A. INTRODUCTION: EMPHASIS - EVERY BELIEVER HAS A SPIRITUAL GIFT FOR MINISTRY
“A spiritual gift is given to each of us” (1 Cor. 12:7).
1. Definition: A spiritual gift is divine enablement given to each believer to serve the Lord.
2. Basic teaching:
a. All believers have a multitude of gifts (enablements).
b. That may augment their natural talents.
c. Most believers have a prominent gift (ability).
d. Gifts are sovereignly given by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:11), but one can seek them “covet earnestly the best gifts” (1 Cor. 12:31).
e. Everyone has all gifts embryonically.
f. But not all gifts in equal ability.
g. We can seek gifts we don’t have, and we can grow gifts to be more effective.
3. No matter your prominent spiritual gift, all contribute to evangelism. “Spiritual gifts . . . to help each other” (1 Cor. 12:7). Because:
a. Great Commission is to all.
b. All are lost.
c. All are commanded to win souls (2 Cor. 5:10-11).
4. All should have some part in evangelism. “God has put each . . . just where He wants us” (1 Cor. 12:18, ELT). “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each . . . is a part of it” (1 Cor. 12:27).
B. UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS
1. Why are they called spiritual gifts, when they really are abilities or talents?
a. Because those abilities are given by Christ (Eph. 4:9-11).
b. Because they are originally received, not earned or developed.
c. They are our gifts to Christ, to serve Him.
2. There are sign gifts, i.e., apostles, tongues, miracles, interpretation of tongues, healing (God still heals in answer to prayers).
3. Serving gifts: preaching, teaching, exhortation, shepherding, giving (time, talent, and treasure), showing mercy, administration, evangelism, hospitality, (serving list are available).
4. The fivefold gifts to the church represent principles or spheres of service. “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers” (Eph. 4:11, NLT).
a. Apostles – found church, receive and write truth.
b. Prophets – receive and announce truth.
c. Evangelist – giving the gospel to get people saved.
d. Pastor – shepherd God’s people.
e. Teacher – prepare and present God’s Word for learning.
5. One article for both pastors and teachers suggest both abilities in one person.
6. The purpose of spiritual gifts. “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ” (Eph. 4:12-13, NLT).
a. Maturity of believers.
b. Maturity of the church.
C. WHEN EVERY MEMBER USES SPIRITUAL GIFTS PROPERLY
1. Paul’s foundation, the body. Yonggi Cho built the world’s largest church on this truth, “The body grows by the division of cells.”
2. Gifted people can make their church healthy and mature to solve problems of:
a. Doctrine.
b. Sin.
c. Pride.
d. Marriage and family.
e. Church practices.
f. Giving.
g. God’s judgment in death.
h. Spiritual blindness.
3. More is said about spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians because this church:
a. Needed this message.
b. Had great potential.
c. Reflection of many future churches.
d. Potential to influence others.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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