Wild & Free (Part 2): Apostle, Evangelism, & Mercy

August 4th, 2024/Casey Middle School

Intro: Rafting down Boulder Creek. “Woman overboard!”... “You almost lost me on that one!” As we enjoy this series, and learn what it means to live in the Wild & Free, it’s my hope that I don’t lose you on this one! So stay with me and let’s dive right in!

Overview:

Gifts Listed in The Big Four 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4

1 Corinthians 12

1. Apostle (1 Corinthians 12:28-29)
2. Prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:10)
3. Healing & Miracles (1 Corinthians 12:9-10, 28)
4. Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9)
5. Discernment/Distinguishing between spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10)
6. Tongues/Interpretation (1 Corinthians 12:10, 28, 30)
7. Wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8)
8. Knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8)
9. Administration (1 Corinthians 12:28)
10. Helps (1 Corinthians 12:28)

Romans 12

1. Prophecy (Romans 12:6)
2. Service (Romans 12:7)
3. Teaching (Romans 12:7)
4. Exhortation (Romans 12:8)
5. Giving (Romans 12:8)
6. Leadership (Romans 12:8)
7. Mercy (Romans 12:8)

Ephesians 4

1. Apostle (Ephesians 4:11)
2. Prophecy (Ephesians 4:11)
3. Evangelist/Missions (Ephesians 4:11)
4. Shepherd/Pastor (Ephesians 4:11)
5. Teacher (Ephesians 4:11)

1 Peter 4

1. Speaking (1 Peter 4:11)
2. Service (1 Peter 4:11)

Additional Gifts Not Explicitly Listed in The Big Four

1. Music/Worship (Colossians 3:16)
2. Intercession/Prayer (James 5:16)
3. Hospitality (1 Peter 4:9)
4. Craftsmanship (Exodus 31:3-5)

24 gifts in total, with 21 of those gifts more commonly referenced as Spiritual Gifts in The Big Four, and the other 3 mentioned as gifts or characteristics that are to be true of the body of Christ and active among believers. So we’re covering the most common considered Spiritual Gifts to help bring clarity.

Comprehensive vs. Illustrative: Some scholars believe that the lists of spiritual gifts found in the New Testament (e.g., The Big Four) are comprehensive, meaning they include all possible spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit. Other scholars believe that the lists of spiritual gifts in the New Testament are not exhaustive but rather illustrative, providing examples of the kinds of gifts the Holy Spirit bestows on believers. I have learned a great deal from biblical scholars on both sides and don’t believe that it is of significant enough importance to spend any amount of time here. I’ll just say this, if it is “comprehensive”, then why is it that even biblical scholars on the comprehensive side don’t always agree on the list. :)

We’ve covered 13 so far, so we’re going to make moves today and over the next several weeks and get through as many as we can!

Thank you for joining us on this journey through growing in our understanding and practical applications of these gifts. It is our hope that we don’t just become students of the gifts, but that we become practitioners of these gifts both in the house of God and also in our everyday lives.

Something we’ve seen consistently throughout this study is that some have the specific Spiritual Gift that we are studying, while others are called to also participate in the activity of the assignment of that gift. For example, I may not have the gift of evangelism, but I’m called to share the Good News! I also may not have the gift of administration, but I am called to help see that gift in others and build them up and empower them for ministry. We all have a part to play in the body of Christ!

Pray:

Title: Apostle, Evangelism, & Mercy

Main Points:

1. The Gift Of Apostle

   1. “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, leading, various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.” - 1 Corinthians 12:28-31

      1. Explanation: This passage lists the different gifts appointed by God in the church.

         2. “And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.” - Ephesians 4:11-13

      2. Explanation: This passage highlights that apostles are given by Christ as one of the key roles within the church to equip believers for ministry and build up the body of Christ. The role of apostles is crucial for promoting unity, faith, and spiritual maturity among Christians.

         3. The Greek word for "apostle" is ἀπόστολος (apóstolos).

      3. ἀπόστολος (apóstolos) comes from the verb ἀποστέλλω (apostéllō), which means "to send out." The term "apostle" literally means "one who is sent out" or "a messenger."

      4. Definition: The gift of apostleship is the God-given ability to suffer well while sending and equipping leaders that start disciple-making ministries and movements leading to new churches, the spread of the Gospel and accomplishing the mission of God.
      5. Even more practically speaking, people with this gift are often referred to as the Entrepreneur.
         4. Here are characteristics that are true of your life if you carry this gift:

      6. Visionary Leadership: Ability to see the big picture and develop long-term strategies for the growth of the church.

         1. *“Where God puts you to see” The evangelist or pastor sees the hearts of people, the* *apostle* *or prophet sees the blueprints of heaven.” - Bill Johnson* 2. Pioneering Spirit: Willingness to start new ministries or churches, often in uncharted or challenging environments. There is a relentless drive to build.

         2. This doesn’t have to be churches, this could be a ministry to the youth in our city. This could be an outreach to a people group that is unreached. It could be a ministry in the church that is needed! 3. Cross-Cultural Effectiveness: Ability to relate to and minister effectively across different cultures and contexts.

         3. This gift is very often found in missionaries and church planters. They have a supernatural ability to work long hours learning languages, studying the context, and building up people in unfamiliar contexts! 4. Strong Biblical Foundation: Deep understanding and application of Scripture to establish sound doctrine.

         4. This is necessary for anyone building something from the ground up, if the foundation is unsure or shaky, then the rest of the assignment will ultimately fall short and fail with time.

         5. *"The spiritual gift of apostleship involves more than just starting churches; it includes establishing foundational teaching and providing oversight to ensure doctrinal purity and unity within the body of Christ." - Dr. Craig S. Keener* 5. Mentorship and Training: Passion for developing and equipping other leaders for ministry. Apostles see empowerment as the utmost importance in releasing the full potential of the church in the world.
            5. Example: Ps Ron has started 3 churches, helped start 45 churches in Colorado, and is starting movements all around the world.
            6. I might have this gift, where do I go from here?
               1. Let us know! We need more Crew facilitators that will help to gather people around the Word of God.
               2. Pray about the specific thing God is calling you to start and who God is bringing to join you.
            7. The gift of apostleship isn’t just about starting churches. It’s about being sent out, equipping others, and laying the foundation for God’s work in new and exciting ways. Let's step into that calling with boldness and faith!

2. The Gift Of Evangelism

   1. "And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers," - Ephesians 4:11

      1. Explanation: This verse identifies evangelism as a distinct spiritual gift and role within the church, indicating that God has specifically called and equipped certain individuals to be evangelists.
      2. Definition: The gift of evangelism is the God-given ability and passion to proclaim the Gospel message effectively to others leading them to faith in Jesus Christ and nurturing their growth as disciples while being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and context.
      3. Example: Let me tell you about Ps Trevor Lovingood. More often than not, when we talk on the phone, he’s telling me about the most recent person who gave their life to Christ, and it’s usually that day! That’s the heart of an evangelist.
         2. Here are characteristics that are true of your life if you carry this gift:
      4. Passion for Souls: Deep burden for reaching the lost and sharing the Gospel.
      5. Effective Communication: Ability to clearly and compellingly present the message of salvation.
      6. Relational Outreach: Building meaningful relationships with non-believers to share Christ.
      7. Boldness: Willingness to step out of comfort zones to engage with people about their faith.
      8. Adaptability: Ability to connect with a wide variety of people in different contexts.
         3. Blind Spots
      9. Neglecting Discipleship: Focus on conversions without adequate follow-up and discipleship.
      10. Risk of burnout from constant outreach efforts without adequate rest and support.
          4. Potential Challenges

      11. Rejection and Opposition: Facing rejection or hostility from those who are resistant to the message.

          1. *"The evangelist’s task is never easy. He must make the Gospel real to men and women who are often preoccupied with their own concerns and resistant to change. But it is the Holy Spirit who convicts and converts." - Billy Graham* 2. Balancing Urgency with Patience: Being patient with those who need time to understand and accept the Gospel. 3. Integration into Church: Ensuring new converts are integrated into the church community and receive ongoing support.
             5. You may not have the gift, but you have the responsibility.
                1. "But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." - 2 Timothy 4:5
                2. Explanation: Paul exhorts Timothy to "do the work of an evangelist," emphasizing the importance of evangelistic work in fulfilling his broader ministry responsibilities. This indicates that evangelism is a key aspect of Christian service and leadership.
                3. “How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” - Romans 10:14-15
             6. Church, evangelism isn’t just a gift for a few – it’s a calling for all of us. We are called to bring the good news to a world that desperately needs it. Let’s step out in boldness, build relationships, and share the hope of Jesus Christ.

3. The Gift Of Mercy

   1. "if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness." - Romans 12:8

      1. Definition: The gift of mercy is the God-given ability to deeply empathize with those who are in pain or suffering and to act compassionately to alleviate their distress, demonstrating Christ's love and compassion through practical deeds of kindness.

         1. *"The gift of mercy is the Spirit-given capacity to feel sympathy with the misery of others, and to manifest this sympathy in a practical, helpful way, with a cheerful spirit, so as to encourage and help those in need." - John MacArthur*
            2. Here are characteristics that are true of your life if you carry this gift:
               1. Compassionate Heart: Deep empathy and sensitivity toward those who are suffering or in need.
               2. Active Listening: Ability to listen attentively and offer comfort to others.
               3. Practical Help: Willingness to provide tangible assistance to those in distress.
               4. Non-Judgmental Attitude: Acceptance of people without judgment, offering grace and understanding.
               5. Patient Support: Endurance in walking alongside individuals through long-term difficulties.
            3. Blind Spots
               1. Overwhelm: Can become overwhelmed by the needs of others and neglect self-care.
               2. Enabling: Risk of enabling unhealthy behaviors by offering help without boundaries.
               3. Emotional Drain: Prone to emotional exhaustion from constantly bearing others' burdens.
               4. Conflict Avoidance: Tendency to avoid necessary confrontations to maintain peace.
            4. A necessity for us all
               1. "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." - Matthew 5:7
               2. Explanation: This verse, from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, underscores the value and blessedness of showing mercy. It emphasizes that those who extend mercy to others will themselves receive mercy from God, reinforcing the importance of this gift in the life of believers.
               3. If you have this gift, we need you. Look around the room and lean into the broken and hurting. Show the love of Jesus in our community. Join us in our efforts through Love Boulder and rally more people to get involved to love our city with no strings attached.
            5. The gift of mercy isn’t just about feeling compassion; it’s about acting on it. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to those in need and showing them the love and compassion of our Savior.

often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."

Invitation: Gospel Presentation

Salvation Song:

Baptism: During the song

Communion: During Worship

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (CSB)

"For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as

If you want to make a decision to follow Jesus. Then join me and everyone else in the building as we pray out loud together. It’s not the prayer that saves you, but your faith, making Jesus Lord of your life. We don’t let anyone go on the journey alone. If you have faith in Jesus, then let’s join together as we pray…

Prayer of Salvation:

Jesus, I acknowledge that I need you

I confess that I have sinned against you

I believe that God raised you from the dead

And right now, by faith, I say “Jesus is Lord”

Thank you for forgiving me

By your grace I am saved

And by your power I am set free

Conclusion:

If you prayed that prayer for the first time then Scripture says “anyone who acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge them before my Father”. I’m going to ask that if you prayed that prayer for the first time would you lift your hand and let me know so that I can celebrate with you.

1. God is so proud of you.

2. The angels are rejoicing.

3. And we believe God has a purpose for your life.

Would you let us know that you made a decision so that we can follow up with you and help you on your next steps?