Page 4 - Gift - May 2017 - Truth & Tidings
P. 4
clear need in the assembly and seek to meet older believers. Acts shows us Ananias with
it. Paul, Timothy and Titus with Paul, and
The New Testament makes it clear that John Mark with Barnabas. Look for an
the exercise of spiritual gifts publically or older believer doing work in the assembly
privately is about giving, not receiving. For whether it be visitation of the sick, teaching
example, 1 Corinthians 3 makes it clear a Sunday School class, outreach work etc.
that every believer is a builder and the key It’s not about a prominent place, it’s about
factor the Lord is looking for is the quality finding a way to help.
of what we are putting in. Is it something of
value like gold and silver, or things with no Asking for feedback is nearly a lost art
value like wood, hay, and stubble that in today’s assembly. The Scripture expects
would undermine the foundation of the the older to teach the younger as exempli
church? Just as a builder would inspect a fied in 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus.
construction site, take a careful look at your How can an older believer help if you do
assembly. Where do you see need? Is the not ask? Many older believers would love to
gospel going out with clarity or are there help you, but do not want to seem critical
opportunities being missed? Does the of you or provide input where it is not
Sunday school have enough teachers or wanted. Start by asking an older believer
could they use a hand? Do not worry so who has experience in the particular area
much about whether the specific area of for feedback after sharing a Sunday school
need is specifically listed in Scripture as a class, or preaching the gospel together, or
spiritual gift. Pitch in to help where it is after giving ministry.
needed and God will open the way before
you. If you are in doubt about where there The principles above are just a start. My
is need in your assembly, ask an elder or a prayer is that this article will encourage you
believer you see actively engaged in the as and strengthen your resolve to find your
sembly for ideas about where you could gift and the place that God has for you in
help. the local assembly. As we wait for the Lord’s
Partner with an Older Believer and return, it is now our turn to “serve [our
Ask for Feedback. The Scripture is full of own] generation by the will of God” (Acts
examples of younger believers pared with 13:36).
Additional copies: A. J. Higgins - ahigginsmd@msn.com OR Paul Glenney - PGlenney@
TruthandTidings.com. Web site: www.TruthandTidings.com.