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