Lesson 3 - Spiritual Gifts: The gift of Christ

 " But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" Ephesians 4:5

Christ's gift to us are many, and every one of us have been given gifts to help one another. 

You are blessed to be a blessing! 
Paul teaches us that we indeed are all one body, and that all good gifts proceed from Christ alone, who reigns in heaven having mightily conquered all his enemies, from where He graciously gave gifts to his Church. Therefore,  every man ought to be content with the measure that God has given him. 

In Ephesians chapter 4; we discussed the 5 gifts (apostle, prophets, teachers, pastors and evangelists) that are considered to be not titles, but offices held in the church to equip the believers.  
1) Apostle's office was to plant churches throughout all the world. 

2) The Prophet's office was one of the highest who were men of marvelous wisdom, and they would foretell things to come. 

3) The work of the Evangelist is contained in the New testament letters, I Timothy 2:7.  Paul instructed Timothy to preach the word! A good minister of Jesus Christ does not just tell nice story to make you feel good.  A good minister preaches the word.  The primary responsibility of the preacher, minister, evangelist is to preach the word!  Not politics, policies and stories. A preacher's words carry God's authority.  Therefore, he would rob the people if he did not preach the word.  We don't blindly follow preachers, but we should instead be like the Bereans and double-check the words of the preacher.  We have to study God's Word (the Holy Bible) so we are not tossed about like a ship that the waves carry one way and then another.  Be grounded and rooted in the Word and when the deceiver comes you will not toss out your faith.  Some people may even try to tell you that the Word of God means nothing and you have been brain-washed.  The word of God is truth! And the love of God will wash your soul not your brain. So do not continue living like those who do not believe. 

4) Pastors are those who govern the Church; The Bible uses Elder, Presbyter, Overseer, Bishop, Shepherd, Pastor interchangeably and they all refer to a single office. The word pastor is metaphoric for tending the flock.  The job of the Pastor is to protect the sheep not to be a burden on the sheep. 

5) Teachers are those who govern the schools. Jesus' most precious name in his community was "Rabboni" which means Teacher.  When Jesus was resurrected he called Mary Magadelene's name in the garden and Mary Magadelene referred to him by this position (office), "Rabboni". John 24:17. I am grateful that God has called me to be a Teacher.

We have a responsibility to expect our leaders to teach us the Word, and then hold us accountable for what we have been taught.  God loves us and the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, is the reason why He gave us these gifts. 

Thank the Lord because He is good. His love continues forever. He pays attention to you, so when you call to him for help He will hear you. He is kind and does what is right; our God is merciful.  How do I know all of this?  It is written in His word in the book of Psalms 116-118. 
I must know the word so I can believe that my God is victorious and Satan is defeated. 

Lord, open up our eyes so we can see the miracles in your teachings!

P.S. Remember homework for next week is Romans Chapter 12.  Please read and meditate on this chapter.  

For His Glory;
Rev. Patricia McNair
Riverside Assembly of God Women Director
Pastor of Noble Light Ministries
 

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