ROMANS Study Guide

Christian concept as it is defined in America. We cannot enjoy

the full life “in Christ” apart from each other…like a human body

we cannot live effectively without all of our parts.

2) To minister to another member of our church body is to

minister to ourselves... to withhold ministry is likewise to fail to

minister to ourselves…we either expand or diminish our

experience of Christ through our church body. Jesus can only

be fully known through the faith community of Christ.

b. Differing gifts (functions): vss.6-8

1) Prophecy : Gift that speaks under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to bring forth words or understanding from God to his people at that moment. Let those with this gift speak forth God’s word according to the portion of fa ith they have. “According to the amount” (this is a mathematical term) a comparative value… for example not all gifts of prophecy have same degree of faith (ability to function). 2) Ministry : (deaconian) this is a general word for serving God and others. This is not a reference to the office of deacon but the act of serving others. This is a person who sees a need and is inspired by God to know how to meet that need. Such a servant heart is consistently seen in this person and the ability to meet people’s needs. This gift seeks to meet other’s needs and make them feel cared for… so let them “wait on” (KJV)… or look for opportunity to use the gift. 3) Teaches : Gift to be able to explain and understand how to apply the word of God to the life and the community of God’s people. The ability to instruct in the scriptures…to make them understood and how to apply them. 4) Exhortation : (Paraklesis) The word is used to describe the ministry of the Holy Spirit who is called the “parakletos” which means “comforter.” (Jn.14:16) Literally it means one who “comes alongside of to hold up.” This is the gift to speak words of encouragement and comfort and to strengthen others with their words. The word means to call near- for the purpose of comforting or encouraging another.

5) Gives : The word means” to impart or share” something. This is