By My Spirit Not by might nor by

By My Spirit “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. “ -Zechariah 4: 6

Ephesians 4: 7 -16 YOU’RE THE GIFT, PART 1

Ephesians 4: 7 -10 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men. ” 9 (In saying, “He ascended, ” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. ) 7

Ephesians 4: 11 -14 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 11

Ephesians 4: 15 -16 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. 15

Purposes of the Gifts To Glorify God in excellence and practice To encourage and exhort the people of God toward a common goal To equip each believer for service and participate in the Kingdom and mission of God To serve everyone in our lives with humility and effectiveness

Leadership Gifts Apostles – Like our missionaries today, they start new works for God and lay foundations Prophets – They speak to the ungodly and wicked facets of our culture with uncompromising Scriptural principles, the mouthpeices of God Evangelists – They lead others with power and witness into a saving knowledge of Jesus Pastors – They guide, guard and resource God’s people for greatness in His Kingdom Teachers – They help others learn the deep things of God in head and in heart Leaders/Administrators – They have a special ability to make things happen and in organization and preparation

Power Gifts Faith – They see God do incredible things, often through facing hardships uncanny to most believers. They seek God for even the smallest things. Healing – They often experience God’s healing and are used through intercession for others who need God’s healing touch, and God tends to use them more in healings than other believers. Miracles – They see God do extraordinary and powerful, supernatural things from making circumstances work out right to physical healings and other signs. Discerning of Spirits – They have an ability to sense the Holy Spirit and also the forces of spiritual darkness. They are sensitive to the spiritual realm and more aware of it.

Servanthood Gifts Service – They are the deacons, the people who care for the little things, the practical things. They are the Marthas of our church and God’s Kingdom. They fill a need before anyone realizes it is a need. Generosity – They are cheerful givers of all of their resources, time, money, talents, skills, wisdom. They love to bless others because they live in God’s blessing. Acts of Mercy – They have an uncanny and supernatural ability to see the needs of others and respond with a soft and caring response. Helping – They are the background jack of all trades types of people who lend a hand to do anything that is needed. They fill the gap.

Principles for Exercising Gifts All gifts are given and powered by the same Holy Spirit. He gives various gifts out of His multifaceted character. Everyone has at least one gift to share with others, but no one has all the gifts. God doesn’t want superstars. He wants team players. Anyone can be used in any gift at any time because the Holy Spirit resources His church with whatever is needed. You could be used in a gift you don’t normally operate in if needed. It’s about following the prompting and leading of the Spirit, not about knowing what you can do.