Lesson 9: The Christian's Service (Fitly Framed Together)

Recap Once a new disciple has learned enough to teach another, he becomes a contributing member of the church. The first thing he should be aware of is his stewardship. Having thus firmly rooted, he moves on to find his place among the body of Christ.

1. Three Key Passages A. Ephesians 2: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God... B. Ephesians 4: And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ... C. 1 Corinthians 12: For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ... Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

2. God gives gifts to every Christian A. Matthew 25: For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey... B: The dual purposes of these “gifts” are Ephesians 4:12: “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry” and “for the edifying of the body of Christ”. C. We must be prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2:20-22) to look for opportunities for our gifts to be used- 1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Cointhians 2:12-13, Revelations 3:8. 1. Three Key Passages

3. Diversity of gifts A. The body of Christ has many members Romans 12:4-5 - For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. B. Members have differing gifts and abilities - Romans 12:5-8 - So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us... C. God has appointed several different functions in the church - 1 Corinthians 12: 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 Three Key Passages 2. God gives gifts to every Christian

4. Three Challenges A.To be aware of the different ways that members can serve in the body. B. To encourage members to develop those functions that best suit their abilities. C. To provide direction and opportunity for those willing and prepared to serve. 1. Three Key Passages 2. God gives gifts to every Christian 3. Diversity of gifts Attend- Ance Grow in BC, Small Group,Service Encouragement

5. Areas of Service 1. Three Key Passages 2. God gives gifts to every Christian 3. Diversity of gifts 4. Three Challenges A. Worship - 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. B. Edification - 2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. C. Evangelism - Mark 16: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. D. Benevolence - Galatians 6:10 - As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Discussion Questions 1. How are you functioning as a member of the body of Christ? Do you see the many roles, areas and opportunities for service? Are you serving or waiting to be served? 2. What gaps or area of service may be missing in our congregation? Have we overlooked or neglected some important areas? ><