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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Open mouth, insert foot | Rom 12:6 | GeorJoy | 99787 | ||
Through my biblical studies, I have recently found why I am as I am. In the KJV, Ro:7:6 through 8, Paul lists seven gifts, of which the 4th is “exhortation.” I George AKA GeorJoy, am one who exhorts. Per Merriam Webster; exhortation is defined as follows 1 : an act or instance of exhorting 2 : language intended to incite and encourage. transitive senses : to incite by argument or advice : urge strongly intransitive senses : to give warnings or advice : make urgent appeals –exhorter noun My years have taught me more than a little about human nature. What I have yet to understand where human nature is concerned, is why it is that many, and at times “most” choose to bring out the first of the transitive senses of my gift? At times I catch myself wanting to argue a point on which I have nothing other than hearsay on which to base my argument. 99.875 percent of the time, I can catch myself and shut my mouth before I put my foot in it. Why is it that there are many who would rather put both feet in their mouth and then continue arguing, rather than keep it shut in the first place? Or at the very least, shut up when the realization hits them that they are wrong. One can often see this realization in their expression, but they go on and on. One knows they are not as stupid as they portray… Or are they. Any biblically based thoughts and passages on this matter will be appreciated. George |
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2 | Open mouth, insert foot | Rom 12:6 | Makarios | 99805 | ||
Greetings George, The spiritual gift of exhortation (Rom. 12:8) sounds like an interesting gift to have! You find yourself exhorting others with an uplifting, cheerful call to worthwhile accomplishment. A teacher might also have the gift of exhortation. In teaching, a believer is shown what he must do. In encouraging, he is helped to do that which he is shown to do. Four major lists of spiritual gifts are found in Romans 12:3-8, 1 Cor. 12:1-11, Eph. 4:11-12, and 1 Peter 4:9-11. I also undertook a "spiritual gifts" evaluation while I was studying to become a Pastor at Indiana Wesleyan University. Here's how it came out for me: I scored the highest in Intercession (James 5:17-18), which is the God given ability to pray for others for extended periods of time on a regular basis, being able to persist in prayer and not be discouraged until the answer arrives. I have been on many a "spiritual prayer warrior" list. When I pray for people, I make it a point to keep them on my list for some time. The next highest categories that I showed the greatest ability for were: Evangelism (Acts 8:26-40), Encouragement (Acts 14:22), Teaching (Eph. 4:11-14), Pastoring/Shepherding (1 Peter 5:2-4), Administration (1 Cor. 14:40), Serving (Acts 6:1-7), and Leadership (Hebrews 13:7,17). However, shortly after this time, I strongly perceived in my own heart that the Lord was not actually calling me to be a Pastor, and this came as quite a shock to some people at the time, including my father, who wanted me to follow in his footsteps.. :-) "For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." Romans 12:4-5 My father and I came to realize that the Lord was leading me into a different path than his. While there is only one way to become a true preacher, unfortunately there are many doors into the pulpit. One is to be endowed with what is sometimes called a "good pulpit presence." But many a tall Absalom whose commanding presence and sonorous voice mark him as a natural leader of men is attempting to speak for God when he has not been sent or called by God. His call is from the people instead of from the Spirit and the results cannot be but disastrous. Then I thought to myself: others have become ministers from a genuine but altogether human love for mankind. These folks have a strong sense of social obligation which they feel they can best discharge and put to use by entering the ministry. Of all the wrong reasons for becoming a preacher, this would seem to be the most laudatory, but it nevertheless is not a spiritually valid reason, because it overlooks the sovereign right of the Holy Spirit to call whom He will. The church that is man-managed instead of God-governed is doomed to failure. A ministry that is college-trained but not Spirit-filled works no miracles. Things will get no better until we get back to the realized presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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3 | Open mouth, insert foot | Rom 12:6 | GeorJoy | 99844 | ||
I am only beginning in my formal studies. I have barely scratched the surface, yet this one discovery was a pleasing surprise and has truly been an eye opener, for I always considered it (exhortation,) more of a curse than a blessing. Yet, even as I have often stated in this forum, “the Lord gave me my big mouth, then He gave me His word.” There is no doubt that He will now use my big mouth to spread His word. I really don’t feel that it is my calling to be a pastor teacher. Perhaps a teacher, perhaps something else, who other than He knows, but in the end; whatever the Lord intends me to do, I want to be fully prepared to do it as none other could… Makarios, I have read many of your posts. You, among a select few in this forum have won my total respect and admiration. I sincerely appreciate your comments, and I thank God for those such as yourself and all who are Gods gifts to the body. God Bless George |
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4 | Open mouth, insert foot | Rom 12:6 | Makarios | 99867 | ||
Thank you, my friend! Let us go on encouraging each other in the faith! Your Brother in Christ, Makarios |
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