"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness." – Romans 12:4-8
Note: God gives gifts to everyone of His children. We may believe our abilities or talents are small or few in comparison with others. Yet, God has used people who were small or insignificant in the eyes of the world to accomplish many things. If a person has great talent, but is not humble and teachable, the Lord cannot use him in His service.The main criteria is we long to serve Jesus and we want to win souls for His kingdom. We want to share the love He has shown us to others. We want them to be with us in heaven.
"To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits;. to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." – 1 Corinthians 12 :9-11
Note: It is the Spirit of God who gives these gifts to people. The more we are given the more responsibility we have. Yet, even small gifts must be used properly. The main purpose of the gifts of the Spirit are for soul winning. What an honor God give to us in this work of winning others to Him!
"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." – 1 Corinthians 12:27, 28
Note: There is not just one gift for God’s people, there are many. One is as important as the other.
"Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." – Ephesians 4:8-11, 16
Note: God wants His children to work in harmony as they use whatever gifts God gives them. Every member of the church has something to do for the Lord. No one is exempt. When we allow God’s Spirit to control us individually, the harmony will come. When we let our own impressions and feelings control there is little harmony. Too many times professed Christian cannot work in unison simply because the Holy Spirit is not in control. We need to pray much more and keep searching the Scriptures for guidance.
"And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." – Acts 6:1-7
Note: The Apostles found themselves too busy at times. The Lord had made them responsible for the leadership of the church. So, they appointed others to do the work of Deacons. This helped the work of the ministry to spread and more souls to be won. God would have us fill place He calls us into. Thus, we can do our rightful part.
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" – 1 Timothy 2:1-3
Note: Oh, how we need to spend time in prayer– for ourselves, for our families, for our brethren and sisters in the faith, and for those in the government, etc. Nor can we forget to thank the Lord for all His blessings. Our prayer life is a ministry also. Intercessory prayer is an important gift for us to use.
"As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." – 1 Peter 4:10-11
Note: We are stewards of the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit. We have a ministry, as Christians, to do all we can to serve the Lord’s cause until He comes.
CONCLUSION:
Are you ready to serve the Lord with all your heart, mind, and body? Pray for the Lord to reveal to you how you can best minister to others. Those who live to be a blessing to others, will be blessed themselves.
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