The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

77
Some identify this gift with the gift of service (diakonian) whereas others see them as
separate though related. Wagner defines the gift of service as “The special ability that God gives
to certain members of the body of Christ to identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to
God’s work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the
desired goals.” 6
The handling of finances and material needs in the body of Christ is the main responsibility of
these gifts (Acts 6:2; Rom. 15:31: II Cor. 8:4; 9:1; I Tim. 6:2).
Although all members of the body of Christ are to hep and serve, everyone does not have the
gifts of helps and service.
Examples
Acts 6:3 Seven men (deacons) who were full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit were
chosen to wait on tables (daily distribution of food to the widows etc.).
Rom. 16:1-2 Phoebe was a “great help” to Paul.
Ex. 18:21-22 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law selected “capable” men and appointed them as
officials serving as judges to lighten the load for Moses. These were Moses’
helpers. Jethro taught Moses to delegate his responsibility.
Num. 11:16-17 God instructed Moses to bring seventy of Israel’s elders to “stand with” him.
Acts 13:5 Mark assisted Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.
Acts 19:22 Timotheus and Erasus ministered to Paul.
Acts 20:4 Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Gaius Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus as
well as Luke, the physician, accompanied Paul on his journeys.
I Cor. 16:15 Household of Stephanas “devoted” themselves to the “service” of the saints.
The following poem titled “A Martha” beautifully expresses the spirit of help or service:
“Lord of all pots and pans and things;
Since I’ve no time to be
A saint by doing lovely things,
Or watching late with Thee,
Or dreaming in the dawnlight,
Or stroming heaven’s gates,
Make me a saint by getting meals,
And washing up the plates.