Wild & Free (Part 2): Maturing Gifts (Teaching & Exhortation)

Wild & Free (Part 2): Teaching & Exhortation

June 30th, 2024/Casey Middle School

Story:

I grew up in church. And by “grew up”, I mean I was literally in church all the time! We would attend Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, Saturday morning, and then would often spend time at church other times during the week for bus conference, kids conference, youth conference, VBS, summer camps, mission trips, revival weeks, and outreach events.

Before I was out of the house, based on conservative calculations, I had heard over 2,340 sermons.

Growing up I also attended a Christian camp deep in the woods of North Carolina every summer. We would sit in wood pews, with no AC, and for over an hour, 3 times a day, we would sit and hear a message from a preacher. It was during one of these sessions that I was moved by the Spirit to give my life to full time ministry and to be a teacher of the Word.

The teaching and exhortation of the Word of God has greatly impacted my life! My life has been altered time and time again at the altar in a church after hearing the Word of God preached.

Intro: We’re going to look at the Word of God and see the importance of two spiritual gifts this morning, teaching and exhortation. And it’s my hope that you will see how powerful and necessary this gift is in the local church and the impact activating this gift can have in advancing the Gospel.

Passage: Romans 12:4-8 CSB

Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; 7 if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; 8 if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

Pray:

Background:

Romans 12, written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Rome around A.D. 57-58, transitions from theological foundations through teaching to practical exhortations on living out the Christian faith.

Today, we’re going to explore two essential gifts in the body of Christ: teaching and exhortation. These gifts not only build up the church but also help us grow individually in our walk with the Lord. Let’s dive in and see how these gifts function and how we can cultivate them in our lives.

Title: Teaching & Exhortation

Series Goal:

1. That you would lean in with open hands to what the Scripture teaches about the spiritual gifts and be learners
2. That you would listen to the Holy Spirit as it relates to your spiritual gift
3. That you would activate your spiritual gift through developing it deeper in community
4. That you would use your spiritual gift appropriately and for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and advancing God’s mission.

Main Points:

1. The Gift of Teaching

   1. Definition of Teaching:
      1. The gift of teaching is the God-given ability and passion to explain and communicate the truths of Scripture in a clear, understandable, and impactful manner, enabling believers to grow in their knowledge, understanding, and application of God's Word.
   2. Delivery of Teaching:
      1. Teaching is instructive, doctrinal, clear, and helpful. It simplifies complex concepts and emphasizes growth, no matter where you’re starting from.
      2. Great teaching isn't about showcasing your knowledge, but about transforming hearts.
   3. Responsibilities of a Teacher
      1. Teach Doctrine (Titus 2:1): "But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine."
      2. Equip the Saints (Ephesians 4:11-12): "So Christ himself gave...teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
      3. Exhort the Body (1 Thessalonians 5:11): "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
      4. Proclaim the Gospel (1 Corinthians 2:1-2): "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
   4. Blind Spots of Teachers (Warnings to Teachers)
      1. Lack of Study: Relying heavily on natural gifting without deep study.
      2. Impatience: Frustration with those who don’t grasp concepts quickly.
      3. Arrogance: Coming across as a know-it-all.
      4. Over-Talking: Expounding more than listening.
      5. Prioritizing Lessons Over People: Focusing on the lesson rather than the individual's needs.
   5. Biblical Warnings
      1. James 3:1: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."
   6. The Teacher’s Legacy
      1. 2 Timothy 2:2: "What you have heard from me...commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
   7. The Teacher's Life
      1. 1 Timothy 4:11-16: "Command and teach these things...set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."
   8. Jesus is the best example we have of a teacher

      1. Parables:

         1. Definition: Simple, short stories with deep spiritual meanings, often using everyday events or objects to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.

         2. Example: The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). 2. Hyperbole:

         3. Definition: Deliberate exaggeration used to emphasize a point or truth.

         4. Example: "If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away" (Matthew 5:29). 3. Metaphor and Simile:

         5. Definition: Direct comparisons to illustrate and clarify spiritual truths.

         6. Example: "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35); "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). 4. Proverbs and Aphorisms:

         7. Definition: Short, pithy statements that convey general truths or principles.

         8. Example: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). 5. Questions:

         9. Definition: Asking probing questions to provoke thought, self-reflection, and deeper understanding.

         10. Example: "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15). 6. Repetition:

         11. Definition: Repeating important phrases or themes to reinforce a message.

         12. Example: "Truly, truly, I say to you..." (John 3:3, John 3:5). 7. Object Lessons:

         13. Definition: Using physical objects or actions to teach a spiritual truth.

         14. Example: Washing the disciples’ feet to demonstrate humility and service (John 13:1-17). 8. Allegory:

         15. Definition: Extended metaphors in which characters or events represent deeper spiritual meanings.

         16. Example: The Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-8). 9. Contrast:

         17. Definition: Highlighting differences to clarify truths or to challenge existing beliefs.

         18. Example: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14). 10. Direct Commandments:

         19. Definition: Clear, authoritative instructions on how to live and act.

         20. Example: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). 11. Poetry and Hymns:

         21. Definition: Using poetic language and songs to convey spiritual truths and worship.

         22. Example: The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). 12. Prophetic Acts:

         23. Definition: Symbolic actions that convey prophetic messages.

         24. Example: Cursing the fig tree to symbolize judgment (Mark 11:12-14, 20-25).

2. The Gift of Exhortation

   1. Definition of Exhortation:
      1. The gift of exhortation is the God-given ability to come alongside others to offer comfort, support, motivation, and counsel, helping them to grow in their faith and be resilient in their spiritual journey.
   2. Key Terms
      1. Parakaleo: "To call to one’s side," "to encourage," "to exhort," "to comfort," or "to admonish."
      2. Paraklesis: The act of exhortation, encouragement, or comfort.
      3. Paraclete: Title given to the Holy Spirit, translated as "Comforter," "Helper," "Advocate," or "Counselor."
   3. Roles of the Holy Spirit as our “Paraclete”
      1. Comfort: Bringing peace in times of distress.
      2. Encouragement: Strengthening believers.
      3. Exhortation: Guiding into all truth.
      4. Advocacy: Interceding and supporting believers. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Advocate, comes alongside us in our time of need, bringing peace, strength, and guidance. He is the divine presence that empowers us to live out our faith.
   4. Example of Barnabas
      1. Barnabas’ real name is Joseph, but the apostles named him Barnabas, which is translated “son of encouragement”. Can you imagine being named The Ultimate Encourager?!
      2. Acts 4:36-37: “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
      3. Acts 9:26-27 “When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. 27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.”
      4. Acts 15:36-39: Barnabas supported John Mark despite his earlier failure, reflecting his willingness to give second chances.
      5. The greatest leaders aren't those who achieve the most, but those who believe in others the most. It’s about seeing the future world-changers in those who everyone else overlooks and standing by them until their potential becomes reality.
   5. Blind Spots of Exhorters
      1. Discouragement: Feeling down when people don’t listen.
      2. Overextension: Wanting to help everyone can lead to feeling tired and often frustrated.
      3. Feeling Overwhelmed: Seeing all needs and trying to meet them all.
      4. Giving Opinions Over God’s Word: Leaning on personal advice rather than biblical truth.
   6. Call to Action: Teaching & Exhorting

      1. We are all called to teach and exhort:

         1. Matthew 28:18-20: "Go...make disciples...teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you."
         2. Hebrews 3:13: "But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today..."
         3. 1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." 2. Some have the specific spiritual gift of teaching and exhortation, like Priscilla and Aquila, who helped Apollos become a more effective minister (Acts 18:24-28).
            7. Believing in others is a powerful act of love. When we see the potential in those around us and support them, we reflect the heart of Christ and inspire them to reach new heights in their walk with God.
            8. Exhorters see the best in others, and they pursue the best in others.

Closing:

Let’s be a church known for teaching and exhortation. Let’s identify and develop new leaders, see and speak potential into others, and walk alongside each other for the long haul. Believing in someone is great, but helping them become all God has created them to be is even better.

Application Points:

• Teaching: Commit to learning and growing in sound doctrine. Be patient, humble, and listen as much as you speak.
• Exhortation: Encourage, comfort, and support others. Be willing to take risks on people and see their potential.

Invitation:

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?