Further thoughts on individual giftings in the corporate body of Christ
James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. (note this uses the word "teachers" in NKJV; whereas the traditional KJV used the word "masters")
Out of all the spiritual gifts; teaching seems to be the most frequently observed. I'm not sure how those who are total cessationists feel about that gift not existing today; but it is doubtful they would ask God to give them the natural talent and ability to handle a certain topic but in a sense that is what they would be relying on for their skills and inspiration. In light of this then we need to ascertain what exactly defines the gift of teaching and what does not. The most obvious thing; of course is to preach according to the counsel of the Word of God and not deviate because of some personal preference or at worst a deviant course that focuses on the flesh rather than the Spirit or some personal agenda that is not edifying. It seems that the obvious conclusion as to the logical approach would be that discernment is in order and that those who are wise among the congregation certainly could communicate things that are clearly indicated as issues that need to be addressed.
Let that sink in for a second. Does this happen? I have had instances when certain things I felt the Lord was showing me was considered interesting insights but never can say that it ever factored into a message that was preached. Now I say this not in regard to myself but as an example. We all need each other in the Body of Christ and we need to be sensitive to the Spirit. If we aren't discerning as a Pastor shepherding the flock then how can we know the difference between truth and error? It all stems from loving the Lord and true concern for the congregants so that we proclaim the truth and what needs to be said and are open to either correction or error that can creep in teaching of others.
Hello dear, serious speech. I am inspired by you "Richard H Priday" . And personally I want to state that for me The Holy Spirit is a good help. In teaching, in patience with me, He knows exactly what I need. when He will give it. No exceptions. This applies to all of us. For example, when I sit in a meeting. And it is spoken, condemned, and the speaker is without love. I want to leave. There is no point in sitting there and receiving such things.
But what does the body of Christ say, we have responsibility for each other, YES! We must remember that we should be slow to anger. So what do we do during a meeting when we see and hear something that is jarring. In some situations, we can be triggered to take it up with the person. The meeting can then change into a Hallelujah meeting. We cannot allow ourselves to let lies and deception slip through our fingers, we have a responsibility and we must not be cowards. But believe in the Living God Jesus Christ! We who are to bear each other's burdens should also pray for all the believers, those we see, those we meet and those we do not meet. Namely everyone. Now our growth with God is as He wants. But He probably sees those who are zealous for the Word, those who have righteous thoughts. Do good things without ulterior motives as well. And not to forget one little thing. Patience with each other, we are all at different levels. A person may be "old" in their thinking and actions as a young person. And an older person may be like someone who only drinks milk, right?
I haven't read any more this time either. But I hope it's okay that I add a little to your consideration for us all. God bless you in Jesus' Name, the name above all other names. Everyone knows His Name, when it is mentioned, in fact. Hallelujah, Amen Philippians 4:1-7
James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. (note this uses the word "teachers" in NKJV; whereas the traditional KJV used the word "masters")
Out of all the spiritual gifts; teaching seems to be the most frequently observed. I'm not sure how those who are total cessationists feel about that gift not existing today; but it is doubtful they would ask God to give them the natural talent and ability to handle a certain topic but in a sense that is what they would be relying on for their skills and inspiration. In light of this then we need to ascertain what exactly defines the gift of teaching and what does not. The most obvious thing; of course is to preach according to the counsel of the Word of God and not deviate because of some personal preference or at worst a deviant course that focuses on the flesh rather than the Spirit or some personal agenda that is not edifying. It seems that the obvious conclusion as to the logical approach would be that discernment is in order and that those who are wise among the congregation certainly could communicate things that are clearly indicated as issues that need to be addressed.
Let that sink in for a second. Does this happen? I have had instances when certain things I felt the Lord was showing me was considered interesting insights but never can say that it ever factored into a message that was preached. Now I say this not in regard to myself but as an example. We all need each other in the Body of Christ and we need to be sensitive to the Spirit. If we aren't discerning as a Pastor shepherding the flock then how can we know the difference between truth and error? It all stems from loving the Lord and true concern for the congregants so that we proclaim the truth and what needs to be said and are open to either correction or error that can creep in teaching of others.
But what does the body of Christ say, we have responsibility for each other, YES! We must remember that we should be slow to anger. So what do we do during a meeting when we see and hear something that is jarring. In some situations, we can be triggered to take it up with the person. The meeting can then change into a Hallelujah meeting. We cannot allow ourselves to let lies and deception slip through our fingers, we have a responsibility and we must not be cowards. But believe in the Living God Jesus Christ! We who are to bear each other's burdens should also pray for all the believers, those we see, those we meet and those we do not meet. Namely everyone. Now our growth with God is as He wants. But He probably sees those who are zealous for the Word, those who have righteous thoughts. Do good things without ulterior motives as well. And not to forget one little thing. Patience with each other, we are all at different levels. A person may be "old" in their thinking and actions as a young person. And an older person may be like someone who only drinks milk, right?
I haven't read any more this time either. But I hope it's okay that I add a little to your consideration for us all. God bless you in Jesus' Name, the name above all other names. Everyone knows His Name, when it is mentioned, in fact. Hallelujah, Amen Philippians 4:1-7
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