to that place to minister to the Jews.
Some of the Prophets of the Old Testament were sent to a non-listening people. God told the prophet up front that the people would not hear. Take Note Of Some Things: The not listening was not because the prophet did not communicate well. (It was because their ears were plugged with
sin.) The judgment that followed was not the prophets fault. The judgment was due to the sin and the not turning back to God, not any lack on the part of the prophet.
NOW SOME APPLICATION AND SOME OBSERVATION
1. God may lead you to minister in an area where there will be no visible lasting result. This is not your affair to worry about. It is God's desired result for His desired ministry for you.
2. God at times gives a people or an area every conceivable opportunity to come to Him, and then when they have turned their backs, He will give them another opportunity.
I have seen men go into an area that has had abundant opportunity for a church and the men will work their hearts out and not see any real results. That Is God's Business And His Desire, Or They Would Not Be There. The key to this type of situation is to be open to the Lord's leading as to when to leave. Be open to the Lord to be sure that your life is straight before Him. Be open to the Lord to be sure that you are doing all that you can. THEN, if there is no result it is due to God's plan. He will care for it.
I really believe that He gives every opportunity to some, just so they will have no valid comment at the judgment seat, be it the bema or the Great White Throne, they did not know what to do.
3. Your only responsibility is to be right before God and do the work that He leads you to do.
4. There may be times when you will minister in an area for years with no real success. It is God's success that we should be interested in.
There are many accounts of missionaries that have labored a life time to see very little results. The next generation of missionaries, however usually reap the benefit of those works and see great things done for God.
God will give the increase in His day and His time. Just because you do not become a rousing success in one place of ministry, do not assume that you have no gift and that you are a failure. You may indeed have the specific gift needed in that case and be a rousing success in God's mind and plan.
If I were to measure my success in light of man's standards I would become very discouraged. I try to keep my eyes on the Lord and His leading and trust that He is seeing all that I do as a success.
Be realistic, and understand that this is not an easy thing to do. There will be times when you have doubts concerning your abilities. There will be times when you become disgusted because you can't do something that you feel is needed, because the Christians are to dead to get involved. There will be Monday mornings. There will be times when you become discouraged. There will be times when you type up your resignation.
The Point Of All I've Said Is That You Need To, At Those Times, Go Before The Lord And Ask For More Of His Strength.
1. Be thankful.
2. Don't be prideful.
3. Don't look down your nose at those that we have spoken of in the preceding section.
4. Be an encouragement to your brothers and sisters in ministry that are having ruff times.
8. THE DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH
I personally have only been in a church involved in church discipline one time and that fairly recently. Church discipline is a topic that many let slip for many years. It is coming back into the foreground again for which we should be very thankful.
It is the means of keeping the local assembly pure, and it is a needed tool at times.
It is not hard to recall a minister that has fallen from his position due to immorality or theft. It is not hard to remember several members of local congregations that have gone off into open sin. The hard thing to recall or remember may be that any of these people were ever disciplined for their activity.
In the past there have been many that have taken church discipline very seriously. We have a series of Questions and Answers from history that were set forth by Menno Simons in 1550 concerning how the disciplined person should be treated. The "ban" in these questions refers to the fact that the sinner is banned from the local congregation.
I would like to share some of these questions for you. So you can see how seriously some believers in the past were about discipline.
"Should husband and wife shun each other on account of the ban?"
"Should we greet one that is banned, with the common, everyday greeting, or return our respects as his greeting?"
"Are we allowed to show the banned any charity, love, and mercy?"
"Are we allowed to sell to, and buy of, the apostates....?"
"Are we allowed to be seated with an apostate in a ship or wagon, or to eat with him at the table of a tavern?"
We might assume from the questions on the ban, that these people were serious about what the word says about church discipline.
I read an article some time ago that mentions a study in the south. The author had done some research on church discipline in a specific area
(Mississippi). The church members did not know of any serious church discipline, except for one person that remembered a discipline of a singing star in Hollywood. The point? Church discipline is not a common thing.
Someone has, tongue in cheek suggested, that church discipline today is the pastor and elders keeping quiet about the sin in deacon Jones life so that he won't rock the financial boat.
To say the least, discipline is not a prime topic of activity or discussion these days in the local church, yet the Bible very clearly teaches that open sin should be dealt with by the church body.
DEFINITION
Let us define church discipline as the correction of action, or the removal of the erring believer from the local church body, for the purpose of correction and/or restoration. This is normally undertaken for immorality or deviation from approved doctrine.
At the outset we must realize that discipline is NOT to make the church sinless. It is to maintain a proper testimony before the world. Anyone thinking that discipline can make the church sinless does not understand the teaching of man and his relationship to sin.
Matthew 5:23-24 is a text that would indicate we should be right with any brother that has anything against us before we offer to God. This is under the law but in the New Testament context I would assume we could apply this to coming before God with our gifts or offerings. In short if we have anything against a brother, we should settle it before we move into a place where we are approaching the Lord.
This alone would eliminate many of the problems of the church. We need to work on these items as we attempt to build a body for the Lord.
Matthew 18:15-17 is the text which gives us the guidelines for correcting a brother. If you have a problem go to the brother alone and confront him. If this does not work take one or two with you so all can be established in front of witnesses. If this fails then tell it before the church. If this also fails then "let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a tax collector".
Some might wonder if this text is appropriate for the church age. The fact that it appears after Matthew 13 where the Jews seem to reject the Messiah, and He begins to teach of things other than the millennial kingdom indicates that it is for this age. Even if you saw it for the kingdom age the principles seem to be good, and I think some of these ideas are born out in the epistles.
Most definitely the most drastic account of church discipline is found in Acts 5. Ananias and Saphira have lied to the church and more specifically to God, and their discipline is very quick and strong. Their lives are taken upon confrontation with their sin. This is a text which relates to the apostolic leadership however the idea that the sin was confronted and cared for immediately should be usable to us today. Note should be made that it was God that took their lives and not the church. The church confronts and in our age takes action of reprimand and/or removal. This is the extent of the churches authority. God may and I personally believe in some cases does, take further action in the lives of unrepentant believers. I believe that John 15:1-14 and 1Corinthians 11:30 show that God may remove a sinning believer that is unwilling to turn from their sin from this life.
In Romans 14:1-15:1 Paul sets down some principles for handling differences of opinion. This chapter shows clearly that differences of opinion are not in view for church discipline. These items are of personal decision and Paul lays down principles to deal with these situations.
The basis for removal of an erring believer from the assembly is based on 1 Corinthians 5:4-11. I would like to consider this for a moment. First of all is this a believer or nonbeliever? It seems to most that this is a believer for we see in verse 5 that Paul is concerned for his soul. If this was a nonbeliever their soul would be on the way to destruction and there would be no need to turn it over to Satan.
Some suggest that verse 11 mentions him as being a so called brother or lost ("...any man that is called a brother...."). However, the context seems to shift in verse 9 from the man in sin to another topic.
This man was involved with his fathers wife. Paul is quite plain there is a problem and that it should be dealt with. Verse 7 uses the terminology that
indicates the removal of the person from the church assembly. "Purge out." The term purge would indicate there is to be a cleansing action in the whole process. If you have removed a man that is in open sin, you certainly are cleaning up the church.
In verse 5 they are to deliver him to the Devil for the destruction of his flesh. The purpose of discipline is seen in 7 and 8. Sin is like leaven and you must get it out of the lump before it leavens the whole lump. (Leaven is the same as yeast.) Leaven is usually seen as a type of sin in the Bible.
I have wondered if Paul's choice of words wasn't deliberate. "Puffed up," would picture a lump with leaven throughout — fully raised. His comments then in 7 & 8 would call on them to clean out that pride — which is sin — they can be a new lump. Indeed Vs 6 indicates this.
It seems somewhat hard to envision a church that is proud of the sin that is within. The idea may be they were proud of how tolerant they were of the sinners. Tolerance is not something that is to be desired in the church, be it tolerance of sin, tolerance of false doctrine, or tolerance of improper activities.
We attended a Sunday School class in the South while on vacation and the teacher was involved in this idea of being pleased about how tolerant the people in her church were of one another. She mentioned they even had fundamentalists and liberals in the church and they all got along fine. That is not getting along, that is being tolerant of false doctrine in your church assembly.
We need to look briefly at 2 Corinthians 2:6-11 before we move on. Most agree that this is speaking of the man in 1 Corinthians 5 that was to be put out of the church. Paul tells them to commend their love to him and to forgive him and comfort him. Restore your fellowship with him would be the idea of the text.
Another text which relates to the topic is Galatians 6:1,2. If anyone be taken in a fault restore him in meekness. The warning also is given to consider yourself so that you aren't tempted in the same manner.
The question is, "Does this relate to church discipline?" Specifically I would doubt it. It seems more of a generic type sin rather than immorality
etc. The principles set forth may well apply however. Restore in meekness — and seeing to it that you don't become tempted. Along with this we must not forget that Christ was very forceful when he ran the money changers out of the temple (John 2:12-17), and most consider him meek.
There seems to be evidence that unruliness or disobedience is also a basis for taking steps of discipline. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, encourage
the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all men."
2 Thessalonians 3:6,14,15, mentions that we should withdraw from those that are disorderly and those that walk not after "the tradition which he received of us." Verse 14 tells us to "have no company" with anyone that disobeys the words of the epistle.
The elders or church leaders are not exempt from the possibility of discipline. 1 Timothy 5:19,20,
"Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear."
Trouble with elders should be heard only if two or three witnesses are available. Then confront him before the assembly.
In our "don't scare people" atmosphere today we don't dwell on the aspect of hell because we don't want to scare anyone into heaven. This text tells us that disciplined people will cause fear in the assembly. Fear is not the best motivation to obedience however, the Word states that it is a possible motivation.
Titus 3:10-11 sets a basis for discipline for divisiveness. "A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject, Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself." This verse tells us to reject after the second admonition the heretic. The term heretic seems to have the idea of one that is divisive.
Another text which we need to look at is 2 John 7-11. First of all we need to see that verse 7 shows these to be lost people. This seems quite clear that we are to have no part with "Religious" people that have a wrong
view of Christ. This would be in the realm of having them in our homes for hospitality and encouragement. I'm not sure it prohibits having them in to witness to them yet I'm not sure that is a good idea either. You might run into difficulties. We can certainly witness to them — that is not a thought in the text.
From what we have seen there is plenty of evidence to show that we should and must discipline believers that are in sin. If we do not then we are allowing the leaven that Christ spoke of to contaminate the entire assembly. If we do not discipline, then we invite trouble and strife into our churches.
Discipline is not popular in our churches today. I have talked with pastors that have taken a needed stand and found themselves questioned for their activities.
The next question. What offences do we discipline for? I would submit a list of topics and references for your consideration.
a. Immorality. 1 Corinthians 5
b. Unresolved disputes between brethren. Matthew 18:15-17
c. Elders that sin. 1 Timothy 5:19,20
d. Repeated troublemaking. Titus 3:10
e. Outward sin, such as divorce or immorality.
A related question. Are there others that we should separate from?
a. Those teaching false doctrine. 2 John 7-11.
b. Professing people involved in fornication, covetousness, idolatry, railing, drinking or cheating. 1 Corinthians 6:11
We have shown that discipline is Biblical and that it is being ignored in our day. So, why do churches today fail to discipline? May some possibilities be set forth for your consideration and future avoidance.
a. Afraid to rock the boat. Financial problems will come if we make trouble. We might hurt someone's feelings. How would it look to the community?
b. Indifference. We don't care.
c. There is always the usual outcry that "We can't judge." This argument is illogical. God states that we are to discipline. Thus we must assume that discipline is not "judging," or else God is telling us to do something that He has told us not to do. Now, just how logical is that?
All of these allow the leaven to leaven the whole lump.
Now that we see discipline to be correct we need to consider who it is that should do the disciplining? Yes, the individual should confront, yes there should be witnesses on the second trip. These witnesses should be the elders so they are involved from the beginning. Several references indicate that the elders are the ones to become involved. Acts 20:28 show the elders over the church. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 mentions some are over the church for the purpose of admonishment. Hebrews 13:7,17 mentions those that rule over the church and that the church is to submit them.
If you have been reading newspapers or listening to the network news over recent years you know that churches have been sued for disciplining a member. There is a lot of worry about lawsuits.
First of all we need to remember that the law of man is not the law of God. God tells us to discipline. If the law of the land punishes us for doing so, then so be it. We must do that which God has said.
The lawsuits that I have heard about seem to have been caused by improper application of the discipline. One lawsuit in particular was brought because the church broadcast the sin of the person far and wide. There is nothing in the Bible to suggest that we should take out a personal want ad to advertise a persons sin. We should be as discrete about discipline as possible without causing hurt.
We need to consider a few easy steps of prevention that might save your church from a lawsuit.
I might suggest an article from Christianity Today, "Church Discipline Without a Lawsuit" by Carl Laney, Nov. 9, 1984 which deals with this problem. I have adapted some of Mark Laney's points into the following list for you in case the magazine is not available to you.
1. Get insurance for the problem. Some church insurance companies have it available. We have insurance to avoid lawsuits for accidents etc. so there should be no real moral question in taking this step. Yes, it is sad that our Christian society has degenerated to the place where we have to insure ourselves against such activities, but this is the society that God has asked us to operate in.
2. Don't slander while the discipline is going on nor after. There is no need to cause pain and suffering. Present the facts to the church family, act and keep your mouth shut.
3. Don't spread the information outside the church family. This is a family problem and there is no need to take it outside the family, no matter how badly you want to talk about it.
4. Include in your constitution a clause that allows for church discipline. Have each member sign the constitution as they join the church. This may or may not take care of the possible situations.
5. Possibly a visit to your lawyer in your state would be of good advantage.
Include just what you believe church discipline is, why it is to be used, and the procedure which is to be followed. Indeed if there is no clause in your constitution, put one in and ask all to sign it, be they new members or old.
Dr. Laney suggests the inclusion of a paragraph which forbids the member to sue the church leadership or the church if they bring church discipline action against the member.
I would work into this statement, something that covers you and the church in case they withdraw membership during the procedure. This would give them a moral obligation not to sue. You could also include information on the fact that Scripturally the believer is not to go to law with a brother etc.
5. If someone tells you something in confidence then you are bound to keep that confidence. If there is a real problem it will probably come to the surface in time.
I might take a side track for a moment and state there is a real lack of keeping confidences in the church today. Many of the illustrations I hear come right out of counseling sessions. That is not confidence.
6. In all of the activities attempt not to embarrass those that are involved. This can only hurt and bring about hard feelings. The desired result of discipline is restoration and hard feelings will not aid in this process.
7. During the process be sure to reveal only the information that is necessary for a proper procedure. Disclosing all of the little details is not necessary.
If at all possible, keep all discipline activities within the local assembly. If the person tries to transfer membership to another church, you should be bound to let the new church know they are under discipline. The details may not need to be given unless it affects the new church's decision.
If it is a pastor that is disciplined then there should be contact with the men of his ordination council, so that proper steps can be taken if any are needed.
Now, the following is my Opinion. Doctrine Of Derickson.
If you have someone come to your church for membership from a church close by, take time to find out why they left the other church. It may save you a multitude of trouble. Usually when people leave it is because of problems. You don't need those problems. If this is the case it would be good to talk to them and ask them to return to their previous church to solve their problem, and then they can be considered for membership.
8. If a lawsuit comes into your future, find a good lawyer so that you know you are doing things correctly and seek an out of court settlement. This will allow you to not go to court with your brother. If this is not possible, then you are bound by the law of the land to answer the charges and you must do the best you can to bring about a peaceful end to the matter.
9. Be very careful to inform the congregation. A church in Oregon discovered a teacher and woman were involved. They were guilty and would not cease their activity. The elders wanted to keep it quiet because both parties were very prominent members. The couple left the church
voluntarily, but the elders did not inform the congregation. Rumors began flying and the elders still kept quiet. Before the situation was over others left because they mistakenly thought that the elders had kicked the erring couple out of the church with no reason.
Let's draw some conclusions to our study.
1. Church discipline is not a four letter word. It is taught in Scripture and we should be practicing it.
2. We need to know our own attitudes. Discipline is to be done in love and concern for the other person. Forgiveness is the required when confession and repentance are forthcoming. (1 Corinthians 5:2; Galatians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 2:7)
3. There should be a restraining influence from discipline upon the rest of the membership. 1 Timothy 5:20
4. For the church that is contemplating not bringing discipline I would recommend they read Revelation 2:12-17
5. 1 Peter 1:15 calls us to holiness. 2 Timothy 3:2 mentions that the elder is to be "above reproach". 1 Thessalonians 5:22 calls us to avoid any appearance of evil. Let these be your guide.
In light of such verses, we as local churches must maintain the purist assembly that we can. This comes from personal purity. This comes from prodding our friends to purity. This comes from purging impurity, if need be.
Years ago we attended a church in Denver, CO that had a missions conference. Two missionaries from Africa came to the conference and were talking about how great the church was doing in Africa. It was growing, it was evangelizing, it was an alive church.
I asked the two missionaries why the church in Africa was such an alive, growing church. The younger missionary quipped out some quick answers that I accepted. (I wasn't convinced that he had answered my question.) The next day the older missionary came to me and said, "Stan, I think I can answer your question from last night with one word. "Purity." He went on to explain that the church was pure on a personal basis and they were pure