THE EQUIPPING
MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Part II
Today we are continuing our study in the ministry of the Holy Spirit in equipping the church for the work of ministry. Many believers feel that their natural talent such as singing, athletics, etc. is their spiritual gift so let’s take a look at the relation of spiritual gifts to our natural abilities.
A natural talent is a natural endowment, an innate ability to do something well while a spiritual gift is a supernatural spiritual ability to do something well. As such we have no authority to claim something as our spiritual gift that is not expressly stated in scripture to be a spiritual gift. When this happens we are moving on assumption. A natural talent that you have before salvation does not become your spiritual gift after salvation, although you still have your natural talent. A natural talent may or may not be the instrument through which a spiritual gift is channeled.
To illustrate – A person with a natural ability for singing may demonstrate the gift of exhortation through his music. Someone with a marvelous ability to speak (gift of gab) may or may not have a speaking gift of teaching/preaching while a man who does not have a natural ability to speak may have a speaking gift
There are two categories of spiritual gifts – serving gifts and speaking gifts which complement each other as seen in the mutual, individual network of spiritual gifts functioning within the body. Just as in our physical body each part has its own, unique, function (eye, hand, heart, etc.) which, when working together makes a complete and well-rounded individual, within the church, when each member uses their gift as God intended, we have an effectual fellowship which is pleasing to God.
In Ephesians 4:11-16 we see four gifted men who are the God-given catalysts to the body of Christ. These gifted men have been given the awesome responsibility of equipping the saints into the work of ministry. Let’s look at these four gifted men:
1. Apostles - lit. “sent ones” – special eye witnesses to the resurrection. Divinely appointed leaders in the formative stage of the church. Office now ceased.
2. Prophets – One moved by the Spirit of God and as His spokesman solemnly declaring to men God’s message ----- speaking to the believing church, telling forth the message of God.
3. Evangelists – In a sense evangelism is every believer’s business and responsibility in the great commission (Matt. 28:19, 20). Yet beyond this, certain individuals are given the gift of evangelist. This gift is the unique ability to proclaim the gospel.
4. Pastor/teachers – One with the ability to communicate divine truth so as to promote understanding. A pastor has the unique ability to care for believers which definitely involves spiritual leadership. Shepherding involves feeding, leading and protection. Each pastor should, to a certain degree, be a teacher; but every teacher is not a pastor because the gift of teaching is listed separately.
Next week we will begin our study of the individual spiritual gifts so be on the lookout for yours! I would like to see these pen pulpits serve as a guide for further study into your place of service in our fellowship. God bless.
Love to you all,