HELPS
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets,
thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps,
governments, diversities of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:28)A person with the gift of helps has the ability to assist others in the work of the Lord enabling
them to increase the effectiveness of their own spiritual gifts. From custodian to musicians,
anything assisting in the operation of a church or a ministry can be considered a gift of helps.
When Paul sent a woman named Phoebe to Rome, he asked believers there to assist her with the
gift of helps:
I commend unto you Phoebe, our sister, which is a servant of the church
which is at Cenchrea:That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in
whatsoever business she hath need of you; for she hath been a succourer of
many, and of myself also. (Romans 16:1-2)Priscilla and Aquila apparently served Paul with the gift of helps, for he wrote:
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus... (Romans 16:3)The gift of helps is any work which supports or assists someone else. It is like serving as an
assistant.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
- Tabitha [Dorcas] had the gift of helps: Acts 9:36
- Women helped Jesus in His ministry: Mark 15:40- 41
- The help given could be in the area of organizational responsibilities:
Exodus 18:22; Numbers 11:17 - The ministry of helps can assist those who are weak: Acts 20:35
SERVING
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...or
ministry, let us wait on our ministering... (Romans 12:6-7)The word "ministering" in this passage means serving. The gift of serving is an ability to perform
practical tasks related to the work of the Lord. A person who serves helps others accomplish
spiritual goals by freeing them from routine but necessary duties.