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10
2008
Session 7: Gifts of the Church: How are We Equipped to Accomplish Our Ministries?
Posted by: carrie in Fall 2008Fall 2007 Online Certificate Students:
View all sessions below. Then log all your comments, questions, discussion question answers, criticisms, or thoughts below.
NOTE: This is not the place for general discussion and questions. Go to the foyer for general discussion and refer to the FAQ on the right for question. Time spent in the comments section will apply toward your one hour of community time per week. To download audio sessions, visit the course homepage on the TTP site. The next session will be posted each Wed.
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How are we equipped to accomplish our ministry? [22:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download What are the different views of spiritual gifts? [19:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download What are spiritual gifts? [9:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download How many spiritual gifts are there? Part 1 [14:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download How many spiritual gifts are there? Part 2 [8:49m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
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October 13th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Group Discussion # 7
1. How does defining spiritual gifts as “the primary way that God wants to use you in Church: help you to better understand the concept of spiritual gifts?
This definition is certainly in agreement with Eph. 4:12. Billy Graham writes: “…God has given each of us a task to do, and supernatural gifts to equip us for it. In I Cor. 12:7, the Apostle Paul says the gifts are given for the common good so we are not to use them selfishly. Instead, we are to use them to help each other.” The Holy Spirit, Billy Graham, p. 135. Our attitude toward gifts and service is reflected in Phil. 2:3-4 where Paul writes: Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; Phl 2:4 do not {merely} look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
2. How can a lack of recognition of people’s gifts be destructive to the proper functioning of the Body of Christ?
I believe most church members have functioned within their giftedness, even though they are not aware of that giftedness. The one who visits the hospital habitually may not realize they have mercy as a spiritual gift. They are compelled by the gift of mercy to “bear the burden” of the afflicted. Another might share the Gospel in unique ways and using unique methods, not learned in an evangelism class, but from the Holy Spirit’s inner moving and direction. The key then is not recognition of the gift but submission to the spirit. Church fail when we badger and guilt-trip square pegs into round holes to fit our ministry needs. At the same time, far too many Christians are Christian in name only and do not understand the necessity of submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The key here is not determining the gift, but submission to the control of the giver.
3. Sometimes the ambiguity of Scripture produces opportunity for great misunderstanding and even heresy. How could the ambiguity about many of the spiritual gifts lead to misunderstanding and heresy?
Is it ambiguity of Scripture, or is it the inability or unwillingness to submit to spiritual truth? Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, the life…” yet Barna research tells us that many classified as evangelicals believe there are many ways to God.
4. It was obvious that in Paul’s day the spiritual gifts were already being abused. Why do you think that people have the tendency to abuse what God intended for the edification of the Body of Christ?
We battle constantly against the sins of the flesh. Adam and Eve battled pride, desiring to be as God. It’s nothing new. What should be used to build the body also has the potential to bolster the individual leading to pride, an inflated ego.
5. Review the “general principles” section at the end of this session. Which principle do you find most helpful? Explain.
Principle #3: “Realize that the gifts are mutually dependent and sometimes overlap.” The principle is not necessarily the most helpful but is very interesting. Too often people look for “their ministry”. The idea of individualism is contrary to the picture of the church as “The Body of Christ”. We work together and are mutually dependent. Knowing that I am a puzzle piece and not the puzzle itself causes me to desire to “fit” where I am called in connection with others who are called. Perhaps if more understood the danger of “independence” we would work harder for “the” Kingdom and place less emphasis on “a” Kingdom.
6. How was your thinking challenged the most by the lesson? Explain.
I thought slide 326 was practical and needed in the church’s understanding of gifts. The general principles on slide 327 I will use again in teaching this both in the context of our TTP classes, but also in the development of believers in this place. The gifts acrostic was interesting, but I would warn that focus on a specific gift might cause us to get side tracked as easily as it could lead to discovery unless the “GITS” is given more weight than the “F”. I am also with you on spiritual gift surveys. The analysis is often swayed by events of a given day. If I had dealt with several benevolent situations who turned out to be making the rounds at churches city wide, then I won’t score high on mercy that day. But if I take the survey the day after a family got back together as a result of benevolent intervention, mercy goes up. Spiritual giftedness doesn’t change due to external circumstances.
October 16th, 2008 at 8:02 am
EE - Session 7 - Group Discussion Questions…
1. How does defining spiritual gifts as “the primary way that God wants to use you in Church: help you to better understand the concept of spiritual gifts?
This helps because it reminds me that we all have gifts and they are to be used for the greater good of the church. It also helps remind me that people can be talented in many ways, but the spiritual gifts are those talents God wants to see shine brightest for the good of His church.
2. How can a lack of recognition of people’s gifts be destructive to the proper functioning of the Body of Christ?
The Body of Christ depends on all members, or parts of the body, working together, “To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all.” 1 Cor. 12:7. When we don’t recognize someone’s spiritual gifts it is like a body that has a missing or malfunctioning part. None of us has all of the gifts and talents needed for the body to work at peak performance, we depend on each other for all of the gifts and talents to work together to complete the body.
3. Sometimes the ambiguity of Scripture produces opportunity for great misunderstanding and even heresy. How could the ambiguity about many of the spiritual gifts lead to misunderstanding and heresy?
People may believe their gift is more important than another person’s gift and therefore horde ministries for themselves. They may also use it inappropriately, as in speaking in tongues without having someone who can interpret the speaking. They may also use the gift in a selfish way, benefiting only themselves instead of building up the church.
4. It was obvious that in Paul’s day the spiritual gifts were already being abused. Why do you think that people have the tendency to abuse what God intended for the edification of the Body of Christ?
The gifts are powerful: healing, prophesy, leading, miracles, and the power can be used to feed self interests. The sin nature of man can corrupt anything, even a gift from God.
5. Review the “general principles” section at the end of this session. Which principle do you find most helpful? Explain.
The principle that explains gifts as mutually dependent and sometimes overlapping is helpful to me. We need to see how our gifts work together such that we maximize the potential of each gift. For example, a gift of strong faith enabling someone to show mercy even in the most dire of circumstances. Or, the gift of discernment helping a leader make wise decisions.
6. How was your thinking challenged the most by the lesson? Explain.
I was most challenged in realizing my gifts can be abused and could end up being damaging to the building up of the church if used inappropriately. It was also challenging to realize there is a definite lack of clarity when it comes to understanding the details of what the spiritual gifts are and how they are to be used.
October 16th, 2008 at 11:40 am
1. How does defining spiritual gifts as “the primary way that God wants to use you in Church: help you to better understand the concept of spiritual gifts?
Spiritual gifts is a tough subject to narrow down. There are so many applications and representations of spiritual gifts that are difficult to discern and be specific on. I think for a Christian, spiritual gifts are an outflow of the Holy Spirit working in and through a believer. Spiritual gifts are the way God uses you to represent Himself to others.
2. How can a lack of recognition of people’s gifts be destructive to the proper functioning of the Body of Christ?
When a person is not aware of spiritual gifts or not encouraged to use them, then the entire Body of Christ suffers. God has called all of His children to Himself and to glorify Him. We all have a unique purpose and gifting to contribute to the Church, and any attempts to stifle those gifts and purpose will hurt the Church.
3. Sometimes the ambiguity of Scripture produces opportunity for great misunderstanding and even heresy. How could the ambiguity about many of the spiritual gifts lead to misunderstanding and heresy?
As I mentioned before, spiritual gifts are easily misunderstood and are difficult to comprehend and define. Although this course has made a great and mostly successful attempt to define some of these gifts, they are still difficult to define and certainly not exhaustive. The Spirit can work through us in a variety of ways. In my opinion, spiritual gifts are most evident when a person surrenders to the Spirit and allows Him to work through that person and listens to the leanings of the Spirit.
4. It was obvious that in Paul’s day the spiritual gifts were already being abused. Why do you think that people have the tendency to abuse what God intended for the edification of the Body of Christ?
In my opinion, selfishness and pride are often the culprits. People can easily begin to think that they are the cause of the edificaiton of God, not God working through them. It is so easy to fall into this trap. The idea that it is my ability and my efforts that bring God glory, instead of God working in and through me using the natural giftings He created in me. It is also very easy to feel that some gifts are greater in God’s sight than others. People are naturally more attracted to the great speakers, evangelists and musicians than the person who cleans the church, sees others in hospitals, etc. Yet, all of those things bring God glory and are important to Him.
5. Review the “general principles” section at the end of this session. Which principle do you find most helpful? Explain.
In my opinion, the idea that everyone has a gift needs to be emphasized more. I see a lot of “God can not use me because of what I have done”, “I can not give to the Church like others can”-type mentality in Church. A lot of us want to believer that others are better equipped than we are, so we have no purpose or need to contribute. Yet, we are all gifted by God in some capacity to serve Him and we need to recognize and act on the giftings and callings God has laid before us.
6. How was your thinking challenged the most by the lesson? Explain.
Spiritual gifts are a complex and much-debated subject. I think we need to have understanding of different perspectives on this issue, all the while understanding some core principles. Namely, we are all called by God and given gifts by Him to use for His purpose and we need to employ those gifts for His glory.
October 16th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
EE -Week 7 – Group Discussion Questions;
1. How does defining spiritual gifts as “the primary way that God wants to use you in Church” help you to better understand the concept of spiritual gifts?
–Defining spiritual gifts this way helps distinguish between a long list of talents, abilities and knowledge that a person has and those that God WANTS you to USE in the church. Not necessarily are both the same.
2. How can a lack of recognition of people’s gifts be destructive to the proper functioning of the Body of Christ?
– if a person or group of folks are placed into a ministry and they have absoutley no inate clue as to what they are to do or why, then the church body is left with an unfulfilled ministry and the people involved can become frustrated and feel like God is making it difficult for them.
3. Sometimes the ambiguity of Scripture produces opportunity for great misunderstanding and even heresy. How could the ambiguity about many of the spiritual gifts lead to misunderstanding and heresy?
– It can arise from placing too much need or value on a particular gift, to where folks are either desperately desiring to have a certain gift in order to “belong” ore be recognized. The failure to be gifted in a way they are not can lead to jealousy and bitterness.
4. It was obvious that in Paul’s day the spiritual gifts were already being abused. Why do you think that people have the tendency to abuse what God intended for the edification of the Body of Christ?
–Ego, self edification, low self esteem, a feeling of unworthiness, a desire to be something they are not.
5. Review the “general principles” section at the end of this session. Which principle do you find most helpful? Explain.
–That everyone has at least one gift, so that no one is excluded from God’s love and the ability to help the church. Also that leaders should not horde ministry but they are to prepare others to share the burden, joy of ministry and helping the church.
6. How was your thinking challenged the most by the lesson? Explain.
– Mostly I was challenged by looking at the different ministries the gifts are associated with. Also the Bible passages they came from.
October 18th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Discussion Questions 7
1. How does defining spiritual gifts as “the primary way that God wants to use you in Church” help you to better understand the concept of spiritual gifts?
Defining spiritual gifts in this way helps me to realize that for us to be used for the edification of the Church demands that we be energized by the Holy Spirit in whatever we do. Natural abilities and giftedness are useless and potentially harmful when done only in the power of the flesh. Jesus once said in John 15:5 we are to abide in Him as branches in the True Vine, “apart from me (Christ) you can do nothing.” Part of abiding in Him involves staying in close fellowship with Him, continually confessing our sins and staying in an attitude of prayer. When we do these things, we can rely on the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives to positively affect all aspects of our lives, including serving in and for the Church.
2. How can a lack of recognition of people’s gifts be destructive to the proper functioning of the Body of Christ?
Some people feel the need to “do it all” in ministry, tend not to trust others, and therefore limit their abilities to use their gifts. Hogging the ministry is not helpful and does not allow others needed opportunities to learn and grow the gifts they may have and may potentially have.
3. Sometimes the ambiguity of Scripture produces opportunity for great misunderstanding and even heresy. How could the ambiguity about many of the spiritual gifts lead to misunderstanding and heresy?
Misuse of prophecy could lead some to claim more authority than they ought to. When someone declares, for example, “I have been given a word for you by God”, we ought to be careful and examine such statements against what Scripture clearly teaches. Ambiguity could lead to erroneous beliefs about particular gifts, such as tongues.
4. It was obvious that in Paul’s day the spiritual gifts were already being abused. Why do you think that people have the tendency to abuse what God intended for the edification of the Body of Christ?
The sinful nature has something to do with it, especially the pervasive sin of pride. There is that within us that always tries to glorify ourselves unduly.
5. Review the “general principles” section at the end of this session. Which principle do you find most helpful?
General Principles
• Recognize that everyone has a gift.
• Recognize that people may have more than one gift.
• Realize that the gifts are mutually dependent and sometimes overlap.
• Leaders are not to horde ministry. It is the responsibility of the church leadership to recognize and provide ministry avenues for the exercising of people’s gifts.
• Take into account people’s passions.
• Consider the person’s natural abilities and passions, but do not limit God to these (Ex. 4:10–11).
These are all very good principles. Of these, I find that that the second, third and last ones are the most personally helpful.
6. How was your thinking challenged the most by the lesson?
This renewed an uncertainty I last experienced during the Introduction to Theoology course. I’m still not quite sure if I’m a hard cessationist or soft cessationist. Could God cause new scriptures to be written? Absolutely, for God can do whatever He considers necessary. Has He since the book of Revelation? I’m convinced that He has not.