1 Peter 4:10 "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another ..."

God has given grace gifts. You must know your gift and use it. Paul lists body gifts and exhorts their use.

Romans 12:6-8 "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; ⁷ Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; ⁸ Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. "

1 Corinthians 14:3 "But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men."

This is speaking by divine prompting, and is a wonderful manifestation of the Spirit. Many more can develop and use this gift at the home fellowship level. Obey the exhortation to use it in proportion to our faith (Romans 12:6 ) the measure of which is assigned by God.

Romans 12:3 "... as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith."

The more faith one has, the greater will be the prophetic input to the body, of strengthening, encouragement and consolation from the heart of God.

The serving ministry is a God-given gift to be able to show the love of Christ in deeds of service to one's fellow man. The Greek word used for the dispensing of the word of life in Acts 6:4 is translated as serving. This is also the Greek word used for the temporal affairs of the local congregation.

Acts 6:1,3 "... because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution ³ "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;"

Those who give themselves to their practical serving, are special and valuable to the body, not only for their beneficial activities in the body life, but because their serving gift extends into the community and witness for Christ.

The message of Christ needs not only to be proclaimed (preached), it also needs to be explained. More is implied in this manifestation of the Spirit. It is ability to make plain the meaning of the Word of God which He has inspired. Body members with the gift of teaching may often manifest a "word of knowledge", a flash of insight into truth that penetrates beyond the operation of his own unaided intellect.

This is ministry on a one to one basis. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, words of comfort and encouragement are spoken.

Philippians 2:1,2 "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, ² fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."

We have this ministry of the Spirit's encouragement in the body, which functions particularly at home fellowship level. Many have attended down hearted and have been ministered to by an encourager and have left with a light heart and recharged batteries.

Romans 12:8 "... he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; ..."

When this gift is released in a life, the user may well discover that God increases His blessing so that the user can have more with which to practice this gift. Often the gift will be prompted by a word of wisdom or knowledge. This gift generosity includes the hospitality ministry.

1 Peter 4:9 "Use hospitality one to another without grudging. "

These gifted ones bring the warmth of practical love to body fellowship. No one can feel unwelcome with these members around.

Gifts in administration, the ability to rule, manage or administer in a church. Every elder, deacon or home fellowship leader must have this ability. He is first proven in his own home.

1 Timothy 3:4,5,12 "one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence ⁵ (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); ¹² Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well."

This seems to be the same gift as administration, and is to be cultivated diligently and performed efficiently. The strong local body owes so much of its ordered development and achievement to these administrative leaders. They need the prayerful support and appreciative recognition of the whole body.

1 Corinthians 12:28 "And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues."

This is a gift of compassion, exercised with cheerfulness. Forgiveness given in a wrong manner can be insulting. If you minister to the poor, sick or sorrowing, do it cheerfully. Other enabling gifts of the Spirit will accompany these body ministries. One with a mercy, compassionate gift may well become a channel of healing. This is a key list of gifted members of the body, particularly in reaching out as the body of Christ to a needy world.

1 Peter 4:10,11 "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. "

The early church did not have the problem of believers who had not drunk of the fulness of the Spirit (John 7:38 ; 1 Corinthians 12:13 ). All received the drink offered and manifested gifts of the Spirit. We are offered to drink, but do we all really drink? The Spirit's gifts were the common property of the Christian community. As fellow members of a local church, we are to minister our measure of God's grace to each other. We are to fulfill our stewardship for which we are accountable.

In home fellowships, you can recognize your gift through participation, and you can enjoy exercising it. In home fellowships you can confirm your gift by practice, and others enjoy it. In home fellowships you experience God's blessing on your gift. Where there is no liberty and favour in a gift's use, you are not rejected, you are nearer discovering your gift. You will never discover your gift by just being a spectator. Everyone is gifted in the body. Your gift is different from mine, I respect you, and thank God for you and your gift.