FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 12:7–8: If ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
The other six gifts mentioned here are serving … teaching … encouraging … contributing … leadership, and showing mercy. Contributing to people’s needs is to be done with generosity, not skimpily. Managing, leading, or administering is to be done diligently (“in eagerness, earnestness”), not lazily or halfheartedly. And bestowing mercy is to be done cheerfully (“in gladness”), not with sadness. Three of these seven gifts are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:28 (prophets, teachers, administration); two (prophets and pastor-teachers) are included in Ephesians 4:11; and two (administering and serving) are listed in 1 Peter 4:10–11. Whatever one’s gift, he should exercise it faithfully as a stewardship from God. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13
The gift of a pastor-teacher is a calling from God to care, to minister, and to feed His sheep. A fruitful pastor will also have a fruitful flock that use their gifts to pray, encourage, contribute, serve, and assist with diligence, joy, and unity. Is that you?
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
Gifts are used to build the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you…eagerly; 1 Peter 5:2
Dear Father, please bless your pastors with endurance and bless their flock with love.
1. Witmer, J. A. (1985). Romans. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
