PRÉCIS ON THE GIFTS VS. THE OFFICES OF SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY: PREPARATION FOR THINGS TO COME

SCRIPTURE. “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,  ^‘for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,’ till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

‘That we should no longer be children,’ tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ‘but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—[Jesus] Christ.’” – EPHESIANS 4:11-15, NKJV

KEY TERM: “GROW UP!” ‘Auxanó’ [αὐξάνω]: “Based on a primary verb that translates as, ‘To enlarge, become greater;’ key to authentic discipleship; the Lord requires non-stop progress (development) in the life of faith [as is the case with necessary maturation]; to augment; to improve, as, to grow in grace, in knowledge, in piety; ‘to advance toward ripeness; to become ripe or perfect’” (cf. Ps. 37:37; Mt. 5:48).

QUOTATION. “‘Never be afraid to raise your voice’ – For honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world would do this, it would change the earth.” ― WILLIAM FAULKNER, “Never Be Afraid,” Speech to His Daughter’s Graduating Class, 1951; edited

COMMENTARY. “‘Unto every believer is given some gift of grace [not the apostolic office],’ for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that He might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience.

‘There is a fulness in Christ,’ and a measure of that fulness given in the counsel of God to every believer; but we never come to the perfect measure till we come to heaven. God’s children are growing, as long as they are in this world; and the Christian’s growth tends to the glory of Christ. The more a man finds himself drawn out to improve in his station, and according to his measure, all that he has received, to the spiritual good of others, he may the more certainly believe that he has the grace of sincere love and charity rooted in his heart.” – MATTHEW HENRY, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments, 6 vols., 1708-1710; edited

DK. The most courageous, loving act that a believer (or anyone for that matter) can perform is to TELL THE TRUTH in the midst of an Age of Darkness and Deception. I am convinced that as Christ has called us to do just that in this present hour, it will be precious few who shall be able or willing to do it. JESUS TAUGHT:

“But when the king came in to see the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed [appropriately] in wedding clothes, and he said, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without wearing the wedding clothes [that were provided for you]?’ And the man was speechless and without excuse. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the darkness outside; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].’ For many are called (invited, summoned), but few are chosen.” – MATTHEW 22:12-14, AMP

His Command to “Endure to the end” is non-negotiable, beloved! (Matthew 24:13). The ability to do so involves fulfilling a Sacred Covenant with our King to ‘Obey’ His Instructions as He provides the ‘Power’ to do so. It is a Collaborative Effort. This is stunning contrast to the Augustinian-Calvinist View that it is God who provides all that is needed, while we are expected to do nothing.

CODA. Therefore, pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the details of ‘Your Calling’ and which Spiritual Gifts are given you in order to complete your Last Days Mission. NOT what ‘Office’ you shall hold, beloved, but rather what ‘Mission’ you are to fulfill!

However humble or however great.

Holding nothing back, throwing your very life on His Altar for the service required of you. Then ARMOR UP for the Ride of a Lifetime toward the Rescue of the Lost, beloved. This, the most important thing we shall ever do – For Him, and for them.

Selah.