Sessions  3  Gifts,  Administrations  and   Empowerment  of  the  Holy  Spirit     It  is  interesting  that  the  5  areas  of  scripture  we  are  studying  in  this  series  (Galatians   5-­‐6,  I  Corinthians  12-­‐14,  Romans  12,  Ephesians  4,  I  Peter  4)  all  are  in  the  context  of   spiritual  community.  This  communicates  that  these  gifts,  callings,  administrations   and  empowerment  of  the  spirit  should  be  a  part  of  every  believer’s  life.  These  gifts   also,  must  be  submitted  to  the  Lordship  of  Christ  first  and  secondly  to  the  local   church  to  which  Christ  gave  them  to  know  Christ  and  make  Him  known.         (Five  Fold  Ministry)     Ephesians  4:11-­‐16     And  He  Himself  gave  some  to  be  apostles,  some  prophets,  some  evangelists,  and   some  pastors  and  teachers,  12  for  the  equipping  of  the  saints  for  the  work  of   ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of  Christ,  13  till  we  all  come  to  the  unity  of  the   faith  and  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  to  a  perfect  man,  to  the  measure  of  the   stature  of  the  fullness  of  Christ;  14  that  we  should  no  longer  be  children,  tossed  to   and  fro  and  carried  about  with  every  wind  of  doctrine,  by  the  trickery  of  men,  in  the   cunning  craftiness  of  deceitful  plotting,  15  but,  speaking  the  truth  in  love,  may  grow   up  in  all  things  into  Him  who  is  the  head—Christ—16  from  whom  the  whole  body,   joined  and  knit  together  by  what  every  joint  supplies,  according  to  the  effective   working  by  which  every  part  does  its  share,  causes  growth  of  the  body  for  the   edifying  of  itself  in  love.  

  Jesus  has  the  fullness  of  the  five  fold  being  the  head.  He  distributes  to  some  a   portion  of  the  church  leadership  to  work  hand  in  hand  with  the  others   bringing  ultimate  unity  to  the  body.      

Apostle/Apostleship:  To  Be  Sent  With  a  Message     The  gift  of  apostleship  is  the  divine  ability  to  start  and  oversee  the   development  of  new  churches  or  ministry  structures.  Historically  this  office   was  held  by  the  apostles  as  chosen  by  Jesus  and  is  now  expired  because  they   have  all  died.  However,  this  is  also  a  Spiritual  Gift  still  in  operation  today  as   described  below.  

652. ἀπόστολος apostolos; from 649; a messenger, one sent on a mission, an apostle:—apostle(19), apostles(52), apostles’(5), messenger(1), messengers(1), is sent(1).1  

 

649. ἀποστέλλω apostellō; to send, send away:—puts(1), send(17), send forth(3), sending(3), sends(1), sent(104), sent … away(1), set(1).2  

Some  Biblical  References:  1  Corinthians  12:28-­‐29;  Ephesians  4:11-­‐12;   Romans  1:5;  Acts  13:2-­‐3   DISTINCTIVES:  People  with  this  gift    •  Pioneer  and  establish  new  ministries  or  churches    •  Adapt  to  different  surroundings  by  being  culturally  sensitive  and  aware    •  Desire  to  minister  to  unreached  people  in  other  communities  or  countries.     •  Have  responsibilities  to  oversee  ministries  or  groups  of  churches.    •  Demonstrate  authority  and  vision  for  the  mission  of  the  church.       TRAITS:     •  Adventurous  •  Entrepreneurial  •  Persevering  •  Adaptable  •  Culturally   Sensitive  •  Cause-­‐driven      

CAUTIONS:  People  with  this  gift    •  Should  be  aware  that  misusing  their  authority  can  quench  the  Spirit  in   others.     •  Need  to  be  affirmed  and  sent  by  the  church  .   •  Can  be  demanding  and  pessimistic.                                                                                                                       1  Thomas,  R.  L.  (1998).  New  American  Standard  Hebrew-­‐Aramaic  and  Greek   dictionaries  :  updated  edition.  Anaheim:  Foundation  Publications,  Inc.   2  Thomas,  R.  L.  (1998).  New  American  Standard  Hebrew-­‐Aramaic  and  Greek   dictionaries  :  updated  edition.  Anaheim:  Foundation  Publications,  Inc.  

      The  first  level  of  apostolic  ministry  is  Jesus  Christ  Himself.  Hebrews  3:1  says   …consider  the  apostle  and  High  Priest  of  our  profession,  Christ  Jesus.    Jesus  is  in  a   class  by  Himself.  He  also  declares  Himself  to  be  a  prophet  (Matt.  13:57),  Evangelist   as  He  proclaimed  the  good  news  of  salvation  to  the  world.  (Luke  19:10)  He  was  a   pastor  and  the  good  shepherd.  (John  10:11-­‐16)  He  was  also  a  great  teacher  as  He   spent  a  good  portion  of  His  ministry  anointed  to  teach  and  preach.  (Matt.  9:35)   Obviously,  no  one  else  is  ever  going  to  be  in  this  same  class.  Although  some  have   tried  over  the  many  centuries,  they  are  always  in  error  for  their  self-­‐promotion  and   heresy.  If  you  ever  hear  of  a  church  leader  trying  to  equate  his  calling  with  the  same   authority  as  Christ’s  that  we  referenced  above,  RUN!  This  one  is  in  error  and  is  most   likely  a  cult  leader.         The  second  way  is  the  12  apostles  of  the  lamb  that  Peter  talked  about  in  Acts  1:15-­‐ 22.    This  was  a  specific  group  that  bore  eyewitness  account  to  Christ  and  the  events   that  took  place  during  that  time  period.  Based  on  what  was  spoken  of  in  this  context,   there  are  no  more  modern  day  apostles  of  the  lamb.  Revelation  21:14  declares  that   the  wall  of  the  city  had  twelve  foundations,  and  on  them  were  the  names  of  the   twelve  apostles  of  the  lamb.  Many  churches  and  denominations  believe  that  the  gift   of  the  apostle  phased  out  with  the  deaths  of  the  original  12.  After  Judas  committed   suicide  and  Christ’s  ascension  on  high  we  see  the  11  other  apostles  led  by  Peter   instilling  a  man  named  Matthias  in  place  of  Judas.  In  the  midst  of  this  appointment   they  only  acknowledged  2  eligible  candidates  for  that  position.  So  this  leaves  us  to   conclude  that  there  are  no  more  apostles  of  the  lamb.  There  are  no  modern  day   candidates  for  this  position.    However,  I  believe  the  broader  definition  of  the  word   apostle  is  still  in  action  and  a  much  needed  leadership  role  in  today’s  church.       (Nate)  The  third  group  identified,  as  apostles  in  the  New  Testament  are  the   foundational  apostles.  These  were  men  that  helped  lay  the  doctrinal  foundation  of   the  New  Testament.  They  are  foundational  because  the  New  Testament  was   revealed  to  them.  Paul  was  one  of  these  apostles  as  he  received  the  revelation  of  the   mystery  of  Christ  not  by  man  but  by  the  Holy  Spirit.       Ephesians  3:4-­‐5  by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:3     We  don’t  need  to  lay  any  other  foundation  but  only  build  upon  what  Christ  the  chief   cornerstone  and  the  apostles  and  prophets  of  old  laid.       Ephesians 2:19-22 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built                                                                                                                 3  The  New  King  James  Version.  (1982).  (Eph  3:4–5).  Nashville:  Thomas  Nelson.  

on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.4 No one today is receiving revelation that is adding to the foundation that was already laid because we have the revelation of the New Testament. Galatians 1:7-9 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.5 There are no apostles or prophets on the same level of authority or in the same rank as those in the earlier groups described above. Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.6   The  fourth  group  is  what  I  believe  is  the  modern  day  use  of  the  apostolic  calling.   These  are  church  leaders  called  to  be  sent  out  on  mission  to  establish  and  oversee   works  that  are  Kingdom  minded  and  bring  glory  to  Christ.  The  Biblical  examples  of   this  were  sent  out  with  power  gifts  to  proclaim  the  Gospel,  establish  churches,  raise   up  elders  and  pastors  to  oversee  the  works  on  a  local  level.  In  my  experience  some   apostles  will  hand  off  all  leadership  and  authority  to  the  local  expression  at  that   point.  They  will  serve  as  outside  council  if  needed  but  hold  no  further  authority  in   the  local  expressions.  Other  models  I  have  seen  involve  macro  oversight  and  outside   presbytery  work  to  help  lead  and  direct  the  local  work  with  directional  leadership.   Many  times  the  modern  day  apostle  pulls  together  many  works  to  share  resources   and  governing  principles  to  help  smaller  works  all  benefit  from  a  common  hub.  I   have  not  found  one  New  Testament  example  where  an  apostle  exercised  governing   authority  over  a  church  he  had  established  and  delegated  oversight  to  others.  (Acts   20:28  Ephesian  Elders/Shepherds  declared  overseers)  One  other  note  here.  If  the   apostolic  gift  was  ceased  with  the  original  12  apostles  of  the  lamb  as  some  teach,   why  are  there  around  20  references  to  the  apostolic  leader  in  the  New  Testament?   Some  of  those  were  not  in  the  foundational  group  of  apostles  so  that  leaves  them  in   the  fourth  group  that  is  described  here.  I  think  we  need  to  be  open  to  see  that  there                                                                                                                   4  The  New  King  James  Version.  (1982).  (Eph  2:19–22).  Nashville:  Thomas  Nelson.   5  The  New  King  James  Version.  (1982).  (Ga  1:7–9).  Nashville:  Thomas  Nelson.   6  The  New  King  James  Version.  (1982).  (Re  22:18–19).  Nashville:  Thomas  Nelson.  

were  other  apostles  in  the  early  church  in  this  group  and  that  today  there  are  others   functioning  in  this  same  place.       “The  word  has  also  a  wider  reference.  In  Acts  14:4,  14,  it  is  used  of  Barnabas  as  well  as   of  Paul;  in  Rom.  16:7  of  Andronicus  and  Junias.  In  2  Cor.  8:23  (RV,  margin)  two   unnamed  brethren  are  called  ‘apostles  of  the  churches’;  in  Phil.  2:25  (RV,  margin)   Epaphroditus  is  referred  to  as  ‘your  apostle.’  It  is  used  in  1  Thess.  2:6  of  Paul,  Silas  and   Timothy,  to  define  their  relation  to  Christ.”*  2.  apostole  (651),  “a  sending,  a  mission,”   signifies  an  apostleship,  Acts  1:25;  Rom.  1:5;  1  Cor.  9:2;  Gal.  2:8.¶  Note:  Pseudapostoloi,         Fifth  Group  I  see  this  word  used  is  the  false  apostle.  II  Corinthians  11:12-­‐15  says:   12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.7 Paul is very clear that there are those who would try and pose as true apostles of Christ and are not. He felt very strongly to combat their efforts and remove the opportunity for them to deceive many and lead them astray.     “false  apostles,”  occurs  in  2  Cor.  11:13.    Vine,  W.E.;  Merrill  F.  Unger  (1996-­‐08-­‐28).   Vine's  Complete  Expository  Dictionary  of  Old  and  New  Testament  Words:  With  Topical   Index  (Kindle  Locations  19263-­‐19278).  Thomas  Nelson.  Kindle  Edition.      

Prophet  and  Prophecy:  To  speak  before     The  gift  of  Prophecy  is  the  divine  enablement  to  reveal  truth  and  proclaim  it   in  a  timely  and  relevant  manner  for  understanding,  correction,  repentance,  or   edification.  There  may  be  immediate  or  future  implications.     Prophet-4396. προφήτης prophētēs; from a comp. of 4253 and 5346; a prophet (an interpreter or forth-teller of the divine will):—prophet(63), prophets(81).8 Prophesy- 4394. προφητεία prophēteia; from 4395; prophecy:—prophecies(1),

                                                                                                                7  The  New  King  James  Version.  (1982).  (2  Co  11:12–15).  Nashville:  Thomas  Nelson.   8  Thomas,  R.  L.  (1998).  New  American  Standard  Hebrew-­‐Aramaic  and  Greek   dictionaries  :  updated  edition.  Anaheim:  Foundation  Publications,  Inc.  

prophecy(15), prophesying(1), prophetic utterance(1), prophetic utterances(1).9

Some  Biblical  References:  Romans  12:6;  1  Corinthians  12:10,  28,  13:2;  2   Peter  1:19-­‐21    

Distinctives:  People  with  the  gift     •  Expose  sin  or  deception  in  others  for  reconciliation.     •  Speak  a  timely  word  from  God  causing  conviction,  repentance,  and   edification.     •  See  truth  that  others  often  fail  to  see  and  challenge  them  to  respond.     •  Warn  of  God’s  immediate  or  future  judgment  if  there  is  no  repentance.     •  Understand  God’s  heart  and  mind  through  experiences  he  takes  them   through.     • Foretell  things  revealed  by  God  to  warn  or  prepare  His  Church.      

Traits:     •  Discerning  •  Compelling  •  Uncompromising  •  Outspoken  •  Authoritative  •   Convicting  •  Confronting    

Cautions:  People  with  this  gift     •  Need  to  be  aware  that  listeners  may  reject  the  message  if  not  spoken  with   love  and  compassion.     •  Need  to  avoid  pride,  which  can  create  a  demanding  or  discouraging  spirit   that  hinders  the  gift.     •  Should  remember  that  discernment  and  Scripture  must  support  and  agree   with  each  prophecy.     I  Corinthians  14:2-­‐3   3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men10                                                                                                                   9  Thomas,  R.  L.  (1998).  New  American  Standard  Hebrew-­‐Aramaic  and  Greek   dictionaries  :  updated  edition.  Anaheim:  Foundation  Publications,  Inc.   10  The  New  King  James  Version.  (1982).  (1  Co  14:2–3).  Nashville:  Thomas  Nelson.  

Evangelist  and  evangelism:  To  bring  good  news     The  gift  of  evangelism  is  the  divine  enablement  to  effectively  communicate   the  gospel  to  unbelievers  so  they  respond  in  faith  and  move  toward   discipleship.  Historically,  leaders  in  the  early  church  held  this  office  and  some   hold  this  office  today  (Billy  Graham  is  one  example).  This  is  also  a  Spiritual   Gift  still  in  operation  today.   2099. εὐαγγελιστής euaggelistēs; from 2097; an evangelist, a bringer of good news:— evangelist(2), evangelists(1).11 2097. εὐαγγελίζω euaggelizō; from 2095 and 32a; to announce good news:—bring … good news(2), bring good news(1), brought … good news(1), good news(5), good news preached(2), gospel(2), gospel preached(2), preach(4), preach the gospel(11), preach … a gospel(1), preach … the good news(1), preached(11), preached the gospel(4), preaching(8), preaching the good news(1), preaching the gospel(4), preaching … a gospel(1).12  

Some  Biblical  References:  Ephesians  4:11;  Acts  8:26-­‐40;  Luke  19:1-­‐10;  2   Timothy  4:5   DISTINCTIVES:  People  with  the  gift  •  Gives  the  message  of  Christ  with  clarity   and  conviction  •  Seek  out  opportunities  to  talk  to  unbelievers  about  spiritual   matters  •  Challenge  unbelievers  to  faith  and  to  become  fully  devoted   followers  of  Christ  •  adapt  their  presentation  of  the  gospel  to  connect  with  the   individual’s  needs  •  Seek  opportunities  to  build  relationships  with   unbelievers     TRAITS:     •  Sincere  •  Candid  •  Respected  •  influential  •  Spiritual  •  Confident  •   Commitment  oriented     CAUTIONS:  People  with  this  gift     • Need  to  remember  the  holy  Spirit,  not  guilt,  is  the  motivator  in  a  person’s   decision  for  Christ.       • Should  avoid  becoming  critical  of  others  and  remember  that  we  are  all   “witnesses,”  but  we  are    not  all  “evangelists”.                                                                                                                       11  Thomas,  R.  L.  (1998).  New  American  Standard  Hebrew-­‐Aramaic  and  Greek   dictionaries  :  updated  edition.  Anaheim:  Foundation  Publications,  Inc.   12  Thomas,  R.  L.  (1998).  New  American  Standard  Hebrew-­‐Aramaic  and  Greek   dictionaries  :  updated  edition.  Anaheim:  Foundation  Publications,  Inc.  

• Need  to  listen  carefully,  because  the  same  approach  is  not  appropriate  for   everyone.      

Pastor/Shepherding:  To  shepherd  a  flock     The  gift  of  Shepherding  is  the  divine  enablement  to  nurture,  care  for,  and   Guide’s  people  toward  on-­‐going  spiritual  maturity  and  becoming  like  Christ.     4166. ποιµήν poimēn; a shepherd:—pastors(1), shepherd(13), shepherds(4).13 4165. ποιµαίνω poimainō; from 4166; to act as a shepherd:—caring(1), rule(3), shepherd(5), tending sheep(1), tends(1).14  

Some  Biblical  References:  Ephesians  4:11-­‐12;  1  Peter  5:1-­‐4;  John  10:1-­‐18    

Distinctives:  People  with  the  gift     •  Take  responsibility  to  nurture  the  whole  person  in  their  walk  with  God.     •  Provide  guidance  and  oversight  to  a  group  of  God’s  people.     •  Model  with  their  life  what  it  means  to  be  a  fully  devoted  follower  of  Jesus.     •  Establish  trust  &  confidence  through  long-­‐term  relations.     •  Lead  and  protect  those  within  their  span  of  care.    

Traits:     •  Influencing  •  Nurturing  •  Guiding  •  Disciplining  •  Protective  •  Supportive  •   Relational    

Cautions:  People  with  this  gift     • Should  remember  that  God  judges  those  who  neglect  or  abuse  their   oversight  responsibilities.       • Need  to  be  aware  that  the  desire  to  feed  and  support  others  can  make  it   difficult  to  say  “no”.                                                                                                                   13  Thomas,  R.  L.  (1998).  New  American  Standard  Hebrew-­‐Aramaic  and  Greek   dictionaries  :  updated  edition.  Anaheim:  Foundation  Publications,  Inc.   14  Thomas,  R.  L.  (1998).  New  American  Standard  Hebrew-­‐Aramaic  and  Greek   dictionaries  :  updated  edition.  Anaheim:  Foundation  Publications,  Inc.  

• Should  realize  that  some  of  those  being  nurtured  will  grow  beyond  the   shepherd’s  own  ability    and  need  to  be  freed  to  do  so.        

Teacher/Teaching:  To  instruct     The  gift  of  Teaching  is  the  divine  enablement  to  understand,  clearly  explain,   and  apply  the  word  of  God,  causing  greater  Christ-­‐likeness  in  the  lives  of   listeners.     1320. διδάσκαλος didaskalos; from 1321; an instructor:—Teacher(41), teacher(10), teachers(8).15 1321. διδάσκω didaskō; a redupl. caus. form of δάω daō (to learn); to teach:— instructed(2), preaches(1), taught(13), teach(33), teaches(5), teaching(43).16

Some  Biblical  References:  Romans  12:7;  1  Corinthians  12:28-­‐29;  acts  18:24-­‐ 28;  2  Timothy  2:2    

Distinctives:  People  with  the  gift     •  Communicate  truth  that  inspires  more  obedience  to  the  Word.     •  Challenge  listeners  simply  &  practically  with  biblical  truth.     •  Present  the  whole  counsel  of  God  for  maximum  life  change.     •  Give  attention  to  detail  and  accuracy.     •  Prepare  through  extended  times  of  study  and  reflection.    

Traits:     •  Disciplined  •  Perceptive  •  Teachable  •  Authoritative  •  Practical  •  Analytical  •   Articulate    

Cautions:  People  with  this  gift     •  Should  avoid  pride  that  may  result  from  their  “superior”  biblical  knowledge                                                                                                                   15  Thomas,  R.  L.  (1998).  New  American  Standard  Hebrew-­‐Aramaic  and  Greek   dictionaries  :  updated  edition.  Anaheim:  Foundation  Publications,  Inc.   16  Thomas,  R.  L.  (1998).  New  American  Standard  Hebrew-­‐Aramaic  and  Greek   dictionaries  :  updated  edition.  Anaheim:  Foundation  Publications,  Inc.  

and  understanding.     •  Could  become  too  detailed  when  teaching  and  fail  to  make  life  application.     •  Spirituality  is  not  measured  by  how  much  you  know.