5.3. SERVING IN THE AREA OF GIFTING (Romans 12:4-8)

Romans 12:4 "For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, ..."

Romans 12:6 "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, ..."

Whatever gift a member has is to be used in the body, the church, for the common good. Know your gift and use it. Study the body gifts listed in (Romans 12:6-8 ). All are gifts of God the Father.

You may be gifted in the art of communication, but the spiritual gift is defined in 1 Corinthians 14:3. Speaking by utterance of the Holy Spirit. The body gift must be used in proportion to our faith.

A God-given ability to show the love of Christ in deeds of service to one's fellow men. Such cannot be satisfied unless involved in practical service. Service controlled by the love of the Holy Spirit reveals His unconditional love.

The message of Christ needs to be proclaimed (preached). It must also be explained (taught). An anointed teacher will impart insight by the Holy Spirit, beyond natural gifting.

Exhort and strengthen on a one to one basis. There is a great dimension of this gift when it operates through the Holy Spirit. Then consolation - comfort - love - fellowship of the Spirit - affection and mercy, are ministered by this gift (Philippians 2:1 ).

A giving ministry results in receiving more to give. When givers are open to Holy Spirit discerning of spirits they are protected from abuse of their gift. When they act upon a word of knowledge by the Holy Spirit, they give out of the heart of God. When they respond in their giving to a word of wisdom, they provide in advance for kingdom projects.

Ability to rule by example - to administer with thoughtfulness - a gift proved in the home (1 Timothy 3:4,5,12 ), cultivating the gift so as to diligently perform efficiently, will only truly succeed when the leadership operates out of the love of God poured out in the heart by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5 ).

A ministry of compassion exercised in the joy of the Holy Spirit. Such a ministry opens up to the gifts of healing (1 Corinthians 12:9 ) and miracles. Natural body gifting can become the vehicle of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Practicing right attitudes towards other believers displays the family likeness of those who mutually enjoy faith righteousness.

There should be the attitude of: