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There are many well-loved hymns addressed to the Lord Jesus Christ, and we often sing them. Can you explain why it is that the thoughts and sentiments so sung are never said as speech (prayer)?

I assume the questioner means, "Why is it that we do not address the Lord Jesus directly with the same thoughts and sentiments found in well loved hymns?". The reason is that when giving thanks and worshiping publicly brethren generally follow the Scriptural pattern in approaching God through the Son and by the Holy Spirit. The divine order as to this is given by Paul in Ephesians 2.18: "For through him (the Lord Jesus) we both (Jewish and Gentile believers) have access by one Spirit unto the Father". God is the object of worship and Christ its glorious theme. In the matter of thanksgiving and worship, we have to bear in mind the personal functions and place of each Person in the Godhead. Thus, nowhere in the Scriptures do we read of worship being offered to the Holy Spirit, but His gracious help is needed in the exercise of worship. The Lord Jesus is the way to God and in prayer, thanksgiving, and worship we need His ministry as our Great High Priest, for as the good hymn says, "To all our prayers and praises He adds His sweet perfume".

As Christians we are indebted to many hymn writers who have given us some lovely hymns concerning the Lord Jesus. Often thoughts of Christ in a hymn given out have been further taken up in addressing God in thanksgiving and this is good. Many of the things stated in these hymns are borne out of a personal experience and appreciation of Christ. Sadly it is not always the case that we sing "with the spirit" and "with the understanding" (1 Cor 14.15) and sing from the heart what the hymn writer has been enjoying. Brethren who take part in worship and thanksgiving on the Lord’s Day morning should express to God what they have been personally enjoying of Christ throughout the previous week. How many times the writer has listened to his brethren and been truly touched in heart as precious thoughts of Christ were brought before us by the Spirit of God. There needs to be in worship a fresh appreciation of Christ. There is always a danger of addressing God with our lips in a way we have not reached in our hearts.

John J Stubbs

How does a young believer know what spiritual gift he or she has?

There are four major lists of spiritual gifts given in the New Testament: these are found in Romans 12.3-8, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4.7-16, and 1 Peter 4.10-11. Each of these passages emphasises that every believer has received a gift, e.g. "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (Eph 4.7); "As every man hath received the gift…" (1 Pet 4.10). The reception of this gift takes place at conversion.

Some gifts bring the individual into the public eye, e.g. those of the evangelist and the teacher. On the other hand, other gifts may be exercised more privately. Mention should perhaps be made of "helps" (1 Cor 12.28); the word implies "rendering assistance"; this is evidently a very practical gift. Such a "help" is able to assist needy saints; the scope is wide.

From a practical point of view, it is true that often it is not easy for a believer to determine which gift has been given. Firstly it would be most appropriate for the individual to spend time in prayer before God concerning the matter and in meditation upon the Word of God. There must, of course, be a desire to serve the Lord, then an exercise to meet the variety of needs of both saints and sinners, and a preparedness to do "with thy might" "whatsoever thy hand findeth to do" (Eccl 9.10). It will never be possible to discern what one’s gift is if one sits idly by, waiting for some special guidance. Becoming involved in all of the assembly activities will soon help to indicate where one’s gift lies. It is wise to seek the advice of other believers, especially elders in the assembly, as to the gift one appears to have.

Paul says to Timothy, "Neglect not (i.e. do not be careless about) the gift that is in thee" (1 Tim 4.14). Gift does not act by itself; it requires the co-operation of the possessor. As a limb not used will atrophy, so gift not exercised will lose its usefulness. It will, however, develop through the using, but it requires time and experience. Other believers will recognise the development of the gift and appreciate that its exercise is for their blessing.

David E West

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