Spiritual Gifts! What a fascinating subject!
One of the great blessings Jesus has given to His church and to us as individuals is the gifts of the Spirit. As it says in Eph. 4:7-8:
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.The simply meaning of this passage is that God has given each believer spiritual gifts by which to minister to the body of Christ.
Eph. 4:10-13 further tells us the purpose of these gifts and offices are "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ"
Each Spiritual Gift Has a Special Place in the Body of Christ. Every gift that God has placed in the body of Christ is important. Some gifts such as preaching, teaching, and prophesying may seem more important than others; but, God has given all of these gifts to build up the Body of Christ, His church. None of these gifts should be looked down upon or treated lightly.
Spiritual gifts are supernatural empowerment given by the Holy Spirit to the followers of Christ; so that, they can do the work of building up the body of Christ, and extend the Kingdom of God throughout the world. The Gifts of the Spirit" is no minor doctrine. The proper functioning of the gifts is critical to the building up of the body of Christ and to a healthy witness to the unsaved.
So, in this study, we’re going to examine spiritual gifts, each one’s function in depth, hoping to ascertain a clear understanding of its nature and present availability.
Our study is not going to be based on sensationalism, guesswork, wishful thinking, personal experience or the testimony of others; which are easily misinterpreted and often inaccurate or exaggerated. But, this study is going to be based solely on the source, the relevant passages in the Word of God.
1 Cor. 12:1
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant….
1 Corinthians chapter 12 is the most popular and well known passage in the Bible that addresses and speaks to spiritual gifts. And, from the Apostle Paul’s opening, “Now concerning spiritual gifts”, it’s apparent he was addressing various questions he had received from the Church regarding spiritual gifts, which he proceeds to answer. He tells them, he doesn’t want them ignorant (or uninformed) about spiritual gifts.
The very first thing Paul makes clear, is that, spiritual gifts are not the same as innate, natural talents, like a beautiful singing voice, athletic ability, artistic ability to draw, etc. But, rather they are empowerment that the Holy Spirit gives to a believer to minister to the body in ways that are not possible by mere natural effort apart from the Holy Spirit.
1 Cor. 12:4-6
4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all….
As believers, we are stewards of the gifts of God (1 Peter 4:10). "10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." So, every believer can expect to receive some spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ, the Church. So, we see that spiritual gifts are for the sole purpose of strengthening or building up the body of Christ or Church.
So, let’s begin by addressing question of when does one receive their spiritual gift or gifts?
Though, most assume that spiritual gifts are given at the time of spiritual birth (the moment of salvation), the exact timing of the giving of spiritual gifts is not specifically mentioned in scripture. Spiritual gifts can be experienced immediately following conversion, but are often received at various moments subsequent conversion.
In 1 Timothy 4:14 and 2 Timothy 1:6 we see spiritual gifts given sometime after conversion. "14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery"; and "6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands."
These two passage indicate that Timothy had received spiritual gifts some later period following his conversion.
It also tells us in 1 Cor. 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts…. Now, why would Paul tell them to strongly desire the "greater" gifts if they already had been given all they would be given at the time of conversion, and there was no further opportunity of gaining these greater gifts? Therefore, this passage clearly implies that one can be granted a spiritual gift sometime after conversion, by seeking to develop that area in your walk with Him.
However, at the same time, verses 28-31 does indicate that not everyone will receive a particular spiritual gift just because they desire it, if it is not God's will. You will not receive a certain spiritual gift no matter how strongly you seek after it. God is infinitely wise, and He knows through which gifts you will be most productive for His kingdom. 1 Corinthians 14:12-13 that it is God (not us) who chooses the gifts. So, what we see from scripture, that some spiritual gifts are received at the time of salvation, but there are those that can be desired in your heart, pursued and developed into the receiving such spiritual gifts from God.
The next question is, have some spiritual gifts ceased to exist?
There are many Christian organizations and churches that believe some spiritual gifts cease to exist, and are no longer operational in our church age. Some years ago, I was invited to attended this church, and while there, the pastor of that church started saying spiritual gifts no longer exist today, how they were only used by the first disciples of Christ for the bringing in of the church age. I turned to my wife, told her let’s go. We got our kids and left.
As we mentioned earlier, Spiritual gifts are not natural talents or abilities, but rather they are empowerment that the Holy Spirit gives to a believer to minister to the body in ways that were not possible by mere natural effort apart from the Holy Spirit. We are told, Eph. 4:7-13: "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ"
As, I mentioned earlier, these offices of prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are given for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and extending the kingdom of God. And, as long as the church is still under construction, spiritual gifts are needed. So, there is no reason to maintain that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased in the modern church today. This would indicate the Spirit of God is not working in exactly the same way today as he was in the first century, because the church has not come to perfection. Yet, strangely enough, there are many who teach that 1 Cor. Chapter 13 speaks of spiritual gifts having ceased and have no place in the Church of today.
However, I want you to notice the fact that Chapter 13, the well-known chapter on love, comes where it does, between Chapters 12 and 14. In chapters 12 and 14 of 1 Corinthians we are given a long discourse on the subject of spiritual gifts and their proper use in the Church. So, ask yourself, why did the apostle under the guidance of the Holy Spirit choose to use up such a huge chunk of Holy Scripture (which I believe is intended for ALL churches at ALL places at ALL times) on something that God was about to completely do away with? As I have said many of times to many people, the primary rule to reading our Bibles, is context, context, context. And, if one simply reads and examines Corinthians 12-14 in context, you will easily discovery that Chapters 13, sandwiched in between 12 and 14 implies, “strongly implies”, in and of itself that love is central to the ministry and operation of God’s Spiritual gifts.
When read Chapter 13 in context with Chapters 12 and 14, it clearly shows that without “Charity (or love) the spiritual gift will cease in its operation.
1 Cor. 13: 1-13
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing….but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
What we read here, is that when an individual or group of individuals cease to operate in charity or love, their spiritual gifts will cease from operating, not that spiritual gifts have ceased, but the people use and operation of the gift or gifts have ceased functioning. I will simply conclude this part with, when the church, the bride of Christ is complete and perfect, that is when spiritual gifts will no longer be necessary.
So now, let us examine the spiritual gifts God has given His people, there purpose and use.
Here is a list:
1. Government (or administration)
2. Helps
3. Ministering or serving
4. Exhortation
5. Mercy
6. Giving
7. Leadership
8. Discernment
9. Faith
10. Healing
11. Miraculous powers
12. Word of Wisdom
13. Word of Knowledge
14. Prophecy
15. Speaking in tongues
16. Interpreting tongues
17. Evangelism
18. Being an apostle
19. Teaching
1 Cor. 12:28 “Government” (??ß????s??, e??, ? kubernésis (koo-ber'-nay-sis; which translates administration. Someone who steers (guides) a ship. It is the divine calling which empowers someone to lead in affairs relating to Church or ministry toward the successful completion of God-given goals. This gift is usually given to those who have skills in planning, organization, and supervision. However, the key to this being a spiritual gift, is that that person will exhibit Godly wisdom, grace, temperance and meekness of the Spirit in his or her life and task as he or she leads, organizes and supervises.
1 Cor. 12:28 “helps” (??t??????, e??, ? antilémpsis (an-til'-ape-sis): a laying hold of, help; one who aids.
This is a person with a talent for identifying tasks needed for the body of Christ. Someone with this gift is able to support, and render assistance to other members of the body of Christ with compassion and grace. Most importantly, they have a unique ability to identify those who are struggling with doubt, fears, and other spiritual battles. They are people who have the insight to move those in spiritual need with a kind word of understanding and compassion. They are able to speak scriptural truth that is both convicting and loving. They also have a true passion of helping wherever their needed.
Rom. 12:7 Ministering or serving; d?a????a, a?, ? diakonia
(dee-ak-on-ee'-ah): service, ministry, ministration. The word diakonia is where we get the English word deacon. Someone with this gift is able to aid, support or assist by serving other members of the body of Christ, so that they may be free to minister to others. Diakonia or deacon, appears at least 29 times in the New Testament.
An excellent example of diakonia or deacon is seen in Acts. 6:1-4, after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the church began to grow so fast that some believers, particularly widows, were being neglected in the daily distribution of food alms, or charitable gifts. The apostles, who had their hands full caring for the spiritual needs of the church, decided to appoint seven leaders who could tend to the physical and administrative needs of the body, and appointed diakonia or deacons. Of the seven deacons appointed in Acts were Philip the Evangelist and Stephen, who later became the first Christian martyr. The qualities of a Deacon are outlined in 1 Tim 3:8-13.
Rom. 12:8 “exhortation” pa?a?a??? parakaleó (par-ak-al-eh'-o); exhort, comfort, encourage, console. Inherent in the meaning of parakaleo is "close-up and personal." The person with this gift is one who is consistently lend upon by others for comfort, encouragement, consolation in times of weak faith, temptation, trials and tribulations. This person has the special ability through grace to uplift others.
Rom. 12:8 “mercy” ??e?? eleeó (el-eh-eh'-o); to have pity or to show mercy.
The defining trait of a person with gift of mercy is having a special sensitivity for those who are suffering. This gift manifests itself in offering compassion and encouragement in a love for someone in need. The gift of mercy is obvious in those who are compassionate toward others, who empathize with others distress, coupled with a desire to lessen that person’s suffering.
Rom. 12:8 “Giving” µetad?d?µ? (met-ad-id'-o-mee); to give, I share, bestow.
Gifted givers are those who joyfully share what they have with others, whether it is financial, material, or the giving of personal time and attention. The person with the gift of giving takes pleasure and joy with and sharing goods, money, and time without the need to see it returned.
I remember when I attended a Ministry meeting at a well known church I attended at the time, and there was this lady who would prepare 20 to 30 meals and take it down and feed the homeless. She lived on a fixed income, but paid for the meals out of her fixed budget. At the meeting, she stood up and said, “I really don’t know how to preach or share scripture that well, but each time I give a homeless person a meal, I feel I’m sharing with them Jesus.… I jumped up and shouted, fund that woman’s ministry. This woman truly was blessed with the spiritual gift of giving
Rom. 12:8 “Leadership” p???st?µ? proistemi (pro-is'-tay-mee): rule over, preside over, direct.
There are people who possess the innate qualities of being leaders, and many of them become successful in their professional lives. The aptitude of this person is one who is able to stand before others to direct, preside over others to achieve goals. Most often, this is one of the gifts possessed by a pastor. But, the telltale of this being a spirit gift will always be that person showing leadership with wisdom and grace as they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in his or her life.
1 Cor. 12:10 “discerning of spirits” d?????s??, e??, ? diakrisis (dee-ak'-ree-sis) pnuema: discernment, thorough judgment, distinguishing between look-alike spirits. Many think this gift has to do with discerning of evil spirits or demons, which is not the meaning or purpose of this gift. This gift has to do with one who has been given the wisdom to recognize / discern truth from untruth by correctly evaluating whether a behavior or teaching is from God or another ungodly source. One who possess this gift has the unique ability to determine the true message of God from that of the deceiver, Satan. This gift is not for the purpose of passing judgment on opinions, but to distinguish truth from deceptive and erroneous doctrine. Jesus said many would come in His name and would deceive many (Matthew 24:4-5), but the gift of discerning spirits is given to the Church to protect it from such as these.
1 Cor. 12:9 “faith” p?st??, e??, ? pistis (pis'-tis): faith, trust, belief.
This is an interesting spiritual gift, because we all possess faith in some measure, because it is one of the gifts bestowed upon all who come to Christ in faith. However, the spiritual gift of faith is like having supercharged faith in God. People with this gift have such great confidence in the power and promises of God they are unshakeable no matter what may come their way. These are usually people who we call prayer warriors, who are able to effect miraculous works with their beseeching God. Think Elijah, who prayed and the heavens were shut up for 3 ½ years. He then prayed and rain came.
1 Cor. 12:9 “healing” ?aµa, at??, t? iama (ee'-am-ah): healing, curing, remedy.
Many only think of this gift as some miraculous power to heal those afflicted with a physical ailment. However, this is an ability one has by faith, used by God to restore others; be it, physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. And, these types of healings can come in a variety of ways. It can be by direct laying on of hands, means of counseling, certain wisdoms and guidance, all used to effectuate a healing that is needed. The healing can be dramatic or subtle. God does still heal today. I have not only witnessed it, I’ve experienced it. The implication of this gift is limitless and not boxed in to only some outward showing of healing a person. Its operation is by faith in God’s anointing to heal, and not man’s display of some mystical power. The gift of healing is an intermittent special gift released by God to the one with the spiritual gift. It is not with a person all the time at their beck and call. Meaning, it’s ability of use is only available as God will’s it.
1 Cor. 12:10 “miraculous powers” ??????µa, at??, t? energéma (en-erg'-ay-mah) a working, operation of d??aµ??, e??, ? dunamis (doo'-nam-is); power.
The gift of workings of miracles is the ability to act as an agent of extraordinary works of divine power released by God. It is an instantaneous and divine energizing of power upon a believer enabling him to accomplish something which by the laws of nature would be impossible. Think of David slays Goliath (1 Sam 17:37-51, Elijah parts the water with his mantle 2 Kings 2:8).
The Apostle Paul said to King Agrippa, "Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?" (Acts 26:8). Truth is, there are many miraculous events today that we all have heard of, but many people have difficulty in accepting miracles because they do not accept the truth of God. They only think in the realm of the natural and natural phenomena. Therefore, they are naturally skeptical because they do not believe in God, and thus, rationalize or deny miraculous or supernatural manifestations. God does still perform miracles today.
Again, this gift is intermittent, only released at God’s will. It is not with a person all the time at their beck and call.
1 Cor. 12:8 “word of wisdom” : logos s?f?a, a?, ? Sophia (sof-ee'-ah): skill, wisdom: wisdom, insight, skill.
Logos meaning divine utterance, manifested or embodied expression of God, and Sophia being in context of applied spiritual knowledge. So, the fact that this gift is described as the “word of wisdom”, and not simply wisdom, indicates that this gift describes someone who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with discernment. The gift of the word of wisdom, is the ability to understand the proper application of a passage or principle of Scripture that applies to life’s situations.
The spiritual gift of “word of wisdom” is often misconstrued as receiving some direct revelation from God; but in fact, it is the ability to speak Godly insight on truth already revealed in God’s Word. Direct revelation is solely the domain of prophecy.
1 Cor. 12:8 “word of knowledge” logos ???s??, e??, ? gnosis (gno'-sis). Gnosis is an interesting word, because it does not simply mean what our English word knowledge means, which is having learned something through intellectual or academic pursuit. But, gnosis means, "experientially know" – functional ("working") knowledge gleaned from first-hand (personal) experience, connecting theory to application. It is "application-knowledge," gained in (by) a direct relationship.
A person with this type of gift is someone who enjoys actively pursuing the knowledge and mysteries from the Word of God; but, they also seek revelation from God regarding that knowledge. And, in many instances, they will undergo certain events in their life to experience the understanding of the truths revealed in God’s Word. A person with this gift not only has the ability to search out the literal meaning of scripture, but is willing to experience it in their life. Truth is, many don’t want to have first-hand experience of God’s Word to their life.
1 Cor. 12:10 “prophecy” p??f?te?a, a?, ? prophéteia (prof-ay-ti'-ah): prophecy the gift of communicating revealed truth. “a speaking forth.”
The sensationalism of one being a prophet or having the gift of prophecy has led to a widespread misconception of this spiritual gift, as one who only foretells future events. If one only reads the OT., you will see that the main purpose of a prophet was the ability to speak the message of God to others; and this at times did involve foresight or visions of what is to come. However, the main function of this gift is to proclaim, to declare the purposes and will of God, whether by reproving and admonishing others, or revealing things hidden. To prophesy is to interpret and declare the divine will and purposes of God; to make known in any way the truth of God that is designed to influence people.
A person with the gift of prophecy only seeks to know and proclaims God’s will, and not seeks to know future events. Foretelling is always going to be intermittent and temporary. Enough said about prophecy.
1 Cor. 12:10 “speaking in tongues, interpreting tongues” ???ssa, ??, ? glóssa (gloce-sah'); language
I myself, didn’t really believe in speaking in tongues, until one day I myself spoke in tongues in the privacy of my own prayer closet. I was also given the ability to interpret what I spoke.
The gift of tongues is one of the temporary “sign gifts” given as a sign. There’s really not much more to add to speaking and interpreting tongues, other than to say, it’s one of the most counterfeited gifts of the enemy. You have people claiming to be able to teach people to speak in tongues. But, as Paul said, what does it profit if it’s doesn’t edify the Church.
Eph. 4:11 “evangelist” e?a??e??st??, ??, ? euaggelistés (yoo-ang-ghel-is-tace'); simply means a bringer of good news, bearer of good tidings, a missionary.
We are all called to be evangelist. However, the gift of evangelism consists of that person having a pronounced burden for the lost and the ability to successfully communicate the message of the gospel, especially to nonbeliever. We see in the book of Acts, that of Philip being named as an evangelist. He preached the Gospel in the desert and in all the cities between Azotus and Caesarea, to crowds and to individuals, with many conversions.
1 Cor. 12:28 “Apostle” ?p?st????, ??, ? apostolos (ap-os'-tol-os), it means one commissioned by another to represent him in some way. And, in this case that other is Jesus who sends one out as His delegate.
An Apostle is one who is commissioned by the Lord and sent to new places with the gospel. This person will operate primarily with almost all the gifts aforementioned intermittently, to spread the Word of God and establish His Church. An apostle will also provide leadership to churches or ministries on spiritual matters.
Eph. 4:11 Pastor p??µ??, ????, ? poimén (poy-mane'); a shepherd.
One who cares for the total well-being of his flock, feeds, protects it. A pastor will usually possess the gifts of teaching, leadership and administration.
1 Cor. 12:28 “teacher” d?d?s?a???, ??, ? didaskalos (did-as'-kal-os): an instructor. The skill to teach from the Bible and communicate it effectively for the understanding and spiritual growth of others.
The person with this gift is characterized by a great desire to study the Word and teach it. He or she must first be able to search out and perceive the truth of Scripture, and so must possess the gift of knowledge as a foundation. He or she must also possess the ability to think logically and organize clearly, both for their own understanding and the understanding of their audience, which may be hearers, readers, etc.
Now that we have concluded with our examination of spiritual gifts, the next question should be,"How do I identify my spiritual gift?"
There is no magic formula or definitive test that can tell us exactly what our spiritual gifts are. The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts as He determines (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). A common problem for Christians is the temptation to get so caught up in our spiritual gift that we only seek to serve God in the area in which we feel we have been gifted. That is not how the spiritual gifts work. God calls us to obediently serve Him in all things. He will equip us with whatever gift or gifts we need to accomplish the task He has called us to.
Identifying our spiritual giftedness can be accomplished in various ways. Spiritual gift tests or inventories, while not to be fully relied upon, can definitely help us understand where our gifting might be. Confirmation from others also gives light to our spiritual giftedness. Other people who see us serving the Lord can often identify a spiritual gift in us that we might take for granted or not recognize. Prayer is also important. The one person who knows exactly how we are spiritually gifted is the gift-giver Himself—the Holy Spirit. We can ask God to show us how we are gifted in order to better use our spiritual gifts for His glory.
Is it beneficial to know what spiritual gift(s) God has given us. But, to focus so much on spiritual gifts, many of times we miss other opportunities to serve God? We should always remember that if we are dedicated to being used by God, He will equip us with the spiritual gifts we need.
Some people get sidetracked with spiritual gifts and become more obsessed with the gifts than with Jesus. Believers begin to follow signs and wonders, instead of signs and wonders following the believer. I hope you got that!
Also, you may find that your gifts change over time. For example, you might find that as you grow in your faith, you receive the gift of faith. This just happily means that you’re becoming a stronger person in Jesus and are increasingly able to talk about your faith in a confident way. But as we age, gain wisdom, have new experiences, and journey further with the Lord, we all inherently change, and therefore, so may your spiritual gifts. Think of it as God giving you a software update!
Lastly, don’t be one satisfied with the status quo of only going to church watching the preacher exercise his or her gift, God has called and gifted each and every one of us. Exercise your Spiritual gift. Be blessed my friends in Jesus holy and precious name. Amen!
You can follow our ministry on our Network www.youtube.com/fitwnetwork or visit our website www.fellowshipintheword.org
