THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT COURSE [CON’T}
LESSON # 3
8) MERCY:
Definition:
Supernatural Holy Spirit given ability to give loving kindness and compassion toward people “or the one exhorting, encouragement, the one sharing, in simplicity, the one taking the lead in diligence, the one showing mercy, in cheerfulness.”
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness
.
Romans 12:8 (KJV)
G1653
eleeo
Thayer Definition:
1) to have mercy on
2) to help one afflicted or seeking aid
3) to help the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched
4) to experience mercy
Part of Speech:
verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number:
from G1656
Citing in TDNT:
2:477, 222
Barnes Commentary says this:
He that showeth mercy –
It is probable, says Calvin, that this refers to those who had the care of the sick and infirm, the aged and the needy; not so much to provide for them by charity, as to attend on them in their affliction, and to take care of them. To the deacons was committed the duty of distributing alms, but to others that of personal attendance. This can hardly be called an office, in the technical sense; and yet it is not improbable that they were designated to this by the church, and requested to perform it.
There were no hospitals and no almshouses. Christians felt it was their duty to show personal attention to the infirm and the sick; and so important was their function, that it was deemed worthy of notice in a general direction to the church.
9) Ministry:
Definition:
Supernatural, Holy Spirit given ability to serve others in the area of proclaiming and promoting Biblical knowledge.
Ministry–that service which one renders in the name of the Lord
–has to mean only in relation to God. The Bible describes and illustrates it. Ministerial forms are diverse because ministry is performed in a variety of settings and for a variety of purposes. Ministry presumes the one performing service has something to offer another. That offering may be physical assistance, spiritual nourishment, or emotional healing. The multiple dimensions of ministry often call for special human talents
God has always expected the more mature to provide spiritual guidance for the young. Fathers are responsible to develop within their children a dedication to the ways of the Lord. Community and national leaders are obliged to encourage right within the larger societies for which they become responsible
Building and maintaining a community of faith (the church) requires mature leaders. Spiritually mature leaders inspire ministry that brings glory to God.
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 2 Corinthians 9:12 (KJV)
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Romans 12:7 (KJV)
; G3009
leitourgia
Thayer Definition:
1) a public office which a citizen undertakes to administer at his own expense
2) any service
2a) of military service
2b) of the service of workmen
2c) of that done to nature in the cohabitation of man and wife
3) biblical usage
3a) a service or ministry of the priests relative to the prayers and sacrifices offered to God
3b) a gift or benefaction for the relief of the needy
Part of Speech:
noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number:
from G3008
Citing in TDNT:
4:215, 526
Clark’s Commentary says this :
2Co 9:12
–
For the administration of this service –
The poor are relieved, see the hand of God in this relief, and give God the glory of his grace.
Barne’s Commentary says this:
2Co 9:12
–
For the administration of this service –
The distribution of this proof of your liberality. The word “service” here, says Doddridge, intimates that this was to be regarded not merely as an act of humanity, but religion.
The want of the saints –
Of the poor Christians in Judea on whose behalf it was contributed.
But is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God –
Will abound unto God in producing thanksgivings. The result will be that it will produce abundant thanksgiving in their hearts to God.
MHCC commentary says this:
2Co 9:6-15
–
Money bestowed in charity, may to the carnal mind seem thrown away, but when given from proper principles, it is seed is sown, from which a valuable increase may be expected. It should be given carefully. Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design. Due thought, as to our circumstances, and those we are about to relieve will direct our gifts for charitable uses. Help should be given freely, be it more or less; not grudgingly, but cheerfully. While some scatter, and yet increase; others withhold more than is meet, and it tends to poverty. If we had more faith and love, we should waste less on ourselves, and sow more in hope of a plentiful increase. Can a man lose by doing that with which God is pleased? He is able to make all grace abound towards us, and to abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and of temporal good things. He can make us to have enough in all things and to be content with what we have.
God gives not only enough for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the wants of others, and this should be as seed to be sown. We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel, by works of charity. This will be for the credit of our profession, and to the praise and glory of God.
Let us endeavor to copy the example of Christ, being unwearied in doing good, and deeming it more blessed to give than to receive. Blessed be God for the unspeakable gift o this grace, whereby he enables and inclines some of his people to bestow upon others, and others to be grateful for it; and blessed be his glorious name to all eternity, for Jesus Christ, that inestimable gift of his love, through whom this and every other good thing, pertaining to life and godliness, are freely given unto us, beyond all expression, measure, or bounds.
God bless
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sister Phyllis
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