A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

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A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

5. God has given gifted men and women in the body to equip us for the particular callings he has for us in our vocation and service to the Lord.

a. God has appointed for the Church gifted men and women outfitted to help us as we pursue God’s will in our lives. (1) Eph. 4.11-12 – And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (2) Rom. 10.14-15 – But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? [15] And how are they to preach un less they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (3) 1 Cor. 12.28 – And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. b. The gift of prophecy in the body of Christ is offered to us as a means of discerning the will of God for our individual and group lives. (1) We are not to despise prophecies, but must test them according to God’s revealed will, 1 Thess. 5.20-22 – Do not despise prophecies, [21] but test everything; hold fast what is good. [22] Abstain from every form of evil. (2) We ought all pursue the gift of prophetic utterance (in the sense of forthtelling the will of God in the body), 1 Cor. 14.1 – Pursue love, and