1 Timothy 3 New
International Version - UK (NIVUK)
Qualifications for
overseers and deacons
3
Here is a trustworthy saying: whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble
task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate,
self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to
drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he
must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know
how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must
not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same
judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so
that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8
In the same way, deacons[b] are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging
in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the
deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested;
and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11
In the same way, the women[c] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious
talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12
A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his
household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and
great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Reasons for Paul’s instructions
14
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing to you with these
instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to
conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God,
the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery
from which true godliness springs is great:
He
appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,[d]
was
seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was
believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
Do you pass?
1 Timothy 3
From Elim Missions
The
list ... Are you successful?
What
if I am ruled out by the fact I am not what I should be?
Those
who love these kind of lists and think themselves perfect are rubbing their
hands with glee.
For
those of us who are doing our best are so relieved for the last verse.
Paul
quotes a hymn, and for those of us who fail at times, we are so glad He did:
He
appeared in a body ... Incarnated into human form. He understands our journey,
our weakness, our failings because he took that same path. He appeared in a
body and He has come to live in us.
Was
vindicated by the Spirit ... Through a sinless life, through a victorious resurrection.
The Spirit was with Him. You may be judged by man, but the Spirit will clear
your name. The Spirit is working for you, with you, leading you.
Was
seen by angels ... He was made lower than the Angels and yet the Angels could
not comprehend the glory. The whole of heaven watched. And we are seen. Seen by
God's messenger Angels, avenging Angels, guardian Angels. The Spirit has an
army working for you.
Preached
among the nations ... The life of Jesus was mission to the whole world. Your
life was created for the same reason. You may have failed the list at times but
have you shared Christ to your world?
Believed
on in the world .... Jesus is still influencing the world. Today, 60,000 people
will come to Him and make Him their Lord and Saviour. Your influence is bigger
than you can possibly could know.
Was
taken up in glory ... He ascended, though laid down by man, the Spirit lifted
Him. You too will be exalted even though you may be humbled right now. He will
lift your head, He will raise you high, He will be glorified in you.
This
is why I am not overly concerned if I don't tick all the right boxes. If I try
and fail it's not over because of this hymn. Because of Him!
Matthew Henry's
Commentary
Verses 14-16
He
concludes the chapter with a particular direction to Timothy. He hoped shortly
to come to him, to give him further directions and assistance in his work, and
to see that Christianity was well planted, and took root well, at Ephesus; he
therefore wrote the more briefly to him. But he wrote lest he should tarry
long, that Timothy might know how to behave himself in the house of God, how to
conduct himself as became an evangelist, and the apostle’s substitute. Observe,
I.
Those who are employed in the house of God must see to it that they behave themselves
well, lest they bring reproach upon the house of God, and that worthy name by
which they are called. Ministers ought to behave themselves well, and to look
not only to their praying and preaching, but to their behaviour: their office
binds them to their good behaviour, for any behaviour will not do in this case.
Timothy must know how to behave himself, not only in the particular church
where he was now appointed to reside for some time, but being an evangelist,
and the apostle’s substitute, he must learn how to behave himself in other
churches, where he should in like manner be appointed to reside for some time;
and therefore it is not the church of Ephesus, but the catholic church, which
is here called the house of God, which is the church of the living God. Observe
here, 1. God is the living God; he is the fountain of life, he is life in
himself, and he gives life, breath, and all things to his creatures; in him we
live, and move, and have our being, Acts 17:25, 28. 2. The church is the house
of God, he dwells there; the Lord has chosen Zion, to dwell there. “This is my
rest, here will I dwell, for I have chosen it;” there may we see God’s power
and glory, Ps. 63:2.
II.
It is the great support of the church that it is the church of the living God,
the true God in opposition to false gods, dumb and dead idols.
1.
As the church of God, it is the pillar and ground of truth; that is, either,
(1.) The church itself is the pillar and ground of truth. Not that the
authority of the scriptures depends upon that of the church, as the papists
pretend, for truth is the pillar and ground of the church; but the church holds
forth the scripture and the doctrine of Christ, as the pillar to which a
proclamation is affixed holds forth the proclamation. Even to the
principalities and powers in heavenly places is made known by the church the
manifold wisdom of God, Eph. 3:10. (2.) Others understand it of Timothy. He,
not he himself only, but he as an evangelist, he and other faithful ministers,
are the pillars and ground of truth; it is their business to maintain, hold up,
and publish, the truths of Christ in the church. It is said of the apostles
that they seemed to be pillars, Gal. 2:9. [1.] Let us be diligent and impartial
in our own enquiries after truth; let us buy the truth at any rate, and not
think much of any pains to discover it. [2.] Let us be careful to keep and
preserve it. “Buy the truth, and sell it not (Prov. 23:23), do not part with it
on any consideration.” [3.] Let us take care to publish it, and to transmit it
safe and uncorrupted unto posterity. [4.] When the church ceases to be the
pillar and ground of truth, we may and ought to forsake her; for our regard to
truth should be greater than our regard to the church; we are no longer obliged
to continue in the church than she continues to be the pillar and ground of
truth.
2.
But what is the truth which the churches and ministers are the pillars and
grounds of? He tells us (1 Tim. 3:16) that without controversy great is the
mystery of godliness. The learned Camero joins this with what goes before, and
then it runs thus: “The pillar and ground of the truth, and without controversy
great is the mystery of godliness.” He supposes this mystery to be the pillar,
etc. Observe,
(1.)
Christianity is a mystery, a mystery that could not have been found out by
reason or the light of nature, and which cannot be comprehended by reason,
because it is above reason, though not contrary thereto. It is a mystery, not
of philosophy or speculation; but of godliness, designed to promote godliness;
and herein it exceeds all the mysteries of the Gentiles. It is also a revealed
mystery, not shut up and sealed; and it does not cease to be a mystery because
now in part revealed. But,
(2.)
What is the mystery of godliness? It is Christ; and here are six things
concerning Christ, which make up the mystery of godliness. [1.] That he is God
manifest in the flesh: God was manifest in the flesh. This proves that he is
God, the eternal Word, that was made flesh and was manifest in the flesh. When
God was to be manifested to man he was pleased to manifest himself in the
incarnation of his own Son: The Word was made flesh, John 1:14. [2.] He is
justified in the Spirit. Whereas he was reproached as a sinner, and put to
death as a malefactor, he was raised again by the Spirit, and so was justified
from all the calumnies with which he was loaded. He was made sin for us, and
was delivered for our offences; but, being raised again, he was justified in
the Spirit; that is, it was made to appear that his sacrifice was accepted, and
so he rose again for our justification, as he was delivered for our offences,
Rom. 4:25. He was put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit, 1
Pet. 3:18. [3.] He was seen of angels. They worshipped him (Heb. 1:6); they
attended his incarnation, his temptation, his agony, his death, his
resurrection, his ascension; this is much to his honour, and shows what a
mighty interest he had in the upper world, that angels ministered to him, for
he is the Lord of angels. [4.] He is preached unto the Gentiles. This is a
great part of the mystery of godliness, that Christ was offered to the Gentiles
a Redeemer and Saviour; that whereas, before, salvation was of the Jews, the
partition-wall was now taken down, and the Gentiles were taken in. I have set
thee to be a light of the Gentiles, Acts 13:47. [5.] That he was believed on in
the world, so that he was not preached in vain. Many of the Gentiles welcomed
the gospel which the Jews rejected. Who would have thought that the world,
which lay in wickedness, would believe in the Son of God, would take him to be
their Saviour who was himself crucified at Jerusalem? But, notwithstanding all
the prejudices they laboured under, he was believed on, etc. [6.] He was
received up into glory, in his ascension. This indeed was before he was
believed on in the world; but it is put last, because it was the crown of his
exaltation, and because it is not only his ascension that is meant, but his sitting
at the right hand of God, where he ever lives, making intercession, and has all
power, both in heaven and earth, and because, in the apostasy of which he
treats in the following chapter, his remaining in heaven would be denied by
those who pretend to bring him down on their altars in the consecrated wafers.
Observe, First, He who was manifest in flesh was God, really and truly God, God
by nature, and not only so by office, for this makes it to be a mystery.
Secondly, God was manifest in flesh, real flesh. Forasmuch as the children are
partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same,
Heb. 2:14. And, what is more amazing, he was manifest in the flesh after all
flesh had corrupted his way, though he himself was holy from the womb. Thirdly,
Godliness is a mystery in all its parts and branches, from the beginning to the
end, from Christ’s incarnation to his ascension. Fourthly, It being a great
mystery, we should rather humbly adore it, and piously believe it, than
curiously pry into it, or be too positive in our explications of it and
determinations about it, further than the holy scriptures have revealed it to
us.
The Bible Panorama
1 Timothy 3
V 1–7: SUPERVISORS The word ‘bishop’ means
overseer or supervisor. Such a man in the church must have well-defined
spiritual and practical qualities about which Paul reminds Timothy. No one
should be the leader in a church unless God has worked in his heart to give him
a mature Christian character.
V 8–13: SERVANTS The word ‘deacon’ literally
means servant. In the church, they are given specific areas of responsibility
which they are to exercise as spiritual service. They, too, must be people of
proven spiritual character, and perhaps some of them, with blossoming teaching
gifts, will eventually become bishops. Deacons’ wives must conduct themselves
in an exemplary manner.
V 14–15: SOON Paul intends to see
Timothy soon, but writes to him now so that he will know how to conduct himself
in church matters.
V 16: SAVIOUR Paul quotes part of an
early church hymn, as a testimony to his Saviour, who he confirms is God
‘manifested in the flesh’.
Dictionary of Bible
Themes
7026 church, leadership
of
Jesus
Christ is the absolute head of the church. He sets leaders in the church to
enable the whole church to grow into maturity. Christ’s authority in the church
is acknowledged more by the church’s obedience to God than through any
particular form of government.
Jesus
Christ alone is head of the church
Col
1:18 See also Mt 23:8-10; Eph 1:22; Eph 4:15; Eph 5:23; Col 2:19; Heb 3:3
The
Holy Spirit directs the church
Ac
13:2 See also Ac 15:28; Ac 16:6-7; Ac 20:28; Ro 8:14; 1Co 12:11; Rev 2:7,11
The
appointment of leaders in the church
God
calls and equips leaders Eph 4:11 See also Mt 16:18; Ac 1:24-26; Ac 9:15-16; Ac
20:28; Ac 26:16-18; 1Co 12:28; Gal 1:15-17
Delegated
leadership Ac 6:3-6; Ac 14:23; Tit 1:5
The
appointment of apostles Mk 3:13-19 pp Mt 10:1-4 pp Lk 6:12-16 As founders of
the church: 1Co 9:1-2; 2Co 3:3; Eph 2:20; Rev 21:14 As leaders of the church:
Ac 2:42; Ac 15:6,22-23; 1Th 2:6; 2Pe 3:2; Jude 17
Prophets
as leaders Ac 15:32 Judas and Silas were leaders in the Jerusalem church (Ac
15:22). See also Ac 11:27-30; Ac 13:1-2; Ro 12:6 The role of prophets as
leaders is distinct from the gift of prophecy, which was in principle available
to all; 1Co 12:28; 1Co 14:29-30; Eph 3:5
Evangelists
as leaders Ac 21:8 See also Eph 4:11; 2Ti 4:5
Pastors
and teachers as leaders Ac 20:28 See also Jn 21:15-17; Ac 13:1; Ro 12:7; 1Co
12:28; 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:9; Jas 3:1; 1Pe 5:2 Pastors are also called “shepherds”.
Elders
as leaders 1Ti 3:1 “Elder” and “overseer” or “bishop” are more or less
interchangeable. See also Ac 11:30; Ac 14:23; Ac 15:2,22; Ac 20:17; 1Ti 5:17;
Tit 1:5; Jas 5:14; 2Jn 1
Deacons
as leaders Php 1:1 “Deacon” means “one who serves”. See also Ac 6:5-6; 1Ti 3:8
Qualifications
for church leadership
The
first apostles were witnesses of Jesus Christ’s life and resurrection: Ac
1:21-22; Ac 10:41; 1Co 9:1-2; 1Co 15:7-8; 2Pe 1:16 Qualifications for elders
and deacons: Ac 6:3; 1Ti 3:1-12; 1Ti 5:17; Tit 1:6-9; 1Pe 5:1-4
Responsibilities
of church leaders
To
preach the gospel Ro 1:15; 1Co 1:17; Gal 2:8; Eph 3:8; 1Ti 2:7
To
teach sound doctrine 1Ti 4:6,13; 1Ti 5:17; Heb 13:7
To
give direction in church life Ac 15:2,6,22-23; Ac 16:4; Ac 20:28-31; 1Ti 5:17;
1Pe 5:2
To
be an example in loving service Mt 20:26-28 pp Mk 10:43-45; Mk 9:35; Jn
13:13-15; Heb 13:7; 1Pe 5:3
To
train and appoint other leaders Ac 14:23; 1Ti 4:14; 2Ti 2:2; Tit 1:5
To
pray for the sick Jas 5:14
To
exercise discipline in the church 2Co 13:10; 1Th 5:12; 1Ti 1:20; 1Ti 5:20; Tit
3:10; 3Jn 10
The
church’s responsibilities to its leaders
To
respect and submit to its leaders Ac 16:4; 1Th 5:12-13; 1Ti 5:19; Heb 13:17
To
pray for its leaders Eph 6:19; 1Th 5:25
To
support its leaders financially 1Co 9:7-14; Php 4:15-19; 1Ti 5:17-18
The
corporate government of the church
In
choosing leaders Ac 6:3-6
In
implementing decisions Ac 15:22-29
In
building up the church Ro 12:4-8; 1Co 12:4-12,27; Eph 4:3,7-16; 1Pe 4:10-11
In
discerning true and false teachings 1Jn 4:1-3; 2Jn 10; Rev 2:2
In
exercising discipline Mt 18:15-20; 1Co 5:4-5; 2Co 2:6-8; 2Th 3:14-15
The
structure of the church
The
pattern of church life Ac 2:42 See also Ac 2:46; Ac 5:42
The
house church Ac 1:13-14; Ac 12:12; Ac 16:40; Ro 16:5; 1Co 16:19; Col 4:15; Phm
2
The
local church Ac 13:1; Ro 16:1; 1Co 1:2 It is unknown whether there were
subdivisions of the church in towns such as Corinth; 1Th 1:1
Churches
in a region Ac 9:31; Ac 15:41; 1Co 16:1; 2Co 8:1; Gal 1:2,22; Rev 1:4 Normally
the NT speaks of “churches” in an area rather than of a unified regional
structure.
The
universal church Mt 16:18 Referring to the local as well as the universal
church: 1Co 12:28; Eph 1:22; Eph 3:10; Eph 5:25
Responsibilities of
church leaders
1.
To preach the gospel
Romans
1:15-17 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
15
That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings
salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17
For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that
is by faith from first to last,[a] just as it is written: ‘The righteous will
live by faith.’[b]
1
Timothy 2:3-7New International Version -
UK (NIVUK)
3
This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all people to be saved
and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one
mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a
ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And
for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle – I am telling the
truth, I am not lying – and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
2.
To teach sound doctrine
1
Timothy 4:6-13New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
6
If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a
good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the
good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths
and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical
training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding
promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy
saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labour and strive,
because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all
people, and especially of those who believe.
11
Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because
you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in
love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public
reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
Hebrews
13:7-9New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
7
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome
of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday and today and for ever.
9
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our
hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of
no benefit to those who do so.
3.
To give direction in
church life
Acts
15:22-30New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
The
council’s letter to Gentile believers
22
Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of
their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas
(called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. 23 With
them they sent the following letter:
The
apostles and elders, your brothers,
To
the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:
Greetings.
24
We have heard that some went out from us without our authorisation and
disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. 25 So we all agreed to
choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul –
26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27
Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we
are writing. 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you
with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from
food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and
from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.
Farewell.
30
So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the
church together and delivered the letter.
1
Peter 5:1-4New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
To
the elders and the flock
5
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s
sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 be shepherds of
God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must,
but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest
gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but
being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will
receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Encyclopedia of The
Bible
MINISTRY.
D.
The purpose of ministry. Christian ministry, like all creation, is intended
primarily for the glory of God (1 Pet 4:10, 11). To achieve this end it serves
a dual purpose among men. In relation to the unbelieving world, Christian
ministry, even in its humanitarian expressions, is essentially evangelistic and
missionary, looking to the numerical and geographical expansion of the body of
Christ, until in its human composition it is complete.
Ministry
also serves a reflexive purpose in relation to the Church itself. Enumerating
various gifts conferred on the Church by its ascended Lord, Paul asserts that
they are “for the equipment of the saints, for the work of ministry, for
building up (οἰκοδομή, G3869, ‘edification’)
the body of Christ” (Eph 4:12; cf. Acts 9:31; Rom 14:19; 1 Cor
14:5, 12, 26; Eph 4:16). Commonly misconstrued as the stimulation of pleasant
religious feelings, edification means inner spiritual strengthening and growth.
Within the Church ministry is didactic and pastoral, seeking to develop
believers into mature disciples, who as robust, healthy, and vigorous members
of the body of Christ render it a more effective instrument for His service.
Both forms of ministry, however, converge on a common goal: the upbuilding of
the body of Christ—in the one case, by the accession of new members, and in the
other, by advancing and enriching the spiritual life of present members.
IV.
Spiritual gifts and ministry
A.
The primacy of the Holy Spirit in ministry. A focal point in Jesus’ Upper Room
and post-resurrection teaching concerns the advent of the Holy Spirit whom He
promised to send from the Father, and in whom He would be present with His
followers until the close of the age (John 14:16, 17, 26; 15:26; 16:7ff.;
20:22; Acts 1:4, 5, 8; cf. Luke 24:49). These passages set forth the primacy of
the Holy Spirit in the continuing ministry of the risen and ascended Lord
through His body the Church. This executive operation of the Holy Spirit
furnishes a double continuity with the ministry of Christ. On the one hand, He
mediates the presence and power of the living Lord, while on the other hand the
incarnate ministry of Jesus Himself was conducted in the power and under the
control of the Spirit (Luke 4:14, 15; Acts 10:38).
The
Book of Acts abundantly documents the reality of the Spirit’s dominant role in
the concrete experience of the apostolic Church (Acts 2:1ff.; 4:8, 31; 5:1-11,
32; 6:3ff.; 8:29ff.; 9:31; 10:19; 13:2, 4; 15:28; 16:6, 7; 19:6, 21; 20:28).
The Spirit equips and empowers the Church for ministry, then channels its many
varieties of service to their divine goal in the expansion and spiritual
enrichment of the Church. While to the body of Christ has been entrusted an
external ministry of evangelistic and pastoral dimensions, in the inner
spiritual regions it is the living Christ who executes all ministry in the
Person of His Spirit. Christian ministry came of age at Pentecost (Acts 1:4, 5,
8; Eph 4:8ff.).
B.
The charismatic character of ministry. The NT identifies all forms of ministry
as divine “gifts” (χάρισμα, G5922, “grace-gift”)
of the ascended Lord who bestows them on the Church through His Spirit (Eph
4:7-12). These gifts, which are wholly of grace—the same grace which is the
source of the believer’s justification—display the following characteristics:
1.
Necessity. Possession of a supernatural endowment of the Spirit is
indispensable for effective ministry. The NT envisions no possibility of
service whatever apart from the Spirit’s gifts. It is misleading, therefore, to
distinguish between so-called “charismatic ministries” (prophecy, tongues,
miracles, etc.) and “non-charismatic” ministerial orders (elder and deacon). All
of the essential functions associated with ministerial orders in the NT are
included in the Pauline catalogues of spiritual gifts (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor
12:4-11, 28-31; 14:1ff.; Eph 4:11, 12). The same apostle further regarded
elders, who presumably held their office by some manner of human selection and
ordination, as appointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28). Since the apostolic
Church required satisfactory evidence that a person was filled with the Holy
Spirit before entrusting him with the most ordinary service (6:3), one may
assume that candidates for official ministerial orders were chosen from among
those persons in whom the Spirit’s gifts were most conspicuous. In any event,
all ministry is charismatic, so that it is the Spirit’s gifts which decisively qualify
men for service.
2.
Diversity. All gifts originate with the same Spirit; however, they display a
diversity which accords with the division of labor within the body of Christ (1
Cor 12:4-11). The grace of the Spirit assumes many varieties of forms and flows
through many different channels. Although useful in their own right, not all
gifts are of equal value. Paul regarded tongues, for example, as inferior to
prophecy (1 Cor 14:1-5), while esteeming love as the highest gift of all (1 Cor
13, which follows without interruption the detailed discussion of gifts in ch.
12).
3.
Universality. Just as every organ in the human body performs its own unique
function, so every member of the body of Christ has his special contribution to
make to the well-being and usefulness of the whole (1 Cor 12:7; Eph 4:7, 16; 1
Pet 4:10). The NT is entirely innocent of the common distinction between clergy
and laity, which regards the clergy as “ministers” and the laity as mere
spectators. Laity (λαός, G3295) means “the
people of God” and embraces all members of Christ’s body, while all members are
His servants. In sovereign freedom the Spirit distributes to individual
believers the gifts that render their service possible (1 Cor 12:11). While the
same believer may possess multiple endowments (2 Tim 1:11), there is no
monopoly of the Spirit’s gifts. Every believer has one gift or more, held in
trust for the common good.
4.
Sufficiency. All ministry is designed to build up the body of Christ in living
union with its Head (1 Cor 14:3ff.; Eph 4:11, 12). Determined in accordance
with this purpose, the Spirit’s gifts are by their very nature and bestowal the
pledge and guarantee of its fulfillment. Nothing else is needed. Drawing on its
vast wealth of spiritual resources the ministering Church advances toward its
completeness in Christ.
C.
Varieties of spiritual gifts. Of the several passages in which Paul catalogues
the Spirit’s gifts three deserve special notice. Romans 12:6-8 lists prophecy,
service (διακονία, G1355), teaching,
exhortation, liberality, giving of aid (“rule,” KJV, or “management”), and acts
of mercy. 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 mentions apostles, prophets, teachers, workers
of miracles, healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in tongues, and
interpreters of tongues. Ephesians 4:11, 12 specifies apostles, prophets,
evangelists, pastors and teachers.
Be
blessed today,
Yours
for the sake of His Church & His Kingdom
Blair
Humphreys
Southport, Merseyside, England
