Category Archives: Gifts

Various Christmas presents wrapped in colorful paper with bows on a wooden bench
Bible, Cheerfulness, Exhortation, Gifts, Giving, Leading, Mercy, Romans, Scripture, Zealous

THE GIFTS LIST – EXHORTATION, GIVING, LEADING, MERCY

ROMANS 12:8

“or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

As we continue today with Paul’s list of spiritual gifts in Romans 12:8, I am reminded of another analogy. I played high school football. I really loved the game. But the position I played on offense wasn’t the flashy one. I wasn’t the quarterback, running back or receiver. I was one of the grunts, a lineman. I played all three positions (tackle, guard, center) during my high school career. Although my position wasn’t the one noticed each play, it was important. Without those positions blocking and protecting, the players making the scores would be overwhelmed with the defense.

So, as we look at four more gifts from the Lord, remember that each one needs the other. In today’s verse, Paul gives us four very different kinds of gifts. They don’t seem to relate to each other at all. How does exhortation compare to giving or how does leading compare to showing mercy? Looked at separately they really don’t. But when you step back and look at the whole body of Christ, you can see how each play their part to make the body function.

APPLICATION

What is exhortation? The Greek word is paráklēsis which can be described as a “holy urging.” This is when you encourage others to carry out God’s commands and practices. This gift can be closely tied to someone who serves as a teacher or preacher. But this word can also be translated as “comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) which gives you a fuller picture of what exhortation can include.

Next Paul mentions “giving,” which is an absolute beautiful gift. People with this gift don’t give to gain recognition and have buildings named after themselves. They give to further the kingdom of God without any concern about how they will get thanked. I have known people with this gift who sold property to give the money to the church. This is a selfless gift focusing on the needs of others. This is found in the way one should give, with “generosity.”

I have this next gift of “leading” but have to admit that I don’t always do it in the way Paul says we should lead – with “diligence.” Sometimes leadership is cast upon us, and other times we make the conscious choice to lead. The Greek word for “leading” is proístēmi which carries the idea of one who has the character to direct others and model behaviors and actions. “Diligence” is spoudḗ (which, by the way, is a just a fun word to say). This means with speed and with zeal. It means “quickly obeying what the Lord reveals is His priority.” (HELPS Word-studies)

The last gift in Paul’s list today is showing mercy. The Topical Lexicon says about this Greek word, “Each occurrence unveils God’s heart toward the helpless and models the believer’s calling to reflect that heart toward others.” Compassion is a word often used in connection to this gift. And how are we to do this? With cheerfulness. The Greek word there is hilarótēs which comes from hilarós. It’s having an attitude that is ready to respond from a willing spirit. We get our word “hilarious” from this. Hilarótēs is only used here in Romans 12:8 and hilarós is only used in 2 Corinthians 9:7 in relation to being a “cheerful giver.”

This is not Paul’s only list of gifts. He mentions other gifts in other letters, but these give us something to ponder, don’t they? Have you found yours in this list? If not, keep asking the Lord to reveal how He wants to use you in the body of Christ.

O Lord, I am so thankful how You have gifted the body of Christ with the various gifts and knitted them all together as one.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Woman explaining from open book to girl sitting beside her while man sweeps floor in classroom with blue walls
Bible, Gifts, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service, Teaching

THE GIFTS LIST – SERVING AND TEACHING

ROMANS 12:7

“if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching;”

Have you ever known a really good servant of the Lord or a really good teacher of the Word? I have had the pleasure of knowing both. I have seen church deacons who really took their role as deacon seriously. They were there to assist the pastor in any way possible. And my late brother-in-law, Dr. Wayne Barber, was probably the best Bible teacher I have ever known. Let’s look at these next two roles we see gifted by the Lord in Paul’s list.

The original Greek text simply reads, “or service, in the service or the teaching in the teaching.” Not much fluff there, is there? The Greek word for “service” is diakonia. HELPS Word-studies says it means “ministry; active service, done with a willing (voluntary) attitude.” And the Greek word for “teaches” (didáskō ) is the root word for “teaching” (didaskalía). Both service and teaching are vital to the body of Christ.

APPLICATION

I think back to the first “deacons” appointed by the church leaders. In Acts 6:1-6 we see the twelve disciples lay hands on seven men to assist them in caring for the widows. They were to be men “of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom.” Other qualifications for deacons can be found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. In fact, the ministry I serve is founded on those very passages. We teach men to be the leaders who can serve as deacons and elders in their local church. Where most churches use those qualifications to disqualify men from serving, Every Man A Warrior uses those qualifications to help qualify men to serve.

Teaching is mentioned in three other passages in the New Testament and is considered a major role that is served through this gift from the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 12:28 it says, “And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues.” Then in Ephesians 4:11 Paul writes, “And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers,” Finally, in 1 Timothy 5:17 we read, “The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”

Serving and teaching – two parts of the body of Christ. They are no more important than the other parts of the body but are still important for a healthy body. Don’t look down on anyone who is a servant in the church as if that gift is less important than those who are teaching. Remember, the foot needs the hand as much as the heart. Every gift works with the other gifts to keep the body of Christ healthy and alive.

Father, I thank You for the gifts of service and teaching and for all those who are living out those gifts in the body of Christ.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Decorative text reading 'Gifts from God' with a cross and wings and the quote 'Every blessing comes from above James 1:17'
Bible, Gifts, Grace, Prophecy, Romans, Scripture

THE GIFTS LIST – PROPHECY

ROMANS 12:6

“However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith;”

Whatever your talents and abilities are, you need to use them correctly. We will be looking at a list of several gifts that Paul mentions over the next few days. God-given gifts are not the same as one’s talents or abilities. I have heard way too many people say, “Boy, that guy is sure talented. If God could get ahold of him, he could really be used.” That is not necessarily true. You may be the most gifted singer, and God may have a totally different plan for your life. Don’t equate talents with gifts.

Paul begins this list of gifts, and we find a phrase that is not in the original text. The phrase “each of us is to use them properly” is not there. The NASB, which is what I use mostly, throws that in to add some clarity to what Paul is about to say. It’s an implied thought, but not in the original. That’s why it’s in italics. This is another reason to always go back to the original language if possible. Paul says that we all have different “grace gifts” that are different according to the “grace” given to us. These gifts are gifts given by God for a specific purpose. Let’s jump into the first one.

APPLICATION

The first “grace gift” Paul mentions is prophecy. The Topical Lexicon says this about this gift. “Unlike ecstatic tongues, prophecy is immediately intelligible, convicting unbelievers and strengthening believers.” In 1 Corinthians 14:22 we are told, “prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe.” Some will argue that this “grace gift” is not present in the modern church, but I would argue if you hold to this strict definition of prophecy, it still has a place to help strengthen believers.

Ellicott’s Commentary this gift “was a kind of powerful and inspired preaching which, unlike the gift of tongues, was strictly within the control of the person who possessed it.” I’ve known people with this gift and have learned to listen closely when they speak forth from the Lord. These individuals have always been very humble and slow to speak unless they knew and had confirmed what they were about to share.

This “grace gift” when properly exercised is always meant to build up the body of Christ, never cause a division. It can mean to “declare the divine will; to interpret the purposes of God; or to make known in any way the truth of God.” (Barnes) Why would the Lord not use that gift in today’s church. Don’t we need that more than every? Sure, we do. I pray we have more believers making known the truth of God. Don’t you?

Lord, whatever our gifts, let us exercise them with humility knowing they from You and for You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Abstract humanoid figure glowing with cosmic energy in colorful space
Availability, Bible, Body, Deeds, Gifts, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service

DO YOUR PART

ROMANS 12:4

“For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function,”

Boy, as I get older, I realize the importance of every part of my body. When my feet hurt, it’s hard to walk around. My feet can limit my whole body. When my head hurts, I just want to lie down and close my eyes. My head can limit my whole body. When my back acts up, once again my whole body is limited. Our bodies were designed by the Great Creator to function in harmony. We need every molecule doing its part to be healthy.

Paul uses this analogy over the next several verses to show the importance of the body of Christ working together to accomplish His mission for the world. In Matthew Poole’s Commentary he writes of verse 4 and 5, “These verses are a reason against arrogancy. All Christians are members of one and the same body; therefore, they should not pride themselves in their gifts but employ them for the common good. It is with the church, the mystical body of Christ, as with a natural body that hath many members, and all these have not the same office,or the same action or operation (as the word signifieth); the eye hath one office, the ear another, the hand a third, etc. So, the church of Christ, though one body in him who is the Head, hath many members;” That’s a good explanation, I think.

APPLICATION

The word used by Paul which is translated as “function” is the Greek word práksis which is “a function, implying sustained activity and/or responsibility.” (HELPS Word-studies). This isn’t a one time deed. It’s an ongoing activity. I can’t help but think about a dear saint in a church I served. This lady served over 45 years in the church nursery. She rocked three generations of children during that time. She had indeed served her function in the body of that church.

This is the same word used in Matthew 16:27 when Jesus said, “‘For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.’” Jesus is looking at our ongoing deeds, not the thing we did once out of guilt to get someone off our back. He is looking for servants who serve, not perform.

We will see in the following verses in Romans 12 some of the gifts that God has given the body to perform. I urge you to check back in with us as we look at the functions God has given us. Yours may be listed here or in one of the other passages like 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Whatever God has gifted you to do, do it with the right motive. Do it to honor Him for all He has done for you. Remember, the body needs you. It cannot function as it should if you don’t function well.

Thank You, Lord, for the different functions of the body and the way You have gifted me to serve.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Christ, Death, Eternal Life, Eternity, Gifts, Jesus, Scripture, Sin, Wages

WAGES VS GIFTS

ROMANS 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Here we are again with another one of my Every Man A Warrior memory verses. We teach this verse to men to train them to share the gospel. Google “The Bridge Illustration” and you will find numerous examples. We use this verse because it spells out the Gospel so simply for anyone at any age. I actually have an App on my phone called “ShareYourFaith” which uses the Bridge Illustration also. Check it out.

Paul brings us to the end of chapter 6 (of course, there were no chapters in his letters) with this familiar verse. I want us to look at the key words of this verse today – wages, sin, death, gift, eternal life, Christ Jesus. And the biggest word in the verse is right in the middle – but. That word changes everything. Everything said in the first half of the verse is trumped by what is said in the second. But…a little word with big implications.

APPLICATION

“…the wages of sin is death,… We earn death (our wages) because of our sin. Since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, man has been held liable for their sins. The punishment for Adam’s disobedience was death, first a physical death. Then, if that sin was not atoned for, a spiritual death. Since Adam mankind has suffered these deaths. There is no way of escaping this punishment in and of ourselves. We cannot earn back our physical or spiritual life.

BUT… God had a plan from the foundation of the world. He knew what would happen in the garden. If He had not known, He would not be much of a God. And even though He knew the choice Eve and then Adam would make, He did not intervene to stop them. They had to decide on their own to obey Him. If He forced their obedience, they would rebel against that. You see, Jesus was not God’s plan B. He was always the plan.

“…the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” As Paul Harvey used to say, “Now, the rest of the story.” God gives us a gift. It cost us nothing. It’s free. We just have to accept it. What is that gift? Eternal life with Jesus. Hold on, Carl. What’s the catch? No catch. You see, that’s what causes so many to stumble. They are looking for the hook in this gift. God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you (John 3:16). If you haven’t accepted that gift yet, do it today. If you have, give Him praise for this inexhaustible gift that has brought billions of people into His kingdom. There is always room for one more.

This world doesn’t know how to accept free gifts. Thank You for giving so freely so I can live with You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Condemnation, Gifts, Justification, Justified, Salvation, Scripture

ONE TO MANY, MANY TO ONE

ROMANS 5:16

“The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one offense, resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the gracious gift arose from many offenses, resulting in justification.”

“All for one and one for all.” If you have ever been part of a sports team, you probably chanted that before a big game. The idea is that the strength of many is stronger than the strength of each individual by itself. They call it synergy. We get stronger the more we work together. I’ve seen that happen in sports and in work. Many equals more.

Well, put that all aside for a minute because today we have a verse that goes against that thought. At first glance this verse seems a little hard to understand, but after some deep dives it becomes clear. Paul is saying that the sin of one man (Adam) led to condemnation for all. On the other hand, the sins of the many led to the sacrifice of one God-Man (Jesus) which gave us justification. One to many and many to One.

APPLICATION

We are not God and never will be. Our future glorification will not make us God or even god-like. Don’t believe that hogwash. However, God does justify us and expects us to share that gift we have received with others. There are two different Greek words translated “gift” in today’s verse. The first one is dóréma and means a gift that is freely given. It’s only used here and in James 1:17 which says, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

The second Greek word for gift is charisma which is really a grace gift. It implies deliverance from danger or passion. It is used 17 times in the New Testament. So, you may be asking yourself why do we need two words for gift in the same verse. One source I looked at described it this way. “Charisma emphasizes the ‘graciousness’ or supernatural nature of the gift, while dorea highlights its ‘free’ and unmerited aspect from the giver.”

Christ’s gift of salvation and His gifts of grace are not meant to be repaid by us. We could never payback what He paid. We read in Deuteronomy 13:4, “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him and cling to Him.” That still applies today. That’s what the Lord expects in return. Can you do that today?

Father, thank You for sending the One (Jesus) to die for the many (including me). I accept His gift of grace and salvation. 
 

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Blood, Gifts, Promises, Salvation, Scripture

SAVED FROM WRATH

ROMANS 5:9

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

Refrain:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

I bet you know that old hymn written back in 1878. That’s what Paul is saying to us today in verse 9 of Romans 5. It is only because of the blood shed by God’s Son, Jesus, that we have been justified and saved from His wrath. You see, our sins demanded death from us. We were doomed to an eternal sentence of the fires of hell. But…Christ came and died for us, satisfying the wrath of God towards our sins. Isn’t that the best news ever?

APPLICATION

Because God paid such a high price for our salvation (the gift of His only Son), He values us. We are precious to Him. He cares for us. If I bought an expensive gun, do you think I would take care of it? You had better believe it. I would regularly clean and inspect it. I would be so careful when I used it to make sure I didn’t scratch or harm it. As much as I might do all those things for a gun, can you imagine how much God will take care of you who were paid for by the blood of His Son?

God’s wrath sounds horrible, doesn’t it? HELPS Word-studies gives us a good picture of this Greek word. “[‘Orgē comes from the verb oragō meaning, “to teem, to swell”; and thus implies that it is not a sudden outburst, but rather (referring to God’s) fixed, controlled, passionate feeling against sin – a settled indignation (so Hendriksen)’ (D. E. Hiebert, at 1 Thes 1:10).]” God cannot stomach sin. He will not tolerate it.

My wife and I like to watch a reality police show. It’s a live three hour show that follows several law enforcement departments during a three hour period of their night shift. I am amazed each time I see the officers letting people go after catching them with drugs. They are guilty, but they don’t charge them. Similarly, we are guilty. We have been caught red-handed in our sins, but because of Jesus’ blood, we have been declared justified (if we have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord). Can you give God praise today for that gift?

Father, I am not worthy of the forgiveness You show me, but I am thankful.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Disgraceful, Gifts, Grace, Justified, Scripture

THE GIFT OF JUSTIFICATION

ROMANS 3:24

“being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus,”

Who doesn’t like to receive gifts, right? I am at the age now that I had rather give them than receive them. I really don’t need anything. I appreciate any gift I receive, but I really just don’t need another thing in my closet or in my house. However, there is one gift I received in 1977 that has lasted me every day since then. I received that gift of justification mentioned in today’s verse. It has never gone out of style, got worn out or been outgrown.

Paul calls our justification “a gift by His grace.” That’s pretty awesome, don’t you think? The Greek literally says, “being justified freely by the grace of Him.” This justification is freely given without any expectation of payment, without a reason or obligation. (Topical Lexicon) Isn’t that the kind of gift you want? We have all probably received gifts that were given with ulterior motives. Payment was expected. A gift was expected. Loyalty was expected. That’s not the kind of gift we get from God.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 10:8, Jesus uses this word. It reads, “‘Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.’” Just as we have received this grace gift of justification freely, we should give out grace freely to others. Jesus was giving His disciples instructions here, but His words apply to us as well.

We are even told in Revelation that we will receive water from the spring of the water of life, and we are to drink freely (Revelation 21:6; 22:17). We are promised this by the great Promise Keeper. We will be able to drink freely and deeply. I can’t wait. How about you?

Give thanks to Him today for the free gift you have received through Him. God does not dangle this just out of your reach. He gives it to us freely and without a hidden agenda. Aren’t you glad He has done this? It makes no matter where you are. He loves you and wants to bless you with this gift. Will you accept it? Will you praise Him for it?

Father God, words cannot express my gratitude.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Bible, Blessed, Blessing, Gifts, Holy Spirit, Scripture, Spiritual

SHARE YOUR GIFT

ROMANS 1:11

“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;”

Often when I travel overseas, I deliver gifts to my friends. On a trip last year to Africa, I was able to deliver monetary gifts to some friends in three different countries. What a blessing to see them receive this, knowing how much it blessed them. I am not sure who was blessed more – them, me or the ones who gave the money. Gifts have a way of continuing to bless others, don’t they?

This verse has been highly discussed by many scholars. Some think Paul was going to lay hands on them and bestow the gift of the Holy Spirit. Other scholars disagree with that, seeing that believers receive the Holy Spirit at salvation. They claim Paul meant to share of his spiritual gifts with them. The word “impart” can also be translated “share,” as it is Luke 3:11 and Ephesians 4:28.

APPLICATION

So, what do you have to “share” or “impart” to others? What spiritual gift do you feel is your primary gift? In 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 we read what Paul wrote about the spiritual gifts. “7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”

You see, our spiritual gifts are meant to help others in their walk with Christ. They are not to be hoarded and kept private. My particular gifts are teaching and administration. But I also have all the rest of the gifts present within me through the Holy Spirit. I have to work at exercising those gifts sometimes. Others come easily. But they are all present for others.

To whom can you share your gift with today? You may have the gift of encouragement. You are a “Barnabus,” who was called the Son of Encouragement. I was encouraged the other morning by a dear brother. I really needed to hear what he had to say. He had no idea when he texted me, but God knew and prompted his spirit to reach out. That’s how our gifts work. Let your gift work today.

O Lord, the gifts You have given me are such a blessing. Help me to share them with others today.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

Standard
Aroma, Bible, Gifts, Offering, Pleasing, Scripture, Sin

THAT SMELLS GOOD

PHILIPPIANS 4:18

“But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”

My wife cooked up a couple of batches of brownies last week to take to a family gathering. Don’t you just love the smell of fresh baked brownies? It took all I could do not to dig into those as I cut them and placed them in the containers to take on the trip. Scooping up those warm brownies was tempting. I could just envision a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of one of those. Ahhh, the smells and the tastes!

Paul isn’t writing about baked goods, but he is using that imagery to describe how he received the gift from the Philippians. Not only was it given to him, but it was also “an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Their gift wasn’t just given to Paul. It was given to God. And Paul said it smelled good to Him. It was “a fragrant aroma.” The Greek actually reads “an odor of a sweet smell.” That’s pretty descriptive, isn’t it?

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 2:15, Paul uses the same word to describe how we smell to God. “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:” We are not just a smell. We are sweet smell. God likes how we smell. The smell of sin has been washed away by the blood of Christ.

This Greek word eudoia is used one more time in the New Testament in Ephesians 5:2. Let’s back up to verse 1 to see the full context. “1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Here that word is describing Christ. Do we smell like Christ to God? Do our gifts to God smell like Christ? Hmmm!

This time of year, when I come in from mowing our lawn, my smell is not a sweet fragrance to my wife. On the contrary, she quickly points to the shower and holds her nose. Now, I don’t smell myself because the odor has gradually grown on me while I’ve been out working. But she can sure smell me. Don’t let the smell of sin creep up on you. Stay washed in the Word and in His Spirit. Be a sweet fragrance to your God.

O Lord, I want to always be a sweet odor in Your nostrils with no smell of sin on me.

You can make an investment in our ministry at www.twr.org/carl-willis

Standard