Bible Minute

[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Mar 28, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Willing to Serve

Someone said, "Service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy in life." And for the Christian, it is not only paying the rent, but it is also our way of expressing gratitude to God for all He has done for us, is doing in us and will do for us.

What Does God Say?

" I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies [all that you are] a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1, NKJV).

The apostle Paul reminds us that Christ-followers willingly give their bodies and their lives, all that they are, to God. As Christians, we understand Christ's sacrifice this way: His death brought us life. And our sacrificial service is a grateful response to His gift of eternal life.

We serve willingly because our lives are His, and we serve victoriously because His Spirit is ours.

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV).

    * What does it mean to you that your body is the "temple of the Holy Spirit"?
    * How do you glorify or reveal who Christ is to those around you with your body and your spirit?

My Thoughts

1. Write down at least three reasons you are grateful for the earthly (physical) life God has given you.

2. How has Christ made a difference in your life?

3. Think about the abundant, eternal life Christ has given you and express your gratitude to Him today in a fun way: sing a song to Him, take a walk in a park and praise Him for the gifts He has given you, place flowers at your prayer location with a thankful heart to Him.

4. Consider your life--where you live, work, attend school, hang out. What are some ways that you can serve the Lord in those places?

Whether others commend us for our service or not doesn't matter--we serve as unto the Lord.

"And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me'" (Matthew 25:40, ESV).

My Part

Take time now to pray and ask God to give you a heart that is willing to serve. And ask Him to help you be sensitive to such opportunities. Oh, yes, remember to first offer all that you are as a living sacrifice to God.

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[nChrist]

Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 1, 2008
Topic: Salvation


Gift of the Spirit

When you're in school and looking for a job, there's really only one thing you're concerned about--what the job pays. Once you're out of school and looking for a career, though, the size of the paycheck isn't all that matters. You have to begin looking at the benefits a company offers such as the kind of insurance coverage you get, the retirement plan and how many sick/vacation days a year are being offered.

Because you will be spending a significant part of your life in your career, the benefits package is very important. The Christian life also comes with a benefits package. We all know the big benefits--salvation from our sins and an eternity in heaven; but that's not all.

What Does the Bible Say?

In his letter to the Romans Paul lists several benefits that come with faith in Christ. "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1, ESV ).

We've been justified and can now have peace with God. Through our faith, we've been "set right" with God. Before, we were under His judgment; now we are under His mercy and can experience the peace of knowing that our God and Savior is in control.

"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:2, ESV).

Because we are now under God's mercy, we have access to His grace--the giving nature of God. Read through your Bible, and find all the promises God makes--you'll have a hard time counting them. Now, that we've been made right with God through our faith, we stand ready to receive those promised gifts.

"God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:5, ESV).

And then we come to the greatest gift given to believers this side of heaven--the Holy Spirit. The person of God Himself dwelling inside each of us. The Holy Spirit is God's assurance that He will come again. He is your seal of salvation and the proof of your faith.

We'll look at this more in the next section.

My Thoughts

As you read Romans 5:1-5 do the following activities and answer the questions:

    * Write out some of the benefits you enjoy every day because you believe in Jesus. (They might be included in the preceding verses or they could be other benefits you recognize.)
    * How does the Holy Spirit make it possible for us to experience hope and peace?
    * What's your current motivation for serving?
    * How is it that we can even rejoice in sufferings?

My Part

One thing that distresses many young Christians is that they don't feel saved. But think of it this way: There are a lot of things that are true about you even if you don't necessarily feel it. Your brain is working now; your heart is beating; your lungs and other organs are working like they should and the majority of the time you're not consciously aware of it. And just because you're not explicitly aware of the Spirit's presence in your life a hundred percent of the time, that doesn't mean He's not there. But over time and with the Spirit's guidance, you'll find yourself becoming more and more like Christ.

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[nChrist]

Title: Spiritual Gifts, Part 1
Date: Apr 2, 2008
Topic(s): Obedience/Discipleship, Christian Living/Situational
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 13



How much do you know about spiritual gifts? If your reply, like most Christians, is, "I don't know much," the Bible gives you the necessary answers.

What Does God Say?

"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant" (1Corinthians 12:1, NKJV)

The apostle Paul is saying that God wants us to know about spiritual gifts, and Paul's concern was that Christians were unaware of their importance.

In the following verses, Paul teaches three major truths about spiritual gifts. Those truths will help you understand their importance and discover how your life is impacted by the gifts.

"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

"A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other" (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NLT).

My Thoughts

Write down the three things (truths) you learned about spiritual gifts from the preceding verses.

    * What are the common denominators for the gifts?
    * What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts?
    * Where does Paul put the emphasis in his teaching?

My Part

Are you aware of any gifting in your life? Should you be? It might be of great help to you, as you learn about spiritual gifts, to study 1 Corinthians 12 and 13. The proof that you have been gifted is that you were still on this earth one minute after you trusted Jesus as your Savior and committed your life to Him as Lord. If God had no plan for your life, you would already be with Him. But because of His great grace, He has given you the opportunity to be a partner in kingdom work. You are blessed! Now, go and share that grace with others through your gifting.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 3, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Spiritual Gifts, Part 2

The apostle Paul begins 1 Corinthians 12 with these words: "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed" (1 Corinthians 12:1, ESV).

Why would Paul believe it was so important for believers to be educated about spiritual gifts?

Well, if you are uninterested or uninformed about them...

...you may think spiritual gifts are for your own benefit, or

...you may believe you can earn a spiritual gift, or

...you may feel you should be praying for some special gift, or

...you may have the opinion that certain special gifts are to be possessed by each and every believer, or

...you may think that the gift of tongues is a sign that you are filled with the Holy Spirit, or

...you may believe that the Holy Spirit is waiting for every believer to ask for a special gift, or

...you may think that spiritual gifts are something that God gives only to "super-believers," or

...you may simply feel the whole subject doesn't concern you.

What Does God Say?

To find out some of the things God wants you to know about spiritual gifts, take this quiz. Read the verses and write down your answers:

    * Which of the following verses show that every Christian has at least one spiritual gift?
          o Ephesians 4:7
          o 1 Corinthians 12:7
          o 1 Peter 4:10
          o 1 Corinthians 12:11
          o None of the above

    * To what does Paul compare the Church in 1 Corinthians 12:14-27?

    * Which of the following passages of Scripture does NOT speak about gifts?
          o Ephesians 4:11
          o Romans 12:3-8
          o Colossians 3:1-4
          o 1 Corinthians 12:1-27
          o 
    * What five gifts to the Church are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11?

    * What three "varieties" (ESV) or "differences" (KJV) do you find in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6?

My Thoughts

Spiritual gifts are gifts of grace, unearned and undeserved by those who receive them. They are totally controlled and authorized by the Triune God and are distributed to each and every believer by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of serving and building up the Body of Christ, the Church.

As you have opportunity to study the Bible Minutes over the next several days, you will become more and more acquainted with God's wonderful plan for using spiritual gifts for the Church's service, direction and growth in Christ. Hopefully, you will come to a deeper understanding of what gift or gifts you have been given for service, both in your local church and as a member of Christ's Body worldwide.

My Part

As a believer in Christ, you have at least one, possibly more than one, spiritual gift that you have received to use for God's glory. Your gift is not the same as your natural talent (although it could be closely related in some cases).

Study the instructions and principles about gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 4:7-16 and 1 Peter 4:10-11. Begin to do some thinking about what gift you may have been given and how you can use it to minister to others. Ask other believers what they think your gift or gifts might be.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 4, 2008
Topic: Relationships, Christian Living/Situational, Obedience/Discipleship


Spiritual Gifts, Part 3

In body-building, it's all about you: toning and sculpting your muscles and getting your body into peak condition. But God's "body-building course" isn't really about you at all. It's about developing others. And God has given you a spiritual gift (or perhaps more than one) to build up His Body, the Church.

What Does God Say?

When you are placed into the Body of Christ (also known as the Church) through faith in Jesus Christ, you're given at least one spiritual gift: a tool to use in helping the rest of the Body grow and develop. Paul wrote "But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift" (Ephesians 4:7, ESV). This reminder comes on the heels of his call for believers to live in unity with each other (Ephesians 4:1-6).

With these spiritual gifts, given by God's grace, what are you to do? Well, 1 Peter 4:10 sums it up: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" ( ESV). You've received this gift; now use it! Not for your own glory but to serve others. Put it to work in the lives of fellow Christians. If your gift is teaching, teach so that others can grow. If it's mercy, extend it to those in need of a second chance or comfort.

The second part of 1 Peter 4:10 talks about being a steward of God's grace. You've been entrusted with a gift from God. Using it wisely demonstrates God's work in your life. It allows other people to catch a glimpse of God's grace at work. Spiritual gifts, used rightly, can multiply spiritual growth in the life of the Body. That's real Body-building!

My Thoughts

Read Romans 12:3-8.

    * How are you supposed to regard others in the Body?
    * What is your role as an individual in the Body?
    * What attitude do you need to develop when it comes to your spiritual gifts?
    * Paul lists several gifts here. In your own words, how is each to be used?

Turn to Ephesians 4:11-16.

    * Why did Christ give the gifts listed in verse 11 to the Body?
    * What is the ultimate result when we use these gifts as Christ intended?

My Part

So, how are you doing with your spiritual gifts? Are you using them to build up the Body? This is a challenge for us. Our world today and our natural selfishness influences us to "do our own thing" and only focus on ourselves. But Christ calls His followers to invest what He gives us into the lives of others.

If you know what your gift is, make it your goal this week to use it directly in the life of another believer. Look around, and you'll be surprised at who needs encouragement, a generous hand, a word of teaching, a little "truth-telling," help with a struggle or a comforting presence. Stretch your spiritual muscles and get involved in building up the Body. "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV). That's what your gifts are for!

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 7, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Source of Spiritual Gifts

In the Book of Exodus there is a beautiful picture of how the sovereign God gives gifts to human individuals to accomplish the work He wants done.

God wanted a temporary dwelling place where He could meet with His people and live among them while they journeyed through the desert to the Promised Land. God Himself revealed the plan (Exodus 25:1-9). Read how He accomplished His purpose in Exodus 31:1-11 and Exodus 35:30-36:6. As you read, note these things:

    * The plan was God's, not man's (Exodus 35:30).
    * The skills were gifts from God, not the people's natural talents (Exodus 36:1).
    * The abilities were gracious gifts from God to men to accomplish the work in His way (Exodus 36:1).
    * Even the men's teaching of skills to other workers was inspired by God (Exodus 35:34).
    * The materials and workers needed to get the job done were all provided by God's grace (Exodus 36:2-7).
    * When the work was done, the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-48 ).

Now, fast-forward to the year 2008. What is God doing? He is not building a temporary tabernacle. He is, instead, building an eternal, spiritual house, the Church, the Body of Christ, to achieve His purposes (1 Peter 2:5). How is He doing it? By His sovereign grace, as He gives spiritual gifts to His people to accomplish His work according to His plan (Ephesians 4:7-16).

What Does God Say?

Look carefully at this verse:

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone" (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, ESV).

    * What three Persons do you see in this passage?
    * How do you see the oneness or unity of God in this passage?
    * What "varieties" are connected with each Person?

My Thoughts

God works all His spiritual gifts together in the Church, locally and universally, to accomplish the work He wants done. The Holy Spirit provides each believer with at least one spiritual gift of God's grace, which is to be used for the benefit of all (not for one's own gratification). The Lord Jesus Christ provides the gifts of people for ministry or service (Ephesians 4:7-18 ). God the Father provides the gifts of enabling and energizing all the activities of the Church.

You have at least one spiritual gift. It is not something you pray for, and it is not something you earn. It is not a sign of your spirituality or holiness. It is evidence that the Holy Spirit indwells and uses every believer for God's glory.

My Part

These are lessons that introduce you to the subject of spiritual gifts. As you prepare for more Bible Minute studies about them, read Romans 12:3-8 and write out everything you see there that gives you insight about spiritual gifts in the Church. Consider what your spiritual gift may mean to your church.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 8, 2008
Topic: Relationships, Christian Living/Situational, Obedience/Discipleship


Gifts That Give

So, they're calling it Oprah's Big Give, a reality TV show where individuals are each given a big sum of money. And the challenge is to give it away. No hanging onto the hundreds of thousands of dollars for yourself (although the winner is surprised with a million dollars at the end); you have to put it to work changing people's lives. It's a pretty exciting concept but hardly original because God has been doing that for thousands of years. He gives you gifts--spiritual gifts--and He wants you to give with them too.

What Does God Say?

Let's look at God's plan for the "big give." When you come into God's family through faith in Jesus Christ, you're part of the Body of Christ. And God in His grace gives you one or more spiritual gifts to use in the Body. "But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift" (Ephesians 4:7, ESV).

However, these gifts have a purpose, and it's not just for your own spiritual growth or personal edification. They're to be "given away" by investing or using them in the lives of other believers. First Corinthians 12:4-7 says, "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" ( ESV) or "is given to each one for the profit of all" (NKJV).

These gifts have a clear purpose: to do good for others in the Body. They help us build each other up spiritually, keep each other on the right track, come alongside in times of need. And they strengthen our bond and interdependence within the Body. We can't do it alone. When you use your gift, I benefit; when I use mine, you stand to gain too. Gifts are not just for personal use but for the "profit" or "common good."

My Thoughts

Referring to believers as the Body gives a clear picture of how we fit and work together for our mutual benefit. Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-13:3 and work on these questions.

    * Describe how the physical body works together. What are the benefits? What's similar in the Body of Christ?
    * Since God designed your place in the Body, how does that influence your view of yourself and your gifts? Your view of other members of the Body?
    * How are we to treat each other within the Body?
    * What happens if we don't work together?
    * What do you need most, no matter what spiritual gift you're given?

My Part

Using your spiritual gift as it's intended--to the benefit or profit of the rest of the Body--manifests or makes visible God's grace in your life. (See 1 Corinthians 12:7.)

It also gives you an opportunity to demonstrate love. That's why 1 Corinthians 13 follows 1 Corinthians 12. In fact, read through both again ignoring the chapter break. The instruction on gifts leads to the exhortation to love. Instead of turning your spiritual gift into a competition or a measure of spiritual superiority, Paul reminds us that there is "a still more excellent way" (1 Corinthians 12:31, ESV) and that is love.

So, what's your attitude toward your spiritual gift? Are you using it to benefit others in the Body? Are you using it in love? Take a few minutes to examine yourself; then ask God to show you how He wants you to give your gift to others, the more excellent way.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 9, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Gifts, Ministries & Tasks

Remember years ago when Visible People kits first came out? Designed for kids 10 and older, you could buy a transparent model, either the Visible Woman,15" tall or the Visible Man, 16" tall, that showed how all the parts of the human body related to one another.

The Bible compares the Church to a body as well. By studying God's Word, you can see how the different parts are supposed to relate to one another. Let's look at that.

What Does God Say?

"The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12, NLT)

What do you see when you look at the visible Church?

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love" (Ephesians 4:11-16, ESV).

    * What does the Body of Christ look like? Write down your description based on the preceding verses.
    * What is the purpose of the Body?
    * What plan does Christ have for His Church?
    * Today ask God how He can use you more effectively in your local church body.

My Thoughts

Are you gifted? Are you spiritually gifted? What's the difference? Verses 4-7 of 1 Corinthians 12 provide the distinction.

"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.

  "A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other" (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NLT).

A talent or ability can be useful almost anywhere, anytime. But spiritual gifts have their purpose and power only in the context of the Church. There are many areas of the kingdom where we can be involved. Special gifting for service to the Lord in His Body, ministering to the saints through God who is in us, always and only originates from the Holy Spirit.

My Part

Where in the Body of Christ do you fit? How has God gifted you for the benefit of your church family, for caring for your brothers and sisters in Christ? Take time now to ask the Lord to give you a picture of how you fit into the Body of Christ.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 10, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Grown Up Gifts

Some Christians confuse spiritual maturity with spiritual gifts. They think, Oh, if I only had such and such a gift, I could mature so much more quickly. But the truth is, it takes spiritual maturity to properly handle spiritual gifts.

One of the most spiritually gifted churches in the New Testament, the church in Corinth, was also one of the most immature. Let's look at this church through the eyes of the apostle Paul who was compelled to write not one but two letters to deal with the problems caused by spiritual immaturity.

What Does God Say?

Paul observed that the Christians in the church at Corinth were "zealous of spiritual gifts" (1 Corinthians 14:12, NASB). But this didn't keep the church from having a multitude of spiritual problems. Look at the verses below and indicate the problem Paul is dealing with in his first letter to the Corinthians.

    * 1 Corinthians 1:11-13
    * 1 Corinthians 5:1
    * 1 Corinthians 6:5-6
    * 1 Corinthians 6:15-16
    * 1 Corinthians 7:10-11

My Thoughts

It's obvious that spiritual gifts don't bring spiritual maturity. And without spiritual maturity, the gifts will never accomplish what God intended for them to do. So, how do we gain spiritual maturity? The key is found in Galatians 5:22-23. These verses tell us, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV).

My Part

Take each of the spiritual problems above and match it with the fruit of the Spirit (there may be more than one manifestation of this fruit that could be used) so as to resolve that spiritual problem.

Perhaps you are experiencing a spiritual problem. Which fruit of the Spirit do you most need to have developed in you to deal with that problem?

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 11, 2008
Topic: Christian Living/Situational


Why Care About Gifts

One of my pet peeves is unused gifts: a sweater that never leaves the closet, a board game that never leaves the shelf, an action figure that never leaves the toy chest and so on. But because I hate these gifts going to waste, it encourages me to think long and hard when it's my turn to give a gift. What can I give this person that they will actually use? What can I give that won't be forgotten about in a couple days.

When you read your Bible, you'll discover that God doesn't want His gifts left unused either. He gives those gifts through the Holy Spirit to build up the Body of Christ. He has some very strong comments for those who leave them unused. Let's see what He has to say.

What Does the Bible Say

Jesus told a parable about a ruler going away on a trip. Before he left, he called three of his servants. He, "entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away" (Matthew 25:14-15, ESV).

In the context of this story, "talent" is a measure of money worth about 20 years' salary for an average worker. The first servant took his five talents and made five more. The second servant took his two talents and made two more. The third servant buried his one talent in the ground and didn't use it at all.

Soon, the ruler returned. "And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant'" (Matthew 25:20-21, ESV).

The second servant got the same response, but not the third because he didn't use the talent he had. Instead his master said, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents” (Matthew 26-28, ESV).

In the next section we'll look more at how to use the spiritual gifts God has given us.

My Thoughts

As you read through Matthew 25:14-30, think about the following questions:

    * What in this story indicates that the master didn't give out the talents randomly?
    * How is this third servant described by his master?
    * Why do you think the third servant didn't use the talent he was given? How can we avoid the same attitude?

My Part

We've talked this last month on Bible Minute about spiritual gifts. If you already know what your spiritual gift is, ask God to show you where you can put it to use. If the idea of spiritual gifts is new to you, stay tuned. As you read through the Bible studies in the coming days, ask God to show you how He's gifted you. After all, He knew what gift would best suit you, and He doesn't want to see it go unused.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 14, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Gift of Prophecy

The 20th century saw many so-called prophets and prophecies. In 1919, meteorologist Albert Porta predicted that the alignment of six planets would cause the sun to explode and consume the earth on December 17. It obviously didn't. In 1936, Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of the Worldwide Church of God, predicted that the Lord would return sometime that year. He didn't. In 1953, David Davidson wrote a book entitled Great Pyramid, Its Divine Message, in which he predicted that the world would end in August of 1953. But it's still around.

Prophecy is often associated with predicting the future. But is that what the Bible means when it talks about the gift of prophecy? Let's take a look.

What Does God Say?

"Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification." (1 Corinthians 14:1-5, NKJV).

    * Of all the spiritual gifts that a believer might be given, which one would Paul most want you to have?
    * List three ways in which prophecy can be used to minister to the Church according to these verses.
    * What distinction does Paul make between speaking in tongues and prophesying?

My Thoughts

Prophecy, as we see it in the New Testament Church, was not a matter of foretelling the future but applying God's Word for the building up of the Body. Those who have the gift of prophecy have a special skill in doing this, but all of us should seek to do this as best we can. Read God's Word; study God's Word; but, most of all, share God's Word, so that the Church can be built up and become mature in Christ.

My Part

Look up in a dictionary the words edify, exhort and comfort. Ask God to show you verses from His Word that will accomplish these purposes for those in the Body of Christ. As you have your daily devotional time, keep paper and a pen handy to jot down verses that you can share to edify, exhort or comfort fellow believers.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 15, 2008
Topic: Service/Servanthood


Gift of Helps

Is your heart moved whenever you see a need--no matter when or where? Do you enjoy working "behind the scenes" to make someone or something a success? Are you one of those who would rather clean somebody else's house than your own?

If so, you might have the spiritual gift of helps. And this gift is the subject of today's Bible Minute study.

What Does God Say?

"But everything that is done must strengthen all of you" (1 Corinthians 14:26, NLT).

The gift of helps, or the spiritual ability to minister to people, comes not from pity but a God-given compassion to want to help people. Helping people requires not only a kind heart but a discerning mind for what will truly be of help. Paul teaches us that the gifts of the Spirit are useful to others and always have a redemptive purpose--"building them up in the Lord." That includes helping them come to Jesus as well as growing and serving the Lord.

Read these verses from Romans 12.

"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

  "Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.

"When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:6-11, 13, 15, NLT).

My Thoughts

    * From these verses in Romans, make a list of each time the gift of helps is referred to.
    * From the same verses, make a list of all the ways that the gift of helps could minister to others.

Few, comparatively, in the Body of Christ have the gifts of teaching, preaching, leading or being financially generous in big ways. But all members could be gifted with service and/or helping others. If the Holy Spirit decides what gifts to give each church, and He does, according to their needs and opportunities, then it must mean that there are many in the Body who have great needs.

The gift of helps is characteristic of those who are sensitive to the needs of others, compassionate enough to care, discerning enough to know how to help redemptively and motivated to act as soon as possible.

My Part

Whether you have the gift of helps or not, every Christian is called to assist others in need. (Consider the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37.) But for those who have this gift, be sure to exercise it generously yet wisely. Ask God to show you which needs He would have you respond to. Seek God's direction as you look to apply your gift to a needy world.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 16, 2008
Topic: Bible Study/Theories


Gift of Teaching

In Romans 12:7 Paul encourages, "the one who teaches," to serve God in his teaching. The ability to teach is one of the gifts God may give an individual believer when he or she accepts Christ. Let's look at what the Bible has to say about this supernatural ability.

What Does the Bible Say

Besides mentioning the gift of teaching in his letter to the Romans, Paul also lists it among other gifts when writing to the Corinthians and Ephesians (see 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11). In the scriptures that mention teaching, it's clear that Paul isn't talking about teaching calculus or Greek history; he's talking about teaching the Word of God.

Jesus told His disciples: "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come" (John 16:13, ESV).

After Jesus returned to heaven and the Holy Spirit descended on the believers at Pentecost, the apostles noticed that some among them had special insight when they read the Scriptures. Not only that, but they were able to explain the Word of God to others. And, as a result, people were edified. For instance, consider the way Peter explained certain passages of the Old Testament in his sermon at Pentecost. (See Acts 2:14-41.)

We see Jesus exercising this gift of teaching on the road to Emmaus when He explained to the two travelers how the Old Testament writings foretold that Jesus would suffer, die and be raised from the grave. The travelers suddenly saw the familiar Scriptures in a new light. (See Luke 24:13-35.)

If you find yourself yearning to read the Word of God yourself and seeking opportunities to share the insights you glean with others, there's a good chance you have the gift of teaching. In the next sections, we'll look at how to develop and put to use this wonderful gift from God.

My Thoughts

As you think about Peter explaining passages of the Old Testament in his sermon at Pentecost and Jesus exercising the gift of teaching on the road to Emmaus, answer the following questions:

    * Have you ever encountered a believer who has the gift of teaching? What made him or her different from other Bible teachers you've heard?
    * If someone were to tell you that he or she may have gift of teaching but were unsure, how would you instruct him to find out?

My Part

We've said this many times during our study of the spiritual gifts, but it's worth repeating: The spiritual gifts God gives to us are meant to be used not hidden.

With that in mind, take heed to this advice from the Book of James: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness" (James 3:1, ESV).

Although, you have the spiritual gift of teaching, don't teach unprepared. It's important to know your topic and material. In other words, read your Bible. Pray about what you read and ask God to show you what He would have you share with those who will hear. There are few things more dangerous to the Christian church than teachers who teach their own agendas and fail to give God's Word the reverence it deserves.

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 17, 2008
Topic: Relationships, Christian Living/Situational, Obedience/Discipleship


Gift of Exhortation

Exhortation is more than being a spiritual cheerleader. It's like coaching: a gift from the Spirit that enables you to help another believer see what they're doing right and where they can do even better. It picks up on spiritual needs and offers courage for further growth.

What Does God Say?

Romans 12:3-8 will tell you about spiritual gifts and what they're for. Exhortation is in the list: "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them … the one who exhorts, in his exhortation" (Romans 12:6,8,ESV).

The word exhort comes from the Greek, parakaleo. It means to incite or urge another person, by word or advice, to good conduct or actions. It's not "Rah, Rah, you're the best," but "Do the right thing. God will give you the strength to keep going."

Like all spiritual gifts, it flows from the work of the Holy Spirit. He is our divine coach. He gives us the courage we need to do the right thing, to never give up, and He guides us into all truth. Jesus explains that in John 14:26 and John 16:7-15 when He talks to His followers about the Holy Spirit.

A great example of the gift of exhortation in action is Acts 18:18-28. Priscilla and Aquila were believers living in Ephesus when a gifted preacher named Apollos arrived. They realized his understanding, when it came to the work of Jesus, was incomplete. So, "when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Acts 18:26, ESV).

They didn't tell Apollos to quit, but they worked with him to do better and helped him grow in his understanding of the Gospel. As a result, when Apollos wanted to preach to another church, the believers in Ephesus "encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed" (Acts 18:27, ESV). Exhortation actually increased Apollos' ministry!

The gift of exhortation can help you see spiritual needs in other believers, speak to them clearly, challenge them to grow and not give up, rebuke in a way that prompts positive change and, as Priscilla and Aquila show us, to do all this in the context of a personal relationship. They didn't criticize Apollos in the middle of his sermon; they took him aside, probably even took him home for dinner, and made time to help him understand.

If you want to see "exhortation in action," read some of Paul's letters to the early churches as he encourages the believers in their walk with God. Sometimes it's words of comfort or hope; other times, he tackles the hard truths of behavior or ideas that needed correction—but always in a spirit of love and a desire to see believers grow in their faith.

My Thoughts

See what else you can learn about the gift of exhortation. (Some translations use "encouragement."):

Titus 2:11-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14

    * What are you to exhort or encourage others to do?
    * What conduct or attitudes can be built up through encouragement?

2 Timothy 4:1-4

    * What other gifts might be used along with exhortation?
    * What attitude or approach do you need as you exhort others?

My Part

The gift of exhortation comes with several cautions.

   1. Beware of offering your own solutions instead of relying on the Holy Spirit and directing people to God's Word. That's why exhortation is often mentioned with teaching and the Word.
   2. It should be done in love and sincerity—no pat answers or clichés. It requires a relationship; you can't do it "cold" or in an instant. And you need to be trustworthy, holding what you hear or say in confidence. Don't let encouragement become an excuse to gossip.

What do you need to exercise this gift?

   1. You need to be alert to spiritual needs, listening "between the lines" at times and asking questions pertinent to real "heart issues."
   2. Listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit; He'll nudge you to walk alongside someone to listen and ask.
   3. Stay strong in the Word. You'll need a good (and growing) grasp of Scripture that connects you with the wisdom and instruction God offers.

If exhortation is your gift, use Hebrews 10:24-25 as your mission statement. "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" ( ESV).

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Daily Bible Study

Date: Apr 22, 2008
Topic: Bible Study/Theories


Gift of Mercy

"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them:…the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness" (Romans 12:6,8, ESV). The gift of mercy and the gift of serving are closely related. The gift of serving focuses on helping others in general; mercy concentrates on serving those who are hard to feel compassionate toward.

What Does the Bible Say

We probably all know people we'd rather not know. Neighbors we wish would move; co-workers we'd like to see working at another organization; sometimes, even family members who are difficult to love. Down deep, we know people like that especially need God's love, and that God longs to have them in His family. That's why He's given some of us the ability to show mercy, particularly, to those who don't deserve it.

Really, that's the very definition of mercy: "showing kindness to someone who has done nothing to deserve it." All who are Christians have experienced mercy at a very personal level. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, said this of his son's work, "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God" (Luke 1:76-78, ESV).

We are newly born children of God because He extended mercy to us. God now calls us to extend mercy to others. This is a call to everyone, whether we have the specific gift of mercy or not. But if you find yourself drawn to "problem cases," if you find yourself thinking and praying for those whom others have written off, chances are you have the gift of mercy.

We'll look more at how to use this gift of the Spirit in the next section.

My Thoughts

As you read Romans 12:6,8 (preceding), consider the following questions:

    * Why do you think Paul specifically said to exercise mercy "with cheerfulness"?
    * Do you know someone who has the gift of mercy? What does it look like in his or her life?

My Part

If you have the gift of mercy, exercise it as Paul says, "with cheerfulness." Let it be obvious in your actions that your love is genuine and not an obligation. As you read the Bible, pay particular attention to those who showed mercy to others.

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