Wednesday, September 1, 2010

God Is At Work - The Story of Ruth Part II - A "Chance" Meeting, Part 36 of 44

TEXT: "God has placed in the church, first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:28-31).

IDEA: The gift of helps is often most needed but often unrecognized.

PURPOSE: To help listeners appreciate the gift of helps.

In 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 the apostle Paul lists some of the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to people and He gives those gifted people to the church.  Paul mentions "the gift of helping people."

Have you ever attended a conference focused on helping Christians learn how to help others?

Do you think we might need to host one?

I. At least two men in the Bible are examples of the gift of helps at work.

Joseph Barnabas in the New Testament had the gift of helps.

Barnabas was a nickname (Bar Nabas = Son of Encouragement).  He had that nickname because he was always helping people.

Barnabas was generous in giving financially to others. He sold some land and gave the proceeds to the young church. That was an enormous help as an example and as a contribution.

Acts 4:36—"Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means 'son of encouragement') sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet."

Is it easy to contribute to others financially without hurting them?

Barnabas worked with people that other Christians didn't like.  He was willing to risk the censure of the others in the church by befriending Paul, the recently converted persecutor of the church.

Acts 9:26-27—"When [Saul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord, and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus."

Barnabas also put himself on the line for a weaker brother.

Acts 15:36-41—"Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.'  Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.  They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."

Barnabas was a "people person" whereas Paul was "mission driven."

Which one was in the right in the break-up?

What do you think characterizes a person with the gift of helps?  Have you ever known anyone with this gift?