GRACE FOR LEADERSHIP

Introduction

“Grace” comes from a Koine Greek word that means an operation of grace, divine favor, and a grace-endowment to edify the Church.   God has given “gifts” to believers, and those believers become the body of Jesus Christ.  Sometimes these “gifts” clash in vision, timing, or priority.  A wise leader should learn about Spiritual Gifts and be prepared to “listen” as the gifts cooperatively protect the Church.

While studying the Bible, you will learn about some powerful things that Jesus did during His life on earth.  We see his virgin birth, his perfect life, his humanity, his baptism, his temptation, his ministry, his walking on water, his casting out demons, his turning water into wine, his raising the dead, his transfiguration, his arrest, his crucifixion, his death, his resurrection, and also his ASCENSION! 

The Ascension

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. Ephesians 4:8 (KJV).

He Ascended

“Ascended” literally means to go up.  Jesus, our great High Priest, went UP to Heaven for our benefit!

It was a priority!
“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”  John 20:17 (KJV).

It was a fulfillment!
“Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.”  Psalm 68:18 (KJV).

He Led

There was a war!
Revelation 12:7-8 - 7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in
heaven. (KJV).

There were prisoners of war!
2 Timothy 2:26 - And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (KJV)

There was freedom!
John 8:36 - If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (KJV)

He Gave

God gave JESUS!
Ephesians 1:22-23 - 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Jesus gave the SPIRIT!
John 14:26 - But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto
you.

Luke 24:49 - And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

The Spirit gave GIFTS!

Speakers

Ephesians 4:11 - And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
 

Servants

1 Corinthians 12:11 - But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Signs

1 Corinthians 12:28 - And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Conclusion

The ascension was right before the fulfillment of Pentecost.  The ascension was right before Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to give gifts to believers.  Understanding Spiritual Gifts is crucial for leading a New Testament Church.  Without this understanding, a believer's gifts can be viewed as causing trouble and IGNORED!

 

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