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Brussels October 31st 2010
The Nature of the Church
1 Peter 2:9
‘But you are a chosen people (laos), a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.’
...Organically joined to Christ by baptism
Two truths for God’s People
1. They are ‘sent ones’: (apostellein), with authority, to carry out Christ’s mission.
Jesus was sent by the Father. His mission is shown in Luke 4:16-21. He commissioned the Twelve in Matthew 10:1, 8) and the seventy (Luke 9:1-6 and 10:1-12), then all his disciples to go in his own power and authority:
‘As the Father has sent me, so I send you’ (John 20:20-21).
2. The meaning of service in the church
Acts 6: 1 – 7
v. 2: ‘to wait on tables’ (diakoneo).
v. 4: ‘ministry of the word’ (diakonia)
Ministry in the NT Church
The Example of Christ: a slave (doulos), who came to serve, and to give his life for us:
Mark 10:45John 13:34
Service common to all in the church
Ministry (diakonia) of reconciliation
(2 Cor. 5:19 – 20).
Doing good to all people (Matt. 5:14-16; Gal. 6:10).
Particular ServiceRomans 12:4 – 8:ProphecyServingTeachingEncouragingGivingLeadershipShowing mercy
Particular Service
1 Cor. 12:8 – 11Message of wisdomMessage of knowledgeFaithGifts of HealingMiraculous powersProphecyDistinguishing between spiritsTonguesInterpretation of tongues
Finding your gift(s)
Eagerly desire them (1 Cor. 14:1)
Serve with enthusiasm
Discern what you enjoy
Talk with friends and leaders
Sharpen your gifts