Part 4 Understanding Spiritual Gifts: The Particular Gifts
To aid one in the understanding, discovering, and exercising the spiritual gift or gifts it is a good idea to know what the particular spiritual gifts are. There are primarily four (4) passages that list the spiritual gifts in the Bible, they are found in Romans 12; 1Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; 1Peter 4; none of these is an exhaustive list. I am not sure that a compilation of them forms an exhaustive list. I am open to the possibility, at least, that there may be some finer aspects of these gifts mentioned that are not detailed for us in Scripture. We have what we have, however, in the Bible and it is these that I will attempt to explain.
A. Foundational Gifts
There are foundational gifts mentioned in Ephesians 2:20. It is my observation that certain gifts required qualifications, which means it was not for everyone and anyone, they were limited in scope of history and purpose. Even among those who met the qualifications very few received these certain gifts.
1. Apostle 652 Apostolos (Eph. 4: 11; 1Cor. 12:28).
a.) Qualifications for this gift included:
- Must be a man who accompanied Jesus during His earthly ministry.
- Must be a man who personally saw the risen Lord (see Acts 1:21-26).
- The only exception to this is Paul, a man who was commissioned directly by our risen Lord Himself (cf. Acts 1:1-8 with 9:1-22 see also 1Cor. 9:1).
b.) An apostle was a man who had absolute authority in the early church.
c.) Apostles, Prophets, and sometimes their very close companions were authenticated by signs and wonders; I can not find any exception to this in the Bible.
d.) The word does have a wider reference and means one who is sent. This use in various places in the N.T. is not to be taken as the spiritual gift of apostle.
2. Prophecy 4396 Prophets (Rom. 12:6; 1Cor. 12:10, 14:1-40; Eph. 4:11)
a.) This gift was given to men and women (Acts 13:2; Acts 21:9).
b.) It included communication of the mind of God imparted to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It was a declaration of that which cannot be known by natural means (see Mat. 26:68). It was direct revelation from God for a specific occasion.
It also included:
- Predictions of the future (cf. Agabus, Acts 11:28; 21:10-11; also cf. Timothy Acts 16: 1; with 1Tim. 1: 18; 4:14)
- Indicating God’s will in a given situation (cf. 14:29-30; Acts 13:1-2).
- References to the past, present and future (Gen. 20: 7; Deut. 18: 18; Rev. 10: 11; 11: 3...)
c.) It was apparently a wide spread gift (see Acts 11: 27-28; 13: 1; 21: 9; 1Cor. 14)
3. The above foundational gifts were accompanied by signs and wonders, such as tongues, and healing. This in no way should be confused with what is going on today in the alleged “Charismatic” and or Pentecostal movement.
All sign gifts were:
a.) Used to authenticate the messenger.
b.) They were temporary in results. For example all who were healed died. Even Lazarus, who Jesus raised from the dead (John 11:43), died.
c.) They were temporary in scope and they fulfilled their purpose (cf. 1Cor. 13:8, 9; 2Pet. 1: 19; 2: 1) therefore, they are no longer needed, nor are they available today.
Apostles and Prophets were foundational gifts, significant, but temporary. With the completion of the Canon (the Bible) these gifts are no longer needed and are not available to us today. They are, however, for us. The church still benefits from them as we continue, “...steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine...” in reading the completed Word of Prophesy, the Bible. Nevertheless, they are not to us. Though there are many who say they are a Prophet and those who believe in Apostleship, NO ONE in the church today can stake any claim on these two spiritual gifts. If someone claims to have a fresh Word directly from the Lord apart from the Bible, let that one take heed to the warning found in Rev. 22: 18-19 and repent of this grievous sin against the Holy Spirit of God. For the purpose of this study we will not take the additional time nor space to develop this thought. Let it be noted that much more could be said about false Prophets such as Mohammed, and Joseph Smith, etc. and false Apostles (such as the Popes, and the ostensible Apostles and Prophet of the Mormon cult) etc. and the sad attempt to imitate the sign gifts in the dubious “Charismatic” and Pentecostal movement. The bottom line is that there are many other wonderful gifts that are ours let’s find out what they are and use them for God's glory.
B. Evangelist 2099 Euangelistes (Acts 21:8; Eph.4:11)
1. One equipped with this gift is not only concerned with leading the lost to Christ, but is also anxious to encourage others to do the same (Acts 18:27-28).
2. This is an “out reach” gift of the church. The word “evangelist” means “gospelizer” or “good news teller” (Mark 16:15 the great commission).
3. Mark it well that although some in building the church of God have this gift it does not excuse the rest of the builders from being witnesses (2Tim. 4:5).
C. Pastor/Teachers 4166 Poimen, shepherd.
1. One with this gift is concerned about people particularly those under his care (Acts 20:28-29; 1Cor. 9:7; 1Pet. 5:2-3).
a) One with this gift is first of all, a prayerful student of the Word of God (Acts 6: 2-4).
b) Secondly, a careful communicator of the Word often through preaching. (See the warning in Gal. 1:9)
c) Thirdly, and as a result they abide in prayer. (Rom. 1: 9-10)
2. A Pastor is an under Shepherd. This is the “welcome in” gift of the church.
a) A protector of the flock, warning of false doctrine and wrong practices.
b) A provider of adequate sustenance food, water, shelter. This is a metaphor concerning the things of God. (1Pet. 5: 2)
c) A pace setter, he/she leads, and guides the flock in the right direction.
3. Not everyone has this gift, but we all can be prayerful students, then careful communicators of the Word.
Note: The gift of teacher always accompanies the gift of Pastor. One with the gift of pastor also has the gift of teacher, but one with the gift of teacher may not have the gift of pastor. The words pastor (shepherd), bishop (overseer), and elder (presbyter), are interchangeable titles with regards to the office of the Pastorate. Just because one has the “gift” of pastor does not qualify him/her to hold the “office” of a pastor. Also one who does not have the gift of pastor may be qualified and hold the office of the pastor.
D. Teaching 1321 Didasko (Rom. 12: 7; 1Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11)
1. This gift differs from Pastor/Teacher in that one with this gift is concerned primarily about doctrine.
2. This is the “training gift” of the church.
a.) The aim is to shape the will of those being taught to conformity with the Bible.
b.) To influence the understanding of those being taught toward godly thinking and conduct.
c.) To give progressive instruction (not revelation) of God’s redeeming purposes.
3. This gift comes with a warning (cf. James 3:1). Teach only what you know.
E. Ministering 1248 Diakonia (Rom. 12:7; 1Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:12)
1. This is a major support or service gift (see 2Cor. 8:4 NASB)
2. This is the “grunt” gift of the church. The primary meaning is serving.
3. Goal-oriented, decisive, in Rom. 12:8 it is also translated leadership or governing.
Note: Do you hear the word deacon in diakonia? Good! But here again don’t confuse the gift with the office.
F. Exhortation 3870 Parakaleo, 3874 Paraklesis (Rom. 12: 8).
1. One with this gift would make a good preacher. The word means to beseech entreat, admonish exhort, to urge one to pursue some course of conduct (see Vine’s Vol. 2: p. 60).
2. This is an “outreach and support” gift. The word also denotes an appeal, encouragement, consolation, and comfort.
3. One with this gift is not likely to turn back once set on a right course.
4. Though sometimes diplomatic, one with this gift won’t compromise or back down on settled biblical doctrinal matters.
G. Discernment 1253 Diakrisis (1Cor. 12: 10).
1. Those who have this spiritual gift detect error easily.
a.) In doctrine.
b.) In trends and movements.
c.) In others, motives, intentions, and / or purposes.
2. This is a “protection” gift in the church. The church would do well to listen with an open mind to those who have this gift from God. Sadly, what happens far too often is that one with this gift is accused by others in the church of being unloving and divisive. That is why in our carnality we rarely honor those with this gift as we should. I am reminded that J. Vernon McGee once said, “Those who don’t stand for something will fall for anything.” We need godly leaders with the gift of discernment to aid the backbone of the church.
3. One who has the gift discernment should become a close companion with someone who has the spiritual gift of mercy so that he may find comfort. Not only to be comforted, but too, that the spirit of mercy can rub off on him. This is a picture of our gifts contributing one to another.
H. Mercy 1653 Eleeo (Rom. 12: 8).
1. This gift involves the outward manifestation of pity.
2. This is a “care giver” gift of the church.
3. Comforting those who are sick or in pain is also typical for those with this gift. They see and recognize your pain (cf. helps, those who feel your pain).
I. Administration 2941 kubernesis- to steer (Rom. 12:8; 1Cor. 12:28).
1. This gifted person offers direction and organization.
2. This is the “management” gift of the church.
3. God often uses those with this gift in dealing with the worldly affairs of the church. For example in securing building permits, visas, dealing with the bank, utilities and on and on it goes.
J. Faith 4102 Gk. Pistis, L. Fides (1Cor. 12:8-10).
1. One with this gift is loyal through and through, with an allegiance to Christ first, then the brethren, then others. The primary meaning of this word is trust, or trustworthy.
2. This is the “motivation” gift of the church. It is a capacity to believe and expect great things. If it’s right and godly this gifted one will stand behind it, and stick to it.
3. This gift may show up as trusting another, or being trustworthy of another.
K. Helps 484 Antilepsis (Rom. 12: 7)
1. The pathway to joy for those with this gift is in assisting those who are weak, ill, or in some kind of distress.
2. This is the “empathy” gift of the church.
3. Those with this gift feel your pain, and their greatest desire is to help you with it or help you through it (cf. mercy, those who see your pain)
L. Giving 3330 Metadidomi (Rom. 12: 8)
1. The Greek word more accurately means sharing or imparting.
2. To share with others is the thing that satisfies those with this gift the most.
a.) Weather it be time, material things, or spiritual things.
b.) Weather it be to support financially a new church, or a missionary.
c.) Weather it be in temporal things or eternal things.
3. There is no other spiritual gift like this one. It just seems like there is an endless stream of resources available, and one with this gift knows where, when and how to find it and use it for the glory of God and the betterment of others. Sometime the person with this gift exercises it with out even trying.
I have not offered an exhaustive treatment here of all the gifts, as there may be some finer aspects, or even variations of these gifts. My aim in this post was to help us think about the gifts that are at our disposal with which we may use to serve Christ Jesus. He alone is worthy of all the body parts in the church, including our hands and feet and eyes and ears and nose.
Did I miss one or two?
What gift do you think have?
What gift would you like to have?
A. Foundational Gifts
There are foundational gifts mentioned in Ephesians 2:20. It is my observation that certain gifts required qualifications, which means it was not for everyone and anyone, they were limited in scope of history and purpose. Even among those who met the qualifications very few received these certain gifts.
1. Apostle 652 Apostolos (Eph. 4: 11; 1Cor. 12:28).
a.) Qualifications for this gift included:
- Must be a man who accompanied Jesus during His earthly ministry.
- Must be a man who personally saw the risen Lord (see Acts 1:21-26).
- The only exception to this is Paul, a man who was commissioned directly by our risen Lord Himself (cf. Acts 1:1-8 with 9:1-22 see also 1Cor. 9:1).
b.) An apostle was a man who had absolute authority in the early church.
c.) Apostles, Prophets, and sometimes their very close companions were authenticated by signs and wonders; I can not find any exception to this in the Bible.
d.) The word does have a wider reference and means one who is sent. This use in various places in the N.T. is not to be taken as the spiritual gift of apostle.
2. Prophecy 4396 Prophets (Rom. 12:6; 1Cor. 12:10, 14:1-40; Eph. 4:11)
a.) This gift was given to men and women (Acts 13:2; Acts 21:9).
b.) It included communication of the mind of God imparted to a believer by the Holy Spirit. It was a declaration of that which cannot be known by natural means (see Mat. 26:68). It was direct revelation from God for a specific occasion.
It also included:
- Predictions of the future (cf. Agabus, Acts 11:28; 21:10-11; also cf. Timothy Acts 16: 1; with 1Tim. 1: 18; 4:14)
- Indicating God’s will in a given situation (cf. 14:29-30; Acts 13:1-2).
- References to the past, present and future (Gen. 20: 7; Deut. 18: 18; Rev. 10: 11; 11: 3...)
c.) It was apparently a wide spread gift (see Acts 11: 27-28; 13: 1; 21: 9; 1Cor. 14)
3. The above foundational gifts were accompanied by signs and wonders, such as tongues, and healing. This in no way should be confused with what is going on today in the alleged “Charismatic” and or Pentecostal movement.
All sign gifts were:
a.) Used to authenticate the messenger.
b.) They were temporary in results. For example all who were healed died. Even Lazarus, who Jesus raised from the dead (John 11:43), died.
c.) They were temporary in scope and they fulfilled their purpose (cf. 1Cor. 13:8, 9; 2Pet. 1: 19; 2: 1) therefore, they are no longer needed, nor are they available today.
Apostles and Prophets were foundational gifts, significant, but temporary. With the completion of the Canon (the Bible) these gifts are no longer needed and are not available to us today. They are, however, for us. The church still benefits from them as we continue, “...steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine...” in reading the completed Word of Prophesy, the Bible. Nevertheless, they are not to us. Though there are many who say they are a Prophet and those who believe in Apostleship, NO ONE in the church today can stake any claim on these two spiritual gifts. If someone claims to have a fresh Word directly from the Lord apart from the Bible, let that one take heed to the warning found in Rev. 22: 18-19 and repent of this grievous sin against the Holy Spirit of God. For the purpose of this study we will not take the additional time nor space to develop this thought. Let it be noted that much more could be said about false Prophets such as Mohammed, and Joseph Smith, etc. and false Apostles (such as the Popes, and the ostensible Apostles and Prophet of the Mormon cult) etc. and the sad attempt to imitate the sign gifts in the dubious “Charismatic” and Pentecostal movement. The bottom line is that there are many other wonderful gifts that are ours let’s find out what they are and use them for God's glory.
B. Evangelist 2099 Euangelistes (Acts 21:8; Eph.4:11)
1. One equipped with this gift is not only concerned with leading the lost to Christ, but is also anxious to encourage others to do the same (Acts 18:27-28).
2. This is an “out reach” gift of the church. The word “evangelist” means “gospelizer” or “good news teller” (Mark 16:15 the great commission).
3. Mark it well that although some in building the church of God have this gift it does not excuse the rest of the builders from being witnesses (2Tim. 4:5).
C. Pastor/Teachers 4166 Poimen, shepherd.
1. One with this gift is concerned about people particularly those under his care (Acts 20:28-29; 1Cor. 9:7; 1Pet. 5:2-3).
a) One with this gift is first of all, a prayerful student of the Word of God (Acts 6: 2-4).
b) Secondly, a careful communicator of the Word often through preaching. (See the warning in Gal. 1:9)
c) Thirdly, and as a result they abide in prayer. (Rom. 1: 9-10)
2. A Pastor is an under Shepherd. This is the “welcome in” gift of the church.
a) A protector of the flock, warning of false doctrine and wrong practices.
b) A provider of adequate sustenance food, water, shelter. This is a metaphor concerning the things of God. (1Pet. 5: 2)
c) A pace setter, he/she leads, and guides the flock in the right direction.
3. Not everyone has this gift, but we all can be prayerful students, then careful communicators of the Word.
Note: The gift of teacher always accompanies the gift of Pastor. One with the gift of pastor also has the gift of teacher, but one with the gift of teacher may not have the gift of pastor. The words pastor (shepherd), bishop (overseer), and elder (presbyter), are interchangeable titles with regards to the office of the Pastorate. Just because one has the “gift” of pastor does not qualify him/her to hold the “office” of a pastor. Also one who does not have the gift of pastor may be qualified and hold the office of the pastor.
D. Teaching 1321 Didasko (Rom. 12: 7; 1Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11)
1. This gift differs from Pastor/Teacher in that one with this gift is concerned primarily about doctrine.
2. This is the “training gift” of the church.
a.) The aim is to shape the will of those being taught to conformity with the Bible.
b.) To influence the understanding of those being taught toward godly thinking and conduct.
c.) To give progressive instruction (not revelation) of God’s redeeming purposes.
3. This gift comes with a warning (cf. James 3:1). Teach only what you know.
E. Ministering 1248 Diakonia (Rom. 12:7; 1Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:12)
1. This is a major support or service gift (see 2Cor. 8:4 NASB)
2. This is the “grunt” gift of the church. The primary meaning is serving.
3. Goal-oriented, decisive, in Rom. 12:8 it is also translated leadership or governing.
Note: Do you hear the word deacon in diakonia? Good! But here again don’t confuse the gift with the office.
F. Exhortation 3870 Parakaleo, 3874 Paraklesis (Rom. 12: 8).
1. One with this gift would make a good preacher. The word means to beseech entreat, admonish exhort, to urge one to pursue some course of conduct (see Vine’s Vol. 2: p. 60).
2. This is an “outreach and support” gift. The word also denotes an appeal, encouragement, consolation, and comfort.
3. One with this gift is not likely to turn back once set on a right course.
4. Though sometimes diplomatic, one with this gift won’t compromise or back down on settled biblical doctrinal matters.
G. Discernment 1253 Diakrisis (1Cor. 12: 10).
1. Those who have this spiritual gift detect error easily.
a.) In doctrine.
b.) In trends and movements.
c.) In others, motives, intentions, and / or purposes.
2. This is a “protection” gift in the church. The church would do well to listen with an open mind to those who have this gift from God. Sadly, what happens far too often is that one with this gift is accused by others in the church of being unloving and divisive. That is why in our carnality we rarely honor those with this gift as we should. I am reminded that J. Vernon McGee once said, “Those who don’t stand for something will fall for anything.” We need godly leaders with the gift of discernment to aid the backbone of the church.
3. One who has the gift discernment should become a close companion with someone who has the spiritual gift of mercy so that he may find comfort. Not only to be comforted, but too, that the spirit of mercy can rub off on him. This is a picture of our gifts contributing one to another.
H. Mercy 1653 Eleeo (Rom. 12: 8).
1. This gift involves the outward manifestation of pity.
2. This is a “care giver” gift of the church.
3. Comforting those who are sick or in pain is also typical for those with this gift. They see and recognize your pain (cf. helps, those who feel your pain).
I. Administration 2941 kubernesis- to steer (Rom. 12:8; 1Cor. 12:28).
1. This gifted person offers direction and organization.
2. This is the “management” gift of the church.
3. God often uses those with this gift in dealing with the worldly affairs of the church. For example in securing building permits, visas, dealing with the bank, utilities and on and on it goes.
J. Faith 4102 Gk. Pistis, L. Fides (1Cor. 12:8-10).
1. One with this gift is loyal through and through, with an allegiance to Christ first, then the brethren, then others. The primary meaning of this word is trust, or trustworthy.
2. This is the “motivation” gift of the church. It is a capacity to believe and expect great things. If it’s right and godly this gifted one will stand behind it, and stick to it.
3. This gift may show up as trusting another, or being trustworthy of another.
K. Helps 484 Antilepsis (Rom. 12: 7)
1. The pathway to joy for those with this gift is in assisting those who are weak, ill, or in some kind of distress.
2. This is the “empathy” gift of the church.
3. Those with this gift feel your pain, and their greatest desire is to help you with it or help you through it (cf. mercy, those who see your pain)
L. Giving 3330 Metadidomi (Rom. 12: 8)
1. The Greek word more accurately means sharing or imparting.
2. To share with others is the thing that satisfies those with this gift the most.
a.) Weather it be time, material things, or spiritual things.
b.) Weather it be to support financially a new church, or a missionary.
c.) Weather it be in temporal things or eternal things.
3. There is no other spiritual gift like this one. It just seems like there is an endless stream of resources available, and one with this gift knows where, when and how to find it and use it for the glory of God and the betterment of others. Sometime the person with this gift exercises it with out even trying.
I have not offered an exhaustive treatment here of all the gifts, as there may be some finer aspects, or even variations of these gifts. My aim in this post was to help us think about the gifts that are at our disposal with which we may use to serve Christ Jesus. He alone is worthy of all the body parts in the church, including our hands and feet and eyes and ears and nose.
Did I miss one or two?
What gift do you think have?
What gift would you like to have?
posted by J. Wendell at 6:35 AM
18 Comments:
I come from a Charismatic background where apostles are viewed as operating today. However, I have come to accept the Cessasionist view that you take.
I disagree with you about pastors. I believe that if a man has the gift of a pastor, he is a pastor and an assembly must recognise him as such.
Every Blessing in Christ
Matthew
By
Matthew Celestine, at 27/6/06 9:18 AM
John,
Very well done! Lots of work went into this. You are a very good teacher.
Mark
By
mark pierson, at 27/6/06 1:02 PM
Wow! I would have to look long and hard to see if you missed anything. Phew, that must have been a lot of work. Plenty of referances.
Matthew,
I thought you believed special revelation came to those who never hear the gospel. That does not put you in the cessationist camp.
John,
You said>3. Mark it well that although some in building the church of God have this gift it does not excuse the rest of the builders from being witnesses (2Tim. 4:5).
<
Amen!
I kind of chuckled while thinking about the sentiment of this thought. I mean I have heard many apply this thought pattern to a lot of things.
I can remember Bill O'reilly interviewing Joel Olsteen and he, as always, had a big smile on his face. Bill asked Joel if he was being wrong as a newscaster to be so negetive all the time and expose evil.
Joel just smiled not wanting to coment I could tell.
He then asked Joel if he was supposed to be positive all the time like him. Joel just smiled back and said, "Well Bill your doing what God has called you to do, thats not my calling."
I think often of those words by Jesus, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so they spoke of the false prophets."
I remember King Ahab calling Elijah the troubler of Israel as well as getting mad at Milchiah when Jehosophat called for him saying, "I don't like him, he never says anything good."
Truly this makes me wonder as I once heard Lutzer say that some are called to be a prophet(not in the sense of extra revelations) just in telling people what they don't always want to hear. He said most of the time, these people will not be liked in the Church.
It makes me wonder, and I've struggled with this. I am trying to find a balance. Actually I was thinking that Lutzer has a pretty good balance.
But then again, shouldn't we all strive for that. I mean it would be wonderful to be like Olsteen, but teachers like that can add affliction to the chains of teachers who do not seek plaudits from man. This is what Paul himself said. They added affliction to his chains. In one sense they make the job harder and they destroy their credibility.
I've come to think though that everyone must learn to appropriate his gift properly as the church in Corinth was told to do. Be focused with it. For instance if God has gifted a man with wisdom and he has formerly lived a foolish life and still has those inclinations:-)
well, he better learn to get it under control and get all pistons firing.
I read in proverbs where it says, "As snow in summer and rain at harvest so is wisdom in the mouth of a fool."
Anyway it went something like that.
Wouldn't that apply to everything though. I mean every gift is from God and belong to him, it is our responsibility to be stewards of both how we use them as well as appropriate them.
By
Bhedr, at 28/6/06 4:41 PM
Well, I if you want to be technical about it, no Dispensationalist is a Cessasionist because we believe special revelation will come again to Israel.
However, public sign gifts in connection with God's ministry to the Church have ceased.
Any supernatural revelation given to the heathen would only reveal what is already found in the Bible.
Every Blessing in Christ
Matthew
By
Matthew Celestine, at 29/6/06 4:36 AM
>Any supernatural revelation given to the heathen would only reveal what is already found in the Bible.
<
Thats what many continuationists believe...that prophecy will confirm Scripture.
I understand where you are coming from.
By
Bhedr, at 29/6/06 10:56 PM
Among those who already have the Word, there should be no need for it to be confirmed. The Scriptures are sufficent.
By
Matthew Celestine, at 30/6/06 4:01 AM
Matthew~ Thanks for reading and contributing your perspective here.
You said, "I disagree with you about pastors. I believe that if a man has the gift of a pastor, he is a pastor and an assembly must recognize him as such.”
What responsibility does the assembly have, if any, if it is a woman who has the gift of pastor/teacher?
Also, to be consistent in your view, do you think the assembly should do the same with gifts of giving, helps, evangelist, mercy, etc.?
By
J. Wendell, at 30/6/06 5:03 AM
Mark, it is good to see you here again my friend.
Thanks for your encouragement.
By
J. Wendell, at 30/6/06 5:05 AM
Bhedr~
Some have suggested that singleness is a spiritual gift. I can sort of agree, but I am still on the fence on this one.
Some feel the gift of prophecy is the telling forth of the Word of God (from the Bible) and is still a valid gift. John MacArthur holds this view and I think J. Vernon McGee does as well. I disagree with this view. I think the gift of pastor/teacher, and those with the gift of exhortation fit better
By
J. Wendell, at 30/6/06 5:17 AM
BTW...
Matthew and Brian, I am enjoying your discussion very much.
My view is....
By
J. Wendell, at 30/6/06 5:21 AM
"What responsibility does the assembly have, if any, if it is a woman who has the gift of pastor/teacher?"
A woman may have the gift of teaching, but as there is a shepherding element to it, a woman could not ahve the fullness of that gift.
A woman who has the gift of pastor/ teacher could only exercise it towards other women and children.
"do you think the assembly should do the same with gifts of giving, helps, evangelist, mercy, etc.?"
Why ever not?
Every Blessing in Christ
Matthew
By
Matthew Celestine, at 30/6/06 12:17 PM
Well put, Matthew, sound logic, thanks for your thoughts on this.
By
J. Wendell, at 1/7/06 5:23 AM
Brian~
That is exactly why I am on the fence.
If one does have the "spiritual gift" of singleness, then singleness another gift (by virtue of marriage) that is not permanent. Consider this, one who marries needs to stop claiming to have this “gift” and behave as one who is married.
Then what of those who will be married that do not have the “gift” of singleness they may not behave as being married.
I think I am rambling… I should just start building that fence. There is one thing that I am sure of… I do NOT have the gift of singleness; in fact no one who is married has the gift of singleness!
It must be a split rail fence.
By
J. Wendell, at 1/7/06 5:42 AM
I hear ya brother
By
Bhedr, at 1/7/06 6:08 PM
Also we do that with the Lord in mistaking the purpose of our eternal gift...thinking it to be the gift of singlehood, but we all need to reckon with the fact that we are bought with a price and are to be his bride.
By
Bhedr, at 1/7/06 9:45 PM
That's deep, you teach brother.
Thanks.
By
J. Wendell, at 2/7/06 6:00 AM
Hey,
I really enjoy your blog! Thanks for your honest heart and truthfulness, it is refreshing to hear someone be real. Its cool to read about real people who serve Jesus.
I am a musician, and I would be honored if you would check out my music. All music on my site is free for download. Anyway, don't want to be a pest, I just thought that I'd share.
Thanks,
-Sean
_____________________
www.SeanDietrich.com
"All my music is free."
By
Anonymous, at 6/7/06 12:00 AM
Sean,
Thanks for sharing that. If anyone is interested in Seans music it can be found here. He a good natured site.
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J. Wendell, at 6/7/06 5:49 AM
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