(Before we started, I geve everyone a simply Spiritual Gifts test that had about 50 short questions on them and we reviewed them together)
So, we’re talking about Spiritual Gifts. What they are. What they’re not. We’re going to talk about the point of these gifts. I mean, what is the point? I’m even going to give you a little breakdown of each gift and how if fits into the biblical context of living as a part of the body of Christ. So before I go any further, let’s pray:
(Pray)
So, let me first clear up any confusion on Spiritual Gifts by talking briefly about what they are not!
What “Spiritual Gifts” are NOT!
1) They are not natural talents.
Everyone, Christian or not, possesses certain natural talents.
Talents give us our self-identity.
Talents are usually physical.
2) They are NOT “The Fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22-23).
These “fruit” are for all people who live in Christ.
They are the expected outcome of God’s work in our lives (developed, not discovered).
3) They are NOT Christian roles.
Roles are mannerisms in which all are to Christians participate.
Are they given by the grace of God?
4) They are not “Counterfeit” Gifts.
Interpretation of Omens, Extrasensory Perception, Channeling.
So then, what is a Spiritual Gift
A Spiritual Gift is a distinct characteristic given by God, through the Holy Spirit, to every sincere Christian, by God’s grace alone, for the purpose of the entire Body.
It is from God, to every believer, not for themselves but for the whole body. It’s hugely important to understand that last part. Not fot you, but for the whole body. It’s not to give you self-identity or self-worth.
There are three different words used in the original Greek to describe our english rendering, "Gifts".
Biblical (Greek) words used for “Gifts”.
1. Charisma - Grace (Undeserved Favor). Found in Romans 12.
2. Pneumatikos - Spiritual matters [things]. Found in I Corinthians 12.
3. Dorea - Gift (General). Found in Ephesians 4.
What are these Gifts???
Romans 12: (Charisma Gifts)
Prophesying, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Giving, Leadership, Mercy.
I Corinthians 12 (Pneumatikos Gifts)
Message of Wisdom, Message of Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miraculous Powers, Prophecy, Discernment, Speaking in Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues.
Ephesians 4 (Derea Gifts)
Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers.
See the last page of your notes for the descriptions of these gifts.
Alright, now the good part: What’s the point? Can we truly function without the use of these gifts? Do they still apply today.
MYTH: Spiritual Gifts are not longer in operation since the completion of the Cannon of Scripture (The Bible).
Some of you have heard this. It comes from a misunderstanding on I Corinthians 13:8-12. For the sake of time, I’m not going to go into those misunderstandings. But, let me give you two reasons why I believe this is a myth.
1. I have never heard or read of anything to suggest that this was a known belief before 1906. As far as my studies have taken me, 1906 is when this theory of "Perfection" (v. 10) - as the completion of the Cannon - was brought onto the doctorine scene.
2. We read in Revelation 10:3-4 that God told John not to write down these seven thunders. Now, if this is supposed to be a part of GOD’s HOLY WORD, then cannon is not complete. Don’t get me wrong, I believe tat the Bible is practically complete for all godly living. I also believe that the Bible is inspired by God. But, is it fully complete without these seven thunders???
Any how, on the the Gifts.What’s the point?
1. They help guide is to God’s will.
2. They place us within the church (as well as our talents)
3. They benefit the entire Body.
Understanding Spiritual Gifts
I Corinthians 12:12-31
V. 12 - There are many parts to the body.
V. 17 - Many differing parts are necessary.
V. 18 - God arranges them.
V. 21 - All are needed, especially the smaller/weaker ones.
V. 26 - A look at the church body and suffering.
You see, looking at these verses it is clear that we are a part of something greater than ourselves. The key to understanding Spiritual Gifts in found in understanding the human body. We are all, with our differing gifts, a part of the whole body...being all Chrisitans from all over.
Here’s an example:
When our friends Bill and Rachael had Evalynn, we all rallied around them and provided assistance for them. We cooked for them, and took care of some errand running for them. You see, I don’t know if you notice this or not, but those of you with gifts of service were the leaders on this whole thing. Together we were the very hands and feet of God. We were the living grace of God. Do you see where I’m at? We truly are the body of Christ here on earth. You see we are all NEEDED, every one of us. My question to you is, what are you going to do about your gift.
List of Spiritual Gifts:
Prophecy - The specific gifting that God gives to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to his people through a divinely-anointed utterance.
Serving - A gift from God to certain individuals to identify unmet needs involved in a particular task and provide help and resources to meet those needs and accomplish the someone else’s results.
Teaching - A gift that God give to those within the body to communicate the truth so that other will learn and grow as mature believers.
Encouraging - A gifting that God gives given by God to speak words of affirmation, comfort, and counsel to other members of the body in such a way that they feel helped and healed.
Giving - The gift to gift of one’s own resources with liberality and cheerfulness.
Leadership - The supernatural ability to set goals, communicate, and teach others to accomplish those goals.
Mercy - The gift to grieve for someone who is in suffering, and being able to show merciful acts to them.
Message of Wisdom - The Special ability that God gives to certain believers to receive a specific word from God that speaks insight and application into a persons life or into a group of believers.
Message of Knowledge - The Special ability that God gives to certain believers to receive a direct word from God that discovers and reveals accurate information and ideas pertaining to a persons life or a group.
Faith - The Special ability that God gives to certain believers to believe with extraordinary confidence the will and purposes of God.
Healing - The Special ability that God gives to certain believers to serve as human intermediaries to cure ill and restore health apart from natural means.
Miraculous Powers - The Special ability that God gives to certain believers to believers to serve as human intermediaries to perform powerful acts that have altered the ordinary course of nature.
Prophecy - The Special ability that God gives to certain believers to receive and communicate a direct message from God to people for a specific purpose
Discernment - The Special ability that God gives to certain believers to know with assurance whether certain behavior to be “of God” is in reality of God, human, or satanic origin.
Speaking in Tongues - The Special ability that God gives to certain believers to speak to God in a language they have never learned or receive and communicate a message from God to people in a language they have never learned.
Interpretation of Tongues - The Special ability that God gives to certain believers to make known the message of one who speaks in tongues.
Apostle - The God given gift/position to Pastor and Shepherd of numerous churches. Also used to define someone who has been sent out as commissioned to see to a specific task/ministry.
Prophet - The God given gift/position to communicate immediate truth of God’s word to a person/people whether they are believers or not!
Evangelist - The God given gift/position to share the good news of Jesus Christ with other in a way that people become disciples and responsible member of the Body of Christ.
Pastor - The God given gift/position to assume personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group/body of believers.
Teacher - The God given gift/position to communicate relevant truth to enhance the health and growth of ministry in such a way that other can learn.
