The Building Plan: Tool Boxes and Leadership

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

To Equip the Saints for Service (vs. 12)

To Build Up the Body of Christ (vs 12)

To Promote Unity (vs. 13)

To Bring About Maturity (vs. 13-15)

Colossians 1:28–29 NIV84

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

To Do Ministry (vs. 16)

INTRODUCE THE NEW TEXT:

The gifts of the Spirit have nothing to do with personal ambition or career orientation. They are not given to build individual reputations, to warrant superior positions in the local church, or to demonstrate spiritual advancement. They are not trophies, but tools—tools for touching and blessing others.

John Wimber

Today we will be looking at what I call ministry tool boxes.

Funnies about different tool boxes:

Some of your toolboxes look like:

Or like this:

Then I found Jared’s Toolbox:

Jared’s Toolbox

Aaron’s Toolbox

But some of your tool boxes look like this:

Ministry Toolboxes don’t all look the same.

One thing your toolbox is not - empty

Many have tools that have never been used.

Several have tools that need to be used again.

Some have tools they don’t even know how to use.

Some need to teach others how to use those tools.

Ministry Toolboxes and Leadership. It’s what we’re looking at today.

Read I Peter 4:7-11

GIVE THE CONTEXT:

Something very important to know. Peter is writing to the church at the beginning of the persecution of Nero.

The writing is on the wall and flood is coming.

So right before the text for today is:

1 Peter 4:1–2 NASB95

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

As if to say, we gotta man up and quit living for ourselves.

Life is not about fulfilling my pleasures, especially at the expense of others.

Look at what Christ suffered on our behalf and let’s grab the same mentality.

We gotta do what God is asking us to do. We don’t have much time left.

These are marching orders.

Then right after our text,

1 Peter 4:12–13 NASB95

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

Peter says to expect suffering for being a Christian. Don’t be surprised by it.

But what’s interesting about the text we are looking at today, is that it is in the middle of all this that Peter drops this seemingly out of place directive to the persecuted church.

And it’s content is spiritual gifts and ministry.

We aren’t to go bury our head in the sand or run away or check out because of what’s going on in society.

We have a job to do especially in light of upcoming and ongoing persecution.

What’s different with this section of spiritual gifts is unlike Paul, Peter doesn’t give us a list of gifts. He seems to layout categories or “ministries”

And the point he’s trying to make is that in the midst of coming persecution we need to be even more prepared, more vigilant, to use the gifts that God has given us.

EXPOUND THE TEXT:

THREE EXHORTATIONS – I PETER 4:7-11

Three Things To Always Keep in Mind:

The end of all things is near (vs. 7, 10) – Exhortation: exercise your gifts

Our Ministry Tool boxes have been given to us to use, and not sit on the shelf.

Not only are we to use them in spite of persecution, even more so we need to use them because the end is near!

Matthew 24:42–44 NASB95

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. “But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. “For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.

Story of house sitting for Michelle’s parents.

I think first and foremost the church has lost that urgency of the immanent return of Christ.

Love one another (vs.8) – Exhortation: Keep fervent in love and forgive

All ministries, every use of your spiritual gifts need to be bathed in love for one another, maintaining an attitude of humilityand forgiveness.

1 Corinthians 13:1–2 NASB95

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

Through love we serve one another - Galatians 5:13-14

How do we serve one another? Spiritual gifts.

Glorify God in all things (vs. 11) – Exhortation: God deserves the credit

Matthew 5:16 NASB95

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

FIVE BROAD CATEGORIES OF SPIRITUAL GIFT TOOL BOXES – I PETER 4:7-11

Power/Prayer (vs. 7) –

Setting the Tone and Atmosphere for the body

Worship Leaders/Music Ministry

Intercessory prayer public and private

Tongues - public

Tongues - private

Discerning of spirits

Faith

Cautions: Be of sound judgment and of sober spirit.

Sound Judgment - to be sane and in one’s right mind. To think clearly, self-disciplined and in moderation.

I believe all the spiritual gifts are in use today.

But I have seen these gifts used out of control.

I have seen these gifts abused and misused.

Sober Spirit

Watchful and circumspect.

This word does not mean to abstain, but rather to refrain from the abuse of.

Paul says:

1 Corinthians 14:32 NIV84

The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.

Charismata - which is where we get the English word charismatic

Someone with an outgoing and entertaining personality.

Religious circles it means a church flowing with the spiritual gifts and moving of the Holy Spirit.

The problem is the wrongful expression of the charismata in the Charismatic churches has given rise to a sour taste at best and a bad reputation at worst to those unfamiliar with the moving of the Holy Spirit.

I Cor 14 deals alot with this issue, but that’s for another time.

Hospitality (vs. 9)

Welcoming strangers

In the first century many churches were house churches.

Making people feel comfortable

Connecting visitors and new members to the Body

Befriending the disenfranchised

Prison Ministries and Outreach

Counseling

Caution: Remember, you’re blessed to be a blessing. Do it with joy and not complaining.

Administration (vs. 10) –

Steward = Leading the Body - Governance

one who has authority over other servants to assign their tasks and portions

along with this was the general management of affairs and accounts.

Vision and Direction

Care

Elders

Also Stewards of the manifold grace of God.

The grace of God in its many forms.

This obviously includes the spiritual gifts as they are gifts of grace.

Caution: Remember, you’re being a steward of the gifts of God

Speaking Gifts (vs. 11) –

Missions and Evangelism - Apostles and Evangelists

Preaching and Prophecy

Teaching The Body

Can be public or private

In large groups or small groups

SS, AWANA, Small groups

Prison Ministry

Counseling

Caution: Remember, you’re speaking the words of God

Serving Gifts (vs. 11) –

Providing relief from burdens or providing labor needed for others.

Serving the Body

Usually out of the limelight/behind the scenes

Freeing others up to do more.

Giving / Benevolence

In-reach

Deacons

Gifts of Healing

Caution: Remember, you do it in God’s strength, not yours.

LEADERSHIP (Ephesians 4:11)

Administration plus…

Generally those with the Administration tool box will also have another tool box. Why?

Because they are to train and equip the rest of the body.

Leaders train leaders, but leaders train the rest of the body.

The ideal situation is to have leadership tooled with the other areas.

Then that leader carries the oversight responsibility of those other ministries.

Paul Gives us 4 or 5 Leaders: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor/Teacher.

General Flow Of Leadership Positions:

Apostle preaches the Gospel, usually in a foreign area, and establishes a local church.

Given authority directly from Jesus to preach, build up and establish the foundation of the church.

Office faded out after the generation of those who physically saw Jesus resurrected died.

Focus: Taking the Gospel to foreign areas where it was not known before.

Prophets challenge the new body to grow and stay true to Christ.

OT - Prophets

God’s Authoritative spokesperson who proclaimed God’s message.

Often predictive - foretelling. Here’s what God is going to do based upon the current circumstances.

Focus: To communicate God’s message, good or bad, to people. Usually as a challenge to follow the Lord with all one’s heart.

Evangelists rise up to preach the Gospel locally. Same language group.

They take over once the Apostle has left.

Bringing the Gospel to the community.

They funnel people into established churches.

Focus: Evangelical outreach – local missions with the underlying intent of delivering the gospel and ushering people into the local church

Pastor / Elder / Overseer - Responsible to give oversight and care for the local flock.

Using poimen here includes all terms for elders, but emphasizes the Shepherding part here.

Care

Unity

Protection

Focus: Oversight of the local church.

Employing the Gospel in the care of the church

Teacher - Tasked with teaching doctrine, spiritual truths, and life application of those truths

Focus: Take the message of the Apostles and teach it to the believers in the local church to build them up in the faith.

Tended to be studied, systematized and rehearsed.

Teaching the Gospel to those in the church.

Teachers served as explainers of and passers on of Christian teaching and applying the message to the ongoing development of the church.

OFFICE vs. MINISTRY

Position vs. Spiritual Gift

The office appears to have ceased because nowhere in Scripture are commanded to ordain apostles or prophets. Yet we see the office of elder (pastor) and teacher being passed on.

There are those who claim to be modern day Apostles and Prophets - Title/Office and have led to cults or errors in doctrine.

Pope - Apostolic Succession

Joseph Smith - Apostle

Charles Russel Taze - predicted that Christ would come again in 1914 - Prophet - Jehovah’s Witnesses

Ellen G. White - 7th Day Adventism

Big “A” and Big “P” vs. Little “a” and Little “p”, etc.

Big “A” and “P” - very specific groups

Apostles - 11 plus Paul - criteria

Acts 1:21–22 NASB95

“Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

Acts 1:25 NASB95

to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.”

1 Corinthians 15:7–9 NASB95

then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

2 Corinthians 12:12 NASB95

The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.

Hand picked by Jesus

Saw Jesus raised again

performed signs and wonders and miracles

Prophets - OT.

If prophecy did not come true, they were not to fear any ramifications of the prophets prophecy.

Deuteronomy 18:22 NASB95

“When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.

If a prophet speaks presumptuously and God did not tell him to speak it, he was to die. Which tied into the last verse would imply if his word did not come true, he was to die.

Deuteronomy 18:20 NASB95

‘But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’

Gifts and Ministry

We are all called to support missions.

We are all called to keep one another accountable and to encourage one another in the faith. Prophet.

We are all called to share the Gospel (evangelism) in one way or another.

We are all called to shepherd the church.

We are all called to pass on the truths of the Christian faith to others, primarily our family.

Inspiration vs. Illumination

Since the Apostles and Prophets are the Foundation of the Church, their writings are what make up our Bible.

Romans 16:26 NASB95

but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith;

Once the cannon of Scripture was finished the need for Big “A” Apostles and Big “P” Prophets were no longer needed.

Pope, for example, claiming an authoritative revelation from the Lord, putting it on the same level as Scripture and thus adding to Scripture.

Joseph Smith same thing. 4 Great Works. Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon.

Modern Day Prophets:

Two things are combined to make the prophet in general

an insight granted by God into the divine secrets or mysteries/divine purposes or doctrines before unknown and concealed

a communication to others of these secrets - to fathom and unfold the deep things of God.

The removal of ignorance and darkness by the communication of light and knowledge, illumination, instruction.

One modern day equivalent would be preachers.

The development of a preaching team

Authority to speak into people’s lives.

1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB95

But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

1 Corinthians 14:29 NASB95

Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.

Not infallible. This alone puts NT prophets in a different category.

They were to convey a message from God to His people. But, it changed to forthtelling.

Predicting vs. Proclaiming

OT Prophets would prophecy of God’s coming judgment or blessing or restoration.

OT Prophets predicted the first and second coming of the Messiah.

OT Prophecy was often labeled as foretelling God’s word, ways, and will, whereas NT Prophets are forthtelling God’s word, ways, and will.

NT Prophets would borrow from the OT Prophets and explain where the OT was fulfilled in the NT.

Once Scripture became cannonized the role of the foretelling of God’s Word was finished.

There is new revelation and prophecy about future things that have not already been revealed.

The gift of prophecy continues through preachers and lay people who speak forth the Word of God from Scripture and bring understanding and conviction.

Here’s what God has done and may do again. Here’s what God has said and what we need to do about it. There is no new revelation or prediction (prophecy). God has already said it and we just proclaim it. for edification, exhortation, and encouragement.

Authority vs. Service

Usage of Apostle in the LXX.

Apostle - the authorization of a kind of ambassador to fulfill a particular function or a task for another and that the stress falls on the one who gives his authority rather than the one sent.

Hebrews 3:1 NASB95

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession;

Hebrews 1:1–2 NASB95

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

Matthew 4:23 NASB95

Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.

1 Peter 5:4 NASB95

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

John 13:13–14 NASB95

“You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

Matthew 28:18–20 NASB95

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Little “a” spiritual gift.

apostle – missionaries and church planters.

Focus – missions – bringing Christ to the world and planting churches; taking the gospel to the world.

LEADERS WHO EQUIP

Their Responsibility - katartizo

to put a thing in its appropriate condition

to refit or repair as in mending a net

there is a nuance of completeness to it rather than being a process.

God has equipped them to equip you

In other words they are fully capable of helping you fulfill your ministry, if you will place yourself under their tutelage.

Your Toolbox will be used in one of 5 general areas:

Missions

Preaching / Proclaiming Truth

Evangelism / Outreach

Shepherding / Inreach - local church

Teaching - local church

Paul in Romans 12 expands the local church ministry areas, which we will look at next week.

Our Attitude

Putting ourselves in a position of humility to learn.

Putting ourselves in a position of submission to proper authority

Hebrews 13:17 NASB95

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

Are you here to learn or to correct and criticize?

That doesn’t mean you don’t ever evaluate for false doctrine, etc. But what’s your attitude and posture in presenting your concerns.

APPLY THE TEXT:

Could you identify with one of those ministry tool boxes?

Which one or more do you think you might have been given?

Are you willing to put yourself under the leadership and tutelage of an elder who can train and disciple you to help you learn how to use your tools?

Next week we’ll look at the local church ministry and begin talking about the tools themselves.