Category Archives: Gifts

Friends and family exchanging wrapped gifts around a table at Christmas
Bible, Blessed, Blessing, Gifts, Giving, Romans, Scripture

THE JOY IN GIVING

ROMANS 15:27

“For they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to do them a service also in material things.”

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, I have always enjoyed giving to others. I wish I had a million dollars to give away. Don’t you? Think of the people or ministries you could bless with an unexpected gift. I have some very generous supporters who give sacrificially to our ministry. I am always exceedingly grateful for their gifts. It doesn’t matter the amount. It’s the thought of them believing in us. I thank them each time I receive a gift, but “thank you” is never enough.

Paul continues to express his appreciation to the churches who gave to support the saints in Jerusalem. I really like that he writes “they were pleased” to give. Don’t you know those churches loved that they were able to give to those who had helped them receive the gift of the Gospel? I bet they would have loved to have been with Paul when he delivered the gift. They didn’t have zoom or FaceTime back then to see the expressions on their faces. I am sure Paul let them know the gift was delivered.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 9:11 Paul urged the church in Corinth to be a part of this when he wrote, “If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” And undoubtedly, from Paul’s words in today’s verse, they willingly contributed. This was just one church. We don’t know the amount they all gave. That doesn’t matter. The fact they gave speaks loudly.

I just got off the phone with one of my supporters who has been a part of my ministry partners since I started with my current ministry. He and his wife have been so faithful through the past few years. I thanked him again for his gift and wanted him to know just how much it means to me. I have the luxury of phone calls to express that. Our material blessings can mean the difference in a ministry continuing or not. Let me encourage you, if you are giving to a ministry, to reach out and check on them. I am sure they have great stories to share.

1 Corinthians 9:6-7 comes to mind. “6 Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Be a cheerful giver and receive the Lord’s blessings for your obedience.

Thank You, Lord, for those who support my ministry and for the ability I have to also give to those in need.

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

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Bible, Boldness, Courage, Empowered, Gifts, Romans, Scripture

BE BOLD

ROMANS 15:15

“But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given to me from God,” 

Some people perceive boldness as rudeness. It’s nothing of the sort. Through my ministry I have had to be rather bold in my gospel witness or in defending someone who was being treated unfairly. I have stood up to some bullies in the church with boldness that I didn’t know I possessed. It takes courage sometimes to stand up for what you know is right.

Paul uses a Greek word here for “boldly” that is only used here in the whole New Testament. It is the comparative form of “tolmáō (from tolma, ‘bold courage’) – properly, to show daring courage necessary for a valid risk (“putting it all on the line”); courageously venture forward by putting fear behind and embracing the fruit that lies ahead for taking a necessary risk.” (HELPS Word-studies). The word used here is the adjective tolmēróteron. The Topical Lexicon says, “In Romans 15:15 Paul acknowledges that he has written ‘rather boldly’ to the believers in Rome. The comparative nuance suggests a degree of boldness surpassing what might normally be expected in ordinary correspondence. The single occurrence accents its rhetorical force, underscoring a deliberate choice to speak with heightened candor.”

APPLICATION

So, how does this apply to us? God may call on you to exercise such boldness in your Christian faith. Many of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have shown such boldness every day. I read every week about a pastor or his family in Nigeria or India or another country who have lost their home or perhaps even their lives because of their boldness for the Gospel. What would you do in the face of such challenges?

Paul writes in Philippians 1:14 that his suffering produced boldness in others. “and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” The word “courage” is tolmáō. What you do can have such an impact on the action of others. Think of the General who leads his men into battle rather than staying behind and simply ordering them.

God needs our boldness. God can give us this boldness. We just have to ask and believe. When you face trials, turn to Him for the boldness to go through them. When you are defending the weak, tap into the boldness you receive from Jesus. Remember it is not your battle. It’s God’s. You are just a foot soldier following orders.

Give me boldness that surpasses the attacks of the enemy knowing You have my back. 

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

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Bible, Body, Encouragement, Gifts, Perseverance, Romans, Scripture, Unity

GIFTS FROM THE FATHER

ROMANS 15:5

“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus,”

As a father and grandfather, I love to give good gifts to my children and grandchildren. Of course, as most grandparents, I love to spoil my grandchildren. Whether it be a new Hotwheel for my grandson or a doll for my granddaughter, it’s such a joy to see their excitement when they receive it. As our children and grandchildren get older, the gifts change, don’t they? The Happy Meal from McDonald’s doesn’t have the same effect on a teenager as it did to a five year old. But the gift is still a gift.

Paul tells us in today’s verse that the Lord gives us a couple of very special gifts. Perseverance and encouragement are given to His children for the purpose of helping us have “the same mind with one another.” We’ll get to that in a minute. But let’s look at these two gifts and how they apply to our Christian walk personally and corporally.

APPLICATION

“Perseverance” is the Greek word hupomoné. This word is used 32 times in the New Testament. The first time it’s used is in the parable of the sower in Luke 8:15. “‘But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word with a good and virtuous heart, and hold it firmly, and produce fruit with perseverance.” We are told to persevere in our fruit production for the Lord. The Lord gives us this perseverance so that we will not become weary and give up. That reminds me of another passage where it used and translated as “endurance.” In James 1:2-4 we read, “2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Perseverance perfects and completes us.

The word “encouragement” is paraklésis and can be defined as comfort, consolation, exhortation or entreaty. (Strong’s Concordance) In 2 Corinthians 1:3, God is called the “God of all comfort.” Don’t you just love that? Take a minute and read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. I promise you will be blessed by it. God comforts so we can comfort. When you go through a difficult situation (death of a loved one, loss of a job, etc.), God comforts you so that you can comfort others going through a similar time.

God always has a reason to give us special gifts. He wants to bless us, yes, but He also wants us to bless others. Thus, the reason that is stated in today’s verse – “to have the same mind with one another.” God desires unity in the body of Christ. Through perseverance and encouragement, we are able to be unified. Accept those gifts today and bless someone else.

Use me, Lord, to be a blessing to others. Thank You for these special gifts.

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

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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). 

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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). 

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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). 

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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). 

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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). 

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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). 

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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). 

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