WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.540 Good morning, everybody. Take out your Bibles and turn to the book of Romans, chapter 12. 00:00:07.299 --> 00:00:12.759 I just want to express briefly my gratitude for all your prayers and encouragement. 00:00:12.759 --> 00:00:19.559 ! As we were gone up at Duke Hospital, kind of fighting through some infection that I have, 00:00:19.559 --> 00:00:24.080 and still kind of doing it. I have my stuff going this morning. 00:00:24.940 --> 00:00:29.580 I have a little medicine ball, and it pushes medicine through it, which is pretty cool. 00:00:30.280 --> 00:00:36.799 But it's also too big to fit in my pocket of these cowboy-cut Wranglers, so I have it in a fanny pack, 00:00:36.840 --> 00:00:41.500 which is really embarrassing. So, returning to the 80s slowly. 00:00:42.600 --> 00:00:46.200 But I really want to just thank you for your prayers and encouragement. 00:00:48.260 --> 00:00:55.600 That said, I still am a little short of breath, so it might take me longer to kind of get out everything. 00:00:55.859 --> 00:00:59.060 But I will be watching the time. I promise not to keep you here longer. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:05.379 At least at this point, Lord willing, I'm supposed to preach the next passage next Sunday. 00:01:06.180 --> 00:01:10.939 So if I have to, I may wrap up some of this and just put it in with next week. 00:01:11.299 --> 00:01:13.140 So, we'll see how it goes. 00:01:13.280 --> 00:01:23.079 But it's times like this that it's good for the Lord to remind me to not rely on any kind of gifting or ability I have, 00:01:23.079 --> 00:01:25.260 but on His strength and His power. 00:01:25.920 --> 00:01:27.019 So just join me in a word of prayer. 00:01:27.159 --> 00:01:28.700 Father, we offer this time to you. 00:01:29.219 --> 00:01:33.480 Please just work in and through me to accomplish your purpose. 00:01:34.200 --> 00:01:38.939 And may your word be applied to our hearts through your Holy Spirit. 00:01:38.939 --> 00:01:47.219 And may it have the desired effect that you meant for it to have on our souls and our lives as we go from here. 00:01:47.439 --> 00:01:53.560 So may you be pleased, Lord, during this time and this preaching and the hearing of your word. 00:01:54.379 --> 00:01:55.659 In Christ's name, amen. 00:01:55.659 --> 00:01:55.780 Amen. 00:01:57.319 --> 00:01:58.000 All right. 00:01:58.099 --> 00:01:58.840 Romans 12. 00:02:00.399 --> 00:02:06.700 Nathan did a wonderful job last week on Romans 1 and 2, kind of the focus on renewing our minds. 00:02:09.280 --> 00:02:16.680 And so, the book of Romans can be really hard to reconnect and just to make sure you don't lose the overall picture of it. 00:02:16.680 --> 00:02:23.900 But in short, God's saving grace leads to a new life in Christ. 00:02:24.840 --> 00:02:36.439 And in chapter 12 through 15, 13, Paul begins to work out the practical gospel implications of his saving mercy. 00:02:36.439 --> 00:03:00.620 So, in light of all that God has done for us, in light of all that the book of Romans has unpacked, the idea that we were chosen by his grace, we've had our sins forgiven, we've been made right with God, justified in his sight, that Christ's righteousness has been given to us, that we are reconciled to him. 00:03:00.620 --> 00:03:07.439 We've been adopted into this family, we've been given the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance. 00:03:08.159 --> 00:03:14.860 So, in light of all that stuff that Romans has just talked about, now he's saying, therefore, live this way. 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:21.120 That's what starts in chapter 12 and kind of goes forward through the rest of the book. 00:03:21.120 --> 00:03:34.759 And today, looking at, that's kind of where we've been, and now where we're going, starting in verses 3 through 8, Paul begins expounding on what the new life in Christ actually looks like. 00:03:35.159 --> 00:03:40.900 As in most of his letters, he begins talking with teaching about doctrine, theology. 00:03:41.980 --> 00:03:44.080 He does that in Ephesians very clearly. 00:03:44.080 --> 00:03:56.140 Maybe the first three chapters are about our great salvation and what God has done for us, and the other three chapters are about working that out in response to that, how godly living, what it looks like. 00:03:56.660 --> 00:03:58.480 Very similar at this point. 00:03:59.420 --> 00:04:05.000 He concludes this letter with a practical outworking and application of what he's already expounded on. 00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:10.100 And so, don't fall off on either side of this cliff, okay? 00:04:10.099 --> 00:04:16.360 Truth and knowledge and sound doctrine are vital. 00:04:17.180 --> 00:04:20.600 And without it, you will not be saved, all right? 00:04:21.439 --> 00:04:30.439 But it is also insufficient without the Holy Spirit's empowerment and application to the inward man. 00:04:31.459 --> 00:04:34.579 So, your learning must translate into living. 00:04:35.420 --> 00:04:39.100 It must, your theology must transform into doxology. 00:04:39.100 --> 00:04:39.700 Doxology. 00:04:39.960 --> 00:04:42.420 It's not meant just to be head knowledge. 00:04:42.560 --> 00:04:43.720 It must impact your heart. 00:04:44.100 --> 00:04:45.540 It must impact your soul. 00:04:46.220 --> 00:04:47.760 It must impact the way you think. 00:04:48.379 --> 00:04:51.260 Or else it's just dead knowledge in your head. 00:04:51.760 --> 00:04:54.040 Both are important, right? 00:04:54.140 --> 00:04:59.720 Your head knowledge and your heart response to that truth are vital. 00:04:59.720 --> 00:05:17.940 And so, the following verses, just to give you a simple outline, Paul begins with an exhortation in verse 3, an illustration in verses 4 through 5, and then an application in verses 6 through 8. 00:05:17.939 --> 00:05:21.019 So, let's read together Romans 12. 00:05:21.980 --> 00:05:22.839 We'll start. 00:05:24.120 --> 00:05:24.620 You know what? 00:05:24.660 --> 00:05:28.219 I'm just going to start with verse 1 just for fun. 00:05:28.759 --> 00:05:32.060 To kind of not lose if you weren't here last week or whatever. 00:05:32.060 --> 00:05:34.480 But, Paul says, 00:05:34.480 --> 00:06:02.300 And he goes on in verse 3. 00:06:02.300 --> 00:06:32.300 00:06:32.300 --> 00:06:32.879 Let's read together Romans 12. 00:06:32.879 --> 00:06:33.800 Let's read together Romans 12. 00:06:33.800 --> 00:06:34.139 Let's read together Romans 12. 00:06:34.139 --> 00:06:34.420 Let's read together Romans 12. 00:06:34.420 --> 00:06:34.819 Let's read together Romans 12. 00:06:34.819 --> 00:06:35.300 Let's read together Romans 12. 00:06:35.300 --> 00:06:36.300 Let's read together Romans 12. 00:06:36.300 --> 00:06:37.220 Let's read together Romans 12. 00:06:37.220 --> 00:06:38.319 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:38.319 --> 00:06:38.920 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:38.920 --> 00:06:40.319 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:40.319 --> 00:06:41.400 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:41.400 --> 00:06:41.400 00:06:41.400 --> 00:06:44.400 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:44.400 --> 00:06:44.400 00:06:44.400 --> 00:06:44.400 00:06:44.400 --> 00:06:44.400 00:06:44.400 --> 00:06:45.400 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:45.400 --> 00:06:46.400 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:46.400 --> 00:06:47.480 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:47.480 --> 00:06:48.480 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:48.480 --> 00:06:50.460 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:50.460 --> 00:06:50.460 00:06:50.460 --> 00:06:53.540 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:53.540 --> 00:06:54.680 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:54.680 --> 00:06:56.680 Let's read Romans 12. 00:06:56.680 --> 00:06:59.480 The one who leads with zeal. 00:07:00.199 --> 00:07:03.740 The one who does acts of mercy with cheerfulness. 00:07:05.500 --> 00:07:06.340 All right. 00:07:07.439 --> 00:07:12.379 So, for you people out there that are particularly looking at the second part of verse 6, 00:07:12.500 --> 00:07:13.639 that's not where we're going today. 00:07:14.439 --> 00:07:16.540 So, just hang tight. 00:07:17.100 --> 00:07:19.860 We're going to have a walk through this outline. 00:07:20.840 --> 00:07:22.120 But three points today. 00:07:22.500 --> 00:07:24.780 Number one, and this is the exhortation, 00:07:24.779 --> 00:07:28.219 number one is right attitude. 00:07:28.899 --> 00:07:30.899 That's the exhortation in verse 3. 00:07:31.859 --> 00:07:32.119 He says, 00:07:32.239 --> 00:07:34.939 For by grace given to me, I say to everyone among you, 00:07:35.019 --> 00:07:37.500 not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, 00:07:37.959 --> 00:07:39.679 but to think with sober judgment, 00:07:40.359 --> 00:07:43.879 each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 00:07:44.479 --> 00:07:48.059 So, Paul begins this whole part by recognizing 00:07:48.059 --> 00:07:51.199 that what he has is a result of God's grace, 00:07:51.199 --> 00:07:53.719 his apostleship, his ministry, 00:07:53.920 --> 00:07:57.199 all stems not because of any greatness that's in him, 00:07:57.819 --> 00:07:59.800 but completely by God's grace. 00:07:59.879 --> 00:08:03.959 He was set apart for the service of Christ. 00:08:04.599 --> 00:08:07.919 So, then he's connecting that truth to what we just read, 00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:09.759 verses 1 and 2, 00:08:09.900 --> 00:08:11.960 the idea of renewing our minds. 00:08:12.680 --> 00:08:13.540 In light of that, 00:08:13.699 --> 00:08:19.580 Paul calls all believers to think humbly and rightly 00:08:19.580 --> 00:08:22.480 about themselves and their role in the church. 00:08:23.280 --> 00:08:25.780 So, very clearly at the heart of our sin 00:08:25.780 --> 00:08:27.520 and our rebellion against God 00:08:27.520 --> 00:08:29.540 is wrong thinking, 00:08:30.540 --> 00:08:33.460 temptations to boast about ourselves 00:08:33.460 --> 00:08:35.340 and to demean others. 00:08:36.180 --> 00:08:39.040 Every single good thing we have is from God. 00:08:39.420 --> 00:08:42.580 Everything, including our gifts and our rules 00:08:42.580 --> 00:08:43.639 that are in the body. 00:08:44.660 --> 00:08:46.759 And Paul makes that crystal clear. 00:08:47.660 --> 00:08:50.900 Everything that we have that is good is from God. 00:08:51.720 --> 00:08:54.639 Every passage that mentions gifts, 00:08:55.560 --> 00:08:55.879 okay, 00:08:56.879 --> 00:08:58.360 which there's four, really. 00:08:58.360 --> 00:09:00.980 It says in 1 Corinthians 12, 00:09:01.120 --> 00:09:04.500 to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:05.700 for the common good. 00:09:05.820 --> 00:09:06.980 So, given, 00:09:07.919 --> 00:09:10.560 God has appointed in the church 00:09:10.560 --> 00:09:13.039 and that he gave, 00:09:13.659 --> 00:09:14.759 Ephesians 4.11. 00:09:14.879 --> 00:09:16.200 So, anytime gifts are mentioned, 00:09:16.500 --> 00:09:18.659 Paul wants you to see it clearly 00:09:18.659 --> 00:09:20.919 that it was given to you by God. 00:09:21.419 --> 00:09:23.180 And so, if you understand that, 00:09:23.240 --> 00:09:24.779 it excludes boasting. 00:09:25.500 --> 00:09:26.840 So, he goes hard at that. 00:09:26.840 --> 00:09:27.480 So, he's saying, 00:09:28.019 --> 00:09:29.080 don't come at this 00:09:29.080 --> 00:09:32.259 with an approach of pride. 00:09:32.980 --> 00:09:34.580 So, the right response to this, 00:09:34.639 --> 00:09:35.740 what is the right attitude? 00:09:35.920 --> 00:09:37.600 The right attitude is humility 00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:38.780 and not pride. 00:09:39.840 --> 00:09:40.660 Richard Baxter, 00:09:40.879 --> 00:09:43.280 one of my favorite Puritan writers, 00:09:43.399 --> 00:09:43.620 said, 00:09:43.700 --> 00:09:46.580 humility is not a mere ornament 00:09:46.580 --> 00:09:47.639 of a Christian, 00:09:48.300 --> 00:09:49.980 but an essential part 00:09:49.980 --> 00:09:51.320 of the new creature. 00:09:51.900 --> 00:09:54.620 It is a contradiction in terms 00:09:54.620 --> 00:09:56.240 to be a Christian 00:09:56.240 --> 00:09:57.799 and not be humble. 00:09:59.039 --> 00:10:01.560 So, humility is our only 00:10:01.560 --> 00:10:03.139 right response to God 00:10:03.139 --> 00:10:04.980 because it recognizes 00:10:04.980 --> 00:10:06.720 that we live the Christian life 00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:07.580 in the same manner 00:10:07.580 --> 00:10:10.159 in which we first became believers, 00:10:10.360 --> 00:10:12.539 completely by his grace. 00:10:13.179 --> 00:10:15.360 So, humility isn't just pretending, 00:10:16.460 --> 00:10:18.700 faking that we're unworthy, 00:10:18.700 --> 00:10:19.220 right, 00:10:19.920 --> 00:10:20.200 that, 00:10:20.879 --> 00:10:22.379 to sound spiritual, 00:10:22.860 --> 00:10:24.000 but it's acknowledging 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:25.500 the true reality 00:10:25.500 --> 00:10:27.460 that we are unworthy, 00:10:27.620 --> 00:10:28.660 that everything we have 00:10:28.660 --> 00:10:29.560 is from God, 00:10:30.220 --> 00:10:32.320 and that excludes boasting. 00:10:32.879 --> 00:10:33.960 So, in light of that, 00:10:34.040 --> 00:10:35.360 Paul is calling them to think, 00:10:35.379 --> 00:10:35.879 and he says, 00:10:36.440 --> 00:10:37.040 in this verse, 00:10:37.140 --> 00:10:38.060 I say to you, 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:39.300 right, 00:10:39.420 --> 00:10:40.080 I say, 00:10:40.920 --> 00:10:41.500 exhort, 00:10:42.460 --> 00:10:44.180 warn everyone among you. 00:10:44.919 --> 00:10:45.439 Not, 00:10:45.719 --> 00:10:47.139 there's this idea of 00:10:47.139 --> 00:10:48.000 don't do this, 00:10:48.079 --> 00:10:48.739 but do this. 00:10:49.239 --> 00:10:50.579 So, here's the negative part. 00:10:51.319 --> 00:10:52.479 Not to think, 00:10:52.639 --> 00:10:53.919 which means to estimate, 00:10:54.479 --> 00:10:56.059 to evaluate himself 00:10:56.059 --> 00:10:56.839 more highly 00:10:56.839 --> 00:10:58.079 than he ought to think, 00:10:58.599 --> 00:11:00.639 or to have an overblown, 00:11:01.559 --> 00:11:03.799 exaggerated opinion 00:11:03.799 --> 00:11:05.379 of your own importance. 00:11:06.059 --> 00:11:06.319 Okay? 00:11:08.699 --> 00:11:10.559 A man that I respect a lot 00:11:10.559 --> 00:11:11.299 said this, 00:11:11.379 --> 00:11:14.159 that a desire for preeminence 00:11:14.159 --> 00:11:15.980 is the death 00:11:15.980 --> 00:11:18.120 of spiritual usefulness. 00:11:19.339 --> 00:11:21.039 Pride is cancerous 00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:22.079 to the body, 00:11:22.179 --> 00:11:22.899 and few things 00:11:22.899 --> 00:11:24.819 can cause more harm 00:11:24.819 --> 00:11:25.740 in a local church 00:11:25.740 --> 00:11:26.319 than a person 00:11:26.319 --> 00:11:27.819 who overrates himself 00:11:27.819 --> 00:11:30.519 and tries to perform 00:11:30.519 --> 00:11:31.100 a ministry 00:11:31.100 --> 00:11:32.100 that he really isn't 00:11:32.100 --> 00:11:32.919 gifted to do, 00:11:33.279 --> 00:11:34.659 and he boasts about 00:11:34.659 --> 00:11:35.299 those gifts 00:11:35.299 --> 00:11:36.480 that he doesn't possess. 00:11:37.519 --> 00:11:38.500 We've all seen that 00:11:38.500 --> 00:11:39.120 in the church. 00:11:40.339 --> 00:11:41.740 We've seen people 00:11:41.740 --> 00:11:43.419 overrating themselves, 00:11:43.419 --> 00:11:44.799 overrating their importance 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:45.679 and their role 00:11:45.679 --> 00:11:46.759 in the church 00:11:46.759 --> 00:11:47.740 and what great harm 00:11:47.740 --> 00:11:48.899 that does. 00:11:48.979 --> 00:11:49.419 We've seen people 00:11:49.419 --> 00:11:50.559 who don't have gifts 00:11:50.559 --> 00:11:52.259 destroy things 00:11:52.259 --> 00:11:53.079 because they think 00:11:53.079 --> 00:11:53.639 they have them, 00:11:54.019 --> 00:11:55.179 and that we haven't 00:11:55.179 --> 00:11:55.979 been bold enough 00:11:55.979 --> 00:11:56.740 and honest enough 00:11:56.740 --> 00:11:57.039 to say, 00:11:57.139 --> 00:11:57.959 hey, you really 00:11:57.959 --> 00:11:59.639 don't have that, 00:11:59.759 --> 00:12:00.799 brother or sister. 00:12:01.439 --> 00:12:01.639 So, 00:12:02.159 --> 00:12:03.099 that's okay 00:12:03.099 --> 00:12:03.740 because you've been 00:12:03.740 --> 00:12:04.599 gifted in other ways. 00:12:05.099 --> 00:12:06.019 So, let's find out 00:12:06.019 --> 00:12:06.659 what that is. 00:12:06.699 --> 00:12:07.480 Don't do that. 00:12:07.480 --> 00:12:09.220 We also have seen 00:12:09.220 --> 00:12:11.399 people boast about 00:12:11.399 --> 00:12:12.720 gifts that God 00:12:12.720 --> 00:12:13.320 has given 00:12:13.320 --> 00:12:14.259 and use them 00:12:14.259 --> 00:12:16.139 for their own glory 00:12:16.139 --> 00:12:17.860 to exalt themselves. 00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:19.340 And both 00:12:19.340 --> 00:12:20.259 are expressions 00:12:20.259 --> 00:12:21.019 of pride. 00:12:22.060 --> 00:12:22.779 God wrote, 00:12:23.539 --> 00:12:24.600 or James wrote, 00:12:25.139 --> 00:12:26.680 God opposes the proud 00:12:26.680 --> 00:12:27.620 but gives grace 00:12:27.620 --> 00:12:28.259 to the humble. 00:12:29.539 --> 00:12:30.560 In the writer of Proverbs, 00:12:30.700 --> 00:12:32.120 pride goes before destruction 00:12:32.120 --> 00:12:33.139 and a haughty spirit 00:12:33.139 --> 00:12:34.000 before the fall. 00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:35.460 So, Paul's really 00:12:35.460 --> 00:12:35.879 just saying, 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:36.320 hey, look, 00:12:36.360 --> 00:12:37.200 everything we have 00:12:37.200 --> 00:12:37.879 is from God, 00:12:37.940 --> 00:12:38.840 so what's so special 00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:40.320 about you? 00:12:41.259 --> 00:12:42.080 And that was 00:12:42.080 --> 00:12:42.899 the sickness 00:12:42.899 --> 00:12:44.080 that had infected 00:12:44.080 --> 00:12:46.279 the Corinthian church 00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:47.620 and why Paul 00:12:47.620 --> 00:12:48.100 gives them 00:12:48.100 --> 00:12:48.980 so many loving 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:49.960 rebukes 00:12:49.960 --> 00:12:51.840 about them 00:12:51.840 --> 00:12:52.360 boasting 00:12:52.360 --> 00:12:53.259 in their spiritual 00:12:53.259 --> 00:12:54.100 gifts and saying, 00:12:54.240 --> 00:12:54.399 well, 00:12:55.279 --> 00:12:56.059 you're neglecting 00:12:56.059 --> 00:12:57.080 the biggest mark 00:12:57.080 --> 00:12:57.879 of a true believer 00:12:57.879 --> 00:12:58.879 and that mark 00:12:58.879 --> 00:13:00.179 is Christ-like 00:13:00.179 --> 00:13:01.259 love. 00:13:01.360 --> 00:13:02.059 You don't have it. 00:13:02.320 --> 00:13:02.580 So, 00:13:02.720 --> 00:13:03.360 I don't really care 00:13:03.360 --> 00:13:03.960 about what other 00:13:03.960 --> 00:13:04.560 gifts you have. 00:13:05.780 --> 00:13:06.240 And so, 00:13:06.440 --> 00:13:08.480 that means 00:13:08.480 --> 00:13:09.660 that godly character 00:13:09.660 --> 00:13:10.700 counts more 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:12.019 than our gifting, 00:13:13.100 --> 00:13:13.320 right? 00:13:13.400 --> 00:13:14.580 Our hearts, 00:13:14.900 --> 00:13:15.680 what God has done 00:13:15.680 --> 00:13:16.320 in us. 00:13:17.180 --> 00:13:17.400 So, 00:13:17.440 --> 00:13:18.180 Paul is warning, 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:19.320 do not have 00:13:19.320 --> 00:13:21.460 a over-inflated, 00:13:21.680 --> 00:13:22.580 arrogant opinion 00:13:22.580 --> 00:13:23.620 of yourself, 00:13:24.680 --> 00:13:25.000 right? 00:13:26.139 --> 00:13:26.980 We've seen 00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:28.280 people abuse 00:13:28.280 --> 00:13:28.860 these gifts. 00:13:28.860 --> 00:13:31.440 I have a friend 00:13:31.440 --> 00:13:33.440 who is 00:13:33.440 --> 00:13:35.460 a campus pastor 00:13:35.460 --> 00:13:37.240 of a larger 00:13:37.240 --> 00:13:38.240 megachurch. 00:13:38.600 --> 00:13:39.440 We disagree 00:13:39.440 --> 00:13:40.399 on ecclesiology 00:13:40.399 --> 00:13:40.860 a lot, 00:13:41.039 --> 00:13:41.919 but he's a brother. 00:13:42.919 --> 00:13:43.360 And 00:13:43.360 --> 00:13:46.159 he was in 00:13:46.159 --> 00:13:48.480 a large staff meeting 00:13:48.480 --> 00:13:50.039 of all the different 00:13:50.039 --> 00:13:50.500 campuses 00:13:50.500 --> 00:13:51.440 that represent 00:13:51.440 --> 00:13:52.100 this church. 00:13:52.100 --> 00:13:52.139 church, 00:13:52.580 --> 00:13:53.639 and the guy 00:13:53.639 --> 00:13:54.080 who, 00:13:54.080 --> 00:13:55.560 he helped 00:13:55.560 --> 00:13:56.220 start this 00:13:56.220 --> 00:13:56.940 church many 00:13:56.940 --> 00:13:57.620 years ago, 00:13:58.620 --> 00:13:59.879 he just kind 00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:00.560 of dominates 00:14:00.560 --> 00:14:01.180 the meetings. 00:14:01.980 --> 00:14:02.840 And most people 00:14:02.840 --> 00:14:03.759 are afraid to speak 00:14:03.759 --> 00:14:04.120 up. 00:14:05.139 --> 00:14:05.460 You ever been 00:14:05.460 --> 00:14:05.800 in a meeting 00:14:05.800 --> 00:14:06.259 like that 00:14:06.259 --> 00:14:06.680 where everybody's 00:14:06.680 --> 00:14:07.080 just like, 00:14:07.460 --> 00:14:07.800 okay, 00:14:08.040 --> 00:14:08.360 okay, 00:14:08.460 --> 00:14:08.820 just sort of 00:14:08.820 --> 00:14:09.519 nodding along? 00:14:10.340 --> 00:14:10.560 Well, 00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:11.159 my friend 00:14:11.159 --> 00:14:12.820 noticed that 00:14:12.820 --> 00:14:14.960 he just 00:14:14.960 --> 00:14:15.300 thought he 00:14:15.300 --> 00:14:15.700 would speak 00:14:15.700 --> 00:14:16.120 up and 00:14:16.120 --> 00:14:16.460 just say, 00:14:16.560 --> 00:14:16.760 hey, 00:14:16.920 --> 00:14:19.060 how about 00:14:19.060 --> 00:14:19.480 instead of 00:14:19.480 --> 00:14:20.260 doing this, 00:14:21.280 --> 00:14:21.560 we maybe 00:14:21.560 --> 00:14:21.960 think about 00:14:21.960 --> 00:14:22.700 doing this. 00:14:23.720 --> 00:14:24.020 You know, 00:14:24.160 --> 00:14:24.820 fair assessment. 00:14:25.820 --> 00:14:26.520 The guy 00:14:26.520 --> 00:14:27.500 who is the 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:28.000 head guy, 00:14:28.100 --> 00:14:28.320 the guy 00:14:28.320 --> 00:14:30.160 who telecasts 00:14:30.160 --> 00:14:30.600 himself, 00:14:31.320 --> 00:14:31.800 broadcasts 00:14:31.800 --> 00:14:32.360 himself over 00:14:32.360 --> 00:14:32.700 all these 00:14:32.700 --> 00:14:33.100 campuses, 00:14:33.680 --> 00:14:34.280 his remark 00:14:34.280 --> 00:14:34.820 back to my 00:14:34.820 --> 00:14:35.580 friend was, 00:14:36.760 --> 00:14:37.140 well, 00:14:37.280 --> 00:14:38.000 one day 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:38.580 when you 00:14:38.580 --> 00:14:38.960 start a 00:14:38.960 --> 00:14:39.260 church, 00:14:39.600 --> 00:14:40.360 you can do 00:14:40.360 --> 00:14:40.760 things the 00:14:40.760 --> 00:14:41.260 way you see 00:14:41.260 --> 00:14:41.560 fit. 00:14:42.820 --> 00:14:45.320 And that 00:14:45.320 --> 00:14:46.100 is dangerous. 00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:47.440 This man 00:14:47.440 --> 00:14:47.820 has an 00:14:47.820 --> 00:14:50.080 over-exaggerated 00:14:50.080 --> 00:14:51.140 view of 00:14:51.140 --> 00:14:53.280 himself and 00:14:53.280 --> 00:14:54.020 an arrogant 00:14:54.020 --> 00:14:54.720 view that if 00:14:54.720 --> 00:14:55.500 he pulled out, 00:14:55.580 --> 00:14:56.100 this whole thing 00:14:56.100 --> 00:14:56.620 would just fall 00:14:56.620 --> 00:14:57.020 apart, 00:14:57.960 --> 00:14:58.260 right? 00:14:58.860 --> 00:15:00.000 We have to be 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:01.580 careful that 00:15:01.580 --> 00:15:02.260 there could be 00:15:02.260 --> 00:15:02.920 something there 00:15:02.920 --> 00:15:03.560 just besides 00:15:03.560 --> 00:15:04.040 boasting. 00:15:04.160 --> 00:15:04.660 It could be 00:15:04.660 --> 00:15:05.700 someone who 00:15:05.700 --> 00:15:06.180 thinks they're 00:15:06.180 --> 00:15:06.720 a believer and 00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:07.420 is not because 00:15:07.420 --> 00:15:08.220 they lack the 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:09.140 humility that 00:15:09.140 --> 00:15:09.860 believers are 00:15:09.860 --> 00:15:10.620 supposed to be 00:15:10.620 --> 00:15:11.860 characterized by. 00:15:11.920 --> 00:15:12.200 This is why 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:12.780 Paul wrote 00:15:12.779 --> 00:15:13.919 in verse 00:15:13.919 --> 00:15:14.799 Corinthians 4, 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:16.039 7, 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:17.319 for who 00:15:17.319 --> 00:15:18.120 sees anything 00:15:18.120 --> 00:15:18.860 different in 00:15:18.860 --> 00:15:19.179 you? 00:15:20.439 --> 00:15:21.079 What do you 00:15:21.079 --> 00:15:21.839 have that you 00:15:21.839 --> 00:15:23.000 did not receive 00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:23.839 from God? 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:25.459 If then you 00:15:25.459 --> 00:15:26.079 received it, 00:15:26.139 --> 00:15:26.639 why do you 00:15:26.639 --> 00:15:27.419 boast as if 00:15:27.419 --> 00:15:28.039 you had not 00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:28.740 received it? 00:15:29.579 --> 00:15:30.600 So a gift 00:15:30.600 --> 00:15:31.480 can never be 00:15:31.480 --> 00:15:32.360 the source of 00:15:32.360 --> 00:15:33.259 spiritual pride 00:15:33.259 --> 00:15:34.199 because it's a 00:15:34.199 --> 00:15:34.519 gift. 00:15:35.360 --> 00:15:35.899 Pride is 00:15:35.899 --> 00:15:36.519 deception 00:15:36.519 --> 00:15:37.500 because, 00:15:37.639 --> 00:15:37.740 again, 00:15:37.799 --> 00:15:38.299 everything we 00:15:38.299 --> 00:15:38.759 have, 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:39.459 this good, 00:15:39.579 --> 00:15:39.959 comes from 00:15:39.959 --> 00:15:40.299 God, 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:41.519 including our 00:15:41.519 --> 00:15:42.079 gifts from 00:15:42.079 --> 00:15:42.779 His hand. 00:15:43.360 --> 00:15:43.779 So therefore 00:15:43.779 --> 00:15:44.500 we have no 00:15:44.500 --> 00:15:45.279 grounds to 00:15:45.279 --> 00:15:45.779 boast. 00:15:46.579 --> 00:15:47.000 But look at 00:15:47.000 --> 00:15:47.639 the next part 00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:48.240 of this verse. 00:15:49.179 --> 00:15:49.879 He says, 00:15:49.980 --> 00:15:50.240 rather, 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:50.740 right, 00:15:50.860 --> 00:15:51.539 but to 00:15:51.539 --> 00:15:53.059 think or 00:15:53.059 --> 00:15:53.460 rate your 00:15:53.460 --> 00:15:54.199 own ability 00:15:54.199 --> 00:15:55.039 with sober, 00:15:56.419 --> 00:15:56.899 sound, 00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:57.659 clear-headed 00:15:57.659 --> 00:15:58.399 judgment, 00:15:58.779 --> 00:16:00.120 which leads 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:00.600 us to 00:16:00.600 --> 00:16:01.379 recognize in 00:16:01.379 --> 00:16:02.220 ourselves we 00:16:02.220 --> 00:16:03.059 are nothing. 00:16:03.059 --> 00:16:05.019 but in 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:05.859 Christ we 00:16:05.859 --> 00:16:06.479 can be 00:16:06.479 --> 00:16:07.099 used to 00:16:07.099 --> 00:16:08.000 glorify God 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:09.059 with the 00:16:09.059 --> 00:16:09.659 gifts that 00:16:09.659 --> 00:16:10.139 the Spirit 00:16:10.139 --> 00:16:10.979 has bestowed 00:16:10.979 --> 00:16:11.839 on us. 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:13.019 So a quick 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:13.500 question. 00:16:14.659 --> 00:16:15.019 I mean, 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:17.299 I guess you 00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:17.759 could say it's 00:16:17.759 --> 00:16:18.639 a real question 00:16:18.639 --> 00:16:19.279 for the elders 00:16:19.279 --> 00:16:19.919 of our church, 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:20.879 including me, 00:16:21.539 --> 00:16:21.879 but just a 00:16:21.879 --> 00:16:22.319 question to 00:16:22.319 --> 00:16:22.879 all of us. 00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:24.819 Do you think 00:16:24.819 --> 00:16:25.439 that this church 00:16:25.439 --> 00:16:25.799 would fall 00:16:25.799 --> 00:16:26.559 apart if you 00:16:26.559 --> 00:16:26.919 left? 00:16:28.119 --> 00:16:28.839 Do you think 00:16:28.839 --> 00:16:29.539 that if you 00:16:29.539 --> 00:16:30.000 weren't here to 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:30.779 get things done 00:16:30.779 --> 00:16:31.299 that things would 00:16:31.299 --> 00:16:31.899 just become 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:32.519 unraveled? 00:16:32.519 --> 00:16:34.059 Do you 00:16:34.059 --> 00:16:34.819 cherish an 00:16:34.819 --> 00:16:35.240 overly 00:16:35.240 --> 00:16:36.039 exaggerated 00:16:36.039 --> 00:16:37.379 idea of 00:16:37.379 --> 00:16:37.819 your own 00:16:37.819 --> 00:16:38.500 importance? 00:16:39.899 --> 00:16:40.860 Paul responds 00:16:40.860 --> 00:16:41.659 to such people 00:16:41.659 --> 00:16:43.220 in Galatians 6, 00:16:44.139 --> 00:16:44.720 For if anyone 00:16:44.720 --> 00:16:45.500 thinks he is 00:16:45.500 --> 00:16:46.439 something when 00:16:46.439 --> 00:16:47.120 he is nothing, 00:16:47.559 --> 00:16:48.519 he deceives 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:49.279 himself. 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:52.539 Think about 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:52.960 this. 00:16:53.600 --> 00:16:54.179 Do you use 00:16:54.179 --> 00:16:54.600 the gifts 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:55.059 that God 00:16:55.059 --> 00:16:56.899 has given 00:16:56.899 --> 00:16:57.899 you to 00:16:57.899 --> 00:16:58.279 exalt 00:16:58.279 --> 00:16:58.980 yourself and 00:16:58.980 --> 00:16:59.699 make a name 00:16:59.699 --> 00:17:00.460 for yourself? 00:17:00.460 --> 00:17:02.519 Jesus would 00:17:02.519 --> 00:17:03.080 respond, 00:17:03.300 --> 00:17:04.140 whoever exalts 00:17:04.140 --> 00:17:04.900 himself will 00:17:04.900 --> 00:17:05.480 be humbled, 00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:06.840 and whoever 00:17:06.840 --> 00:17:07.880 humbles himself 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:08.480 will be 00:17:08.480 --> 00:17:09.140 exalted. 00:17:09.860 --> 00:17:11.000 Matthew 23, 00:17:11.259 --> 00:17:11.779 12. 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:13.400 Or do you 00:17:13.400 --> 00:17:14.180 recognize that 00:17:14.180 --> 00:17:14.799 any gift, 00:17:15.420 --> 00:17:16.100 any ability 00:17:16.100 --> 00:17:16.600 you have, 00:17:16.680 --> 00:17:16.920 has been 00:17:16.920 --> 00:17:17.799 graciously given 00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:18.420 by God, 00:17:18.460 --> 00:17:19.240 and that he 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:19.759 intends to 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:20.400 use those 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:21.900 gifts for you 00:17:21.900 --> 00:17:22.519 not to make 00:17:22.519 --> 00:17:22.980 a name for 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:23.440 yourself, 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:24.200 but to use 00:17:24.200 --> 00:17:25.440 it for his 00:17:25.440 --> 00:17:26.299 glory and the 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:27.600 strengthening of 00:17:27.599 --> 00:17:28.279 the church? 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:30.379 Another scary 00:17:30.379 --> 00:17:30.799 prospect, 00:17:30.939 --> 00:17:31.459 do you recognize 00:17:31.459 --> 00:17:32.039 that he could 00:17:32.039 --> 00:17:32.519 take that 00:17:32.519 --> 00:17:33.000 gift from 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:33.240 you? 00:17:33.679 --> 00:17:34.279 Because he 00:17:34.279 --> 00:17:34.759 gave it to 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:35.000 you. 00:17:36.419 --> 00:17:37.259 Those are all 00:17:37.259 --> 00:17:37.839 things that 00:17:37.839 --> 00:17:38.779 stem from 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:39.219 God. 00:17:39.899 --> 00:17:40.199 Have you 00:17:40.199 --> 00:17:40.959 asked God 00:17:40.959 --> 00:17:42.019 to help 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:43.799 you evaluate 00:17:43.799 --> 00:17:44.879 yourself 00:17:44.879 --> 00:17:46.159 realistically 00:17:46.159 --> 00:17:46.859 with sober 00:17:46.859 --> 00:17:47.619 judgment about 00:17:47.619 --> 00:17:48.480 your role in 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:48.980 the body, 00:17:49.579 --> 00:17:50.199 a single 00:17:50.199 --> 00:17:51.079 member of 00:17:51.079 --> 00:17:51.539 the body 00:17:51.539 --> 00:17:52.240 of Christ? 00:17:53.439 --> 00:17:53.719 All right, 00:17:53.779 --> 00:17:54.139 and he goes 00:17:54.139 --> 00:17:54.579 on and he 00:17:54.579 --> 00:17:55.059 uses this 00:17:55.059 --> 00:17:55.639 phrase in our 00:17:55.639 --> 00:17:56.039 text in 00:17:56.039 --> 00:17:56.579 verse 3, 00:17:57.319 --> 00:17:57.779 this idea 00:17:57.779 --> 00:17:58.099 of the 00:17:58.099 --> 00:17:58.819 measure of 00:17:58.819 --> 00:17:59.259 faith. 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:00.220 Now, 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:00.659 real quickly, 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:01.240 it doesn't 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:02.139 mean saving 00:18:02.139 --> 00:18:02.559 faith, 00:18:02.639 --> 00:18:02.960 it doesn't 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:04.399 mean quantity 00:18:04.399 --> 00:18:05.500 or amount 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:06.839 of faith 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:07.420 given to 00:18:07.420 --> 00:18:08.019 individuals, 00:18:08.759 --> 00:18:09.180 rather, 00:18:09.559 --> 00:18:10.539 each according 00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:12.059 to the degree 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:12.639 of faith 00:18:12.639 --> 00:18:13.619 apportioned 00:18:13.619 --> 00:18:14.539 or allocated 00:18:14.539 --> 00:18:15.980 by God 00:18:15.980 --> 00:18:17.759 for each 00:18:17.759 --> 00:18:18.519 believer to 00:18:18.519 --> 00:18:18.960 properly 00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:19.579 exercise 00:18:19.579 --> 00:18:21.139 their gifts. 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:22.659 This kind 00:18:22.659 --> 00:18:23.200 of faith is 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:24.019 a spiritual 00:18:24.019 --> 00:18:24.619 endowment, 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:25.339 an ability 00:18:25.339 --> 00:18:26.519 given by 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:26.899 the Holy 00:18:26.899 --> 00:18:27.439 Spirit to 00:18:27.439 --> 00:18:27.879 empower 00:18:27.879 --> 00:18:28.379 them to 00:18:28.379 --> 00:18:29.079 use their 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:29.559 particular 00:18:29.559 --> 00:18:29.959 gift. 00:18:30.339 --> 00:18:31.019 Another way 00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:31.399 to read 00:18:31.399 --> 00:18:32.000 this verse, 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:33.819 each according 00:18:33.819 --> 00:18:34.179 to the 00:18:34.179 --> 00:18:34.799 degree of 00:18:34.799 --> 00:18:36.119 faith that 00:18:36.119 --> 00:18:36.720 God has 00:18:36.720 --> 00:18:37.859 assigned or 00:18:37.859 --> 00:18:39.500 apportioned, 00:18:39.699 --> 00:18:40.220 allotted, 00:18:40.659 --> 00:18:41.199 allocated, 00:18:42.199 --> 00:18:42.859 it seems to 00:18:42.859 --> 00:18:43.539 refer right to 00:18:43.539 --> 00:18:44.079 the correct 00:18:44.079 --> 00:18:44.919 measure of a 00:18:44.919 --> 00:18:45.819 spiritual gift 00:18:45.819 --> 00:18:46.139 in its 00:18:46.139 --> 00:18:47.259 operating features 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:48.319 that God 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:48.639 has given 00:18:48.639 --> 00:18:49.039 to every 00:18:49.039 --> 00:18:49.359 believer. 00:18:49.359 --> 00:18:51.240 So, 00:18:52.439 --> 00:18:53.339 if you ever 00:18:53.339 --> 00:18:53.699 sat in a 00:18:53.699 --> 00:18:54.259 hospital room, 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:54.539 it gets 00:18:54.539 --> 00:18:56.000 long days. 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:57.240 There's not 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:57.959 always cool 00:18:57.959 --> 00:18:58.319 stuff to 00:18:58.319 --> 00:18:58.699 watch on 00:18:58.699 --> 00:18:59.019 TV, 00:18:59.579 --> 00:18:59.979 and you 00:18:59.979 --> 00:19:00.319 don't really 00:19:00.319 --> 00:19:01.299 feel like 00:19:01.299 --> 00:19:01.919 reading because 00:19:01.919 --> 00:19:02.199 you're about 00:19:02.199 --> 00:19:02.500 to fall 00:19:02.500 --> 00:19:03.039 asleep because 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:03.279 you feel 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:03.599 sick. 00:19:05.500 --> 00:19:05.859 So, 00:19:05.959 --> 00:19:06.139 what do you 00:19:06.139 --> 00:19:06.339 do? 00:19:06.479 --> 00:19:07.539 You talk 00:19:07.539 --> 00:19:08.179 about kids, 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:08.779 and you talk 00:19:08.779 --> 00:19:09.119 about your 00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:09.500 kids, 00:19:09.539 --> 00:19:09.819 and you look 00:19:09.819 --> 00:19:10.199 at pictures. 00:19:11.719 --> 00:19:12.459 But at the 00:19:12.459 --> 00:19:12.819 time, 00:19:13.699 --> 00:19:14.000 we were, 00:19:14.899 --> 00:19:15.679 my mother-in-law 00:19:15.679 --> 00:19:16.419 sent us a picture 00:19:16.420 --> 00:19:17.060 of our two 00:19:17.060 --> 00:19:17.759 Labradors, 00:19:18.320 --> 00:19:18.820 and I was 00:19:18.820 --> 00:19:19.019 like, 00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:20.600 wait a minute, 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:21.759 and I had 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:23.720 an apostrophe 00:19:23.720 --> 00:19:25.240 epiphany. 00:19:26.300 --> 00:19:26.440 But, 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:29.380 some of you 00:19:29.380 --> 00:19:29.700 got that 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:30.060 reference. 00:19:30.660 --> 00:19:30.800 All right. 00:19:32.100 --> 00:19:32.920 An example, 00:19:33.060 --> 00:19:33.460 it's just an 00:19:33.460 --> 00:19:33.840 example. 00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:34.940 All right, 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:35.259 we're going to 00:19:35.259 --> 00:19:35.740 use an example 00:19:35.740 --> 00:19:36.360 of dogs. 00:19:36.820 --> 00:19:37.039 So, 00:19:37.060 --> 00:19:37.560 you either love 00:19:37.560 --> 00:19:38.080 dogs or you 00:19:38.080 --> 00:19:38.400 hate them, 00:19:38.460 --> 00:19:38.660 so I don't 00:19:38.660 --> 00:19:38.920 know which 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:39.640 one you are 00:19:39.640 --> 00:19:39.960 today. 00:19:40.300 --> 00:19:40.440 But, 00:19:41.039 --> 00:19:42.980 there are 00:19:42.980 --> 00:19:43.360 different 00:19:43.360 --> 00:19:44.400 categories of 00:19:44.400 --> 00:19:44.779 dogs. 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:46.279 Right? 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:46.740 Whether you 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:46.980 knew that 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:47.279 or not. 00:19:47.820 --> 00:19:48.360 There are 00:19:48.360 --> 00:19:49.320 sporting dogs 00:19:49.320 --> 00:19:50.740 like mine, 00:19:50.860 --> 00:19:51.560 Labradors, 00:19:52.539 --> 00:19:53.180 Spaniels, 00:19:53.560 --> 00:19:54.019 Setters, 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:55.160 really good 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:55.420 at just 00:19:55.420 --> 00:19:55.840 going out 00:19:55.840 --> 00:19:56.160 and having 00:19:56.160 --> 00:19:56.800 fun with 00:19:56.800 --> 00:19:57.440 and swimming 00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:58.740 and chasing 00:19:58.740 --> 00:19:59.259 balls. 00:20:00.480 --> 00:20:01.060 There are 00:20:01.060 --> 00:20:01.539 hounds, 00:20:02.360 --> 00:20:03.180 bloodhounds, 00:20:03.320 --> 00:20:03.840 blue ticks, 00:20:04.039 --> 00:20:04.720 basset hounds. 00:20:05.440 --> 00:20:05.980 My brother 00:20:05.980 --> 00:20:06.640 used to coon 00:20:06.640 --> 00:20:06.860 hunt, 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:07.500 so he had 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:10.660 walker hounds 00:20:10.660 --> 00:20:11.400 and blue ticks. 00:20:12.440 --> 00:20:12.840 There's 00:20:12.840 --> 00:20:13.820 herding dogs 00:20:13.820 --> 00:20:14.380 like German 00:20:14.380 --> 00:20:15.000 shepherds, 00:20:15.100 --> 00:20:15.560 collies. 00:20:16.419 --> 00:20:16.940 Healers. 00:20:17.700 --> 00:20:18.099 And then 00:20:18.099 --> 00:20:18.639 there's toy 00:20:18.639 --> 00:20:19.019 dogs, 00:20:19.119 --> 00:20:19.399 the most 00:20:19.399 --> 00:20:19.740 worthless 00:20:19.740 --> 00:20:20.179 category. 00:20:20.299 --> 00:20:20.519 I'm just 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:20.720 kidding. 00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:23.299 I'm going to 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:23.659 get mean 00:20:23.659 --> 00:20:24.359 emails later. 00:20:25.779 --> 00:20:26.299 Pomeranians, 00:20:26.460 --> 00:20:26.940 Yorkies, 00:20:27.059 --> 00:20:27.519 just lap 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:27.879 dogs, 00:20:28.059 --> 00:20:28.319 right? 00:20:29.179 --> 00:20:29.980 Each kind 00:20:29.980 --> 00:20:30.379 of dog, 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:30.639 listen, 00:20:31.460 --> 00:20:32.059 each kind 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:32.539 of dog 00:20:32.539 --> 00:20:33.079 is given 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:34.319 a specific 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:35.839 but limited 00:20:35.839 --> 00:20:36.539 set of 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:37.200 capabilities 00:20:37.200 --> 00:20:38.000 and functions 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:38.960 to do 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:39.460 what God 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:39.940 intended it 00:20:39.940 --> 00:20:40.279 to do. 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:41.599 it's 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:42.019 amazing 00:20:42.019 --> 00:20:42.700 to watch 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:43.779 each breed, 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:44.319 each type 00:20:44.319 --> 00:20:45.559 of dog 00:20:45.559 --> 00:20:47.259 function in 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:47.480 the way 00:20:47.480 --> 00:20:47.619 they're 00:20:47.619 --> 00:20:48.160 supposed to. 00:20:48.799 --> 00:20:49.039 Like, 00:20:49.079 --> 00:20:49.720 I'm amazed 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:50.160 to watch 00:20:50.160 --> 00:20:51.099 my Labradors, 00:20:51.240 --> 00:20:51.500 like, 00:20:52.160 --> 00:20:52.639 the younger 00:20:52.639 --> 00:20:52.879 one, 00:20:52.940 --> 00:20:53.359 he'll swim 00:20:53.359 --> 00:20:53.700 down in 00:20:53.700 --> 00:20:54.079 the bottom 00:20:54.079 --> 00:20:54.660 of the 00:20:54.660 --> 00:20:56.180 lake 00:20:56.180 --> 00:20:57.299 and get 00:20:57.299 --> 00:20:57.799 something that 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:58.119 we threw 00:20:58.119 --> 00:20:58.539 down there 00:20:58.539 --> 00:20:58.740 and he'll 00:20:58.740 --> 00:20:59.000 bring it 00:20:59.000 --> 00:20:59.480 back up. 00:20:59.599 --> 00:20:59.920 It's like, 00:21:00.559 --> 00:21:01.379 he'll find 00:21:01.379 --> 00:21:01.839 things in 00:21:01.839 --> 00:21:02.240 the dark. 00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:02.559 He'll do 00:21:02.559 --> 00:21:03.119 a zigzag 00:21:03.119 --> 00:21:03.819 pattern to 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:04.240 find it. 00:21:04.899 --> 00:21:05.240 I've seen 00:21:05.240 --> 00:21:05.799 my brother's 00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:06.220 hounds, 00:21:06.319 --> 00:21:06.599 you know, 00:21:07.220 --> 00:21:07.420 like, 00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:07.960 track down 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:08.440 things. 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:12.079 I've seen 00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:12.759 toy dogs 00:21:12.759 --> 00:21:13.360 just sit 00:21:13.360 --> 00:21:14.380 and be 00:21:14.380 --> 00:21:14.779 fed 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:16.019 and petted. 00:21:16.880 --> 00:21:17.620 I've seen 00:21:17.620 --> 00:21:17.960 German 00:21:17.960 --> 00:21:18.519 shepherds 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:19.340 being protective 00:21:19.340 --> 00:21:20.000 of their 00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:21.500 family members. 00:21:22.640 --> 00:21:22.880 So, 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:23.840 given specific 00:21:23.840 --> 00:21:24.380 but limited 00:21:24.380 --> 00:21:24.900 set of 00:21:24.900 --> 00:21:25.440 capabilities, 00:21:25.640 --> 00:21:25.779 so, 00:21:26.319 --> 00:21:26.920 awesome to 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:27.319 watch them 00:21:27.319 --> 00:21:27.740 function. 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:28.640 However, 00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:29.960 you would 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:30.620 not want 00:21:30.620 --> 00:21:31.000 a St. 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:31.299 Bernard 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:32.759 to function 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:33.400 as a lazy 00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:33.960 indoor 00:21:33.960 --> 00:21:34.740 toy dog. 00:21:35.880 --> 00:21:36.140 Anybody 00:21:36.140 --> 00:21:36.380 seen 00:21:36.380 --> 00:21:36.819 Beethoven? 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:38.700 He would 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:38.900 just, 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:39.759 without a 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:40.220 job to 00:21:40.220 --> 00:21:40.340 do, 00:21:40.400 --> 00:21:40.579 he would 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:41.039 go crazy 00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:41.240 and he 00:21:41.240 --> 00:21:41.460 would just 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:41.680 chew up 00:21:41.680 --> 00:21:41.799 your 00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:42.140 furniture. 00:21:44.000 --> 00:21:44.440 Likewise, 00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:45.019 he wouldn't 00:21:45.019 --> 00:21:45.319 want a 00:21:45.319 --> 00:21:46.019 Pomeranian 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:47.440 swimming out 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:47.640 in the 00:21:47.640 --> 00:21:47.920 middle of 00:21:47.920 --> 00:21:48.440 a freezing 00:21:48.440 --> 00:21:49.480 cold lake 00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:49.960 to retrieve 00:21:49.960 --> 00:21:50.360 a duck 00:21:50.360 --> 00:21:50.620 on a 00:21:50.620 --> 00:21:50.880 hunt. 00:21:51.440 --> 00:21:51.880 It would 00:21:51.880 --> 00:21:52.319 just not 00:21:52.319 --> 00:21:52.700 make it. 00:21:52.740 --> 00:21:52.900 It would 00:21:52.900 --> 00:21:53.360 just sink 00:21:53.360 --> 00:21:54.240 and drown. 00:21:55.460 --> 00:21:55.840 So, 00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:56.420 you wouldn't 00:21:56.420 --> 00:21:56.940 want a 00:21:56.940 --> 00:21:57.380 Yorkie 00:21:57.380 --> 00:21:58.200 to herd 00:21:58.200 --> 00:21:58.680 and protect 00:21:58.680 --> 00:21:59.160 your sheep 00:21:59.160 --> 00:21:59.920 from coyotes. 00:22:00.100 --> 00:22:00.319 It just 00:22:00.319 --> 00:22:00.519 wouldn't 00:22:00.519 --> 00:22:00.840 work. 00:22:02.019 --> 00:22:02.380 So, 00:22:03.220 --> 00:22:03.500 I know 00:22:03.500 --> 00:22:03.759 this is 00:22:03.759 --> 00:22:04.019 silly, 00:22:04.160 --> 00:22:04.640 but I'm 00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:05.059 telling you 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:05.279 this for 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:05.600 a reason. 00:22:05.740 --> 00:22:05.860 So, 00:22:06.019 --> 00:22:06.720 like dogs, 00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:08.160 every believer 00:22:08.160 --> 00:22:08.799 has his 00:22:08.799 --> 00:22:09.799 own special 00:22:09.799 --> 00:22:11.160 but limited 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:12.380 set of 00:22:12.380 --> 00:22:13.120 capabilities. 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:14.559 Trying to 00:22:14.559 --> 00:22:15.480 operate outside 00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:16.759 those capabilities 00:22:16.759 --> 00:22:17.539 only produces 00:22:17.539 --> 00:22:18.279 frustration, 00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:20.720 mediocrity, 00:22:21.579 --> 00:22:21.900 anger, 00:22:22.140 --> 00:22:22.600 discouragement, 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:23.160 and ultimately 00:22:23.160 --> 00:22:23.980 defeat. 00:22:24.539 --> 00:22:25.279 But when we 00:22:25.279 --> 00:22:25.839 joyfully 00:22:25.839 --> 00:22:27.200 fulfill what 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:27.600 God has 00:22:27.600 --> 00:22:28.200 given us, 00:22:28.279 --> 00:22:28.860 we function 00:22:28.860 --> 00:22:29.600 according to 00:22:29.600 --> 00:22:29.880 what He 00:22:29.880 --> 00:22:30.579 has designed 00:22:30.579 --> 00:22:31.039 to us. 00:22:31.559 --> 00:22:31.880 It's a 00:22:31.880 --> 00:22:32.160 beautiful 00:22:32.160 --> 00:22:32.600 thing. 00:22:32.599 --> 00:22:33.939 right? 00:22:34.019 --> 00:22:34.319 And Paul 00:22:34.319 --> 00:22:34.779 says in 00:22:34.779 --> 00:22:35.139 Corinthians 00:22:35.139 --> 00:22:35.879 12-11, 00:22:36.519 --> 00:22:37.240 all these 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:38.019 are empowered 00:22:38.019 --> 00:22:38.519 by the 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:39.159 one and 00:22:39.159 --> 00:22:39.759 the same 00:22:39.759 --> 00:22:40.240 Spirit 00:22:40.240 --> 00:22:41.679 who appoints 00:22:41.679 --> 00:22:42.279 to each, 00:22:42.679 --> 00:22:43.500 each one 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:44.099 individually 00:22:44.099 --> 00:22:44.740 as He 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:45.039 will. 00:22:45.139 --> 00:22:45.259 So, 00:22:45.319 --> 00:22:45.659 He's given 00:22:45.659 --> 00:22:46.519 us individually 00:22:46.519 --> 00:22:47.639 gifting. 00:22:48.779 --> 00:22:50.240 As God 00:22:50.240 --> 00:22:51.480 has given 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.279 different gifts 00:22:52.279 --> 00:22:52.719 to different 00:22:52.719 --> 00:22:53.119 people, 00:22:53.619 --> 00:22:54.139 He also 00:22:54.139 --> 00:22:54.699 provides 00:22:54.699 --> 00:22:55.099 everything 00:22:55.099 --> 00:22:55.879 we need 00:22:55.879 --> 00:22:56.459 to serve 00:22:56.459 --> 00:22:57.000 in that 00:22:57.000 --> 00:22:58.059 capacity, 00:22:58.219 --> 00:22:58.659 to serve 00:22:58.659 --> 00:22:59.240 one another. 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:00.199 So, 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:00.459 that's what 00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:01.319 that means. 00:23:02.400 --> 00:23:02.579 So, 00:23:02.620 --> 00:23:03.120 that's the 00:23:03.120 --> 00:23:03.980 right attitude. 00:23:04.180 --> 00:23:04.840 It's humility, 00:23:05.299 --> 00:23:06.220 not pride. 00:23:06.340 --> 00:23:06.700 It's to 00:23:06.700 --> 00:23:08.059 serve others, 00:23:08.180 --> 00:23:08.900 not yourself. 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:09.460 It's to 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:10.720 exalt God 00:23:10.720 --> 00:23:11.160 and not to 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:11.759 make a name 00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:12.519 for yourself. 00:23:13.660 --> 00:23:14.059 This goes 00:23:14.059 --> 00:23:14.559 to point 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:14.900 two, 00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:17.039 which is 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:17.460 right 00:23:17.460 --> 00:23:18.360 relationship. 00:23:19.960 --> 00:23:20.519 Alright? 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:21.019 Right 00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:21.620 relationships. 00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:22.640 And this 00:23:22.640 --> 00:23:23.000 is the 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:23.440 illustration 00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:24.019 part, 00:23:24.120 --> 00:23:24.340 verses 00:23:24.340 --> 00:23:24.960 four and 00:23:24.960 --> 00:23:25.400 five. 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:26.779 Verse 00:23:26.779 --> 00:23:27.100 four, 00:23:28.059 --> 00:23:28.600 for as in 00:23:28.600 --> 00:23:29.180 one body 00:23:29.180 --> 00:23:29.519 we have 00:23:29.519 --> 00:23:30.360 many members, 00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:31.440 and many 00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:32.319 members do 00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:33.079 not all 00:23:33.079 --> 00:23:33.500 have the 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:33.819 same 00:23:33.819 --> 00:23:34.279 function. 00:23:35.140 --> 00:23:35.440 So, 00:23:35.600 --> 00:23:35.840 we, 00:23:36.079 --> 00:23:36.460 though we 00:23:36.460 --> 00:23:36.920 are many, 00:23:37.220 --> 00:23:38.220 are one 00:23:38.220 --> 00:23:38.759 body in 00:23:38.759 --> 00:23:39.460 Christ and 00:23:39.460 --> 00:23:40.019 individually 00:23:40.019 --> 00:23:41.140 members of 00:23:41.140 --> 00:23:42.480 one another. 00:23:43.700 --> 00:23:44.059 Alright? 00:23:44.160 --> 00:23:44.259 So, 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:44.740 this is this 00:23:44.740 --> 00:23:45.220 faithful 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:46.319 cooperation we 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:46.660 see. 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:47.819 Paul uses, 00:23:47.980 --> 00:23:48.140 again, 00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:48.740 this very 00:23:48.740 --> 00:23:49.440 endearing, 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:50.200 familial 00:23:50.200 --> 00:23:51.319 language. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:52.460 If you 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:52.880 want to 00:23:52.880 --> 00:23:55.000 remember the 00:23:55.000 --> 00:23:55.519 beginning of 00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:55.880 the book of 00:23:55.880 --> 00:23:56.220 Romans, 00:23:56.299 --> 00:23:56.779 which was a 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:57.200 long time 00:23:57.200 --> 00:23:57.700 ago at this 00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:57.980 point, 00:23:58.620 --> 00:23:59.240 he said, 00:23:59.240 --> 00:23:59.940 in chapter 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:00.319 one, 00:24:00.380 --> 00:24:00.960 verse seven, 00:24:01.620 --> 00:24:02.079 to all 00:24:02.079 --> 00:24:02.700 those in 00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:03.180 Rome who 00:24:03.180 --> 00:24:03.759 are loved 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.859 by God, 00:24:05.660 --> 00:24:06.500 called to 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:07.160 be saints, 00:24:08.099 --> 00:24:08.759 grace to 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:09.220 you and 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:09.759 peace from 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:10.559 our Father 00:24:10.559 --> 00:24:11.700 and the 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.140 Lord Jesus 00:24:12.140 --> 00:24:12.680 Christ. 00:24:13.799 --> 00:24:14.059 So, 00:24:14.140 --> 00:24:15.160 emphasizing this 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:16.500 familial 00:24:16.500 --> 00:24:17.059 language, 00:24:17.220 --> 00:24:17.720 he points 00:24:17.720 --> 00:24:18.160 out the 00:24:18.160 --> 00:24:18.779 reality that 00:24:18.779 --> 00:24:19.740 each individual 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:21.359 Christian is 00:24:21.359 --> 00:24:22.120 a part of 00:24:22.120 --> 00:24:22.839 a larger, 00:24:23.839 --> 00:24:24.120 greater 00:24:24.120 --> 00:24:24.640 whole, 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:25.380 the church. 00:24:25.380 --> 00:24:25.400 church. 00:24:26.340 --> 00:24:26.540 So, 00:24:26.620 --> 00:24:27.260 to show the 00:24:27.260 --> 00:24:28.400 diversity and 00:24:28.400 --> 00:24:29.120 unity of the 00:24:29.120 --> 00:24:29.460 church, 00:24:30.020 --> 00:24:30.560 when Paul is 00:24:30.560 --> 00:24:30.880 speaking about 00:24:30.880 --> 00:24:31.260 diversity, 00:24:31.340 --> 00:24:31.580 he doesn't 00:24:31.580 --> 00:24:32.240 mean skin 00:24:32.240 --> 00:24:32.620 color, 00:24:33.440 --> 00:24:33.780 gender, 00:24:33.920 --> 00:24:34.340 he's talking 00:24:34.340 --> 00:24:35.640 about giftedness, 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:36.260 people that, 00:24:36.660 --> 00:24:37.220 the ways that 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:37.600 we as 00:24:37.600 --> 00:24:39.120 individuals serve 00:24:39.120 --> 00:24:40.200 the body and 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:41.060 the variety that 00:24:41.060 --> 00:24:41.780 that brings. 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:45.500 He uses it by 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.780 an analogy to 00:24:46.780 --> 00:24:47.640 the human body 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:48.180 to teach 00:24:48.180 --> 00:24:49.860 believers humility 00:24:49.860 --> 00:24:51.560 and interdependence. 00:24:52.220 --> 00:24:53.020 Paul gives you a 00:24:53.020 --> 00:24:54.120 larger illustration 00:24:54.119 --> 00:24:54.959 of the body 00:24:54.959 --> 00:24:56.479 in 1 Corinthians 00:24:56.479 --> 00:24:57.159 12, 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:58.659 12 through 00:24:58.659 --> 00:24:59.099 27. 00:24:59.359 --> 00:25:00.000 You can go and 00:25:00.000 --> 00:25:01.219 check that out. 00:25:01.279 --> 00:25:02.039 He just goes on 00:25:02.039 --> 00:25:02.699 and on about 00:25:02.699 --> 00:25:03.679 the function 00:25:03.679 --> 00:25:04.579 of the body. 00:25:05.639 --> 00:25:05.819 All right? 00:25:05.879 --> 00:25:06.659 But just as 00:25:06.659 --> 00:25:07.619 Paul wrote here, 00:25:08.419 --> 00:25:09.259 just as one 00:25:09.259 --> 00:25:10.039 human body 00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:11.679 is one with 00:25:11.679 --> 00:25:12.799 many members. 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.239 So, 00:25:13.679 --> 00:25:14.479 the Greek word 00:25:14.479 --> 00:25:15.000 for members 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:16.539 means body 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.019 parts, 00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:17.699 limbs. 00:25:18.659 --> 00:25:19.039 All right? 00:25:19.539 --> 00:25:20.000 So, 00:25:20.299 --> 00:25:20.899 if the church 00:25:20.899 --> 00:25:21.599 is united, 00:25:22.279 --> 00:25:22.959 though it is 00:25:22.959 --> 00:25:23.619 composed of 00:25:23.619 --> 00:25:23.959 many, 00:25:24.119 --> 00:25:24.500 different 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:25.059 members. 00:25:25.959 --> 00:25:26.179 So, 00:25:26.239 --> 00:25:26.779 on the theme 00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:27.679 as the body 00:25:27.679 --> 00:25:28.239 of Christ, 00:25:28.319 --> 00:25:29.239 just as the body 00:25:29.239 --> 00:25:30.500 has different 00:25:30.500 --> 00:25:31.459 things to do, 00:25:31.959 --> 00:25:33.019 different functions, 00:25:33.839 --> 00:25:34.619 different needs, 00:25:35.219 --> 00:25:35.919 so the church 00:25:35.919 --> 00:25:37.339 has and needs 00:25:37.339 --> 00:25:38.000 people with 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:38.679 different gifts 00:25:38.679 --> 00:25:39.839 and different 00:25:39.839 --> 00:25:40.699 abilities to 00:25:40.699 --> 00:25:41.899 function properly. 00:25:42.899 --> 00:25:43.579 It says here, 00:25:43.679 --> 00:25:43.879 look, 00:25:44.099 --> 00:25:44.459 it says, 00:25:44.539 --> 00:25:45.959 individually members 00:25:45.959 --> 00:25:46.859 of one another, 00:25:46.939 --> 00:25:47.459 which means that 00:25:47.459 --> 00:25:48.879 we are connected 00:25:48.880 --> 00:25:49.940 connected and 00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:51.680 bound to one 00:25:51.680 --> 00:25:52.080 another. 00:25:52.800 --> 00:25:54.260 Just as an arm, 00:25:54.400 --> 00:25:54.960 a leg, 00:25:55.020 --> 00:25:55.540 an eye, 00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:56.240 an ear, 00:25:56.860 --> 00:25:57.400 a foot, 00:25:57.600 --> 00:25:58.180 a hand, 00:25:58.880 --> 00:25:59.720 has a role 00:25:59.720 --> 00:26:00.240 in the way 00:26:00.240 --> 00:26:00.820 your body 00:26:00.820 --> 00:26:01.540 functions. 00:26:02.100 --> 00:26:03.080 We need all 00:26:03.080 --> 00:26:03.820 those things. 00:26:04.820 --> 00:26:05.800 They're there for 00:26:05.800 --> 00:26:06.620 the benefit of the 00:26:06.620 --> 00:26:07.400 entire body. 00:26:08.540 --> 00:26:08.660 So, 00:26:08.760 --> 00:26:09.220 furthermore, 00:26:09.320 --> 00:26:10.040 these gifts 00:26:10.040 --> 00:26:10.520 do not, 00:26:10.600 --> 00:26:11.260 this is important, 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:11.799 these gifts 00:26:11.799 --> 00:26:12.420 do not 00:26:12.420 --> 00:26:13.700 belong 00:26:13.700 --> 00:26:15.099 to you. 00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:17.039 They belong 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:18.140 to the body. 00:26:18.680 --> 00:26:19.220 See that? 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:19.779 It's not, 00:26:20.379 --> 00:26:21.579 this is my gift, 00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:23.500 my ministry, 00:26:24.059 --> 00:26:24.240 me, 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:24.400 me, 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:24.720 me. 00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:25.200 It's like, 00:26:25.279 --> 00:26:25.460 no, 00:26:25.539 --> 00:26:26.799 this is a gift 00:26:26.799 --> 00:26:27.379 that God has 00:26:27.379 --> 00:26:28.400 given to you 00:26:28.400 --> 00:26:29.960 for the benefit 00:26:29.960 --> 00:26:31.400 of the entire body. 00:26:32.240 --> 00:26:33.019 It's really 00:26:33.019 --> 00:26:33.799 important to hear 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:34.119 that. 00:26:35.039 --> 00:26:35.440 And so, 00:26:35.640 --> 00:26:37.079 as we 00:26:37.079 --> 00:26:39.019 understand this, 00:26:39.379 --> 00:26:40.299 we won't think 00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:40.859 too highly 00:26:40.859 --> 00:26:41.659 of ourselves, 00:26:41.659 --> 00:26:42.139 like you just 00:26:42.139 --> 00:26:42.439 mentioned. 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:44.119 And we 00:26:44.119 --> 00:26:44.899 give ourselves 00:26:44.899 --> 00:26:46.059 fully to God, 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:47.179 we will give 00:26:47.179 --> 00:26:47.979 ourselves fully 00:26:47.979 --> 00:26:49.159 to one another. 00:26:49.899 --> 00:26:50.439 Paul wrote 00:26:50.439 --> 00:26:51.240 in 1 Corinthians 00:26:51.240 --> 00:26:51.719 12, 00:26:52.479 --> 00:26:53.379 if one member 00:26:53.379 --> 00:26:54.099 suffers, 00:26:54.839 --> 00:26:56.199 all suffer 00:26:56.199 --> 00:26:57.039 together. 00:26:57.679 --> 00:26:58.559 Think about this, 00:26:58.619 --> 00:26:59.059 think about your 00:26:59.059 --> 00:26:59.939 life inside 00:26:59.939 --> 00:27:01.039 the body of 00:27:01.039 --> 00:27:01.419 Christ. 00:27:02.240 --> 00:27:03.059 If one member 00:27:03.059 --> 00:27:03.519 suffers, 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:04.359 all suffer 00:27:04.359 --> 00:27:04.779 together. 00:27:05.419 --> 00:27:06.359 If one member 00:27:06.359 --> 00:27:07.119 is honored, 00:27:08.059 --> 00:27:08.819 all rejoice 00:27:08.819 --> 00:27:09.439 together. 00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:09.519 together. 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.299 Now you 00:27:11.299 --> 00:27:12.080 are the body 00:27:12.080 --> 00:27:12.640 of Christ 00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:13.460 and individually 00:27:13.460 --> 00:27:14.519 members of 00:27:14.519 --> 00:27:14.880 it. 00:27:15.940 --> 00:27:16.460 Beautiful 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:17.059 illustration, 00:27:17.580 --> 00:27:18.059 1 Corinthians 00:27:18.059 --> 00:27:18.440 12, 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:18.900 26. 00:27:20.000 --> 00:27:20.440 So, 00:27:20.640 --> 00:27:22.580 it's important 00:27:22.580 --> 00:27:22.920 for you to 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:23.420 hear this. 00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:25.140 So, 00:27:25.299 --> 00:27:26.000 Paul's goal 00:27:26.000 --> 00:27:26.600 when he wrote 00:27:26.600 --> 00:27:27.440 this 2,000 00:27:27.440 --> 00:27:28.140 years ago 00:27:28.140 --> 00:27:29.600 was not 00:27:29.600 --> 00:27:31.680 to spark 00:27:31.680 --> 00:27:32.279 a fight 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:32.960 or a debate 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.400 over what 00:27:33.400 --> 00:27:34.220 prophecy means. 00:27:34.640 --> 00:27:35.120 He wasn't 00:27:35.120 --> 00:27:35.500 thinking, 00:27:35.840 --> 00:27:36.740 you know, 00:27:36.779 --> 00:27:37.279 in the future 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:37.599 they're just 00:27:37.599 --> 00:27:37.779 going to 00:27:37.779 --> 00:27:38.319 have fun 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:38.639 with this 00:27:38.639 --> 00:27:38.859 one. 00:27:39.639 --> 00:27:40.079 That's not 00:27:40.079 --> 00:27:40.740 what's on 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:41.480 his mind. 00:27:42.480 --> 00:27:43.220 His emphasis 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:43.960 here in this 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:44.639 passage is on 00:27:44.639 --> 00:27:45.680 our interdependence, 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.299 our love, 00:27:46.859 --> 00:27:47.220 and our 00:27:47.220 --> 00:27:47.879 responsibility, 00:27:48.220 --> 00:27:48.720 our faithful 00:27:48.720 --> 00:27:49.539 cooperation 00:27:49.539 --> 00:27:51.119 towards each 00:27:51.119 --> 00:27:51.480 other. 00:27:52.359 --> 00:27:53.019 God has given 00:27:53.019 --> 00:27:53.799 different gifts 00:27:53.799 --> 00:27:54.599 by his spirit 00:27:54.599 --> 00:27:55.019 to different 00:27:55.019 --> 00:27:56.259 people by 00:27:56.259 --> 00:27:56.859 his grace, 00:27:57.139 --> 00:27:57.899 and we should 00:27:57.899 --> 00:27:58.500 use them in 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:58.940 a manner 00:27:58.940 --> 00:27:59.819 appropriate to 00:27:59.819 --> 00:28:00.519 that gift 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:01.899 in order to 00:28:01.899 --> 00:28:03.059 build up or 00:28:03.059 --> 00:28:04.220 to edify 00:28:04.220 --> 00:28:05.240 the rest of 00:28:05.240 --> 00:28:05.700 the body. 00:28:06.920 --> 00:28:07.140 So, 00:28:07.220 --> 00:28:07.579 just think 00:28:07.579 --> 00:28:08.319 about your 00:28:08.319 --> 00:28:08.839 own life 00:28:08.839 --> 00:28:10.359 inside this 00:28:10.359 --> 00:28:11.079 local church. 00:28:11.960 --> 00:28:12.759 Do you 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.519 have a 00:28:13.519 --> 00:28:13.980 spiritual 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:15.620 sense that 00:28:15.620 --> 00:28:16.400 you belong 00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:16.819 to one 00:28:16.819 --> 00:28:17.160 another, 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:17.680 that when 00:28:17.680 --> 00:28:19.140 someone suffers 00:28:19.140 --> 00:28:19.599 in this 00:28:19.599 --> 00:28:19.880 church, 00:28:19.980 --> 00:28:20.440 you suffer 00:28:20.440 --> 00:28:21.079 with them? 00:28:21.140 --> 00:28:21.480 When they 00:28:21.480 --> 00:28:22.500 rejoice, 00:28:22.620 --> 00:28:23.160 you rejoice 00:28:23.160 --> 00:28:24.680 with them 00:28:24.680 --> 00:28:26.660 because we 00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:28.500 are members 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:28.980 of one 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:29.380 another. 00:28:29.700 --> 00:28:30.539 We belong 00:28:30.539 --> 00:28:31.359 to one 00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:31.859 another. 00:28:32.620 --> 00:28:33.039 And any 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:33.779 harm that's 00:28:33.779 --> 00:28:34.220 done to the 00:28:34.220 --> 00:28:34.779 body is a 00:28:34.779 --> 00:28:35.220 harm done 00:28:35.220 --> 00:28:35.559 to you, 00:28:35.620 --> 00:28:35.900 and any 00:28:35.900 --> 00:28:36.900 good done 00:28:36.900 --> 00:28:37.240 to the 00:28:37.240 --> 00:28:37.819 body is a 00:28:37.819 --> 00:28:38.440 good done 00:28:38.440 --> 00:28:38.920 to you 00:28:38.920 --> 00:28:39.360 because we 00:28:39.360 --> 00:28:39.900 are all 00:28:39.900 --> 00:28:40.440 one. 00:28:41.460 --> 00:28:41.839 So, 00:28:42.360 --> 00:28:43.579 very important 00:28:43.579 --> 00:28:44.180 then that we 00:28:44.180 --> 00:28:44.960 learn to 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:46.600 cherish one 00:28:46.600 --> 00:28:46.960 another, 00:28:48.160 --> 00:28:48.960 and to 00:28:48.960 --> 00:28:49.620 cherish our 00:28:49.620 --> 00:28:50.180 brothers and 00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:50.779 sisters in 00:28:50.779 --> 00:28:51.220 Christ and 00:28:51.220 --> 00:28:51.960 to see them 00:28:51.960 --> 00:28:52.900 as a 00:28:52.900 --> 00:28:54.640 critical part 00:28:54.640 --> 00:28:55.480 to the 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:55.839 body 00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:56.519 functioning. 00:28:57.600 --> 00:28:57.860 Alright? 00:28:59.160 --> 00:28:59.839 Let's see 00:28:59.839 --> 00:29:00.259 what we got 00:29:00.259 --> 00:29:00.500 here. 00:29:00.559 --> 00:29:00.880 The third 00:29:00.880 --> 00:29:01.380 one and just 00:29:01.380 --> 00:29:01.940 see how far 00:29:01.940 --> 00:29:02.539 we can get. 00:29:02.680 --> 00:29:02.799 Alright? 00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:04.160 We may have 00:29:04.160 --> 00:29:05.200 to park 00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:05.740 it before 00:29:05.740 --> 00:29:06.900 I run 00:29:06.900 --> 00:29:07.140 out of 00:29:07.140 --> 00:29:07.420 time. 00:29:07.840 --> 00:29:08.019 But, 00:29:08.660 --> 00:29:09.100 this is 00:29:09.100 --> 00:29:09.540 point number 00:29:09.540 --> 00:29:09.880 three. 00:29:10.880 --> 00:29:11.060 So, 00:29:11.120 --> 00:29:11.540 we've had 00:29:11.540 --> 00:29:12.480 right attitude, 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:14.240 right 00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:14.860 relationships, 00:29:15.660 --> 00:29:16.820 and this is 00:29:16.820 --> 00:29:17.900 right service. 00:29:18.740 --> 00:29:19.220 Alright? 00:29:19.320 --> 00:29:19.660 And this is 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:20.500 the application. 00:29:22.180 --> 00:29:22.840 Verse six, 00:29:22.839 --> 00:29:25.579 having gifts 00:29:25.579 --> 00:29:26.319 that differ 00:29:26.319 --> 00:29:27.159 according to 00:29:27.159 --> 00:29:27.779 the grace 00:29:27.779 --> 00:29:28.319 given to 00:29:28.319 --> 00:29:28.759 us, 00:29:29.379 --> 00:29:29.919 let us 00:29:29.919 --> 00:29:30.500 use them 00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:32.259 if prophecy 00:29:32.259 --> 00:29:33.819 in proportion 00:29:33.819 --> 00:29:34.439 to our 00:29:34.439 --> 00:29:34.839 faith, 00:29:35.480 --> 00:29:36.399 if service 00:29:36.399 --> 00:29:36.740 in our 00:29:36.740 --> 00:29:37.119 serving, 00:29:37.220 --> 00:29:37.480 and one 00:29:37.480 --> 00:29:37.959 who teaches 00:29:37.959 --> 00:29:38.439 in his 00:29:38.439 --> 00:29:38.859 teaching, 00:29:39.539 --> 00:29:39.879 the one 00:29:39.879 --> 00:29:40.559 who exhorts 00:29:40.559 --> 00:29:40.939 in his 00:29:40.939 --> 00:29:41.799 exhortation, 00:29:42.599 --> 00:29:42.919 the one 00:29:42.919 --> 00:29:43.519 who contributes 00:29:43.519 --> 00:29:44.019 in his 00:29:44.019 --> 00:29:44.579 generosity, 00:29:45.480 --> 00:29:45.939 the one 00:29:45.939 --> 00:29:46.619 who leads 00:29:46.619 --> 00:29:47.159 with his 00:29:47.159 --> 00:29:47.500 zeal, 00:29:48.579 --> 00:29:49.000 and the one 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:49.319 who does 00:29:49.319 --> 00:29:49.819 acts of 00:29:49.819 --> 00:29:50.159 mercy 00:29:50.159 --> 00:29:51.679 with cheerfulness, 00:29:51.680 --> 00:29:53.360 all right? 00:29:54.460 --> 00:29:55.220 Excuse me. 00:29:58.259 --> 00:29:58.940 Alright, 00:29:59.039 --> 00:29:59.420 so Paul 00:29:59.420 --> 00:30:00.279 mentions these 00:30:00.279 --> 00:30:01.480 gifts we 00:30:01.480 --> 00:30:03.340 possess to 00:30:03.340 --> 00:30:04.140 show that 00:30:04.140 --> 00:30:05.360 they don't 00:30:05.360 --> 00:30:05.900 come from 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:06.259 us, 00:30:06.299 --> 00:30:06.740 they come 00:30:06.740 --> 00:30:07.779 from God 00:30:07.779 --> 00:30:08.720 and to be 00:30:08.720 --> 00:30:09.180 used for 00:30:09.180 --> 00:30:09.920 his glory. 00:30:10.620 --> 00:30:11.180 Rather, 00:30:11.299 --> 00:30:11.860 these gifts, 00:30:12.340 --> 00:30:12.880 as he says 00:30:12.880 --> 00:30:13.220 right here, 00:30:13.380 --> 00:30:14.200 grace given 00:30:14.200 --> 00:30:15.140 to us 00:30:15.140 --> 00:30:16.100 in that 00:30:16.100 --> 00:30:16.480 passage. 00:30:16.600 --> 00:30:16.940 Therefore, 00:30:17.700 --> 00:30:18.279 because we've 00:30:18.279 --> 00:30:18.920 received these 00:30:18.920 --> 00:30:19.600 gifts by God, 00:30:19.680 --> 00:30:19.880 grace, 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:21.200 let us use 00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:21.779 them, 00:30:22.360 --> 00:30:22.640 alright? 00:30:22.880 --> 00:30:23.360 In light 00:30:23.360 --> 00:30:23.640 of all 00:30:23.640 --> 00:30:23.920 that, 00:30:24.380 --> 00:30:24.920 Peter says 00:30:24.920 --> 00:30:26.140 it in a 00:30:26.140 --> 00:30:26.860 wonderful way 00:30:26.860 --> 00:30:28.120 about gifts 00:30:28.120 --> 00:30:28.740 in 1 Peter 00:30:28.740 --> 00:30:29.319 4.10, 00:30:29.960 --> 00:30:30.500 as each 00:30:30.500 --> 00:30:31.400 has received 00:30:31.400 --> 00:30:32.000 a gift, 00:30:33.160 --> 00:30:33.759 use it 00:30:33.759 --> 00:30:34.660 or employ 00:30:34.660 --> 00:30:34.940 it. 00:30:35.819 --> 00:30:36.080 You know, 00:30:36.120 --> 00:30:36.420 you've got 00:30:36.420 --> 00:30:37.920 this amazing 00:30:37.920 --> 00:30:38.400 tool, 00:30:39.100 --> 00:30:39.539 use it. 00:30:39.660 --> 00:30:40.019 Use it 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:40.340 for the 00:30:40.340 --> 00:30:40.779 function 00:30:40.779 --> 00:30:41.920 that God 00:30:41.920 --> 00:30:42.519 has ordained 00:30:42.519 --> 00:30:42.900 for it, 00:30:42.900 --> 00:30:43.500 to serve 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:44.480 one another 00:30:44.480 --> 00:30:45.620 as good 00:30:45.620 --> 00:30:46.140 stewards 00:30:46.140 --> 00:30:46.759 of God's 00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:47.620 very grace. 00:30:47.619 --> 00:30:47.679 gifts. 00:30:48.779 --> 00:30:49.139 So, 00:30:49.419 --> 00:30:50.119 I think 00:30:50.119 --> 00:30:50.579 it's pretty 00:30:50.579 --> 00:30:51.599 well accepted 00:30:51.599 --> 00:30:53.039 on any 00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:53.799 side of 00:30:53.799 --> 00:30:54.179 the aisle. 00:30:55.319 --> 00:30:55.779 There's just 00:30:55.779 --> 00:30:56.559 a definition 00:30:56.559 --> 00:30:57.239 for you. 00:30:58.039 --> 00:30:58.479 A spiritual 00:30:58.479 --> 00:30:59.000 gift is 00:30:59.000 --> 00:30:59.719 an ability 00:30:59.719 --> 00:31:00.299 that is 00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:00.619 given 00:31:00.619 --> 00:31:01.739 and empowered 00:31:01.739 --> 00:31:02.859 by the 00:31:02.859 --> 00:31:03.519 Holy Spirit 00:31:03.519 --> 00:31:05.000 to be used 00:31:05.000 --> 00:31:05.419 in any 00:31:05.419 --> 00:31:05.879 ministry 00:31:05.879 --> 00:31:06.279 of the 00:31:06.279 --> 00:31:06.659 church 00:31:06.659 --> 00:31:08.000 for its 00:31:08.000 --> 00:31:08.579 equipping 00:31:08.579 --> 00:31:10.359 and strengthening 00:31:10.359 --> 00:31:11.959 until 00:31:11.959 --> 00:31:13.119 Christ returns. 00:31:13.119 --> 00:31:26.659 The most 00:31:26.659 --> 00:31:27.539 familiar list 00:31:27.539 --> 00:31:28.039 of these 00:31:28.039 --> 00:31:28.379 are in 00:31:28.379 --> 00:31:29.319 1 Peter 4, 00:31:30.299 --> 00:31:31.439 Romans 12, 00:31:31.679 --> 00:31:32.799 1 Corinthians 12, 00:31:33.039 --> 00:31:33.859 and Ephesians 4. 00:31:34.699 --> 00:31:35.059 So, 00:31:35.399 --> 00:31:36.699 all kind of 00:31:36.699 --> 00:31:37.279 coming together. 00:31:38.159 --> 00:31:38.339 But, 00:31:38.579 --> 00:31:38.939 you know, 00:31:38.959 --> 00:31:39.399 just to pose 00:31:39.399 --> 00:31:39.879 the question 00:31:39.879 --> 00:31:40.119 though, 00:31:40.199 --> 00:31:40.319 like, 00:31:40.399 --> 00:31:41.039 why are 00:31:41.039 --> 00:31:41.459 spiritual 00:31:41.459 --> 00:31:42.139 gifts so 00:31:42.139 --> 00:31:42.799 controversial? 00:31:43.119 --> 00:31:45.539 you know, 00:31:45.659 --> 00:31:46.079 again, 00:31:46.139 --> 00:31:46.619 we preach 00:31:46.619 --> 00:31:47.239 verse by 00:31:47.239 --> 00:31:47.659 verse, 00:31:48.359 --> 00:31:48.639 and this 00:31:48.639 --> 00:31:49.000 is one of 00:31:49.000 --> 00:31:49.479 the passages 00:31:49.479 --> 00:31:49.939 that some 00:31:49.939 --> 00:31:50.199 people will 00:31:50.199 --> 00:31:50.319 be like, 00:31:50.339 --> 00:31:50.759 I just don't 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.019 want to 00:31:51.019 --> 00:31:51.399 touch that 00:31:51.399 --> 00:31:51.599 one, 00:31:51.879 --> 00:31:52.539 because I'm 00:31:52.539 --> 00:31:52.959 afraid of 00:31:52.959 --> 00:31:54.019 what might 00:31:54.019 --> 00:31:54.399 happen, 00:31:54.719 --> 00:31:55.259 how people 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:55.899 will respond. 00:31:56.559 --> 00:31:56.879 But we 00:31:56.879 --> 00:31:57.339 have a 00:31:57.339 --> 00:31:58.059 tendency to 00:31:58.059 --> 00:31:58.500 wrap up 00:31:58.500 --> 00:31:59.099 too much 00:31:59.099 --> 00:31:59.579 of our 00:31:59.579 --> 00:32:00.679 worth and 00:32:00.679 --> 00:32:01.319 our identity 00:32:01.319 --> 00:32:01.759 and our 00:32:01.759 --> 00:32:02.439 giftedness, 00:32:02.479 --> 00:32:02.839 and I think 00:32:02.839 --> 00:32:03.359 that's one 00:32:03.359 --> 00:32:04.019 reason that 00:32:04.019 --> 00:32:05.259 we tend 00:32:05.259 --> 00:32:05.839 to quarrel 00:32:05.839 --> 00:32:06.239 over these 00:32:06.239 --> 00:32:06.539 things. 00:32:06.619 --> 00:32:06.859 It gives 00:32:06.859 --> 00:32:07.339 us a chance 00:32:07.339 --> 00:32:07.699 to become 00:32:07.699 --> 00:32:08.459 tribal and 00:32:08.459 --> 00:32:09.159 pick a 00:32:09.159 --> 00:32:09.519 camp, 00:32:10.059 --> 00:32:11.219 and so 00:32:11.219 --> 00:32:11.500 we're not 00:32:11.500 --> 00:32:11.899 going to do 00:32:11.899 --> 00:32:12.099 that. 00:32:12.099 --> 00:32:12.799 But the 00:32:12.799 --> 00:32:13.000 most 00:32:13.000 --> 00:32:13.639 controversial 00:32:13.639 --> 00:32:15.079 gifts of 00:32:15.079 --> 00:32:15.519 the Spirit 00:32:15.519 --> 00:32:16.179 are healing, 00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:16.879 miracles, 00:32:17.819 --> 00:32:18.159 prophecy, 00:32:18.659 --> 00:32:19.039 tongues, 00:32:19.759 --> 00:32:20.079 and their 00:32:20.079 --> 00:32:20.740 interpretation, 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:21.719 all found in 00:32:21.719 --> 00:32:22.839 1 Corinthians 12, 00:32:23.599 --> 00:32:24.359 9 and 10. 00:32:25.240 --> 00:32:25.599 So, 00:32:26.359 --> 00:32:27.019 I will go 00:32:27.019 --> 00:32:27.259 ahead and 00:32:27.259 --> 00:32:27.719 just say 00:32:27.719 --> 00:32:29.240 that there 00:32:29.240 --> 00:32:29.980 are two 00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:33.379 main views 00:32:33.379 --> 00:32:33.939 of the 00:32:33.939 --> 00:32:34.240 gifts, 00:32:34.859 --> 00:32:35.459 of these 00:32:35.459 --> 00:32:36.740 controversial 00:32:36.740 --> 00:32:37.519 gifts. 00:32:37.519 --> 00:32:37.579 things. 00:32:38.579 --> 00:32:39.900 And to 00:32:39.900 --> 00:32:40.500 the best 00:32:40.500 --> 00:32:41.000 of my 00:32:41.000 --> 00:32:41.579 knowledge, 00:32:42.779 --> 00:32:43.160 our 00:32:43.160 --> 00:32:43.759 congregation 00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:44.599 is almost 00:32:44.599 --> 00:32:45.119 split down 00:32:45.119 --> 00:32:45.519 the middle, 00:32:45.680 --> 00:32:45.940 okay? 00:32:46.539 --> 00:32:47.460 I think. 00:32:48.139 --> 00:32:48.900 That's just 00:32:48.900 --> 00:32:50.059 my observation. 00:32:51.279 --> 00:32:52.900 And these 00:32:52.900 --> 00:32:53.680 don't define 00:32:53.680 --> 00:32:54.039 us. 00:32:54.240 --> 00:32:54.720 They're not 00:32:54.720 --> 00:32:55.859 first-tier 00:32:55.859 --> 00:32:56.539 issues at 00:32:56.539 --> 00:32:56.859 all. 00:32:57.660 --> 00:32:58.279 They're not 00:32:58.279 --> 00:32:58.740 something to 00:32:58.740 --> 00:32:59.220 fight and 00:32:59.220 --> 00:32:59.839 divide over. 00:33:00.400 --> 00:33:00.920 Wouldn't that be 00:33:00.920 --> 00:33:01.339 a shame? 00:33:01.440 --> 00:33:01.539 Like, 00:33:01.539 --> 00:33:02.019 everything is 00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:02.400 supposed to 00:33:02.400 --> 00:33:02.680 make us 00:33:02.680 --> 00:33:03.319 stronger and 00:33:03.319 --> 00:33:04.059 tearing us 00:33:04.059 --> 00:33:04.400 apart. 00:33:04.400 --> 00:33:05.500 But, 00:33:05.620 --> 00:33:06.320 there are 00:33:06.320 --> 00:33:06.800 two main 00:33:06.800 --> 00:33:07.200 views. 00:33:07.860 --> 00:33:08.300 There's 00:33:08.300 --> 00:33:09.420 cessationism, 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:11.480 which is the 00:33:11.480 --> 00:33:12.259 view that some 00:33:12.259 --> 00:33:12.880 of the charismatic 00:33:12.880 --> 00:33:13.600 gifts of the 00:33:13.600 --> 00:33:14.160 Holy Spirit, 00:33:14.600 --> 00:33:15.360 such as tongues, 00:33:15.560 --> 00:33:15.980 prophecy, 00:33:16.700 --> 00:33:17.540 have ceased 00:33:17.540 --> 00:33:19.560 being practiced 00:33:19.560 --> 00:33:21.100 since the early 00:33:21.100 --> 00:33:21.580 church, 00:33:22.240 --> 00:33:23.560 especially following 00:33:23.560 --> 00:33:25.140 the compiling of 00:33:25.140 --> 00:33:25.660 the canon of 00:33:25.660 --> 00:33:25.920 Scripture. 00:33:26.880 --> 00:33:27.100 All right? 00:33:27.160 --> 00:33:27.300 Like, 00:33:27.300 --> 00:33:27.820 so those gifts 00:33:27.820 --> 00:33:28.280 have stopped. 00:33:28.380 --> 00:33:28.620 They served 00:33:28.620 --> 00:33:29.480 a purpose for 00:33:29.480 --> 00:33:29.980 a time, 00:33:30.600 --> 00:33:31.160 and now they've 00:33:31.160 --> 00:33:31.519 ceased. 00:33:31.780 --> 00:33:32.160 And now, 00:33:32.660 --> 00:33:33.180 it's just 00:33:33.180 --> 00:33:34.660 that ceased 00:33:34.660 --> 00:33:35.019 with the 00:33:35.019 --> 00:33:35.420 coming of 00:33:35.420 --> 00:33:35.799 the Scripture 00:33:35.799 --> 00:33:36.460 particularly. 00:33:37.380 --> 00:33:38.160 And there 00:33:38.160 --> 00:33:38.560 are many 00:33:38.560 --> 00:33:39.259 faithful brothers 00:33:39.259 --> 00:33:39.700 in this 00:33:39.700 --> 00:33:40.060 church, 00:33:40.180 --> 00:33:41.400 and men 00:33:41.400 --> 00:33:41.820 that I do 00:33:41.820 --> 00:33:42.380 respect. 00:33:43.180 --> 00:33:43.860 John MacArthur 00:33:43.860 --> 00:33:44.240 is probably 00:33:44.240 --> 00:33:44.600 the most 00:33:44.600 --> 00:33:46.259 noted guy 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:46.600 in this 00:33:46.600 --> 00:33:46.940 camp, 00:33:47.660 --> 00:33:48.120 but there 00:33:48.120 --> 00:33:48.759 are others. 00:33:49.840 --> 00:33:51.259 And this 00:33:51.259 --> 00:33:51.539 is a 00:33:51.539 --> 00:33:52.200 misconception 00:33:52.200 --> 00:33:53.759 about 00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:54.600 cessationists, 00:33:54.680 --> 00:33:54.860 okay? 00:33:56.140 --> 00:33:56.980 About them. 00:33:58.019 --> 00:33:58.400 That would 00:33:58.400 --> 00:33:58.900 be they don't 00:33:58.900 --> 00:33:59.640 believe that 00:33:59.640 --> 00:34:00.120 God heals 00:34:00.120 --> 00:34:00.560 people, 00:34:00.779 --> 00:34:01.259 or that God 00:34:01.259 --> 00:34:01.740 doesn't do 00:34:01.740 --> 00:34:02.600 miraculous things 00:34:02.600 --> 00:34:03.060 anymore. 00:34:03.940 --> 00:34:04.420 They don't 00:34:04.420 --> 00:34:05.039 really believe 00:34:05.039 --> 00:34:05.759 the Holy Spirit 00:34:05.759 --> 00:34:06.380 is active 00:34:06.380 --> 00:34:07.519 in the life 00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:08.180 of the church. 00:34:08.700 --> 00:34:09.139 That's not 00:34:09.139 --> 00:34:09.460 true. 00:34:10.539 --> 00:34:10.700 Like, 00:34:10.720 --> 00:34:11.519 the cessationists 00:34:11.519 --> 00:34:11.940 that I know 00:34:11.940 --> 00:34:12.619 don't believe 00:34:12.619 --> 00:34:13.260 that at all. 00:34:13.980 --> 00:34:14.380 That's a 00:34:14.380 --> 00:34:14.880 misconception 00:34:14.880 --> 00:34:16.380 from the 00:34:16.380 --> 00:34:16.980 other side. 00:34:18.380 --> 00:34:18.740 And then 00:34:18.740 --> 00:34:19.260 there's 00:34:19.260 --> 00:34:21.019 continuationism. 00:34:22.619 --> 00:34:23.280 There's so 00:34:23.280 --> 00:34:23.599 many different 00:34:23.599 --> 00:34:24.119 ways to 00:34:24.119 --> 00:34:25.320 frame this, 00:34:25.380 --> 00:34:26.380 but in 00:34:26.380 --> 00:34:26.760 short, 00:34:27.519 --> 00:34:27.860 that the 00:34:27.860 --> 00:34:28.220 charismatic 00:34:28.220 --> 00:34:28.860 gifts of 00:34:28.860 --> 00:34:29.539 the Holy Spirit, 00:34:29.659 --> 00:34:29.940 such as 00:34:29.940 --> 00:34:30.180 tongues, 00:34:30.320 --> 00:34:30.619 prophecy, 00:34:30.760 --> 00:34:31.039 healing, 00:34:31.039 --> 00:34:32.179 are still 00:34:32.179 --> 00:34:32.880 in operation 00:34:32.880 --> 00:34:34.019 today, 00:34:34.119 --> 00:34:34.539 as they 00:34:34.539 --> 00:34:35.019 were in 00:34:35.019 --> 00:34:35.360 the early 00:34:35.360 --> 00:34:35.840 part of 00:34:35.840 --> 00:34:36.360 the church, 00:34:36.360 --> 00:34:37.199 and they 00:34:37.199 --> 00:34:37.779 will continue 00:34:37.779 --> 00:34:38.840 until Christ 00:34:38.840 --> 00:34:39.559 returns. 00:34:40.800 --> 00:34:41.759 So here are 00:34:41.759 --> 00:34:42.480 some misconceptions 00:34:42.480 --> 00:34:43.079 about 00:34:43.079 --> 00:34:44.800 continuationists. 00:34:45.360 --> 00:34:45.960 They all 00:34:45.960 --> 00:34:46.420 believe in 00:34:46.420 --> 00:34:46.659 health, 00:34:46.800 --> 00:34:46.960 wealth, 00:34:47.000 --> 00:34:47.659 and prosperity. 00:34:49.039 --> 00:34:49.340 Like, 00:34:49.579 --> 00:34:50.179 unfortunately, 00:34:50.539 --> 00:34:51.440 there are many 00:34:51.440 --> 00:34:52.279 people on TV 00:34:52.279 --> 00:34:52.840 and other 00:34:52.840 --> 00:34:53.460 places that 00:34:53.460 --> 00:34:54.380 really abuse 00:34:54.380 --> 00:34:54.940 this stuff, 00:34:55.039 --> 00:34:56.539 and that we 00:34:56.539 --> 00:34:57.039 would not 00:34:57.039 --> 00:34:57.940 ever associate 00:34:57.940 --> 00:34:58.480 with, 00:34:59.420 --> 00:34:59.719 right? 00:35:00.579 --> 00:35:01.139 Name it 00:35:01.139 --> 00:35:01.719 and claim it. 00:35:02.440 --> 00:35:02.739 Or they 00:35:02.739 --> 00:35:03.139 think that 00:35:03.139 --> 00:35:03.759 God still 00:35:03.759 --> 00:35:04.699 speaks through 00:35:04.699 --> 00:35:05.920 prophets, 00:35:06.099 --> 00:35:06.779 thus saying 00:35:06.779 --> 00:35:07.699 the Bible 00:35:07.699 --> 00:35:08.199 is not 00:35:08.199 --> 00:35:08.699 sufficient. 00:35:09.860 --> 00:35:10.539 That's not 00:35:10.539 --> 00:35:10.820 true. 00:35:12.039 --> 00:35:12.539 I, 00:35:12.579 --> 00:35:13.000 myself, 00:35:13.159 --> 00:35:13.619 am a 00:35:13.619 --> 00:35:14.599 continuationist, 00:35:15.320 --> 00:35:16.019 and like you, 00:35:16.179 --> 00:35:16.739 so a big 00:35:16.739 --> 00:35:17.340 example would 00:35:17.340 --> 00:35:18.960 be cessation 00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:19.380 was to say, 00:35:19.480 --> 00:35:19.639 hey, 00:35:19.719 --> 00:35:20.139 the Bible 00:35:20.139 --> 00:35:20.960 is sufficient, 00:35:21.619 --> 00:35:22.679 so why do 00:35:22.679 --> 00:35:22.960 we need 00:35:22.960 --> 00:35:23.239 all this 00:35:23.239 --> 00:35:23.579 stuff? 00:35:24.300 --> 00:35:24.599 As we 00:35:24.599 --> 00:35:25.059 would say, 00:35:25.139 --> 00:35:25.779 it is because 00:35:25.779 --> 00:35:26.380 the Bible 00:35:26.380 --> 00:35:26.980 is sufficient. 00:35:27.699 --> 00:35:28.079 that we 00:35:28.079 --> 00:35:28.659 practice these 00:35:28.659 --> 00:35:28.880 things. 00:35:28.920 --> 00:35:29.360 It says to 00:35:29.360 --> 00:35:29.940 practice them 00:35:29.940 --> 00:35:30.460 in the Bible. 00:35:31.420 --> 00:35:31.800 So that's, 00:35:32.119 --> 00:35:32.360 yeah, 00:35:32.500 --> 00:35:33.239 we agree, 00:35:33.320 --> 00:35:33.840 it's sufficient. 00:35:35.019 --> 00:35:35.360 So, 00:35:36.320 --> 00:35:36.960 the goal today 00:35:36.960 --> 00:35:37.400 is not to 00:35:37.400 --> 00:35:39.279 unpack all 00:35:39.279 --> 00:35:39.860 the different 00:35:39.860 --> 00:35:41.460 differences 00:35:41.460 --> 00:35:43.079 and issues 00:35:43.079 --> 00:35:43.599 that each 00:35:43.599 --> 00:35:44.179 camp has 00:35:44.179 --> 00:35:44.500 with the 00:35:44.500 --> 00:35:44.719 other. 00:35:45.519 --> 00:35:45.980 That's not 00:35:45.980 --> 00:35:46.320 really the 00:35:46.320 --> 00:35:46.420 goal. 00:35:46.480 --> 00:35:46.579 I don't 00:35:46.579 --> 00:35:46.820 think that's 00:35:46.820 --> 00:35:47.420 what Paul 00:35:47.420 --> 00:35:48.000 meant by 00:35:48.000 --> 00:35:48.500 writing any 00:35:48.500 --> 00:35:48.900 of this. 00:35:50.239 --> 00:35:50.679 But, 00:35:50.960 --> 00:35:51.739 as we move 00:35:51.739 --> 00:35:52.099 forward as 00:35:52.099 --> 00:35:52.440 a church, 00:35:52.559 --> 00:35:53.380 I hope we 00:35:53.380 --> 00:35:54.119 can find ways 00:35:54.119 --> 00:35:55.380 to cooperate 00:35:55.380 --> 00:35:56.539 and move 00:35:56.539 --> 00:35:56.980 forward in 00:35:56.980 --> 00:35:57.259 a way 00:35:57.259 --> 00:35:58.300 that's 00:35:58.300 --> 00:35:59.199 glorifying 00:35:59.199 --> 00:35:59.659 to God 00:35:59.659 --> 00:36:00.059 and loving 00:36:00.059 --> 00:36:00.559 to the rest 00:36:00.559 --> 00:36:01.099 of the body. 00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:02.779 So, 00:36:03.500 --> 00:36:04.039 just a few 00:36:04.039 --> 00:36:04.440 things, 00:36:04.480 --> 00:36:04.759 and then we'll 00:36:04.759 --> 00:36:05.139 see what we 00:36:05.139 --> 00:36:05.500 can do 00:36:05.500 --> 00:36:07.059 to get here 00:36:07.059 --> 00:36:08.320 with these 00:36:08.320 --> 00:36:08.960 gifts. 00:36:09.619 --> 00:36:10.099 Just trying to 00:36:10.099 --> 00:36:10.639 watch the time 00:36:10.639 --> 00:36:11.159 a little bit. 00:36:12.119 --> 00:36:12.860 It's important 00:36:12.860 --> 00:36:13.420 to understand 00:36:13.420 --> 00:36:14.820 why we have 00:36:14.820 --> 00:36:15.639 spiritual gifts. 00:36:16.199 --> 00:36:16.800 Why do we 00:36:16.800 --> 00:36:17.119 have them? 00:36:17.300 --> 00:36:18.380 I have at 00:36:18.380 --> 00:36:18.900 least four 00:36:18.900 --> 00:36:19.500 reasons why 00:36:19.500 --> 00:36:19.840 we have 00:36:19.840 --> 00:36:20.019 them, 00:36:20.139 --> 00:36:20.380 okay? 00:36:20.380 --> 00:36:21.880 and they're 00:36:21.880 --> 00:36:22.559 not exhausted 00:36:22.559 --> 00:36:22.960 but there's 00:36:22.960 --> 00:36:23.340 just a few. 00:36:23.880 --> 00:36:24.500 But the 00:36:24.500 --> 00:36:25.200 ultimate one 00:36:25.200 --> 00:36:25.780 is to bring 00:36:25.780 --> 00:36:27.760 glory to 00:36:27.760 --> 00:36:28.740 Christ through 00:36:28.740 --> 00:36:29.400 his church. 00:36:30.280 --> 00:36:31.039 Peter wrote 00:36:31.039 --> 00:36:32.160 that God 00:36:32.160 --> 00:36:32.760 gives us 00:36:32.760 --> 00:36:33.240 gifts. 00:36:33.920 --> 00:36:34.360 He says 00:36:34.360 --> 00:36:34.640 this, 00:36:34.700 --> 00:36:35.059 as each 00:36:35.059 --> 00:36:35.720 has received 00:36:35.720 --> 00:36:36.099 a gift, 00:36:36.220 --> 00:36:36.920 use it to 00:36:36.920 --> 00:36:37.539 serve one 00:36:37.539 --> 00:36:38.700 another in 00:36:38.700 --> 00:36:39.160 order that 00:36:39.160 --> 00:36:39.860 in everything 00:36:39.860 --> 00:36:41.599 God may be 00:36:41.599 --> 00:36:43.519 glorified through 00:36:43.519 --> 00:36:44.599 Jesus Christ. 00:36:45.099 --> 00:36:45.820 To him belong 00:36:45.820 --> 00:36:46.640 glory and 00:36:46.640 --> 00:36:47.539 dominion forever 00:36:47.539 --> 00:36:48.039 and ever. 00:36:48.039 --> 00:36:48.400 So, 00:36:48.880 --> 00:36:49.340 first and 00:36:49.340 --> 00:36:49.719 foremost, 00:36:49.860 --> 00:36:50.119 the gifts 00:36:50.119 --> 00:36:50.480 are given 00:36:50.480 --> 00:36:50.800 to us 00:36:50.800 --> 00:36:51.300 not to 00:36:51.300 --> 00:36:51.639 make a 00:36:51.639 --> 00:36:52.079 name for 00:36:52.079 --> 00:36:52.659 ourselves, 00:36:53.239 --> 00:36:53.659 which we've 00:36:53.659 --> 00:36:53.900 covered. 00:36:54.019 --> 00:36:54.360 It's also 00:36:54.360 --> 00:36:54.679 not to 00:36:54.679 --> 00:36:54.980 make a 00:36:54.980 --> 00:36:55.440 name for 00:36:55.440 --> 00:36:56.099 our church. 00:36:56.900 --> 00:36:57.340 And how 00:36:57.340 --> 00:36:57.860 many churches 00:36:57.860 --> 00:36:58.420 do you know 00:36:58.420 --> 00:36:58.980 that boast 00:36:58.980 --> 00:37:00.360 about their 00:37:00.360 --> 00:37:01.599 preacher or 00:37:01.599 --> 00:37:02.619 their ministry? 00:37:02.759 --> 00:37:03.039 And that's 00:37:03.039 --> 00:37:03.460 like their 00:37:03.460 --> 00:37:03.960 boast. 00:37:04.619 --> 00:37:05.300 And that's 00:37:05.300 --> 00:37:05.659 not the 00:37:05.659 --> 00:37:05.860 goal. 00:37:05.940 --> 00:37:06.239 The goal 00:37:06.239 --> 00:37:06.659 is to 00:37:06.659 --> 00:37:07.880 point to 00:37:07.880 --> 00:37:08.440 Christ and 00:37:08.440 --> 00:37:08.960 to glorify 00:37:08.960 --> 00:37:09.539 him in all 00:37:09.539 --> 00:37:09.800 things. 00:37:09.860 --> 00:37:10.079 We are 00:37:10.079 --> 00:37:11.679 stewards of 00:37:11.679 --> 00:37:12.119 the gifts 00:37:12.119 --> 00:37:12.619 that he's 00:37:12.619 --> 00:37:13.019 given to 00:37:13.019 --> 00:37:13.340 us. 00:37:13.940 --> 00:37:14.400 And not 00:37:14.400 --> 00:37:14.940 to depend 00:37:14.940 --> 00:37:15.380 on our 00:37:15.380 --> 00:37:16.739 own strength, 00:37:17.460 --> 00:37:17.980 but depend 00:37:17.980 --> 00:37:18.340 on the 00:37:18.340 --> 00:37:18.920 strength that 00:37:18.920 --> 00:37:20.300 God supplies 00:37:20.300 --> 00:37:21.420 so that he 00:37:21.420 --> 00:37:22.840 alone gets 00:37:22.840 --> 00:37:23.320 the glory. 00:37:24.159 --> 00:37:24.599 That's the 00:37:24.599 --> 00:37:25.099 most important 00:37:25.099 --> 00:37:25.440 one. 00:37:26.340 --> 00:37:26.900 Underneath 00:37:26.900 --> 00:37:27.179 that, 00:37:27.320 --> 00:37:27.679 secondly, 00:37:28.719 --> 00:37:29.480 to equip 00:37:29.480 --> 00:37:30.079 and build 00:37:30.079 --> 00:37:30.480 up the 00:37:30.480 --> 00:37:31.719 church with 00:37:31.719 --> 00:37:32.099 both our 00:37:32.099 --> 00:37:32.679 words and 00:37:32.679 --> 00:37:33.079 our deeds 00:37:33.079 --> 00:37:33.679 inside the 00:37:33.679 --> 00:37:33.980 body. 00:37:34.719 --> 00:37:35.699 Our words 00:37:35.699 --> 00:37:36.199 and our deeds 00:37:36.199 --> 00:37:37.039 either serve 00:37:37.039 --> 00:37:37.559 to tear 00:37:37.559 --> 00:37:39.320 down or 00:37:39.320 --> 00:37:39.699 to build 00:37:39.699 --> 00:37:40.039 up. 00:37:40.940 --> 00:37:41.240 Right? 00:37:41.420 --> 00:37:42.139 And when we 00:37:42.139 --> 00:37:42.740 cherish 00:37:42.740 --> 00:37:44.880 over-exaggerated 00:37:44.880 --> 00:37:45.840 ideas of our 00:37:45.840 --> 00:37:46.880 own importance, 00:37:47.340 --> 00:37:48.160 it only 00:37:48.160 --> 00:37:48.900 tears down 00:37:48.900 --> 00:37:49.680 the local 00:37:49.680 --> 00:37:50.079 body. 00:37:51.539 --> 00:37:51.760 Gifts 00:37:51.760 --> 00:37:52.640 are tools 00:37:52.640 --> 00:37:54.079 to build 00:37:54.079 --> 00:37:54.480 with, 00:37:54.840 --> 00:37:56.019 not toys 00:37:56.019 --> 00:37:56.440 to play 00:37:56.440 --> 00:37:56.860 with or 00:37:56.860 --> 00:37:57.460 weapons to 00:37:57.460 --> 00:37:57.760 beat each 00:37:57.760 --> 00:37:58.079 other in the 00:37:58.079 --> 00:37:58.519 head with. 00:37:59.300 --> 00:38:00.000 We focus 00:38:00.000 --> 00:38:00.720 on honoring 00:38:00.720 --> 00:38:01.420 Christ with 00:38:01.420 --> 00:38:01.800 our gifts 00:38:01.800 --> 00:38:02.500 with humility 00:38:02.500 --> 00:38:03.039 and love 00:38:03.039 --> 00:38:03.620 towards 00:38:03.620 --> 00:38:04.519 fellow 00:38:04.519 --> 00:38:05.200 believers. 00:38:05.860 --> 00:38:06.620 This is 00:38:06.620 --> 00:38:07.380 everywhere in 00:38:07.380 --> 00:38:07.940 these passages 00:38:07.940 --> 00:38:08.700 about gifts. 00:38:09.480 --> 00:38:10.019 1 Corinthians 00:38:10.019 --> 00:38:10.559 14, 00:38:10.640 --> 00:38:11.000 26, 00:38:11.000 --> 00:38:11.719 let all 00:38:11.719 --> 00:38:12.380 things be 00:38:12.380 --> 00:38:14.019 done for 00:38:14.019 --> 00:38:14.880 the building 00:38:14.880 --> 00:38:15.260 up. 00:38:16.079 --> 00:38:16.519 It means 00:38:16.519 --> 00:38:17.139 constructive, 00:38:17.519 --> 00:38:18.059 edifying, 00:38:18.340 --> 00:38:18.739 good for 00:38:18.739 --> 00:38:19.400 all people. 00:38:20.679 --> 00:38:21.239 1 Corinthians 00:38:21.239 --> 00:38:21.619 12, 00:38:21.739 --> 00:38:22.079 7, 00:38:22.820 --> 00:38:23.300 but to each 00:38:23.300 --> 00:38:23.699 is given 00:38:23.699 --> 00:38:24.420 a manifestation 00:38:24.420 --> 00:38:25.000 of the 00:38:25.000 --> 00:38:25.639 Holy Spirit 00:38:25.639 --> 00:38:26.579 for the 00:38:26.579 --> 00:38:27.079 common 00:38:27.079 --> 00:38:28.539 good of 00:38:28.539 --> 00:38:29.019 the body. 00:38:30.340 --> 00:38:30.820 Ephesians 00:38:30.820 --> 00:38:31.199 4, 00:38:32.019 --> 00:38:32.420 the gifts 00:38:32.420 --> 00:38:32.880 help us 00:38:32.880 --> 00:38:33.500 to equip 00:38:33.500 --> 00:38:34.159 the saints 00:38:34.159 --> 00:38:35.039 for the 00:38:35.039 --> 00:38:35.420 work of 00:38:35.420 --> 00:38:35.780 ministry, 00:38:35.900 --> 00:38:36.400 for building 00:38:36.400 --> 00:38:37.099 up of the 00:38:37.099 --> 00:38:38.300 body of 00:38:38.300 --> 00:38:38.719 Christ. 00:38:38.719 --> 00:38:40.779 John 00:38:40.779 --> 00:38:41.339 Piper wrote 00:38:41.339 --> 00:38:41.599 this. 00:38:41.679 --> 00:38:41.899 I really 00:38:41.899 --> 00:38:43.359 appreciated it. 00:38:43.759 --> 00:38:44.179 He said, 00:38:44.899 --> 00:38:45.419 the handling 00:38:45.419 --> 00:38:46.039 of spiritual 00:38:46.039 --> 00:38:47.319 gifts is 00:38:47.319 --> 00:38:47.879 like handling 00:38:47.879 --> 00:38:48.539 dynamite. 00:38:49.259 --> 00:38:49.959 I knew 00:38:49.959 --> 00:38:51.019 a demo 00:38:51.019 --> 00:38:52.079 guy in 00:38:52.079 --> 00:38:52.439 the army 00:38:52.439 --> 00:38:52.980 many years 00:38:52.980 --> 00:38:53.659 ago and 00:38:53.659 --> 00:38:54.639 had classes 00:38:54.639 --> 00:38:54.899 with him 00:38:54.899 --> 00:38:55.379 talking about 00:38:55.379 --> 00:38:56.779 how you're 00:38:56.779 --> 00:38:57.299 holding so 00:38:57.299 --> 00:38:57.779 much stuff 00:38:57.779 --> 00:38:58.059 in your 00:38:58.059 --> 00:38:58.500 hand when 00:38:58.500 --> 00:38:58.919 you're putting 00:38:58.919 --> 00:38:59.179 all this 00:38:59.179 --> 00:38:59.739 stuff together 00:38:59.739 --> 00:39:00.819 and just 00:39:00.819 --> 00:39:01.139 the weight 00:39:01.139 --> 00:39:01.419 of that. 00:39:01.500 --> 00:39:01.980 The handling 00:39:01.980 --> 00:39:02.659 of spiritual 00:39:02.659 --> 00:39:03.139 gifts is 00:39:03.139 --> 00:39:03.799 like handling 00:39:03.799 --> 00:39:04.459 dynamite. 00:39:05.399 --> 00:39:05.959 Dynamis, 00:39:06.139 --> 00:39:06.500 the Greek 00:39:06.500 --> 00:39:07.059 word for 00:39:07.059 --> 00:39:07.559 power, 00:39:07.559 --> 00:39:08.860 is often 00:39:08.860 --> 00:39:10.159 used when 00:39:10.159 --> 00:39:10.820 referring to 00:39:10.820 --> 00:39:11.139 the Holy 00:39:11.139 --> 00:39:11.500 Spirit. 00:39:12.579 --> 00:39:13.159 When used 00:39:13.159 --> 00:39:13.659 rightly, 00:39:14.019 --> 00:39:14.360 the gifts 00:39:14.360 --> 00:39:15.500 are explosively 00:39:15.500 --> 00:39:16.119 loving. 00:39:16.960 --> 00:39:17.599 When used 00:39:17.599 --> 00:39:18.259 wrongly, 00:39:18.860 --> 00:39:19.259 they are 00:39:19.259 --> 00:39:19.960 explosively 00:39:19.960 --> 00:39:20.639 destructive. 00:39:21.460 --> 00:39:21.820 It is 00:39:21.820 --> 00:39:22.440 tempting to 00:39:22.440 --> 00:39:22.920 not use 00:39:22.920 --> 00:39:23.299 them at 00:39:23.299 --> 00:39:23.579 all. 00:39:24.599 --> 00:39:25.019 So that's 00:39:25.019 --> 00:39:25.460 another reason 00:39:25.460 --> 00:39:26.739 we tend 00:39:26.739 --> 00:39:26.980 to just 00:39:26.980 --> 00:39:27.320 not want 00:39:27.320 --> 00:39:27.480 to go 00:39:27.480 --> 00:39:27.860 down this 00:39:27.860 --> 00:39:28.159 road. 00:39:28.400 --> 00:39:29.159 But again, 00:39:29.259 --> 00:39:29.480 they're in 00:39:29.480 --> 00:39:29.880 the Scripture. 00:39:30.019 --> 00:39:30.199 We need 00:39:30.199 --> 00:39:30.659 to talk 00:39:30.659 --> 00:39:31.099 about them. 00:39:32.480 --> 00:39:32.960 Thirdly, 00:39:33.539 --> 00:39:34.019 while we have 00:39:34.019 --> 00:39:34.340 spiritual 00:39:34.340 --> 00:39:34.679 gifts, 00:39:34.779 --> 00:39:35.980 to strengthen 00:39:35.980 --> 00:39:37.480 unity. 00:39:38.519 --> 00:39:39.259 Not to 00:39:39.259 --> 00:39:39.639 create 00:39:39.639 --> 00:39:40.079 unity, 00:39:40.079 --> 00:39:41.059 but to 00:39:41.059 --> 00:39:41.480 strengthen 00:39:41.480 --> 00:39:42.139 unity. 00:39:42.820 --> 00:39:43.259 Paul wrote 00:39:43.259 --> 00:39:43.840 in Ephesians, 00:39:43.940 --> 00:39:44.619 Be eager to 00:39:44.619 --> 00:39:45.400 maintain the 00:39:45.400 --> 00:39:46.239 unity of the 00:39:46.239 --> 00:39:47.199 Spirit and 00:39:47.199 --> 00:39:47.920 the bond of 00:39:47.920 --> 00:39:48.360 peace. 00:39:48.980 --> 00:39:49.940 So we already 00:39:49.940 --> 00:39:50.920 possess unity 00:39:50.920 --> 00:39:51.699 in Christ. 00:39:52.219 --> 00:39:52.820 We are 00:39:52.820 --> 00:39:53.440 united to 00:39:53.440 --> 00:39:53.920 one another. 00:39:54.539 --> 00:39:54.960 So we are 00:39:54.960 --> 00:39:55.460 called to 00:39:55.460 --> 00:39:56.579 maintain that 00:39:56.579 --> 00:39:57.779 unity that 00:39:57.779 --> 00:39:58.739 already exists 00:39:58.739 --> 00:39:59.320 in the Spirit. 00:40:00.320 --> 00:40:01.019 So gifts 00:40:01.019 --> 00:40:02.599 are given to 00:40:02.599 --> 00:40:04.099 us to build 00:40:04.099 --> 00:40:04.840 upon, to 00:40:04.840 --> 00:40:05.699 strengthen, to 00:40:05.699 --> 00:40:06.380 toughen, to 00:40:06.380 --> 00:40:07.019 fortify, 00:40:07.019 --> 00:40:08.400 the already 00:40:08.400 --> 00:40:09.380 existing unity 00:40:09.380 --> 00:40:10.019 we have. 00:40:10.739 --> 00:40:11.119 And serving 00:40:11.119 --> 00:40:11.579 one another 00:40:11.579 --> 00:40:11.920 with our 00:40:11.920 --> 00:40:12.900 gifts is a 00:40:12.900 --> 00:40:13.219 way to 00:40:13.219 --> 00:40:13.579 prevent 00:40:13.579 --> 00:40:14.239 division. 00:40:15.079 --> 00:40:16.500 So again, 00:40:16.599 --> 00:40:17.079 the irony, 00:40:17.320 --> 00:40:18.480 what many 00:40:18.480 --> 00:40:18.840 people in 00:40:18.840 --> 00:40:19.099 the church 00:40:19.099 --> 00:40:19.380 want to 00:40:19.380 --> 00:40:19.900 fight over 00:40:19.900 --> 00:40:20.460 and divide 00:40:20.460 --> 00:40:21.699 over is 00:40:21.699 --> 00:40:22.059 the very 00:40:22.059 --> 00:40:22.480 thing that's 00:40:22.480 --> 00:40:23.059 supposed to 00:40:23.059 --> 00:40:23.440 be a 00:40:23.440 --> 00:40:23.900 strengthening, 00:40:25.199 --> 00:40:26.539 a fortifying 00:40:26.539 --> 00:40:26.940 of our 00:40:26.940 --> 00:40:27.280 unity. 00:40:28.059 --> 00:40:28.820 1 Corinthians 00:40:28.820 --> 00:40:29.679 12, 25, 00:40:30.360 --> 00:40:30.739 Paul wrote 00:40:30.739 --> 00:40:31.019 that there 00:40:31.019 --> 00:40:31.539 be no 00:40:31.539 --> 00:40:33.219 division in 00:40:33.219 --> 00:40:33.739 the body, 00:40:33.899 --> 00:40:34.939 but that 00:40:34.939 --> 00:40:35.579 the members 00:40:35.579 --> 00:40:36.079 may have 00:40:36.079 --> 00:40:36.659 mutual 00:40:36.659 --> 00:40:37.599 interest in 00:40:37.599 --> 00:40:38.279 and care 00:40:38.279 --> 00:40:39.099 for one 00:40:39.099 --> 00:40:39.439 another. 00:40:40.759 --> 00:40:41.980 So, and 00:40:41.980 --> 00:40:42.480 then lastly, 00:40:43.439 --> 00:40:44.459 to include 00:40:44.459 --> 00:40:45.139 all believers 00:40:45.139 --> 00:40:45.859 in the work 00:40:45.859 --> 00:40:46.139 of the 00:40:46.139 --> 00:40:46.379 Lord. 00:40:47.579 --> 00:40:48.359 So, in 00:40:48.359 --> 00:40:48.759 other words, 00:40:48.819 --> 00:40:49.219 the work of 00:40:49.219 --> 00:40:49.599 the church, 00:40:49.719 --> 00:40:50.059 the work of 00:40:50.059 --> 00:40:50.480 the ministry 00:40:50.480 --> 00:40:51.179 is not for 00:40:51.179 --> 00:40:51.619 a few 00:40:51.619 --> 00:40:53.059 highly gifted, 00:40:53.279 --> 00:40:53.659 talented, 00:40:53.859 --> 00:40:54.279 educated, 00:40:54.539 --> 00:40:54.839 elite. 00:40:55.599 --> 00:40:56.000 Right? 00:40:56.079 --> 00:40:56.480 They're for 00:40:56.480 --> 00:40:57.259 all of us. 00:40:57.259 --> 00:40:57.819 If you're a part 00:40:57.819 --> 00:40:58.359 of the church, 00:40:58.439 --> 00:40:58.919 you are born 00:40:58.920 --> 00:40:59.300 again. 00:41:00.119 --> 00:41:00.500 You are 00:41:00.500 --> 00:41:01.780 given gifts 00:41:01.780 --> 00:41:02.960 to help 00:41:02.960 --> 00:41:03.300 in the 00:41:03.300 --> 00:41:04.240 Lord's work. 00:41:04.820 --> 00:41:05.519 Every member 00:41:05.519 --> 00:41:06.420 has a role 00:41:06.420 --> 00:41:07.159 in the body. 00:41:08.420 --> 00:41:09.180 Now, you 00:41:09.180 --> 00:41:09.740 are the body 00:41:09.740 --> 00:41:10.240 of Christ 00:41:10.240 --> 00:41:10.980 and individually 00:41:10.980 --> 00:41:11.860 members of 00:41:11.860 --> 00:41:12.059 it. 00:41:12.880 --> 00:41:13.360 1 Corinthians 00:41:13.360 --> 00:41:14.300 12, 27. 00:41:15.300 --> 00:41:17.000 So, it's 00:41:17.000 --> 00:41:17.440 important to 00:41:17.440 --> 00:41:18.200 understand the 00:41:18.200 --> 00:41:19.300 why first. 00:41:20.420 --> 00:41:20.960 Just looking 00:41:20.960 --> 00:41:21.440 at our time. 00:41:23.700 --> 00:41:24.260 So, here's 00:41:24.260 --> 00:41:24.420 what I'm 00:41:24.420 --> 00:41:24.760 going to do. 00:41:25.700 --> 00:41:26.260 I'm going to 00:41:26.260 --> 00:41:26.740 work my way 00:41:26.740 --> 00:41:27.119 maybe through 00:41:27.119 --> 00:41:27.700 two of these. 00:41:28.320 --> 00:41:28.400 You know, 00:41:28.400 --> 00:41:28.740 may have to 00:41:28.740 --> 00:41:29.059 stop. 00:41:29.740 --> 00:41:30.019 And I'll 00:41:30.019 --> 00:41:30.240 pick them 00:41:30.240 --> 00:41:30.619 up for 00:41:30.619 --> 00:41:31.340 next week. 00:41:32.240 --> 00:41:33.079 So, don't 00:41:33.079 --> 00:41:33.559 worry, I 00:41:33.559 --> 00:41:34.180 say prophecy 00:41:34.180 --> 00:41:35.760 for next 00:41:35.760 --> 00:41:36.059 week. 00:41:37.240 --> 00:41:37.980 So, you'll 00:41:37.980 --> 00:41:38.340 be tempted 00:41:38.340 --> 00:41:38.700 to come 00:41:38.700 --> 00:41:39.039 back. 00:41:40.360 --> 00:41:40.960 So, anyway, 00:41:41.960 --> 00:41:42.599 even though 00:41:42.599 --> 00:41:42.960 it says 00:41:42.960 --> 00:41:43.820 prophecy first, 00:41:43.940 --> 00:41:44.139 and there 00:41:44.139 --> 00:41:44.599 may be some 00:41:44.599 --> 00:41:45.420 inspired reason 00:41:45.420 --> 00:41:46.059 that it is 00:41:46.059 --> 00:41:47.380 first, we're 00:41:47.380 --> 00:41:47.680 going to start 00:41:47.680 --> 00:41:48.280 with service. 00:41:49.220 --> 00:41:49.420 Alright? 00:41:50.300 --> 00:41:50.780 So, remember, 00:41:50.940 --> 00:41:52.139 these are the 00:41:52.139 --> 00:41:52.880 gifts that are 00:41:52.880 --> 00:41:53.240 mentioned. 00:41:53.380 --> 00:41:53.700 They're not 00:41:53.700 --> 00:41:54.360 meant to be 00:41:54.360 --> 00:41:55.420 exhaustive lists 00:41:55.420 --> 00:41:55.900 of gifts, 00:41:56.420 --> 00:41:57.240 but the 00:41:57.240 --> 00:41:58.079 variety in the 00:41:58.079 --> 00:41:58.619 body is 00:41:58.619 --> 00:41:59.400 evident through 00:41:59.400 --> 00:42:00.059 our various 00:42:00.059 --> 00:42:01.279 gifting in 00:42:01.279 --> 00:42:02.400 proportion to 00:42:02.400 --> 00:42:02.860 our faith. 00:42:03.639 --> 00:42:03.880 Alright? 00:42:05.159 --> 00:42:06.000 So, let's 00:42:06.000 --> 00:42:06.400 talk about 00:42:06.400 --> 00:42:07.239 service first. 00:42:07.299 --> 00:42:07.539 This is one 00:42:07.539 --> 00:42:07.960 that's clearly 00:42:07.960 --> 00:42:08.480 mentioned right 00:42:08.480 --> 00:42:08.799 here in our 00:42:08.799 --> 00:42:09.139 passage. 00:42:09.980 --> 00:42:10.860 The gift of 00:42:10.860 --> 00:42:11.799 service, or it's 00:42:11.799 --> 00:42:12.420 also called the 00:42:12.420 --> 00:42:12.759 gift of 00:42:12.759 --> 00:42:13.199 helps. 00:42:14.000 --> 00:42:14.840 A spirit-given 00:42:14.840 --> 00:42:15.940 capacity and 00:42:15.940 --> 00:42:16.579 desire to 00:42:16.579 --> 00:42:18.199 serve God by 00:42:18.199 --> 00:42:19.139 rendering practical 00:42:19.139 --> 00:42:20.659 help, both in 00:42:20.659 --> 00:42:21.279 physical and 00:42:21.279 --> 00:42:22.259 spiritual matters. 00:42:22.960 --> 00:42:24.159 It recognizes the 00:42:24.159 --> 00:42:25.420 practical needs in 00:42:25.420 --> 00:42:26.079 the body and 00:42:26.079 --> 00:42:27.559 joyfully goes to 00:42:27.559 --> 00:42:28.220 meet those needs 00:42:28.220 --> 00:42:28.659 of people. 00:42:29.240 --> 00:42:29.940 I know many of 00:42:29.940 --> 00:42:30.320 you that have 00:42:30.320 --> 00:42:30.880 this gift, and 00:42:30.880 --> 00:42:31.639 man, I'm so 00:42:31.639 --> 00:42:32.400 thankful for you. 00:42:33.619 --> 00:42:35.079 Christians that 00:42:35.079 --> 00:42:36.019 have that gift 00:42:36.019 --> 00:42:37.480 typically don't 00:42:37.480 --> 00:42:38.619 mind being behind 00:42:38.619 --> 00:42:39.180 the scenes. 00:42:39.880 --> 00:42:40.579 They don't like 00:42:40.579 --> 00:42:42.320 the attention. 00:42:42.579 --> 00:42:43.159 They don't like 00:42:43.159 --> 00:42:44.079 for you to point 00:42:44.079 --> 00:42:44.619 out what they're 00:42:44.619 --> 00:42:45.000 doing. 00:42:45.599 --> 00:42:46.220 They're just 00:42:46.220 --> 00:42:47.119 humbly doing it 00:42:47.119 --> 00:42:48.019 behind the scenes 00:42:48.019 --> 00:42:49.700 to honor God. 00:42:49.760 --> 00:42:50.420 And it's mentioned 00:42:50.420 --> 00:42:52.019 in 1 Corinthians, 00:42:52.019 --> 00:42:52.820 Romans, and 00:42:52.820 --> 00:42:53.420 in 1 Peter. 00:42:54.280 --> 00:42:54.780 Some biblical 00:42:54.780 --> 00:42:55.659 examples of that 00:42:55.659 --> 00:42:56.780 gift are Rebekah 00:42:56.780 --> 00:42:58.500 in Genesis 24, 00:42:58.800 --> 00:42:59.840 and then Tabitha 00:42:59.840 --> 00:43:01.880 in Acts 9. 00:43:02.920 --> 00:43:03.480 So some 00:43:03.480 --> 00:43:04.440 characteristics of 00:43:04.440 --> 00:43:05.119 that gift of 00:43:05.119 --> 00:43:06.199 serving, as 00:43:06.199 --> 00:43:06.539 again, like I 00:43:06.539 --> 00:43:07.800 said, they prefer 00:43:07.800 --> 00:43:08.619 to be behind the 00:43:08.619 --> 00:43:10.259 scenes, especially 00:43:10.259 --> 00:43:11.179 when it frees up 00:43:11.179 --> 00:43:12.599 other people to 00:43:12.599 --> 00:43:13.259 serve in a 00:43:13.259 --> 00:43:13.759 different role. 00:43:13.900 --> 00:43:14.559 Like, let me 00:43:14.559 --> 00:43:15.440 take that so you 00:43:15.440 --> 00:43:16.139 don't have to, and 00:43:16.139 --> 00:43:17.340 you can go and do 00:43:17.340 --> 00:43:18.420 that instead. 00:43:19.280 --> 00:43:20.039 People who tend 00:43:20.039 --> 00:43:20.840 to have that gift, 00:43:20.920 --> 00:43:21.500 and they enjoy 00:43:21.500 --> 00:43:22.780 helping without 00:43:22.780 --> 00:43:23.739 being asked, they 00:43:23.739 --> 00:43:24.619 take initiative, 00:43:25.679 --> 00:43:27.699 they see the 00:43:27.699 --> 00:43:28.639 practical needs of 00:43:28.639 --> 00:43:29.159 people in the 00:43:29.159 --> 00:43:30.519 church, and they 00:43:30.519 --> 00:43:32.280 usually are 00:43:32.280 --> 00:43:33.079 characterized by 00:43:33.079 --> 00:43:35.179 humility, quiet, 00:43:35.480 --> 00:43:36.320 and they're active. 00:43:37.260 --> 00:43:37.440 All right? 00:43:37.460 --> 00:43:37.920 Some of the 00:43:37.920 --> 00:43:38.960 misuses, though, 00:43:39.500 --> 00:43:41.420 of this gift is 00:43:41.420 --> 00:43:42.059 people who have 00:43:42.059 --> 00:43:42.980 this gift sometimes 00:43:42.980 --> 00:43:43.860 can become very 00:43:43.860 --> 00:43:45.780 weary in doing 00:43:45.780 --> 00:43:46.739 good, stressed, 00:43:47.519 --> 00:43:47.980 frustrated. 00:43:48.519 --> 00:43:49.300 They tend to 00:43:49.300 --> 00:43:49.880 take on more 00:43:49.880 --> 00:43:50.579 work than they 00:43:50.579 --> 00:43:51.819 should sometimes, 00:43:52.739 --> 00:43:53.539 and the 00:43:53.539 --> 00:43:55.239 admonishment to 00:43:55.239 --> 00:43:55.880 them is to not 00:43:55.880 --> 00:43:56.840 grow weary, but 00:43:56.840 --> 00:43:57.380 to continue 00:43:57.380 --> 00:43:58.980 serving with 00:43:58.980 --> 00:43:59.579 gladness. 00:44:00.880 --> 00:44:01.179 So that's 00:44:01.179 --> 00:44:01.599 service. 00:44:01.759 --> 00:44:02.980 Within teaching 00:44:02.980 --> 00:44:04.380 is mentioned. 00:44:05.659 --> 00:44:06.579 This may be an 00:44:06.579 --> 00:44:07.519 obvious one, but 00:44:07.519 --> 00:44:08.679 really clearly, 00:44:09.299 --> 00:44:09.819 the spirit of 00:44:09.819 --> 00:44:10.619 giving ability to 00:44:10.619 --> 00:44:11.679 instruct believers 00:44:11.679 --> 00:44:12.500 in the truths and 00:44:12.500 --> 00:44:13.179 doctrines of 00:44:13.179 --> 00:44:14.619 God's Word, to 00:44:14.619 --> 00:44:15.960 help explain it, 00:44:16.259 --> 00:44:17.000 clarify it, 00:44:17.599 --> 00:44:18.179 unpack it, and 00:44:18.179 --> 00:44:18.919 then help people 00:44:18.919 --> 00:44:20.299 apply it in 00:44:20.299 --> 00:44:21.899 their lives for 00:44:21.899 --> 00:44:22.779 the building up 00:44:22.779 --> 00:44:24.419 and unifying and 00:44:24.419 --> 00:44:25.759 maturing of the 00:44:25.759 --> 00:44:26.139 body. 00:44:27.019 --> 00:44:27.279 All right? 00:44:27.519 --> 00:44:28.279 So some people 00:44:28.279 --> 00:44:29.000 have that gift. 00:44:29.119 --> 00:44:29.980 Obviously, Paul had 00:44:29.980 --> 00:44:31.219 it, but also 00:44:31.219 --> 00:44:32.379 Apollos had it, 00:44:32.480 --> 00:44:34.000 Acts 18, 24. 00:44:35.239 --> 00:44:36.039 Some characteristics 00:44:36.039 --> 00:44:37.000 about this person 00:44:37.000 --> 00:44:37.559 is they have a 00:44:37.559 --> 00:44:39.259 desire, a 00:44:39.259 --> 00:44:39.960 commitment, and 00:44:39.960 --> 00:44:40.539 ability to 00:44:40.539 --> 00:44:41.480 communicate God's 00:44:41.480 --> 00:44:42.980 Word clearly and 00:44:42.980 --> 00:44:43.539 to help people 00:44:43.539 --> 00:44:44.199 apply it. 00:44:44.799 --> 00:44:45.319 They enjoy 00:44:45.319 --> 00:44:46.139 learning and 00:44:46.139 --> 00:44:47.559 diving into the 00:44:47.559 --> 00:44:48.339 Scripture, learning 00:44:48.339 --> 00:44:49.980 biblical truth, and 00:44:49.980 --> 00:44:50.659 the ability to help 00:44:50.659 --> 00:44:51.239 people understand 00:44:51.239 --> 00:44:52.259 hard passages and 00:44:52.259 --> 00:44:52.879 why they're there. 00:44:54.739 --> 00:44:55.559 Misuses of this 00:44:55.559 --> 00:44:57.139 gift, very true. 00:44:58.139 --> 00:44:58.739 As someone who 00:44:58.739 --> 00:44:59.739 at least I think 00:44:59.739 --> 00:45:00.579 has this gift, 00:45:01.480 --> 00:45:03.099 you expect others 00:45:03.099 --> 00:45:03.940 to completely tune 00:45:03.940 --> 00:45:04.739 in to you when 00:45:04.739 --> 00:45:05.219 you're talking. 00:45:06.000 --> 00:45:06.980 Like, just listen 00:45:06.980 --> 00:45:07.259 to me. 00:45:07.319 --> 00:45:07.619 I'm saying 00:45:07.619 --> 00:45:08.159 something important. 00:45:08.839 --> 00:45:09.599 And tend to get 00:45:09.599 --> 00:45:10.339 frustrated when 00:45:10.339 --> 00:45:11.079 people can't 00:45:11.079 --> 00:45:11.940 understand what 00:45:11.940 --> 00:45:12.420 you're teaching. 00:45:12.779 --> 00:45:13.359 That's some of 00:45:13.360 --> 00:45:14.460 the misuses. 00:45:17.480 --> 00:45:17.920 Alright, 00:45:18.180 --> 00:45:18.880 exhortation. 00:45:20.140 --> 00:45:20.840 Also in our 00:45:20.840 --> 00:45:21.220 passage. 00:45:22.440 --> 00:45:23.180 Those who have 00:45:23.180 --> 00:45:23.800 this gift 00:45:23.800 --> 00:45:25.000 encourage members 00:45:25.000 --> 00:45:26.099 to be involved 00:45:26.099 --> 00:45:27.380 joyfully, 00:45:27.640 --> 00:45:28.380 enthusiastically 00:45:28.380 --> 00:45:29.240 about the work 00:45:29.240 --> 00:45:29.760 of the Lord 00:45:29.760 --> 00:45:30.300 in the body. 00:45:31.120 --> 00:45:31.680 Members that 00:45:31.680 --> 00:45:32.360 have that gift 00:45:32.360 --> 00:45:33.160 usually are good 00:45:33.160 --> 00:45:33.680 counselors, 00:45:33.960 --> 00:45:34.200 they're people 00:45:34.200 --> 00:45:35.019 who motivate, 00:45:35.740 --> 00:45:36.079 they're people 00:45:36.079 --> 00:45:37.240 that when you're 00:45:37.240 --> 00:45:37.620 going through a 00:45:37.620 --> 00:45:38.059 hard time, 00:45:38.120 --> 00:45:38.480 they're usually 00:45:38.480 --> 00:45:38.820 the people you 00:45:38.820 --> 00:45:39.360 want to go talk 00:45:39.360 --> 00:45:39.920 to sometimes 00:45:39.920 --> 00:45:40.539 to help you 00:45:40.539 --> 00:45:42.500 get pushed on. 00:45:42.500 --> 00:45:43.440 the word 00:45:43.440 --> 00:45:44.099 actually means 00:45:44.099 --> 00:45:44.500 like coming 00:45:44.500 --> 00:45:45.699 alongside somebody 00:45:45.699 --> 00:45:46.280 that's not 00:45:46.280 --> 00:45:46.800 doing well 00:45:46.800 --> 00:45:47.139 and helping 00:45:47.139 --> 00:45:48.619 them go the 00:45:48.619 --> 00:45:49.239 right direction 00:45:49.239 --> 00:45:49.579 when they're 00:45:49.579 --> 00:45:50.019 wanting to 00:45:50.019 --> 00:45:50.800 just quit. 00:45:51.719 --> 00:45:51.820 Right? 00:45:53.460 --> 00:45:53.960 Biblical 00:45:53.960 --> 00:45:54.699 examples of 00:45:54.699 --> 00:45:55.400 this you see 00:45:55.400 --> 00:45:56.119 is Barnabas, 00:45:56.239 --> 00:45:56.760 Acts 4, 00:45:56.840 --> 00:45:57.360 36. 00:45:59.159 --> 00:45:59.679 Characteristics 00:45:59.679 --> 00:46:01.079 of it is 00:46:01.079 --> 00:46:02.699 they see 00:46:02.699 --> 00:46:03.340 problems in 00:46:03.340 --> 00:46:04.039 people's lives 00:46:04.039 --> 00:46:05.420 and they see 00:46:05.420 --> 00:46:05.940 those presents 00:46:05.940 --> 00:46:06.719 with struggling 00:46:06.719 --> 00:46:07.199 people. 00:46:07.780 --> 00:46:07.980 They're the 00:46:07.980 --> 00:46:08.280 people who 00:46:08.280 --> 00:46:08.880 always have 00:46:08.880 --> 00:46:09.940 a word of 00:46:09.940 --> 00:46:10.380 encouragement 00:46:10.380 --> 00:46:11.019 for you. 00:46:11.639 --> 00:46:11.900 The people 00:46:11.900 --> 00:46:12.400 who just 00:46:12.400 --> 00:46:13.579 somehow 00:46:13.579 --> 00:46:14.099 just know 00:46:14.099 --> 00:46:14.700 exactly what 00:46:14.700 --> 00:46:15.099 to say. 00:46:15.599 --> 00:46:16.000 God has 00:46:16.000 --> 00:46:16.340 given them 00:46:16.340 --> 00:46:16.940 the ability 00:46:16.940 --> 00:46:18.119 to say 00:46:18.119 --> 00:46:18.639 things to 00:46:18.639 --> 00:46:19.000 you that 00:46:19.000 --> 00:46:19.300 are like, 00:46:19.920 --> 00:46:20.200 wow, 00:46:20.280 --> 00:46:20.579 how did 00:46:20.579 --> 00:46:20.900 you know 00:46:20.900 --> 00:46:21.200 that's what 00:46:21.200 --> 00:46:21.579 I was going 00:46:21.579 --> 00:46:21.900 through? 00:46:22.740 --> 00:46:22.920 Right? 00:46:23.840 --> 00:46:24.340 And so 00:46:24.340 --> 00:46:25.500 that's the 00:46:25.500 --> 00:46:26.119 it could be 00:46:26.119 --> 00:46:26.680 words or 00:46:26.680 --> 00:46:26.980 deed. 00:46:27.619 --> 00:46:27.920 Some of 00:46:27.920 --> 00:46:28.680 the misuses 00:46:28.680 --> 00:46:30.160 of the 00:46:30.160 --> 00:46:30.519 gift 00:46:30.519 --> 00:46:32.440 can be 00:46:32.440 --> 00:46:33.200 sometimes 00:46:33.200 --> 00:46:33.599 these people 00:46:33.599 --> 00:46:33.980 can come 00:46:33.980 --> 00:46:34.599 across as 00:46:34.599 --> 00:46:35.139 insensitive 00:46:35.139 --> 00:46:36.720 just trying 00:46:36.720 --> 00:46:36.940 to get 00:46:36.940 --> 00:46:37.300 their point 00:46:37.300 --> 00:46:37.800 across. 00:46:38.300 --> 00:46:38.720 They can 00:46:38.720 --> 00:46:39.220 sometimes 00:46:39.220 --> 00:46:40.039 treat people 00:46:40.039 --> 00:46:41.320 as projects 00:46:41.320 --> 00:46:41.920 not really 00:46:41.920 --> 00:46:42.480 meaning to 00:46:42.480 --> 00:46:43.519 but like, 00:46:43.599 --> 00:46:43.619 hey, 00:46:43.659 --> 00:46:43.900 I'm trying 00:46:43.900 --> 00:46:44.119 to help 00:46:44.119 --> 00:46:44.360 you get 00:46:44.360 --> 00:46:44.599 better, 00:46:44.719 --> 00:46:44.840 bro. 00:46:45.320 --> 00:46:45.739 Come on. 00:46:46.000 --> 00:46:46.219 What are 00:46:46.219 --> 00:46:46.480 you doing? 00:46:47.420 --> 00:46:48.179 And they 00:46:48.179 --> 00:46:48.980 sometimes can 00:46:48.980 --> 00:46:49.639 be too quick 00:46:49.639 --> 00:46:50.279 to talk 00:46:50.279 --> 00:46:51.559 before fully 00:46:51.559 --> 00:46:52.079 understanding 00:46:52.079 --> 00:46:52.739 the situation. 00:46:52.900 --> 00:46:53.219 Just some 00:46:53.219 --> 00:46:53.940 observations 00:46:53.940 --> 00:46:55.480 about that 00:46:55.480 --> 00:46:55.840 gift. 00:46:57.039 --> 00:46:57.340 And let's 00:46:57.340 --> 00:46:57.679 just do 00:46:57.679 --> 00:46:58.259 one more 00:46:58.259 --> 00:46:58.759 and then 00:46:58.759 --> 00:46:59.199 we will 00:46:59.199 --> 00:47:00.579 pause and 00:47:00.579 --> 00:47:00.900 let it go 00:47:00.900 --> 00:47:01.279 into next 00:47:01.279 --> 00:47:01.579 week. 00:47:03.219 --> 00:47:03.619 Paul 00:47:03.619 --> 00:47:04.039 mentions 00:47:04.039 --> 00:47:04.400 here in 00:47:04.400 --> 00:47:04.980 Romans 12 00:47:04.980 --> 00:47:06.619 the gift 00:47:06.619 --> 00:47:07.380 of generosity. 00:47:08.579 --> 00:47:08.780 All right, 00:47:08.900 --> 00:47:09.539 members with 00:47:09.539 --> 00:47:10.260 this gift 00:47:10.260 --> 00:47:12.240 give freely 00:47:12.240 --> 00:47:13.179 and joyfully 00:47:13.179 --> 00:47:13.880 to the work 00:47:13.880 --> 00:47:14.340 and mission 00:47:14.340 --> 00:47:14.960 of the body. 00:47:15.380 --> 00:47:15.800 And they 00:47:15.800 --> 00:47:16.179 do it with 00:47:16.179 --> 00:47:16.679 cheerfulness 00:47:16.679 --> 00:47:19.340 and their 00:47:19.340 --> 00:47:19.940 characteristics 00:47:19.940 --> 00:47:20.340 of those 00:47:20.340 --> 00:47:20.780 individuals 00:47:20.780 --> 00:47:21.260 with those 00:47:21.260 --> 00:47:21.619 gifts are 00:47:21.619 --> 00:47:21.960 in Romans 00:47:21.960 --> 00:47:22.280 12. 00:47:22.340 --> 00:47:22.559 8. 00:47:23.420 --> 00:47:23.760 I guess 00:47:23.760 --> 00:47:24.119 one good 00:47:24.119 --> 00:47:24.579 example of 00:47:24.579 --> 00:47:24.900 this might 00:47:24.900 --> 00:47:25.760 be Zacchaeus 00:47:25.760 --> 00:47:26.679 in Luke 00:47:26.679 --> 00:47:28.159 19 or 00:47:28.159 --> 00:47:28.960 the Macedonian 00:47:28.960 --> 00:47:30.619 church in 00:47:30.619 --> 00:47:31.300 2 Corinthians 00:47:31.300 --> 00:47:31.780 8. 00:47:32.820 --> 00:47:33.340 Important 00:47:33.340 --> 00:47:33.719 to point 00:47:33.719 --> 00:47:34.159 out here 00:47:34.159 --> 00:47:35.559 that 00:47:35.559 --> 00:47:36.079 automatically 00:47:36.079 --> 00:47:36.319 when you 00:47:36.319 --> 00:47:36.539 hear the 00:47:36.539 --> 00:47:36.699 word 00:47:36.699 --> 00:47:37.279 generosity 00:47:37.279 --> 00:47:37.899 you think 00:47:37.899 --> 00:47:38.259 the people 00:47:38.259 --> 00:47:38.539 who have 00:47:38.539 --> 00:47:38.759 a lot 00:47:38.759 --> 00:47:39.059 of money 00:47:39.059 --> 00:47:39.440 don't you? 00:47:40.440 --> 00:47:40.859 That's like 00:47:40.859 --> 00:47:41.679 what naturally 00:47:41.679 --> 00:47:42.099 comes to your 00:47:42.099 --> 00:47:42.259 mind. 00:47:42.299 --> 00:47:42.440 They have 00:47:42.440 --> 00:47:42.579 a lot 00:47:42.579 --> 00:47:42.899 of money. 00:47:45.319 --> 00:47:45.759 No. 00:47:46.759 --> 00:47:47.199 Not 00:47:47.199 --> 00:47:47.839 necessarily. 00:47:48.639 --> 00:47:48.960 You don't 00:47:48.960 --> 00:47:49.500 have to be 00:47:49.500 --> 00:47:50.359 wealthy to 00:47:50.359 --> 00:47:50.639 have the 00:47:50.639 --> 00:47:50.920 gift of 00:47:50.920 --> 00:47:51.420 generosity 00:47:51.420 --> 00:47:52.759 at all. 00:47:53.759 --> 00:47:54.359 But these 00:47:54.359 --> 00:47:54.759 people are 00:47:54.759 --> 00:47:55.559 motivated to 00:47:55.559 --> 00:47:56.019 help others 00:47:56.019 --> 00:47:56.339 with their 00:47:56.339 --> 00:47:56.879 resources. 00:47:57.119 --> 00:47:57.699 What little 00:47:57.699 --> 00:47:58.359 or how much 00:47:58.359 --> 00:47:58.859 they have. 00:47:59.460 --> 00:47:59.799 And they're 00:47:59.799 --> 00:48:00.739 careful to 00:48:00.739 --> 00:48:01.319 invest the 00:48:01.319 --> 00:48:01.920 money into 00:48:01.920 --> 00:48:02.559 Christ's 00:48:02.559 --> 00:48:02.879 kingdom. 00:48:03.460 --> 00:48:03.899 I know 00:48:03.900 --> 00:48:04.260 people who 00:48:04.260 --> 00:48:04.660 have this 00:48:04.660 --> 00:48:05.000 gift. 00:48:06.079 --> 00:48:06.440 They have 00:48:06.440 --> 00:48:06.920 a strong 00:48:06.920 --> 00:48:07.460 sense of 00:48:07.460 --> 00:48:07.860 stewardship. 00:48:08.099 --> 00:48:08.480 Like look 00:48:08.480 --> 00:48:09.460 everything I 00:48:09.460 --> 00:48:09.940 have has 00:48:09.940 --> 00:48:10.260 been given 00:48:10.260 --> 00:48:10.680 to me by 00:48:10.680 --> 00:48:11.119 God and 00:48:11.119 --> 00:48:11.480 he wants 00:48:11.480 --> 00:48:11.780 me to 00:48:11.780 --> 00:48:12.260 use it 00:48:12.260 --> 00:48:13.380 for the 00:48:13.380 --> 00:48:13.700 advancement 00:48:13.700 --> 00:48:14.039 of his 00:48:14.039 --> 00:48:14.380 kingdom. 00:48:14.940 --> 00:48:15.260 And I 00:48:15.260 --> 00:48:15.519 have to 00:48:15.519 --> 00:48:15.840 use it 00:48:15.840 --> 00:48:16.240 wisely. 00:48:17.320 --> 00:48:17.660 And they 00:48:17.660 --> 00:48:17.840 know how 00:48:17.840 --> 00:48:18.320 to usually 00:48:18.320 --> 00:48:19.119 manage money 00:48:19.119 --> 00:48:19.840 and resources 00:48:19.840 --> 00:48:20.900 that help 00:48:20.900 --> 00:48:21.360 serve the 00:48:21.360 --> 00:48:21.800 body to 00:48:21.800 --> 00:48:22.400 surround them 00:48:22.400 --> 00:48:23.320 and to 00:48:23.320 --> 00:48:23.960 help others. 00:48:24.920 --> 00:48:25.380 Some of 00:48:25.380 --> 00:48:26.059 the misuses 00:48:26.059 --> 00:48:26.480 of this 00:48:26.480 --> 00:48:26.820 gift. 00:48:28.740 --> 00:48:29.240 You've 00:48:29.240 --> 00:48:29.599 seen this 00:48:29.599 --> 00:48:29.940 before. 00:48:31.240 --> 00:48:31.680 Some of you 00:48:31.679 --> 00:48:32.119 have, I 00:48:32.119 --> 00:48:32.399 have. 00:48:33.299 --> 00:48:33.839 They may 00:48:33.839 --> 00:48:35.259 think that 00:48:35.259 --> 00:48:35.799 because they 00:48:35.799 --> 00:48:36.379 give so 00:48:36.379 --> 00:48:36.899 much that 00:48:36.899 --> 00:48:37.179 they have 00:48:37.179 --> 00:48:37.619 the right 00:48:37.619 --> 00:48:38.159 to control 00:48:38.159 --> 00:48:38.579 how that 00:48:38.579 --> 00:48:39.000 money is 00:48:39.000 --> 00:48:39.399 used. 00:48:40.199 --> 00:48:40.440 You ever 00:48:40.440 --> 00:48:40.859 seen that 00:48:40.859 --> 00:48:41.059 in the 00:48:41.059 --> 00:48:41.339 church? 00:48:42.359 --> 00:48:43.000 They could 00:48:43.000 --> 00:48:43.819 neglect 00:48:43.819 --> 00:48:44.599 leaving the 00:48:44.599 --> 00:48:45.139 results in 00:48:45.139 --> 00:48:45.839 God's hands 00:48:45.839 --> 00:48:47.119 once they 00:48:47.119 --> 00:48:47.639 give over 00:48:47.639 --> 00:48:48.239 something. 00:48:49.219 --> 00:48:49.699 And can 00:48:49.699 --> 00:48:50.659 sometimes 00:48:50.659 --> 00:48:52.579 overgive, 00:48:52.679 --> 00:48:53.039 do too 00:48:53.039 --> 00:48:54.299 much, like 00:48:54.299 --> 00:48:54.619 bankrupt 00:48:54.619 --> 00:48:55.299 themselves in 00:48:55.299 --> 00:48:55.779 the process. 00:48:55.780 --> 00:48:56.660 I knew 00:48:56.660 --> 00:48:57.000 a guy 00:48:57.000 --> 00:48:58.780 that 00:48:58.780 --> 00:48:59.760 biggest 00:48:59.760 --> 00:49:00.260 heart in 00:49:00.260 --> 00:49:00.740 the world 00:49:00.740 --> 00:49:01.620 but a 00:49:01.620 --> 00:49:02.200 tiny wallet. 00:49:02.540 --> 00:49:02.680 And he 00:49:02.680 --> 00:49:02.980 would just 00:49:02.980 --> 00:49:04.120 like, dude, 00:49:04.180 --> 00:49:04.519 you need to 00:49:04.519 --> 00:49:04.860 save some 00:49:04.860 --> 00:49:05.120 of that for 00:49:05.120 --> 00:49:05.560 your family, 00:49:05.680 --> 00:49:05.880 okay? 00:49:06.220 --> 00:49:06.760 So he 00:49:06.760 --> 00:49:07.120 was just 00:49:07.120 --> 00:49:07.960 always wanting 00:49:07.960 --> 00:49:08.240 to help 00:49:08.240 --> 00:49:08.580 people. 00:49:09.620 --> 00:49:10.720 But again, 00:49:10.820 --> 00:49:11.100 people who 00:49:11.100 --> 00:49:11.540 have that 00:49:11.540 --> 00:49:11.960 gift don't 00:49:11.960 --> 00:49:12.500 have to be 00:49:12.500 --> 00:49:12.840 wealthy. 00:49:13.860 --> 00:49:14.440 So next 00:49:14.440 --> 00:49:15.900 week, we'll 00:49:15.900 --> 00:49:16.300 talk about 00:49:16.300 --> 00:49:16.720 leadership, 00:49:17.860 --> 00:49:18.600 mercy, and 00:49:18.600 --> 00:49:19.960 prophecy, and 00:49:19.960 --> 00:49:20.300 then we'll 00:49:20.300 --> 00:49:21.019 jump into the 00:49:21.019 --> 00:49:21.640 next passage. 00:49:23.440 --> 00:49:24.640 But thank 00:49:24.640 --> 00:49:24.880 you for 00:49:24.880 --> 00:49:25.380 bearing with 00:49:25.380 --> 00:49:25.560 me. 00:49:25.559 --> 00:49:26.340 I appreciate 00:49:26.340 --> 00:49:26.739 it. 00:49:27.079 --> 00:49:27.380 But yeah, 00:49:27.460 --> 00:49:28.179 we need to 00:49:28.179 --> 00:49:29.059 have these 00:49:29.059 --> 00:49:29.659 conversations 00:49:29.659 --> 00:49:30.880 about our 00:49:30.880 --> 00:49:31.500 gifting and 00:49:31.500 --> 00:49:32.159 functioning in 00:49:32.159 --> 00:49:32.519 the body. 00:49:32.619 --> 00:49:32.920 We're all 00:49:32.920 --> 00:49:33.639 members of 00:49:33.639 --> 00:49:34.059 one another. 00:49:34.659 --> 00:49:35.159 Each one of 00:49:35.159 --> 00:49:35.559 you has been 00:49:35.559 --> 00:49:36.400 given gifts, 00:49:37.179 --> 00:49:38.179 and it 00:49:38.179 --> 00:49:39.360 should be an 00:49:39.360 --> 00:49:40.019 honor to 00:49:40.019 --> 00:49:40.659 employ that 00:49:40.659 --> 00:49:41.139 in the work 00:49:41.139 --> 00:49:41.400 of the 00:49:41.400 --> 00:49:41.759 church. 00:49:42.360 --> 00:49:42.659 It's not 00:49:42.659 --> 00:49:42.960 just the 00:49:42.960 --> 00:49:43.460 people up 00:49:43.460 --> 00:49:43.679 here. 00:49:43.840 --> 00:49:44.380 It's you. 00:49:44.639 --> 00:49:45.599 It's all 00:49:45.599 --> 00:49:45.940 of us 00:49:45.940 --> 00:49:46.699 serving Christ 00:49:46.699 --> 00:49:47.119 together. 00:49:47.940 --> 00:49:48.460 So pray 00:49:48.460 --> 00:49:48.860 with me. 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300 00:49:49.300 --> 00:49:49.300