Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Outcomes:
By the end of this Session, you will be able to explain: from scripture, the idea of the church as the body of Christ. how this concept is expressed through local churches. the personal implications of the church as a Body of Christ
Activity
10 minutes
Body of Christ
Parallels between a physical body and the Church:
The body has a single head (Christ) and heart (cause). It works in unison as directed by the head (Christ). All parts of the body are valuable loss of any part causes the body pain. It is often the hidden parts which make the biggest contribution to the health of the body. The full variety and diversity of the body is required to fully reflect the magnificence of Jesus.
Body of Christ
While on earth Jesus reached out to people through His physical body Now He reaches out to the world through His church in which He lives by His Spirit It works in unison as directed by the head (Christ).
Some things to remember when considering your giftedness: 1.They are given on the basis of grace rather than on merit. The gifts of God should never be used to make unfavourable comparisons with other believers. 2.They are meant to be used rather than admired. Imagine how you would react if you were to find out that a gift that you gave someone was only placed on display whenever you came over to visit. 3.We should always react with thankfulness to the giver of the gift. 4.Every gift is priceless when it is used as intended by God. 5.The gift is to be used for the common good, the benefit of others, not the glory or significance of the gifted person.
We can think that a gift in a particular area disqualifies us from service in another. Gifts are not to separate us from other service, but to enrich them For example, we may start to see ourselves as a preacher or teacher and therefore ineligible to serve in roles which require mercy or exhortation.
Again, this would be to misunderstand the purpose behind the gift
BREAK
Outcomes:
By the end of this Session, you should be able to: explain the idea of the priesthood and giftedness of all believers. describe the key spiritual gifts. explain the origin, identification and development of a persons spiritual gifts explain the pathway in their own local church for people to identify and get involved in using their gifts to serve others.
They differ from the gifts of 1 Corinthians 12 since they are not exclusively supernatural, but may also involve an individuals God-given natural talent.
They differ from the gifts of 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 in that the gifts here are not abilities but people. The ministry gifts represent particular gifted ministers who are given to the body to equip all believers for service, so that the church may be strengthened to fulfil its purpose, reflecting the fullness of Christ into the world.
Some gifts are entirely supernatural, and do not work with any natural talent: Eg. Tongues, miracles, prophecy.
They are used in combination and partnership with other gifts in other people.
The development of giftedness and character are of equal importance. Dont allow your gift to take you where your character cannot keep you. We dont only serve where we are gifted, but in any area where there is a need in the Body. It is essential to balance gifting and servanthood. Everyone is gifted, not just a select few. The Church us built by the gifted service and sacrifice of all its members, not just by the prominent giftedness of a few.
Activity
I am comfortable explaining the Word of God to others. I feel God prompts me when I speak
I am a fairly good judge of character. I can quickly assess where someone is at.
For me prayer is a way of life. I find it easy to talk to God whatever I am doing
I feel a real compassion for other people. I cant stand by and see someone in distress.
I find it easy to step in an pray for someone if they tell me they have a need I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty. I am prepared to take a risk to do what God is asking me to do
I need to be involved in providing the solution. I dont have a lot of time for those who are just along for the ride
People tend to look to me for guidance, especially when they dont know what to do next I like being the one to sort out a problem especially if the answer is not immediately obvious I prefer breaking new ground and find I need people around me who can fill in the details
The fate of the unsaved concerns me greatly. I am passionate about seeing them saved - more than anything.
I regularly invite and bring people to church I have had a lot of success in seeing people won to Christ.
When I read my Bible, I like to take notes on what I have learned from the passage I am reading. I also take notes in Church and review them later to think through the implications of what has been said I love to read and listen to other peoples interpretation of the Word. I find that I want to pass on what I have learned to other people I find that people often ask me to explain things when they dont understand them. I like to read and study, and not just the Bible.
I am happy to give my opinion and I find that people are generally receptive to my ideas
I like to think things through before I jump in. I believe in detailed planning before action I am the person to go to when people are looking for a way to make things happen I invariably end up being a part of a team, but rarely lead. If I am honest, I am more comfortable that way
Session 4 - Homework
Bible Study The Use of Spiritual Gifts.
Session 4 - Homework
Putting it Into Practice
Before the next class take note of a time where one of the spiritual gifts has been exercised in a service, gathering, team or small group you were involved in. Answer the following questions:
1. Which of the gifts was being exercised and what was the role of the person exercising it? 2. Is this gift exercised regularly in this context and, if so, does it tend to be the same person in the group who exercised it? 3. What was the net effect of the exercise of the gift? How did you/others feel about the gift being exercised in this context?