Acts 2:1—3
Gifts of the Will
[Appeal to the will of the individual]
I. Sign gifts…
demand an immediate judgment/decision.
A. “Tongues”
1. Greek: “glossolalia” – the fluid
vocalization of another language previously unknown to the speaker. (Possibly the hearing/understanding in
the native language of the listener when the speaker speaks in their native
language.)
2. Two understandings:
a. Acts 2… speaking an actual language.
b. Speaking a “heavenly” language.
B. Miracles [1 Cor. 12:28]
1. A miracle is something that cannot
happen naturally or be explained naturally (or scientifically).
2. Miracles by nature are RARE.
C. Healing [1 Cor. 12:28]
1. Healing is change of a physical
condition to health… sometimes to a state of health completely
previously unknown.
2. e.g. man born blind.
D. Martyrdom [1 Corinthians 13:3]
1. Martyrdom is when someone lays down
their life in such a way that Jesus is made known. [Acts 7:56]
2. This is the Greek word that eventually
became translated as “witness” in the English language.
3. Courage, commitment, and audience
response.
II. Position
gifts [Ephesians 4:11 –13]
A. Positions of leadership (power).
1. Apostles NO LONGER EXIST. Qualification… eye witness to the life of Jesus. (Some claim the title, but it’s meaning is
NOT Biblical…. It’s more in
line with claiming to be “Bishop” or some other level of ordination/administration.)
2. Evangelist are both “traveling” and
personal. (e.g. Philip) [Acts 8:5]
3. “Catch-all” category including “leadership”
(Romans 12:8) and “administration” (1 Cor. 12:28)
B. Pastoral image:
1. “Pastor” comes from the image of
shepherd… image is that the “pastor” is one who has the heart of Jesus
for the people.
2. It is a “lead” position as opposed to a
“drive” position. (above gifts).
3. It is a “care” position NOT a “dare” position.
(above gifts).
C. Nurturing image:
1. “Teachers” comes from the Greek word
more commonly known as “deacon” (servants) [Different word than “slave” (“doulos”)]
2. Information… the practical “how to.”
Wesley: “A prophet testifies of things to come; an evangelist
of things past...”
(Implying) Then the pastor testifies to things that are of
the present. (Dan Waite)
III. What
does this mean?
A. Those who posses these gift are few.
1. They are those who lead (position
gifts).
2. They are those who are special occasion (for a reason) gifts (sign
gifts).
B. However, the universal responsibilities
exist in all of us.
1. For instance: martyrdom…
a. Dying to self every day.
b. Giving of one’s life in an actual death.
2. For instance: pastor…
a. Opportunity to show the heart of Jesus
to someone outside the church.
b. ties in with evangelism/witness… “Preach
the gospel, use words if necessary.”
[NOT inclusive list/example of the gift/universal obligation
principle…]
C. Reality of American Christianity (from
my perspective)
1. We’ve created a consumer mentality… we
go to where we get the best service. (No truth necessary)
2. Result: we want a religion we can agree with NOT one we can own.
2. Result: we want a religion we can agree with NOT one we can own.
[Agree means we think
it should be done… by someone. Own means
we sacrifice for it.]
3. These gifts cause us to understand we
may not remain in agreement.
a. Christianity is either REJECTED.
b. Or it is intentional CROSS-CARRYING
death to self, alive to God in service to others.
***** How do I know this?
It is what Jesus did. *****