This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "The When and The Why To Using The Gifts Of Languages", 5/24/2015

THE WHEN AND THE WHY TO USE THE

GIFT OF LANGUAGES

Act 2:1-7, 12, 1 Cor 14:13-19

Acts 2:1-7

THE DAY THE CHURCH GOT STARTED

V:1. " When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. "

 A. Pentecost occurred fifty days after the resurrection Jesus.

     1. Jesus spent 40 days on earth after His resurrection visiting with His Disciples

         before ascending  into heaven.  

     2. Jesus instructed his disciples to wait in Jerusalem  until they received

         power  from on High.  Acts 1:8

     3. This date was adopted from Lev 23:16. After the Passover Festival, the

          Jews  were instructed to wait seven weeks until the next holiday called

          Festival of Weeks.

     4. The Festival of Weeks became the day to commemorate the giving of the Law

         to Moses on Mount Sinai   Ex 23:16 

  B. One hundred and twenty disciples were all in one place and on one accord.

      1. When there is unity in the Church, God can work wonders.

      2. There is tremendous power in unity.

V:2 " Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. "

 A. According to Acts 1:15, there were 120 disciples in one place (perhaps the Temple)

     when the Holy spirit was first given.

    1. This marked the beginning of the church.

    2. This marked the empowering of the church.

    3. This was the beginning of Gods Grace in the Church.

    4. The Law being fulfilled Jesus death on the cross, Grace took effect.

 B. This was a divine act of God.

     1. It was miraculous act of God.

     2. It was a planned act of God.

     3.  It fulfilled the promise of Jesus.

 C. The sound had it's origin in heaven.

     1. The sound was high in volume.

     2. The sound filled the house.

     3. The sound filled the disciples.

V:3. " They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them."

 A. They were all in prayer and on one accord.

     1. Prayer moves God to work on the behalf of believers.

     2. The giving of the Holy Spirit was made visible so the disciples could see

         and witness the miracle.

     2. Great things can be accomplished in the Church when all the members

         are focused on the will of the Father.

  B. God had one hundred and twenty witnesses to this great event.

      1. There was a single source of the tongues of fire which separated itself

          to each individual believer.

      2. This source is unlimited and goes where God directs it.

      3. God's power rested with each believer.

      4. Like Thunder and lighting, the Spirit came suddenly with great power and a loud

          sound.

           a. The sound of thunder fills the atmosphere..

           b. Lightening can set on fire anything it touches

THE GIVING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

V:4. " All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

A. All believers are equipped with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

    1. To be filled with the Holy Spirit, we have to be completely submissive to

         the will of the Father.

    2. The Spiritual Gift to speak in languages unlearned comes at the will of the Father.

    3. The power and the effectiveness of all Spiritual Gifts is the Holy Spirit.

V:5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.

 A. Jesus was crucified doing the Passover Festival

     1. The Passover Festival commemorates the might acts of God when He allowed

        the  death Angel to Passover  all the first born of Israel.

     2. The death Angel kill all the first born of the Egyptians causing the Pharaoh to

          release  Israel from slavery.

     3. Every Jew from all known countries traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover

         festival.

 B.  God identified devout men from 16 different countries whose language was

       different from Israel.

     1. These men had  a lifestyle of following the Jewish Law.

     2. These men knew the Father but did not know Jesus.

     3. They were in Jerusalem out of obedience to the Law.

     

THE GIFT OF LANGUAGE DRAWS UNBELIEVERS

V:6. " When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. "

 A. Like thunder, the sound of the rushing wind alerted these devout men to the area

      where the  120 disciples were assembled.

     1. The 120 disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to speak the devout Jews

          individual languages.

     2. The devout Jews were confused  that men who didn't know their language were

          speaking their individual languages.

V:7. " Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?"

     A. These devout Jews had been in Jerusalem long enough to know that these

          Galilean disciples did not have the training or the education to speak a

          different language.

      B. This event was unexpected because they had never heard a Galilean speak their

           language.

          1. You can not always judge a book by its' cover..

          2. With the power of the Holy Spirit,  we can do all things that pleases God.

          3. There is nothing to hard for God.

          4. Since we belong to God, there is nothing to hard for us with the power of

              God.

SEARCH THE WORD TO GET AN UNDERSTANDING

Acts 2:12

V:12. " Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"

  A. When you study God's Word, you ought to be amazed.

       1. Every day you ought to be amazed at God's grace.

       1. The study of God's Word ought to cause you to seek a deeper understanding.

       2. You will never get too knowledgeable that you can't learn more about God.

  B.  The devout Jews were amazed, because they had never seen this display of

        God's power.

       1. In all their years, this had not happen in their presence.

       2. In all their studying of God's Word, they had not seen this in scripture.

       3. They knew enough about God to count this experience as a work of God.

  C. The devout Jews  asked "What does this mean?" 

       1. A wise man searches the Word God to get an understanding.

       2. This experience was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel.    Joel 2:28

       3. This was God pouring out His Spirit upon all who would believe in Jesus.

       4. This event was God giving power to the Church to evangelize the world.

PRAY BEFORE USING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

1 Corinthians 14:13-19

V:13. " For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says."

 A. The gift of languages was given to build up and to edify the Church.

     1. The gift of languages was given so that no one speaking in any language

          would miss the Gospel truth.

     2. The gift of language was given to draw unbelievers who spoke a different language

          to Christ.

 B. Notice at Pentecost, God focused this miracle event on the devout Jews who knew the

      scriptures but had not seen Jesus in the Scriptures.

    1. Having their attention, Peter preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    2. It is the preaching of the Word that enlighten us to an understanding of the

        Word guided by the Holy Spirit.

 C. The Holy Spirit gives gifts so that Word may be understood in any language.

     1. Babes in Christ need an interpreter.

     2. Teaching the Word in an unknown  language to the hearer would not do  any good. 

     3. The reason for speaking the Word is so men/women will be enlighten to

          righteousness of God.

     4. Before we began teaching the Word, we need to pray that God gives an

         interpretation to the hearers of the Word.

         a. We need to pray that hearts and minds be open and receptive to the Word.

         b. We need to pray that our pride be hid behind the cross so that we don't get in the

              way of the learning.

         c. We need to pray that we do not become stumbling blocks to the teaching of God.

   

NOT RECOMMENDED TO PRAY IN A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE

V:14. " For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful."

 A. This verse indicates that the one with the gift of a foreign language does not

      understand the language he speaks.

    1. If he prays in that foreign language, he is unfruitful in his mind.

    2.  Paul used this statement as an example to show the unfruitfulness

         of a foreign language without interpretation.

        a. We do not need to pray in a foreign language because God understands

            all languages.

        b. If we do not know what we are asking for in prayer, what good is our

            prayers.

B. This verse also indicates that our gifts are dependent on the gifts of others for

    maximum effectiveness.

    1. The one with the gift of languages is dependent on the one with the gift

        of interpretation.

    2. The one with the gift of interpretation is dependent on the one with the gift of

         languages.

    3. God made us all dependent on Him and dependent on each other.

PRAISE IN YOUR NORMAL LANGUAGE

V:15. " So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind."

 A. Prayer is a two way communication street.

     1. We pray to God to communicate our desires and to give Him praise.

     2. God communicates to us in languages we can understand.

     3. What good would the Word of God be to us in a language we cannot understand?

 B. If I do not know French, praising God in French would be unfruitful to me.

    1. My praise is an expression of my gratefulness for who God is and what He has

        done for me.

    2. I cannot express my thoughts in a language I don't understand. 

V:16. " If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? "

 A. The Church is the place where outsiders are invited to join the body of believers.

     1. What message would be given to an unbeliever if we explained the Gospel in a

         language he cannot understand.

     2. It is our responsibility  to always act in a manner that draws others to Christ.

 B. While our gifts are important, there is a proper time and place to use them.

    1. If we use them out of place, we use them to our own edification

    2. If we have a Church full of English speaking members, where is the need to speak in

        a different language.

   3. If visitors come into the assemble, we will soon discover if they have a need to be

       evangelized in a different language.

       a. If there is a need to speak the Gospel in a different language, God will arrange in

           advance to  have the one with the gift of that language present.

       b. If necessary, God will have the one with the gift of interpretation present also.

   4. It is God that gives the increase. He will not leave the Church lacking when there

       is a desire to spread the Gospel. 

V:17. " You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. "

 A. Before we use our gift of language, we need to ask the questions: Who gets the

      glory and who gets the edification?

    1. If only you know the gift of language, then no one gets the edification and God does

        not get the glory.

    2. I do not need to impress you with my gift, if there is no benefit for you.

    3. You do not need to be impressed, you need to be enlighten.

USE YOUR GIFTS TO EDIFY THE BODY

V:18. " I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you."

 A. The Apostle Paul used himself as a role model for the Church.

     1. If anyone could boast about their gifts, Paul was the one.

     2. He spoke more languages than all of the Church members.

 B. For Paul, it was his love for the brethren and his desire to proclaim the

      Gospel to the lost that caused the use of his gifts.

    1. His use of the gift of languages was to promote the Gospel of

        Jesus Christ.

     2. He said I am determined to know nothing, but Jesus Christ and Him

         crucified.

V:19. " But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue."

A. Paul deemphasized the display of his gifts and emphasized the importance of

     teaching the Word of God so others could get the right understanding.

  1. One of the major failures of the Church is that only a few members seek

      to get the right understanding of the Word of God.

  2. We do not have a problem filling the pews on Sunday morning.

  3. We do have a problem getting Church members to come out for Bible Study

       and Sunday School.

      a. Preaching gets us into the Church.

      b. Teaching keeps us in the Church.

      c. Teaching help us grow in the Word and knowledge of God.

  4. Proverbs 4:7 says "In all your getting, get an understanding."

B. When we don't study the Word for ourselves, we may be influenced by the thoughts

      of those who may not understand the Word.

   1. There is a good chance that at the Sunday Service, you will be sitting by someone

       who do not come to Church on a regular basis or who is not involved in serving

       God.

   2. It is our responsibility to encourage other believer to get actively involved in

       in the Church.

USE YOUR GIFTS TO BUILD UP THE BODY OF CHRIST

Rev M. Mitchell,   Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Every Believer is Important", 5/17/2015

EVERY BELIEVER IN THE CHURCH HAS EQUAL IMPORTANCE

1 Corinthians 12:14-31

AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS OF THE BODY

V:14. " Now the body is not made up of one part but of many."

 A. The Human body is magnificently made by God to do His will and to

      give Him praise and honor.

    1. The human body is made of different parts, each joined together to function as

        one unit.

    2. I am not sure you can count all the parts of the body.

    3. Certainly, we can count what we see on the surface.

    4. Underneath the skin are more parts not visible to the eye.

 B. The skin is a divinely designed covering that houses the skeleton that God

      fitted with muscles and body organs , blood and blood cells all joined together

      to make a well made human machine with capabilities beyond our imagination.

    1. If one part of the body stops functioning, the perfectly designed machine ceased

        to work as well as God designed.

    2. All parts of the body have a function.

    3. All parts of the body contribute to its' the well being.     

 V:15. " If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it

   would not for that reason cease to be part of the body."

 A. The foot is made for walking, standing, jumping, running and stopping.

 B. The hand is made for clapping, waving, pointing, holding, pushing, pulling, directing

      and sign language.

 C. One enhances the other.

     1. The two together can certainly do more than one.

V:16. " And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body."

A. The ear is made for hearing, listening and play a part in the balancing of the body.

B. The eye is made for seeing, sending pictures of the outside world to the brain,

     distinguishing colors, shapes and objects and gives sight to guide our actions.

C. One enhances the other.

 V:17. " If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?"

 A. The nose is for smelling, inhaling and exhaling.

     1. The nose filters the air to keep us from bringing foreign objects into the lungs.

     2. The nose enables us to distinguish between different smells, providing

         pleasure and alerting us to dangers.

 B. Every part of the body has a specific purpose.

      The eyes, the ears and the nose enhance each other.

 V:18. " But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."

 A. God is the designer of the body.

     1. God arranged the body parts to function the way they should, to do the job they

         were  designed to do.

     2. God connected the body parts together and maintains their connectivity.  

 B. The body parts cannot function without God's control.

V:19-20 " If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body."

A. The body is not the perfect body without all it's parts.

    1. It is the sum of the parts, that make the body complete.

    2. If any of the parts of the body  are lacking, the body can't do all that it was designed

        to do.

B. Like a puzzle, the picture is not complete without all the pieces.

    1. Each piece of the puzzle has a specific place in the puzzle.

    2. If any of the pieces are out of place, the picture is distorted.

 

V:21. " The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"

A. It is the eye that provides the sight for the hand to do it's job.

    1. Without the eye the hands would have to work in darkness.

    2. It is the hand that provides the touch that the eye can't feel.

B. The head and the feet are on opposites sides of the body.

   1. The head is at the top and the feet are at the bottom.

   2. The head houses the brain that is the guide for the feet.

   3. The feet takes the head where the brain directs it.

   4. If there is no head, the feet are useless.

 

V:22-24. " On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it,"

A. The head is the highest point on the body and carries  expressions of approval,

     disapproval, pain, pleasure, stress and distress, peace and love.

    1. The feet are on the lowest point of the body, but provided the motion of the

         body as directed by the head.

    2. The head may have the highest honor because it gets the most attention.

    3. But the feet are glorified in their motion.

       a. A dancer can't dance without  feet.

       b. a runner can't run without the feet.

 B. The head with all its glamour cannot go from place to place without the motion of the

      feet.

      

   1. The feet with all of their mobility can't move without the direction of the head.

   2. One without the other is lacking.

   3. The two working together share the glory.  

UNITY IN THE BODY

V:25-26. " So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."

A. When all the parts of the body work together, the body is most effective.

    1. When all the parts of the body do what they were designed to do, the

        body gains the glory of God.

    2. When all the parts of the body work as they were designed by the maker, there is

         nothing that cannot be accomplished according to the will of God.

B. When one part of the body does not work, the entire body suffers for lack of

      its divine perfection.

     1. If the smallest part of the body does not work there will be deformity in the

          body.

     2. If the blood cells, which are not visible to the eye are not produced and distributed

         throughout  the body, the body slowly dies.

 C. Every part of the body should be concerned for the welfare of every other part of the

     body. 

    1. When there is joy in one part of the body, that joy should spread to every part of the

        body.

    2. When there is pain in one part of the body, the whole body suffers.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

V:27. " Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

 A. The Body of Christ is the sum of all Church members who believe in Jesus

      Christ as Lord and Savior.

    1. Everybody in the body has equal importance to God the maker and creator of

        all things.

    2. No one should be prideful of their position or status, because their work is not for

        them, but for the effectiveness of the entire body.

    3. Pride leads to envy, hatred and strife and the whole body suffers.

 B. Every gift and talent should be used to glorify God and draw others to Christ.

     1. Preachers preach, teachers teach and the lifestyles of every member draws others to

         Christ.

     2. You don't have  to hold a prominent position in the Church to influence the whole

         Church. 

 V:28. " And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues."

 A. As in any organization, there is a hierarchy in the Church.

     1. The hierarchy establishes order and direction.

     2. No position is more important than the other.

 B. God gave us Apostles because they were eye witnesses to the teaching and the

      miracles of Jesus.

     1. They witness the death and resurrection of Jesus and laid the foundation

         for the rest of the body to be built upon.

      2. They were the first teachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

      3. Except for Saint John, they were all murdered for their faith in Jesus Christ

          and preaching the truth. 

  C. Second, God gave us prophets.

      1. The prophets were those appointed to speak under divine inspiration about

          future divinely ordained events to come.

      2. Saint John was both prophet and apostle.

         a. God gave him the inspiration for the book of Revelation which is the prophecy of

             the  end times.

         b. Revelation includes the final judgment and the new heaven and the new earth.

 D. God gave us teachers.

     1. God gifted some with the ability to understand His Word and to teach it to others.

     2. How can we understand God's Word without a teacher guided by the Holy Spirit?

C. In the early Church, God gave some the gift of healing and miracles.

    1. The Apostle Paul had the gift of instant healing and the gift of raising believers

        from temporary death.  Acts 20:9

    2. Peter and John had the gift of instant healing.  Acts 9:40

 E. Some were giving the gift of hospitality.

     1. Some went out of their way to help others.

     2. Gaius was one who had a reputation of being kind to strangers.

 F. Some had the gift of being wise and prudent and the ability to discern spirits.

 G. Some were given the gift of languages. (tongue is really a known language Act :2)

     1. As the occasion arose, they could speak different languages that they had not

         learned as the Holy Spirit enabled them.

     2. I was asked the question: If God gave some the ability to speak different

         languages, why is it that those who speak in tongues all sound the same?

        a. A light went on in my head.

        b. Perhaps they don't have a gift, but are repeating something they learned over time.

    3. I also noticed that people in the Church who speak this language they call "tongue"

        don't have an interpreter to explain what they said.  1 Cor 14:27

        a. This is strange, because Paul said if there is no interpreter, be quite. 1 Cor 14:28

        b. This is even more strange since Paul said that gift of tongues(languages)

            was not given for believers, but non believers.   1 Cor 14:22

WE ALL DO NOT HAVE THE SAME GIFTS

 V:29-30. " Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?"

   30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?"

  A. There are many gifts but they are not all the same.

      1. Every gift has its' purpose.

      2. Every gift was given to believers to be used by them to build up and edify the body

          of Christ.

      3. All gifts work uniquely together.

 B. Apostles, prophets and teachers all proclaim the Word of God.

     1. Those who have the gift of miracles and healing build up and restore the fleshly

         bodies for God's use.

     2. Those who speak a language unlearn and those who interpret the unlearned

             language draw  unbelievers who speak that language naturally to Christ.

 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.

      A. The greater gift is the ability to use your gifts with love and compassion to the

           benefit of the whole body of Christ.  1 Cor 14:1

      B. The greater gift is obedience to God's commands.

     

USED YOUR GIFTS TO DRAW OTHERS TO CHRIST AND TO BUILD UP THE BODY

Rev. M. Mitchell,   Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Church

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Every Believer Is Important", 5/17/2015

EVERY BELIEVER IN THE CHURCH HAS EQUAL IMPORTANCE

1 Corinthians 12:14-31

AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS OF THE BODY

V:14. " Now the body is not made up of one part but of many."

 A. The Human body is magnificently made by God to do His will and to

      give Him praise and honor.

    1. The human body is made of different parts, each joined together to function as

        one unit.

    2. I am not sure you can count all the parts of the body.

    3. Certainly, we can count what we see on the surface.

    4. Underneath the skin are more parts not visible to the eye.

 B. The skin is a divinely designed covering that houses the skeleton that God

      fitted with muscles and body organs , blood and blood cells all joined together

      to make a well made human machine with capabilities beyond our imagination.

    1. If one part of the body stops functioning, the perfectly designed machine ceased

        to work as well as God designed.

    2. All parts of the body have a function.

    3. All parts of the body contribute to its' the well being.     

 V:15. " If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it

   would not for that reason cease to be part of the body."

 A. The foot is made for walking, standing, jumping, running and stopping.

 B. The hand is made for clapping, waving, pointing, holding, pushing, pulling, directing

      and sign language.

 C. One enhances the other.

     1. The two together can certainly do more than one.

V:16. " And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body."

A. The ear is made for hearing, listening and play a part in the balancing of the body.

B. The eye is made for seeing, sending pictures of the outside world to the brain,

     distinguishing colors, shapes and objects and gives sight to guide our actions.

C. One enhances the other.

 V:17. " If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?"

 A. The nose is for smelling, inhaling and exhaling.

     1. The nose filters the air to keep us from bringing foreign objects into the lungs.

     2. The nose enables us to distinguish between different smells, providing

         pleasure and alerting us to dangers.

 B. Every part of the body has a specific purpose.

      The eyes, the ears and the nose enhance each other.

 V:18. " But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be."

 A. God is the designer of the body.

     1. God arranged the body parts to function the way they should, to do the job they

         were  designed to do.

     2. God connected the body parts together and maintains their connectivity.  

 B. The body parts cannot function without God's control.

V:19-20 " If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body."

A. The body is not the perfect body without all it's parts.

    1. It is the sum of the parts, that make the body complete.

    2. If any of the parts of the body  are lacking, the body can't do all that it was designed

        to do.

B. Like a puzzle, the picture is not complete without all the pieces.

    1. Each piece of the puzzle has a specific place in the puzzle.

    2. If any of the pieces are out of place, the picture is distorted.

 

V:21. " The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"

A. It is the eye that provides the sight for the hand to do it's job.

    1. Without the eye the hands would have to work in darkness.

    2. It is the hand that provides the touch that the eye can't feel.

B. The head and the feet are on opposites sides of the body.

   1. The head is at the top and the feet are at the bottom.

   2. The head houses the brain that is the guide for the feet.

   3. The feet takes the head where the brain directs it.

   4. If there is no head, the feet are useless.

 

V:22-24. " On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it,"

A. The head is the highest point on the body and carries  expressions of approval,

     disapproval, pain, pleasure, stress and distress, peace and love.

    1. The feet are on the lowest point of the body, but provided the motion of the

         body as directed by the head.

    2. The head may have the highest honor because it gets the most attention.

    3. But the feet are glorified in their motion.

       a. A dancer can't dance without  feet.

       b. a runner can't run without the feet.

 B. The head with all its glamour cannot go from place to place without the motion of the

      feet.

      

   1. The feet with all of their mobility can't move without the direction of the head.

   2. One without the other is lacking.

   3. The two working together share the glory.  

UNITY IN THE BODY

V:25-26. " So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it."

A. When all the parts of the body work together, the body is most effective.

    1. When all the parts of the body do what they were designed to do, the

        body gains the glory of God.

    2. When all the parts of the body work as they were designed by the maker, there is

         nothing that cannot be accomplished according to the will of God.

B. When one part of the body does not work, the entire body suffers for lack of

      its divine perfection.

     1. If the smallest part of the body does not work there will be deformity in the

          body.

     2. If the blood cells, which are not visible to the eye are not produced and distributed

         throughout  the body, the body slowly dies.

 C. Every part of the body should be concerned for the welfare of every other part of the

     body. 

    1. When there is joy in one part of the body, that joy should spread to every part of the

        body.

    2. When there is pain in one part of the body, the whole body suffers.

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

V:27. " Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

 A. The Body of Christ is the sum of all Church members who believe in Jesus

      Christ as Lord and Savior.

    1. Everybody in the body has equal importance to God the maker and creator of

        all things.

    2. No one should be prideful of their position or status, because their work is not for

        them, but for the effectiveness of the entire body.

    3. Pride leads to envy, hatred and strife and the whole body suffers.

 B. Every gift and talent should be used to glorify God and draw others to Christ.

     1. Preachers preach, teachers teach and the lifestyles of every member draws others to

         Christ.

     2. You don't have  to hold a prominent position in the Church to influence the whole

         Church. 

 V:28. " And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues."

 A. As in any organization, there is a hierarchy in the Church.

     1. The hierarchy establishes order and direction.

     2. No position is more important than the other.

 B. God gave us Apostles because they were eye witnesses to the teaching and the

      miracles of Jesus.

     1. They witness the death and resurrection of Jesus and laid the foundation

         for the rest of the body to be built upon.

      2. They were the first teachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

      3. Except for Saint John, they were all murdered for their faith in Jesus Christ

          and preaching the truth. 

  C. Second, God gave us prophets.

      1. The prophets were those appointed to speak under divine inspiration about

          future divinely ordained events to come.

      2. Saint John was both prophet and apostle.

         a. God gave him the inspiration for the book of Revelation which is the prophecy of

             the  end times.

         b. Revelation includes the final judgment and the new heaven and the new earth.

 D. God gave us teachers.

     1. God gifted some with the ability to understand His Word and to teach it to others.

     2. How can we understand God's Word without a teacher guided by the Holy Spirit?

C. In the early Church, God gave some the gift of healing and miracles.

    1. The Apostle Paul had the gift of instant healing and the gift of raising believers

        from temporary death.  Acts 20:9

    2. Peter and John had the gift of instant healing.  Acts 9:40

 E. Some were giving the gift of hospitality.

     1. Some went out of their way to help others.

     2. Gaius was one who had a reputation of being kind to strangers.

 F. Some had the gift of being wise and prudent and the ability to discern spirits.

 G. Some were given the gift of languages. (tongue is really a known language Act :2)

     1. As the occasion arose, they could speak different languages that they had not

         learned as the Holy Spirit enabled them.

     2. I was asked the question: If God gave some the ability to speak different

         languages, why is it that those who speak in tongues all sound the same?

        a. A light went on in my head.

        b. Perhaps they don't have a gift, but are repeating something they learned over time.

    3. I also noticed that people in the Church who speak this language they call "tongue"

        don't have an interpreter to explain what they said.  1 Cor 14:27

        a. This is strange, because Paul said if there is no interpreter, be quite. 1 Cor 14:28

        b. This is even more strange since Paul said that gift of tongues(languages)

            was not given for believers, but non believers.   1 Cor 14:22

WE ALL DO NOT HAVE THE SAME GIFTS

 V:29-30. " Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?"

   30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?"

  A. There are many gifts but they are not all the same.

      1. Every gift has its' purpose.

      2. Every gift was given to believers to be used by them to build up and edify the body

          of Christ.

      3. All gifts work uniquely together.

 B. Apostles, prophets and teachers all proclaim the Word of God.

     1. Those who have the gift of miracles and healing build up and restore the fleshly

         bodies for God's use.

     2. Those who speak a language unlearn and those who interpret the unlearned

             language draw  unbelievers who speak that language naturally to Christ.

 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.

      A. The greater gift is the ability to use your gifts with love and compassion to the

           benefit of the whole body of Christ.  1 Cor 14:1

      B. The greater gift is obedience to God's commands.

     

USED YOUR GIFTS TO DRAW OTHERS TO CHRIST AND TO BUILD UP THE BODY

Rev. M. Mitchell,   Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Church

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Spiritual Gifts", 5/10/2015

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

KNOW YOUR GIFTS

V:1. " Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant."

 A. One of the benefits of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is the giving of spiritual

      Gifts.

      1. The Holy Spirit is the giver of these gifts.

      2. Once in Jesus, we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

 B. Because we were new to the faith after accepting Jesus, we were ignorant of these

      gifts.

     1. Ignorant does not mean dumb, it describes a state of unawareness.

     2. Once a Christian has been in the faith for a while, he/she will witness the spiritual

         gifs of  others in action.

         a. The question is; do you know your spiritual gifts?

         b. There are a number of tests you can take to help you determine your gifts.

         c. I really think that all you need  is a wiliness to serve in any capacity in the

             church.

         d. Once you get active serving the Lord, you will discover your spiritual gifts.

         e. Your spiritual gifts may be foreign to you until you start serving the Lord.

         f. You may find out that your spiritual gifts has nothing to do with what you

             are accustomed to doing.

PROOF OF BEING UNSAVED

V:2. " You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols."

A. The world does not have any spiritual gifts.

     1. We all have skills and talents that we have acquired over the years.

     2. A spiritual Gift is God given and not something learned or acquired.

B. Before we came to Christ, our worship was for ourselves, others or something

     else.

    1. You can worship your job, house, cars or other people.

    2. None of these thing bring lasting joy or benefit the soul.

C. Without Jesus in your life, the world is the major influence in your life.

    1. When there is no foundation for truth, you can be led in any direction that

        seems reasonable.

    2. True wisdom, which is in the Word is foolish to the world.   1 Cor 2:14

 V:3. " Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus

  be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

A.  There can be no Christian religion without Divine Inspiration.

    1. The Word of God is foolish to the world.

    2. Only a believer can know that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.

B. The concept  of a man dying and being resurrected  to be Lord over all

     creation, both heaven and earth is foreign to the world.

    1. The concept of one man's blood shed on the cross covering the sins of the entire

         world, past, present and future is foreign to the world.

    2. The Sadducees, a leading group in the Jewish community doing Jesus time did not

         believe in the resurrection. 

    3. The entire Jewish community, except for a few renegades, rejected Jesus as Lord

        and Savior.

 C.  Only a few renegades empowered by the Holy Spirit excepted Jesus as Lord and

       Savior.

     1. Jesus asked Peter; who do you say that I am? Peter replied, you are the Christ.

         a. Jesus replied, that flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father

            in Heaven.

     2. It is the Spirit that convicts us when we study and meditate on God's Word.

         a. The world will get no conviction studying God's Word.  John 16:14

         b. The world will not be enlighten by the body of  truth, which is God's Word.  

  D. Man under the influence of the Holy Spirit cannot curse Jesus.

     1. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, man can only proclaim Jesus as Lord

         and Savior.

     2. The world, hearing the proclamation that Jesus is Lord, will not accept it

         or believe in Jesus.

ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF BEING SAVED

V:4. "There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit."

   A. There are a variety of Gifts each different from the other.

        1. The Holy Spirit is the giver of divine gifts.

        2. God gives Spiritual Gifts according to His Will.   Heb 2:4

        3. The Father , the Son and the Spirit jointly gives gifts of the Spirit.  Eph 4:8

   B. Each gift is uniquely given to each believer for the edification of the body.             1

        Cor 14:12

       1. Every believer was chosen for God's specific purposes.

       2. We never know who will meet along the way that will need to be blessed by the

           gifts God has given us.

    

ALL SPIRITUAL GIFTS COME FROM THE LORD

V:5. " There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord."

 A. There are various offices in the Church.

      1. The early Church had Apostles.

          a. These were the eye witnesses to the teaching and miracles of Jesus.

          b. These were the 11 original disciples of Jesus, plus the replacement for

              Judas and the Apostle Paul.

          c. The Apostles of the early Church had the power to do miracles including

              instant healing and the resurrection of the dead.   Acts 5:10, Acts 9:40, Acts 20:9

     2. The early church had prophets and teachers.

     3. The early church had the office of bishop, or presbyter.

     4. The early church had pastors and deacons.

 B. God the Father gives each believer the power to exercise his/her gift.

     1. Spiritual gifts are given by only the one true and living God.

     2. All spiritual gifts are given by one source, God the Father, God the Son and God the

         Holy Spirit.

     3. All of the offices of the Church were ordained by the one true and living God.

 V:6. " There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men."

A. God is the power behind all the works we do for the Church.

    1. Without Jesus, we can accomplish nothing.  John 15:5

    2. Jesus is the true vine and we are the branches

    3. Apart from the vine, the branches cannot produce any fruit.

B. The Holy Spirit works in all who possess spiritual gifts.

   1. Each believer is given the ministry of reconciliation.  2 Cor 5:18

   2. This ministry may take the form of encouragement, teaching, preaching, serving

       in any capacity in the Church or community and proclaiming Jesus

       as Lord and Savior.

   3. God will put in our mist those who can benefit from our gifts.  

   4. God will prepare the hearts of those He puts in our mist to receive His Word

       from us.

THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

 V:7. " Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."

   A. Spiritual gifts are not given for our personal edification.

       1. Spiritual gifts are given so that entire body of Christ is uplifted and

           built up to give God the glory.

       2. We are to use our gifts so that God can cause an increase in the body of Christ.

  B. All believers were given the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for the common good

      of the body of Christ.

     1. Spiritual gifts were not given to promote ourselves but so the Church can prosper.

     2. Spiritual gifts are not given so we look good, but so the Church can become the

         common good of the community.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS IDENTIFIED

 V:8. " To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,"

 A. Wisdom is insight to God's Word.

      1. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

      2. When we study God's Word we gain insight to His wisdom.

      3. When we study God's Word we gain insight to who He is, His power and

          glory and how He works in our lives.

B. Knowledge is the ability to apply God's Word to our life.

     1. Every situation is an opportunity to apply God's Word to our lives.

     2. When we live according to God's Word our faith in Him will grow.

     3. Jesus said; if you love me, keep my commandments.

V:9. "To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,"

   A. In relying on God's Word in every aspect our lives, our Faith grows.

       1. God gives each believer a measure of faith.  Rom 12:3

       2. The Word says that if you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can move

            mountains.

           a. We must exercise our faith daily for it to growth.

   B. The Word says that , if anyone is sick, let him call the elders to pray for him

        and he will recover.  James 5:14

       1. The Word also says the prayers of the righteous man are power and effective .

          James 5:16.

       2. It is faith in the Word of God that activates our Spiritual Gifts.

 V:10. " To another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues."

A. Throughout the Old and the New Testament, God performed miracles through the

     mouths of faithful believers.

    1. God is still in the miracle business.

    2. I have personally seen God perform miracles in the my life and the lives of others.

        a. The miracles of God are activated through the prayers of faithful believers.

        b. The Word says, pray without ceasing.

 B. Throughout the Old and New Testament, God gave His message to faithful men

       about future events,

      1. Most of prophecies of the Old and New testament have been fulfilled.

      2. There still some prophecies yet to be fulfilled.

          a. The second coming of Jesus is yet to be fulfilled.

          b. The new heaven and new earth is yet to be fulfilled

      3. The Bible is closed. There are no new revelations.    Rev 22:19

           a. Men are enlighten by the Holy Spirit of what has already has been

               revealed in God's Word.

           b. You can say based on the Word that if someone continues in a certain

                behavior that there is a resulting outcome.

  C. There are evil spirits and the Holy Spirit.

       1. The Devil and his demons are evil spirits.

       2. Each believer has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

       3. If a person denies Jesus as Lord and Savior, he is under the influence of

           an evil spirit.

       b. No one can confess Jesus as Lord and Savior unless he is under the influence

           of the Holy Spirit.  1 Cor 12:3

  D. I think one of the most controversial  Spiritual gifts is the gift of tongues.

      1. We have taken the word tongue to mean some spiritual language which it is not.

      2. The Greek word for tongue is "glossa" which means a language naturally

           un-acquired.

           a. The gift of tongues is the ability to speak in a foreign language that

               you did not study.  (See Acts 2:1-16)  

      3. The Apostle Paul states the tongues was given for a sign for unbelievers

           and not for believers. 1 Cor 14:22

  

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

V:11 " All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one,

   just as he determines. "

  A. There are no superior gifts.

      1. All Spiritual gifts were given by God for the edification of the body of Christ.

      2. Every Spiritual gift is equal in it's importance to the body of Christ.

  B. Every believer has been given Spiritual gifts whether they are used or not.

     1. No one should be envious of anyone Spiritual gifts.

     2. They were not naturally acquired and no one can claim any glory for them.

C. We were chosen by God to be in the body of Christ.

      1. Upon our confession of faith, we were given gifts to accomplish God's

          will for our lives.

      2. One of the proofs that you are in the body of Christ is the naturally

          un-acquired gifts from God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy

          Spirit.

 D. All spiritual gifts are the work of the Holy Spirit.

     1. Any believer using a Spiritual Gift is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

     2. No one can boast of his/her gift.

     3. No one can claim superiority as a result of their Spiritual Gift.

     4. All boasting belong to the Lord...

SEEK TO KNOW YOUR GIFTS AND USED THEM TO THE GLORY OF GOD

Rev M. Mitchell,  Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church.

This Week's Sunday School Lesson, "Exercise Your Gifts" 5/3/2015

EXERCISE YOUR GIFT

3 John 1 - 14

ENCOURAGE THE BROTHERS

V:1. "The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth."

 A. John, the elder wrote to Gaius, a friend in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

     1. Gaius is not known for great preaching, teaching or writing.

     2. Gaius is known for his generosity to other preachers.

     3. The name Gaius is of Latin origin, Gaios, meaning a Christian. 

B. Each believer should use the gifts God has given him/her and not

    be envious of the gifts of others.

    1. Every gift was given for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ.

    2. Every gift was given to be used to give God glory in some way.

    3. Whatever gift God has given to you is unique in its purpose.

 C. Gaius was faithful to the truth of Jesus Christ which John  loved.

    1. Your reputation for the love you show others precedes you .

    2. When  you use your gifts, others will be blessed.

PRAY FOR THE WELL BEING OF OTHERS

 V:2. " Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well."

 A.  When you show love for others, God returns the favor by having other's pray for you.

    1. John took the time to pray for the success and the welfare of Gaius.

    2. We don't always know  others need.

    3. One thing we know, is that everyone needs our prayers.

 B. Those who work in the ministry need the support from others in the body of Christ.

    1. The apostle prayed for his fellow worshiper's physical success and his spiritual

        well being.

    2. The ministry of Jesus Christ requires both physical strength and spiritual strength.

        a. Being able to go where God sends you take physical strength.

        b. Being able to deal with what God places before you takes spiritual strength.

    3. We should be in the habit of praying for our pastor's physical capacity and His

        mental stability.  

YOUR REPUTATION PRECEEDS YOU            

V:3.  " It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth."

A. When the Gospel is being maintained in the lives of others, in their walk and their

     conversation, we should rejoice.

    1. We never know how many lives we are influencing by our life style of godliness.

    2. There are no walls or distances that can block the truth about you.

    3. You can't get away from your reputation, good or bad.

B. The text says Gaius walked in truth.

    1. He had a lifestyle of being truthful.

    2. He had a lifestyle of being faithful to God's commands.

    3. Other brothers in Christ took the word of His faithfulness and broadcasted

        it to others.  

    4. The word of Gaius's faithfulness brought joy to the Apostle John.

  C. I am sure it would give any parent joy to hear from others that their children

       behave with a generous and faithful spirit.

      1. I am sure that it would give any parent joy to hear from others that their children

          are well thought of by others.

      2. Sometimes a good report about your children is a reflection on their reverence to

          the Lord.

FIND JOY IN WHAT OTHERS ARE DOING

V:4. " I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

 A.  Those we teach about God become our children in Jesus Christ.

     1. The Word tells us the elders ought to teach the younger generation  1 Pet 5:5,

         1 Tim 5:1-2

      2. As we get older, the wisdom that we have gained in life should be taught to

          to the younger generation.

 B. Parents ought to be a constant source of encouragement to their children.

     1. If we don't encourage our children in the Lord, who will?

     2. Any encouragement our children get from the world is likely to be wrong.

     3. Our children need to know what others see in them.

         a. Anything good could be for encouragement.

         b. Anything bad could be a cause for correction.

         c. Our children need to know how to distinguish between being encouraged to

             do the will of the Father and encouraged to go against  the will of the

             Father.

USE YOUR GIFTS

 V:5. " Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you."

A. Everyone must use the gifts that God has given them to give Him glory.

   1. Not everyone has the same gifts.

   2. Every gift is important in the body of Christ.

B. Gaius is not known for his preaching, his teaching or any miracles that he did.

    1. Gaius is known for his support of traveling ministers.

    2. Gaius is known for his charity to others.

C. You don't have to know someone to be kind to them.

    1. If you have a loving heart, you will be kind to everyone.

    2. You should not be kind to someone expecting something in return.

D. In the Church there are many silent participants who never get recognition.

    1. The ones who work in the nursery want get a plaque for outstanding service,

         but they serve keeping your babies anyway.

    2. The ones who work in culinary ministry want get a plaque for outstanding service,

         but they volunteer  their time to serve at every funeral or special event. 

   3. The one's who clean the bathrooms only get mentioned when there is an overflowing

       toilet or the bathrooms don't look as clean as we like, but they continue to serve.

  4. Not every  job in the Church gets recognition, but every job is important.    

V: 6. " They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God."

A. When you serve those who preach the Gospel, God looks out for you.

    1. If you want a friend, you have to show yourself friendly.

    2. The good word about Gauis was spread from Church to Church by those

         he showed kindness.

 B. It is the responsibility of the Church to support those who minister the Word of God

     to them .  1 Cor 9:11,14

    1. If you do well to God's ministers, God will do the same for you.  Mat 10:41

    2. What goes around comes around.  Luke 6:38

RESPONSIBILITY TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRY

V:7. " It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans."

A. It is a Christian duty to support those who preach the Name of Jesus Christ.

   1. Everything we do ought to be in the Name of Jesus Christ.

   2. Every act of charity ought to be in the name of Jesus Christ.

B. The Church is made perfect through love.

   1. The ministers of Jesus Christ, minister in love, therefore we ought to receive

        them in love.

   2. Jesus, doing His ministry on earth was supported by believers.

C. Our pastors should not have to receive support outside the Church.

    1. Our pastors should receive their support from those who  believe in

         Jesus and honor His name.  1 Cor 9:7-14

    2. God has made available to us what is needed to promote His Gospel.

 V:8. " We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth."

A. If our pastors  receive there support outside the Church, then they become  obligated to the world.

   1. If our pastor's receive their support from the world, then they are obligated to take

       on the world's views and compromise the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

   2. For example, if their support comes from drug dealers, then they are obligated

       to turn their heads on drug use.

       a. If their support comes from arms dealers, then they are obligated to turn their

           heads and not talk about illegal gun purchases and community violence as a

           result of gun use.

       b. If their support comes from abortion rights advocates, then they are obligated

           to  ignore God's command; you shall not kill.  Ex 20:13

 B. The ministry has to be supported by the Church so that we can all work together

      in love.

     1. The strength of the local Church is it's unity to God's commands.

     2. The evidence of love in the Church is our support of  the ministry of Jesus Christ.

  

BAD INFLUENCES IN THE CHURCH

 V:9. " I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to

   do with us."

  A. There are always those in the Church who want  to be the center of attention.

       1. It is either there way or no way.

       2. There are those who can't agree on anything that is not of their opinion.

  B. There are those who like to have the spot light shining on them all the time.

      1. Their ministry is not about love, but about position and status.

      2. They are like crabs in a bucket; they will pull any one down who tries to

           to excel more than they do.

  C. There are those in the Church that will not fellowship with you if you can't agree

       with them.

      1. In the name of Jesus, there are some who go against the doctrine of unity.

      2. In the name of Jesus, they go against the doctrine of love and compassion.

      3. The name "Diotrephes" means an opponent of Christianity.

      4. There are some in the Church who are not about the Church.

 V:10. " So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about

  us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who

  want to do so and puts them out of the church."

  A. Trouble makers in the Church have their own agenda.

       1. Trouble makers in the Church are not about God's business, but their own business.

       2. The Diotrephes, an opponent of the Church did all he could to destroy the unity of

           the church.

  B. John listed the attributes of this trouble maker.

      1. He did a lot of gossiping.

          a. He had an evil mindset.

          b. He spoke evil about other brothers.

          c. Instead of building up others, he made a point of bringing  down others.

          d. He use his tongue to destroy other members of the Church.

      2. He was not satisfied with the progress and the direction of the Church.

          a. He did not welcome traveling preachers of the Gospel who came to the Church.

          b. He opposed other members of the Church who were generous, compassionate

              and hospitable to strangers.

          c. He even put members out of the Church who were generous to strangers.

  C. The Bible says, be kind to strangers, because you never know when you are

       entertaining an angel. Heb 13:2

      1. We don't know why God sends people into our lives.

      2. Sometimes God puts people in our lives to point to an error in our lives.

      3. Sometimes God puts people in our lives to show us a more perfect way of serving

          Him.

      4. Sometimes God gives us an opportunity to show love and be compassionate  to

          others.

MAKE YOUR DECISION TO DO GOOD

 V:11. " Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God."

A.  Be careful not to fall under the influence of those who are evil.

    1. The Church has to take a stand against evil influences in the Church.

    2. There are some in the Church who proclaim to know God, but have

        no knowledge of His Word.

B. You have to study the Word to know if a member is acting according to

     God's commands.

    1. You have to have faith in Jesus to openly opposed those who are teaching a

        different gospel than Jesus Christ.

    2. You can expect to be talked about when you oppose those who are acting

        contrary to the doctrines of Christ.

    3. Standing on the Word of God in all situations will test and strengthen you faith.

GOOD ROLE MODEL

V:12. " Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone — and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true."

A. In the Church, there will be those who you can rely on to stand on the truth.

    1. Demetrius had a lifestyle of  following God's commands.

    2. He was well known throughout the city.

    3. His reputation was known outside the city.

B. We should associate with other Christians who are following God's commands.

   1. We can be known by our friends.

   2. Christians should influence each other in the righteousness of God.

FACE TO FACE COMMUNICATION

V:13. " I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink."

 A. It is a good thing for Christians to sit and talk face to face.

     1. There are some things best said in person.

     2. You can learn more about a person when you look into their eyes and

          see the expressions on their face.

 B. When you sit in front of someone, you can tell if they are serious about

      something said or just joking.

    1. When you really know someone, the expression on their face and the tone of

        their voice tells a story of it's own.

    2. Sometimes we react to people based on what we see in their face or the tone in

       their voice.

V:14. " I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends

 here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name." 

A. It is good to end a conversation peacefully and not in anger or confusion.

    1. It is good to know that others in distant places are also thinking about you

        and wish you well.

B. We should be considerate enough to let others close to us know that we

     heard from a distant friend and that he/she sends greeting.

USE YOUR GIFTS TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS IN CHRIST

You are invited to come join us for Sunday Service. Sunday School

at  9 AM and regular service at 11 AM

Join us for Wednesday night Adult Bible Study and Youth Bible Study.

Look forward to seeing you.

 

Rev M. Mitchell,   Asst Pastor of Greater Macedonia Baptist Church.