Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0100A recorded on October 14, 1979 teaching from Romans 12:3-9 – Gifts of the Spirit #5.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens provides a practical framework for identifying the spiritual motivations of prophecy and serving based on the teachings of Romans 12. He characterizes the gift of prophecy not as mere foretelling, but as a verbal compulsion to speak divine truth, marked by a sharp discernment of character, a hatred for evil, and an authoritative reliance on Scripture. Stevens acknowledges that such individuals are often misunderstood as harsh or narrow-minded due to their uncompromising focus on right and wrong and their preference for group impact over individual rapport. Transitioning to the gift of serving, he highlights the practical and manual nature of this motivation, noting that servers possess the physical stamina and attention to detail required to meet immediate, short-term needs. Ultimately, Stevens aims to help believers identify their unique roles within the church body to foster a more effective and harmonious spiritual community.