FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

Matthew 16:6-18; Romans 12:110; I Corinthians 12:18-27; Ephesians 4:1-4; [I Thessalonians 4:17; Ephesians 4:5; [Acts 2:36]; Ephesians 4:6-16; I Peter 4:11

In serving the Lord Jesus Christ in his church today, we find we all have wonderful differences in our personalities, mannerisms and long suits. As each of us function in our own abilities, the family of God, the one Body becomes awesome, rendering so many things available for the Lord to draw upon to accomplish the tasks that are needed each day. It is, first of all, important to know who Jesus Christ is. He is the son of the living God. Jesus proclaimed he would build his church. He is the true master builder and employs the members of his body to do his work. When we all build together, the gates of hell cannot prevail against us.

Romans 12 teaches us the practical application of the doctrine in Romans 1-11. We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice. Sacrifice is represented in everything we are and do. Our lives are to be a sacrifice to God. We are living epistles. How do we do that? We are not to be conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds. We all receive the same spirit at the time of the new birth and no believer is blessed with any more benefits than another. But we all have different functions and unique abilities. One may be effective in prayer, another at laying on of hands and seeing others delivered.

Whatever the Lord calls us to do, He knows we can do it because he has given us the ability. He is the son of the living God and is in us so that we can do the will of God.

I Corinthians teaches us that God sets the members in the Body of Christ as it pleases Him. There is nothing quite like having a need met in the body by someone who has a unique ability. Everyone is important. We are to look at one another through the eyes of Jesus Christ and recognize each other’s unique and special abilities. We should not covet after another’s ability but should ask God’s help for understanding in how to best do what we each do best.

Ephesians speaks of endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. We all receive the same spirit and within that spirit, there is power, abilities and one hope of his calling. As we study the Word and learn of Jesus, who is our example, the Son of God, the scriptures direct us to walk in his steps. He said of his own self he could do nothing. It was the Father Who gave him the words to speak and Who did the works. In whatever way we serve, we do not do it on our own, but in the way God wants us to. He is the one who gives us the power and ability to serve. As we speak, let us speak the words of God. As we minister, we do so with the ability God gives. Why? So that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.