THEY ARE GIFTS GIVEN BY GOD THE SON(EPHESIANS 4:11)

THEY ARE OFFICES GIVEN BY DIVINE APPOINTMENT THE PURPOSE IS WHICH IS TO ENSURE THAT THE FIRST TWO GIFTINGS ARE  APPLIED AND FUNCTIONING IN THE BODY.

FIVE LISTED

apostles,phrophets,evangelists,pastors and teachers.

PURPOSE

for the perfection of the saints.

for the work of the ministry

For edifying of the body of Christ

HOW LONG ARE THEY TO FUNCTION?

until we all come in the unity of faith, until we all come in the in the knowledge of the son of God.

until each becomes a perfect (mature)man.

until each reaches the measure of the the stature of the fullness of Christ(conformed to his image(romans 8:29)

illustration of the five fold ministry-the left hand

Apostle ------- thumb ------governs

Prophet -----index finger ------------guides

Evangelist ------middle digit ---------goes

pastor-------ring finger -------guards

teacher ----little finger -----grounds

APOSTLE-----Definition--gr apo(meaning from) and gr.stello (meaning to send)

characteristics------

1.appointed and therefore anointed by God(1 cor 12:28)

2.signs and wonders operate consistently(2 cor 12:12,acts 5;12)

3.vision of the whole world, not tied to one location.

4. vision for the unity of the body, not tied to local assembly.

5.consumed by the ministry 1 cor 4:9).

6. humble 9 1 thess 2:6)

7.speaks sound words from God and not necessarily what the people want to hear.

Prophet ---Definition---Hebrew--ra-ah-a seer,a discerner.Greek phrophetes---an oracle from God.

Old testament-essentially a foreteller.

New testament-both afore teller and forth teller.

Difference between the gift of prophecy in (1 cor 12)and the office of a prophet(Ephesians 4; 11)

Gift of prophecy is as GOD THE HOLLY SPIRIT wills, operating at a particular time for a specific purpose through whoever the holy spirit chooses at the time.

Office of a prophet is an appointment(calling )given to a particular person by God the son.

Characteristics--------

1.must be able to hold the word God gives till the appointed time.

2.not involves in church politics so often misunderstood by other believers.

Evangelist  gr eu---well,angelos-----messenger

Difference between evangelism and a evangelist

* Evangelism is the spreading of the good news and is the commission of the church.

* Evangelist is a person standing and appointed by  God the son office.

Characteristics

1.must have a passion for souls

2.adptable to any situation, culture etc for the sake of the gospel.

3.can preach about any thing and people get saved.

4.operates in these gifts consistely (healing, miracles, discerning of the spirits, word of knowledge)

Pastor gr poimen--shepherd

Characteristics

1. must love people

2. be a good communicator

3.show respect and love

4.give wise counsel

5. remain calm

6. be approachable

7.be an encourager

Teacher gr.didaskalos---an instrutor

in the geek the terms pastor and teacher are interlinked,although independent office but they are inter--related

Characteristics

1. must be a good communicator.

2.must be adptable to congregation and culture.

3. must be an encourager.

4.must create in believers a desire to know more.

5. must be able to take the profound and make it simple.

*The gifts given by God the head/father are in (romans 12:3-8)

*The gifts given by the Holly Spirit are in (1 cor 12:7-11)they are given for a specific purpose i.e to profit each member of the body. these gifts are not resident in us but they operate through us at a particular time for a specific purpose through whoever the Holly spirit chooses at the time.

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See you at the top stay blessed

Yours in Christ P. SIBANDA