Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• Tonight 12:4-8
• Previous sermons
• v1-2: are we offering ourselves as a reasonable sacrifice?
• Example of John McArthur
• We must continually offer ourselves
• v3: We must not think more highly of ourselves
• Do not underestimate yourself
• Do not overestimate yourself
• Paul is dealing with character before talking about gifts
• We must live humbly
• v4-8
• The Church as a body (same theme in Corinthians and Colossians)
• Christ is the head of the body
• Overview:
• We are all different yet one (v4)
• We all belong (v5)
• We are all to use our gifts (v6-8)

We are all different yet one (v4)

• "For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function" (v4)
• The church is like a tapestry
• Everyone is needed
• There is a whole mix of people
• Paul lists the main gifts
• The natural gifts and the spiritual gifts
• Serving, teaching, giving
• The gifts are not just confined to the church building
• Some are more private, others more public
• The gifts are different
• We have different personalities and different abilities
• Every part of the body is important and has a function
• The gifts are for the edification of the body - Eph 4:16
• There should be no boasting with our gifts because it is a spiritual gift given by God - 1 Cor 4:7
• There is unity in diversity

We all belong (v5)

• "so we being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." (v5)
• There is only one Church
• We are joined to a local church and are accountable to one another
• We should feel a sense of belonging to the local church
• We are not like a social club
• We are a family and body
• If you feel that you do not belong:
• Remember that you do belong
• Why do you feel that you do not belong?
• Examples
• If some members of the body are not working as they should
• Pray to the head

We are all to use our gifts (v6-8)

• "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them" (v6)
• Quote
• Helping to determine what your gifts are
• Focus on the Giver and not the gift
• Example of John McArthur
• 1 Peter 4:10
• Do not forfeit your gift
• Realise your limitations
• Listen to others
• God gifts ability - 1 Peter 4:11
• We are to speak with the ability that God supplies

The Gifts

• We read of public, teaching and practical gifts
• Never confine the gifts to the church program
• Many of the gifts are meant to be used without the church
• E.g. ministry (serving), showing mercy
• Do not be frustrated because of misunderstood gifts

Prophecy

• In New Testament terms: the apostles and the prophets
• The early church was built upon these
• They no longer exist - we now have the Scriptures
• Others came in afterwards to teach
• There were Prophets and prophets
• We have the word of God but we do need to proclaim the word of God
• Public proclamation of the word of God
• Proclaiming the truth

Teaching

• This is the explanation of the word
• It requires great study and close attention
• Elders should have a gift to teach the word of God...
• ... but this verse is not confined to Elders
• Teaching the truth

Exhortation

• Another speaking gift
• Encouraging and urging obedience to the truth

Ministry

• Not the ministry
• The Greek Word Deaconoss
• It means 'Servanthood'
• It could be all sorts (examples)

Giving

• Not the normal word used for giving
• A special gift for giving
• The Macedonians had this gift - 2 Cor 8
• Give liberally, with simplicity, with a single heart

Leadership

• Those who are called to steer the ship
• Elders and deacons
• mangers
• Help to organise, to lead, to plan, to excute
• 1 Cor 12:28
• Be diligent and hard working

Mercy

• A lovely gift
• Those who are needy
• Example of ACJ, Prison Ministry
• The Greek word Hilaros
• It can be hard but do it with a cheerful spirit

Closing Remarks