Teaching Notes are Bible studies we taught before GraceLife Ministries began publishing articles online in 1995. Some were presented as sermons, others as group studies.
Our hope is that these older studies will be a blessing to you in your life and ministry. Please use them in any way God leads you.
These teaching notes are from a series of studies about Spiritual Gifts. You can read previous parts here:
[These notes are from more than 45 years ago.]
Ruling
proistamenos – “to stand before, to take the lead, to attend to”
The idea of the word is one who is placed out in front for the purpose of leading. The Greeks used the word for people who acted as rulers, leaders, and managers.
Here’s how the word is used in the Bible:
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:8
One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 1 Timothy 3:4-5
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 1 Timothy 3:12
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. Titus 3:8
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. 1 Thessalonians 5:12
In 1 Corinthians 12:28, Paul tote about the gift of “governments”
kubernēseis – “to guide, to steer, pilot”
It means the ability to lead others, to steer and pilot others in a wise direction.
In Romans 12:8, Paul wrote “he that ruleth, with diligence.”
spoudē – “eagerness, earnestness, zeal, effort”
The word speaks of intense effort and determination.
Showing Mercy
Romans 12:8 – “he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness”
eleōn – “the outward manifestation of pity, to feel sympathy with the misery of another”
The word assumes need on the part of him to receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it.
God is the supreme example of a mercy-shower:
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us. Ephesians 2:4
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5
And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. Romans 15:9
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 1 Timothy 1:13
Romans 12:8 states that the mercy shower is to do it “cheerfully.”
hilarotēti – “a joyousness of mind”
The word was transliterated into the English word “hilarious.”
Ruling
- Do you like to take the lead in situations? Do you like working out ways to accomplish projects by using the resources at hand?
- Is it important to you that others follow your lead? Do you stand up and present yourself as a leader for people to follow?
- Do people follow your lead? Do they look to you as a leader? Do they seek our your guidance and decisions?
- Do you sense God’s power and presence in your taking the lead?
- Could you stop leading God’s people and not feel a loss in your spiritual life?
Mercy-Showing
- Do you feel sympathy for the misery of others? Do you like to reach out and meet the emotional needs of others? Are you drawn to people with problems, griefs, and sorrow?
- Do you understand the needs of the people to whom you show mercy? Do their problems seem foreign, strange or odd to you or does their reaction make sense under the circumstances?
- Do people find God’s mercy through your ministry? Do they receive a true spiritual blessing? Is their misery easier to bear because of your ministry?
- Do you sense God’s power and presence in your ministry?
- Could you stop showing mercy to people and not feel a loss in your spiritual life?
Free eBook
We invite you to download the entire Teaching Notes series about Spiritual Gifts in this free eBook. Please share it with family and friends and use in any way God leads.
[Thank you for reading these teaching notes from more than 45 years ago. My prayer is they will be a blessing to you and your life and ministry.]
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