Page 74 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

74 Beginning Ministerial Internship: Student Manual

Those who are used by the Spirit in various gifts are often held in high
esteem. They may come to expect such affirmation and lose a teachable spirit.
But the gifts are the property of the Spirit and should be used within the
framework of appropriate spiritual authority.
23 Why does Paul require that Paul further cites the need for all things to be done in order. The goal of the gifts
all things be done in order? is to communicate, not to confuse. Personal gratification at the expense of the body
is also unacceptable. A minister may need to bring specific guidance to those who
repeatedly misuse these gifts. After all, their use is to be regarded as testament of
God as their source and as evidence of His presence among His people.
Ministry Gifts

In Romans 12, apostle Paul provides yet another list of gifts that operate in
the church. These gifts are less specific, and his list should not be considered
exhaustive. But these gifts are essential for the effective functioning of the body.

The Nature
The Romans 12 list includes such things as administrative or organizational
gifts, mercy, faith, serving, giving, and more. Paul implies that everything a
church needs to minister effectively will be provided by the Holy Spirit through
those He empowers to serve Him.
We must understand the clear implication that the Holy Spirit, through people,
will provide what is needed for ministry in a local church. Full of the Spirit,
God’s people are the greatest resource the church possesses. While some may
feel they lack the personnel to do some of the things other churches do, each
church possesses the gifts needed to do what God will require of them.
These gifts seem to be more of a possession than other gifts. For example,
those with gifts of mercy maintain those gifts and may use them throughout their
lives, while other gifts are given for the moment by the Holy Spirit. Paul also
makes the point that each person’s gift is valued. Though some gifts may be more
visible than others, no one should diminish the value of another’s gifts.

24 Which of the Romans 12 The Variety
gifts do you find most evident The Romans 12 list includes a great variety of gifts. Among them are very
in your own life?
practical gifts that allow the church to function in an orderly manner, and the
more specialized gifts that help the church meet unique needs. Again, we should
not view this list as exhaustive. There are potentially as many gifts as there are
opportunities for ministry. For example, a modern understanding might include
gifts related to technology where the early church had little need of such things.
While the message of the church remains the same gospel Paul preached,
the methodology for communication has changed dramatically throughout the
centuries. Today, many congregations pursue creative, relevant ways to proclaim
Christ’s love. By His Spirit, God equips a congregation for the methods He
designs for them. The result may be a remarkably unique set of gifts within each
body of believers. The minister must understand that God will equip us to do
what He has called us to do.
Every gift is valued. God has invested unique gifts and abilities in each
individual. The church should celebrate these gifts by making full use of them for
God’s glory.