Tongues

 Temple Baptist Church - 4-29-2026

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

 

Introduction:

A. To properly explain spiritual gifts, both passing and permanent, one must understand that the New Testament began as transitional, from the Old Testament Covenant of Atonement as they awaited the coming of the Messiah, to the New Testament Covenant of the finished Gospel through the Messiah who had come.

 

1. The Jewish nation rejected their Messiah.

 

John 1:10-11 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

 

2. But individuals (both Jew and Gentile) did receive Him.

 

John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (13) Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

 

B. During this transitional time, we see the giving of spiritual gifts to the Church, the body of Christ, along with the local church, the assembling of the body of Christ. Both sign gifts that were temporary until the completion of the Scriptures and service gifts that would remain for the duration of the Church Age were available to the churches until the completion of “that which is perfect,” after which the completed canon of Scriptures was made available to replace them.

 

C. The Bible speaks of spiritual gifts in three doctrinal books, along with one of the Gospels, the Book of Mark:

 

1. Mark 16:17-18, the Apostolic Gifts. Notice that they are referred to as “signs.” Though these signs were mentioned here were a rebuke to these unbelieving apostles. Thus, meant for the unbelieving Jews. None of these sign gifts were permanent.

 

Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

 

Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

 

Matthew 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

 

2. Romans 12:6-8 (ministry gifts, which were permanent)

 

Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy (forth telling) according to the proportion of faith; (7) Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; (8) Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

3. Ephesians (both passing gifts of administration, apostles, and prophets, along with permanent administration gifts, the evangelist or missionary, and the pastor/teacher).

 

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

 

4. 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 (service gifts, which are permanent, and sign gifts, which were passing).

 

1 Corinthians 12:28-31 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? (30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

 

D. 1 Corinthians 13:8 speaks of three of the passing gifts.

 

1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (12) For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (13) And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

 

E. Why just these three? Because these three would be a source of confusion long after the sign gifts were ended!

 

1. Prophecies, they shall fail. Προφητεία prophēteia prof-ay-ti'-ah From G4396 (“prophecy”); prediction (scriptural or other): - prophecy, prophesying.

 

James 4:13-14 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: (14) Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

 

2. Tongues, they shall cease. γλῶσσα glōssa gloce'-sah the tongue; by implication a language (specifically one naturally unacquired): - tongue.

 

I will deal with “tongues” later in chapters 12-14.

 

3. Knowledge, it shall vanish away. γνῶσις gnōsis gno'-sis From G1097; knowing (the act), that is, (by implication) knowledge: - knowledge, science. From a root work meaning to be aware (of), feel, (have) known (-ledge), perceive, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand.

 

Though knowledge or learning in general is still viable, the knowledge that births the inspiration and writing of Scriptures is no longer given by God, i.e., dreams, visions, and inspiration. We need no extra-biblical revelation outside the Bible. The Bible is both completed and perfect, needing no present of future revelations added.

 

F. The main problem the Corinthian church dealt with was the sign gift of tongues.

 

1. Let me say this by way of introduction to the gift of tongues that the following problems were not mentioned in any other epistles written to the churches of Jerusalem, Rome, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Philadelphia, or Laodicea.

 

2. Why only Corinth? Because they were a carnal, divided, ignorant church that misused this sign gift!

 

G. Biblical Tongues. What biblical tongues are, what they are not, and how they are used.

 

1. The biblical mentions of “tongue” or “tongues.”

 

a. The physical tongue is mentioned 15 times in your Bible.

 

b. “Tongue” or “tongues” are mentioned 151 times in your Bible.

 

c. 4,000 BC. First Mention: Genesis 3:8-10 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. (9) And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? (10) And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

 

Voice: qôl   qôl kole, kole To speak and communicate.

 

1) For approximately 1,656 plus years, the world spoke this one language. In Genesis chapter 6, Noah’s Day, it is biblically simple to calculate the time from the beginning because of Genesis chapter 5. It was now app. 2344 B.C., 1,656 years after creation. The world had one language until Genesis chapter 11, when we find the confounding of that language as the world began building a tower up to heaven.

 

Genesis 11:7-9 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. (8) So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. (9) Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

 

Here, language and speech come from the same Hebrew word: śâphâh    śepheth saw-faw', sef-eth' manner of talk, words, communication.

 

2) The First Mention of “tongue.” Genesis 10:5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations.

 

d. The First Mention and the Last Mention are always consistent with each and all mentions between are in agreement: Revelation 17:15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

 

e. The tongues found in Acts chapter 2 and 1 Corinthians chapter 12 speak of various languages, not some heavenly or angelic language.

 

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

 

1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

 

f. Not one mention is found in the Bible of an ecstatic, unintelligible tongue being spoken. In every instance, tongues were used for communication in a specific language spoken by the hearer.

 

2. The sign gift of tongues was meant for the Jewish nation to hear because of their unbelief and rejection of their Messiah.

 

a. God used “tongues” and “miracles" to show the approval and power of God upon the message, not the tongues. “Will he speak?” is a direct reference to God speaking to the Jewish Nation.

 

Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

 

1 Corinthians 14:21-22 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. (22) Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

 

b. This was fulfilled in Acts chapter 2.

 

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

 

c. Every tongue spoken was a language understood (interpreted) by the individual hearer.

 

Acts 2:6-11 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. (7) And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? (8) And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? (9) Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, (10) Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, (11) Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

 

d. The only recorded “other tongues” used in the Bible are found in the Book of Acts, chapters 2, 10, and 19. Each time tongues were spoken, they were in the presence of unbelieving Jews.

 

1) Acts chapter 2. The Feast of Pentecost, one of the Jewish High Days or Sabbaths, where all males were to be present, both Jews and Jewish Proselytes.

 

Acts 2:6-11 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. (7) And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? (8) And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

 

Acts 2:11-13 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (12) And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? (13) Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

 

2) Acts chapter 10. When God sent Peter to the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, with the Gospel message. The tongues were spoken as a sign to the Jewish Nation that the Gentiles were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost just as the Jews were.

 

Acts 10:43-48 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (44) While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (45) And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. (46) For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

 

3) Acts chapter 19. John’s disciples had received his baptism, looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. When they heard that Jesus Christ was the Messiah, they believed and were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then these 7 men spoke in tongues, giving evidence that both Old and New Testament Jews were saved through the Lord Jesus Christ alone.

 

Acts 19:1-7 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, (2) He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. (3) And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. (4) Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. (5) When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (6) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (7) And all the men were about twelve.

 

4) All three instances were a sign to the Jews concerning salvation. There are no other records of speaking in tongues referenced in God’s Word.

Understanding Spiritual Gifts - Part 6 - The Church Gifts

Temple Baptist Church - 4-15-2026

Ephesians 4:4-16

Introduction:  “Diversity of Gifts”  Ephesians chapter four is an important one as it speaks of Church gifts that are both partial or passing and gifts that are permanent. 

A.  As long as our Lord walked on this earth, He personally took care of His people.  He guided them; He comforted them; He protected them; He fed them, etc. 

 

1.  It is no wonder that, in John 14, He said, “Let not your hearts be troubled!”  He was going away, and they thought that they were being left to fend for themselves. 

 

2.  I am glad that such was not the case.  The Lord will never leave us alone to walk through this present evil world.  God gave to the believers the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, individual gifts, and gifts to the local church.

 

B.  When our Lord resurrected, He did two things that are listed in verse 8:  He led “captivity captive” and “gave gifts to men.” 

 

1.  He brought out of Abraham’s Bosom all of the redeemed from Adam to the resurrection.  Now the saved dead are with the Lord in heaven. 

 

2.  Secondly, He gave gifts—both individually and corporately—to those who remained after His resurrection.  We found lists of gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 8, and Ephesians 4.

 

C. We have been discussing gifts of the Spirit given to individuals.  Tonight, I want to look at the purpose of the gifts given to the church corporately. 

 

1.  Passing gifts were the Apostles and Prophets (foretelling).  The Prophets and Apostles were passing gifts given to the early church until the coming of “that which is perfect,” the Word of God.  They received divine revelation from God, and both gave it as they were “moved by the Holy Ghost,” incorporating it through the establishment of local churches.

 

2. The Apostles were foundational in nature.  There were only 12 apostles, with Paul being the 12th, because Judas Iscariot was set aside. 

 

a)  They were foundational in building the New Testament Church.  Ephesians 2:19-22  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  (20)  And  are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  (21)  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:  (22)  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  

 

b)  The Apostles were not the building.  They were the foundation upon which the building was built.  Once the foundation was laid, their work was done and did not need to be repeated or continued.  Their foundational work is eternally established in the foundation of the New Jerusalem.

 

Revelation 21:14  And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

 

c)  The Apostles had to witness the resurrected Christ.  (Acts 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 9:1)

 

d)  The Apostles had to be personally commissioned by Christ.

 

e)  The Apostles were given the authority, through the Holy Ghost, to establish both churches and doctrine.

 

f)  The Apostles were uniquely qualified and non-repeatable.

 

3.  The Prophets.  Ephesians 3:2-5  If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:  (3)  How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,  (4)  Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)  (5)  Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

 

a)  The Prophets, before the completion of the Scriptures, were given divine revelations that confirmed and communicated truth not previously known. These Prophets foretold events in the absence of a completed Scripture that we can sit down and read.

 

b)  We now have a completed revelation, and prophets are no longer necessary.  Such prophecy today would be extrabiblical revelation and would, of necessity, be added to our now-completed Bible.

 

D.  The Lord also gave permanent gifts to the local church: evangelists and pastor-teachers.  I want to look at them individually.

 

1.  The Evangelist.  To bring glad tidings, to preach the Gospel. 

 

a)  In our day, the word “evangelist” has taken on an unbiblical meaning.  When we think of an evangelist, we think of a man who preaches revivals in local churches.  Biblically, I believe these men are “Revivalists.” 

 

b)  The biblical evangelist is the missionary!  These men are of utmost importance to the local church and to the world.  In order to obey these great commands:

 

Matthew 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

 

Mark 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

 

c)  Evangelists, called missionaries, are essential to carrying, preaching, and teaching the Gospel to those the local churches cannot reach.

 

2.  The Pastor and Teacher.  One and the same man!  Though punctuation is not inspired, it is right here.  Learn English. 

 

Ephesians 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

 

Semicolons mark the end of one thought and the beginning of another.  “apostles;”  “prophets;” “evangelists;”  Now, look at pastors and teachers.   There is no semicolon between “pastors and teachers.”  The word “and” ties two equal things together in English.

 

a.  Simply stated, the God-called pastor is also a God-called teacher.  This is clarified in 1 Timothy, the first of the Pastoral Epistles, where the qualifications of the “bishop” or pastor are given.

 

1 Timothy 3:1-2  This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.  (2)  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

 

b.  The value of the pastor-teacher is obvious in verses 12-16.

 

1)  You find the perfection of the saints!  Vs. 12  The word perfecting means to be “completely furnished.”

 

2 Timothy 3:14-17  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  (15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (fully equipped)

 

2)  You find the work of the ministry!  Vs. 12  Winning a lost world to Christ is not my job!  It is not your job!  It is OUR job!

 

2 Corinthians 5:17-18  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  (18)  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.

 

3)  You find the edification of the local church!  Vs. 12  The use of the word edifying, in relation to the local church, means architecture or to fitly build the church.

 

Ephesians 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.  (Everyone has a part in the work of the church so, if you are not doing anything, a part of the work goes lacking.)

 

4)  You find the unity of the faith!  Vs. 13  By faith, Paul meant the fullness of the Scripture.  It is more than just salvation; it is much more than just doctrine; it is the fullness of the Christian life!

 

1 Corinthians 1:10  Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

 

5)  You find the fullness of Christ!  Vs. 13  As full of God as you can get; as full of the Holy Ghost as you can get!

 

Ephesians 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.  (So filled with God that you overflow in the presence of a lost world.)

 

6)  You find the protection of the doctrine! Vs. 14  Not susceptible to false doctrine.  Knowing what the Bible says and being able to recognize and spiritual enough to avoid false doctrine.

 

Romans 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

 

7)  You find the fellowship of love!  Vs. 15  Charity covers a multitude of sins!  If you love me, you can both tolerate and live with me.

 

John 13:35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Understanding Spiritual Gifts - Part 5 - The Internal Work of the Local Church

Temple Baptist Church - 4-1-2026

Romans 12:3-8

 

Introduction: I will not spend much more time on the passing sign gifts as they are not relevant to our day.  Why the partial or passing gifts?  To verify that these men, who did not have a completed Bible, were God sent and preaching God’s truth.  God used miracles to show divine approval.  We have the perfect “measuring stick” in our hands by which we verify the preaching of men. They were gone by the end of the Apostolic Age.  Tonight, I want to look at the service gifts that remain.

 

A.  In our context, Paul moves from personal sanctification to unity of purpose.  Here, we find the importance of each member of the local church.  When our Lord went back to heaven, He gave the church gifts: some passing sign gifts and some permanent service gifts. These are individual gifts.  Every gift of the Spirit is vital to the welfare and edification of the local assembly, and these three are extremely important!  When our Lord ascended back to heaven, He did not leave the church helpless, confused, or floundering.

 

Ephesians 4:7-8  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  (8)  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

 

B.  God loves the church, both the body and local assemblies, as Christ died for it.  Should we love it less?

 

Ephesians 5:25-27  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  (26)  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  (27)  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

 

C.  During the Transitional Period of the Apostolic Church, the Lord made sure that believers would have all the necessary tools for a healthy, mature body of believers. 

 

D.  Thus, the service gifts are mentioned in several places in the Pauline Epistles or Church Epistles.  Again, some of these service gifts passed away, but most remain permanent gifts we still have today.

 

E.  It amazes me when I see the talent level of the people in the church.  Personal gifts of the Spirit to be used for the edification of the body and the ministry of the local church. 

 

F.  In our verses for tonight, Paul describes some of the work-related gifts found in the church.  I am not going to do an in-depth study of the gifts of the Spirit, but I want to emphasize the importance of each member of the body.

 

G.   The Bible gives an analogy between the human body and the church body.  Our physical body is a work of divine genius that only a divine Creator could create.  David said that he was fearfully and wonderfully made.

 

Psalms 139:14-16  I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  (15)  My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  (16)  Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

 

H.  Every part of our human body has purpose and is essential to our well-being.  Every member of the local church has purpose and is essential to its well-being.

 

J.  As every individual part of our human body belongs to the whole, every member of the local church belongs to the whole and is essential to its edification and work.  NEVER THINK THAT THE CHURCH CAN DO WITHOUT YOU!

 

1.  We share the same Salvation.

 

2.  We share the same Lord.

 

3.  We share the same Church.

 

4.  We share the same Bible.

 

5.  We share the same Love.

 

6.  We share the same Blessed Hope.

 

K.  Paul mentions seven specific parts of the internal ministry of the local church in these verses.

 

1.  Prophecy.  Verse 6.  Prophecy here means to forthtell, not foretell.  In 1 Corinthians, we find its meaning:

 

1 Corinthians 14:3  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 

 

a.  Foretelling was a passing gift.  No one in our day can see into the future.  The prophets and seers were a passing gift because there was no completed revelation of God’s Word.

 

James 4:13-14  Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:  (14)  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

 

b.  Forthtelling is preaching the Word of God, which is still relevant in our day.  “According to the proportion of faith,” According to the amount of revealed truth available. 

 

2 Timothy 4:1-3  I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  (3)  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

 

Preaching that edifies, exhorts, and comforts the body of Christ.  I once heard a man say that two things made him want to preach:  good preaching and bad preaching.  Good preaching builds up, presses the believer to continue on, and comforts the troubled hearted.

 

2.  Ministry.  Verse 7.  This word comes from the same root word as the word “deacon,” which means servant or to serve.  Ministry – the word used for ministry is of the same root word as deacon.  A minister is one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master.  A servant, attendant, minister - the servant of a king, a waiter, one who serves food and drink, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others. 

 

Galatians 5:13  For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

 

a.  It is imperative that we understand that the work of the church is to minister to others, both saved and lost!  Even by government definition, we are to be a non-profit organization.  We are neither here for gain nor self-glorification, but to reach out to those who are in need!  We are to minister the gospel to the unsaved.

 

b.  Internally, there are many aspects of the work of the local church, and each has its importance.  There are:

 

1)  Sunday School workers, youth group workers, senior group workers, singing in the choir, special music, door greeters, ushers, VBS workers,, those who visiting shut-ins and hospitals (my how I appreciate these and so do the sick and shut-in), those who write cards to both the sick and those who are having special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, those who visit and call the sick, etc. (what a blessing to be remembered!

 

2)  There are physical jobs that must be done, such as cleaning the church, hauling off the trash, maintaining both the building and grounds, as the local church belongs to each of us.

 

3)  There are many more such things that the local church (and the pastor) depend upon.

 

c.  Ministry is one of the most important and less sought after of all gifts.

 

1 Corinthians 16:15-18 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. 17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

 

Romans 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

 

2 Corinthians 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

 

2 Corinthians 9:1  For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

 

2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

 

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

 

1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

 

b.  External Ministries, which include visitation workers, lay preachers whom God uses to fill the pulpit, preach in nursing homes, retirement centers, jails, etc.  Those with ministry gifts help with the work of evangelization.

 

1)  It increases the capacity of the church to reach others with the gospel.  Many that are doing many things instead of one doing everything.

 

2)  It relieves some of the burden of preaching from the shoulders of the pastor and allows him more time to devote to prayer and the Word.

 

3.  Teaching.  Verse 7.  Teaching - The ability to instruct other teachers in communicating the Scriptures. They made complex truths clear and understandable.  Teaching is a vital part of the local church's ministry.  Sunday School teachers are very important in the local church.  They have the awesome responsibility of breaking down God’s Word to their students' level.  The future of our children lies in their hands.

 

2 Timothy 2:2  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

a.  Our Lord said, in Matthew 28:20, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

 

b.  The importance of proper teaching:  The Bible places teaching on an equal plane with preaching - Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.  In Acts 18:11, God’s Word says, “And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”

 

John 8:31-32  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

Proverbs 2:1-7  My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2  So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; 3  Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4  If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5  Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6  For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7  He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

 

Hosea 4:6  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

 

c.  God has given to some the gift of teaching.  In Acts 18, we find such a man. 

 

Acts 18:24-27  And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25  This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26  And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27  And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

 

d.  We need faithful, godly men who can teach - 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

 

e.  We need faithful, godly ladies who can teach - Titus 2:3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 [To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

 

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

 

f.  We are all to be teachers to some degree as we mature in Christ - Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

 

 

4.  Exhorting.  Verse 8.  This word comes from a root word that is used for the Holy Spirit.  It means to come along side of or to implore someone who is faltering.

 

Hebrews 10:2  For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

 

Exhortation - EXHORT', v.t.  to encourage, to embolden, to cheer, to advise.  The primary sense seems to be to excite or to give strength, spirit, or courage.  To incite by words or advice; to animate or urge by arguments to a good deed or to any laudable conduct or course of action.  To deliver exhortation; to use words or arguments to incite to good deeds.  Some have this wonderful gift!  They are men and women of faith and faithfulness who constantly encourage the brethren.  They are high in spirit and comforted in trouble.

 

a.  The necessity of exhortation.

1)  The duration of exhortation - 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

 

2)  The urgency of exhortation - Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

 

3)  The particulars of exhortation.

 

a)  Exhortation in continuation - Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

 

b)  Exhortation in contending - Jude 3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

 

c)  Exhortation in commitment - 1 Thessalonians 4:1  Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

 

d)  Exhortation in chastity - 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

 

e)  Exhortation in communing - 1 Timothy 2:1  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

 

5.  Giving.  Verse 8.  Thank God for tithers and givers.  Without you, the church could not function, and missionaries would NEVER get to the field of their calling.  Let it be done with simplicity.  Simplicity – folded together.  I always place our tithing envelope face down.  God knows, and a few people are privy to that information, but it is NEVER discussed among those who do know.

 

a.  Giving is a command to all – Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 

We all give to a certain degree.  Some only tithe, while others begin to give extra to missions and special projects.  Others will give 20-40% of their incomes to the work of the Lord.

b.  There are some who have a special gift of giving.

1)  These, first of all, give of themselves - 2 Corinthians 8:5 And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 

The most important gift to give is the gift of self.  Giving of oneself to the Lord is the priority and giving of oneself as well as of one’s finances to others is the result!

2)  These then give themselves to others.  This is done in two ways:

a)  They give of their time and talents (They give their lives!) -  Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

Romans 16:3-4 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Philippians 2:25-30 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26  For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.27  For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.28  I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.29  Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:30  Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

b)  They give of their worldly goods - Mark 12:41-44  And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42  And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43  And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44  For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Some give until it hurts, while others give until it feels good! These individuals give behind the scenes to those with special needs, doing so with simplicity. They often remain anonymous, quietly slipping money into the hands of the recipient or designating for them.

6.  Ruling.  Verse 8.  Ruling is managing and governing God’s church, with diligence and compassion.  Not as lords over God’s heritage but as shepherds over God’s sheep.

 

1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

 

a.  This verse is intended to describe the rule of pastors, but the principle applies to others who are appointed to rule to some degree under the pastor.  Three biblical words describe this gift: ruling, governing, and administration.

 

b.  The gift of Ruling is a special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to understand clearly the goals that the Lord has for a Church or a Church ministry, and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals. We call them born leaders.

 

c.  People with organizational skills.  These know what needs to be done and how to get it done.  Their ruling is always subject to the authority of the pastor.

d.  Rulers must be thorough, objective, responsible, organized, efficient, conscientious, gentle, and just.

7.  Mercy.  Verse 8.  Sharing with those in need.  They quietly aid the elderly and hold the hands of the sorrowful.  Not just monetary, but giving one’s time and efforts to those who have need of it.  Prayer partners and burden bearers.  A burden shared is half a burden!

 

Conclusion:  The work of the local church is diverse in nature.  It takes all of us to make the local church what it should and needs to be.