Spiritual Gifts I
Spiritual Gifts
Just a note to begin with. The presence of a specific spiritual gift or the lack thereof does not negate personal responsibility for the Christian to do the work of the ministry of the Church. I have heard people say, “well, that’s just not my spiritual gift, I don’t have to do that”.
The fact is we are ALL to do the work and all possess a certain measure of these gifts attributes and are called upon to do them. For example one may have the gift of FAITH, this does not mean that others do not possess faith, (for without faith it is impossible to please God) but that this is a supernatural abundance possessing this individual for the contribution to the whole.
One may have the gift of GIVING but certainly all should, and are commanded to give.
Also many people confuse an OFFICE with a gift. A Pastor, a shepherd’s office (Bishop) should be filled by a qualified man who does have the GIFT that coincides with the office, yet one may possess the gift of shepherd, without the office of the Under shepherd.
The Divinely appointed OFFICES of a church are…
PASTOR (Bishop, overseer, elder)
DEACON (Servant)
*EVANGELIST (Church Planter, Missionary)
(In reality this may not be so much of an office as an expression of the gifts and BODY’S WORK in the Great commission. But I feel it is necessary to include here for an illustrative purpose as almost meriting it’s own office )
(* Again this is not a study of the church officers but a study of the gifts, the mention here is for distinction alone)
What are Spiritual gifts
A Spiritual gift is a DIVINE ANNOINTING of the INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN for the work in the BODY, a SPECIFIC SUPERNATURAL ABILITY that did not reside in the individual before, but now makes itself KNOWN to the body and the individual. It is a specific endowment of grace that goes beyond the normal scope of talent and natural ability. It is a peculiar and particular manifestation of the Spirit of God in the life of an individual that coincides with the collective gifts of the other members of the body for the working and supplying of the whole.
TRANSITIONARY GIFTS
Some of the gifts given to the early churches were for a specific TIME ALONE and would with the advent of the Scriptures completion would fade away.
The scope of our study here is not to delve into the transitionary sign gifts and their departure but to focus on the static or permanent gifts.
(The study of the temporary sign gifts is another study altogether which we have dealt with already under another title)
The temporary gifts are
Healing, tongues, the interpretation of tongues, miracles, prophecy (fore telling) and apostleship.
This does not mean that God cannot do a miracle, but these gifts were for the establishment of the church, a sign to the JEW and would fade away with the completion of the WORD OF GOD.
1 Corinthians 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
STATIC
Those gifts to the church body by way of the individual member that transcends the establishment sign gifts. These gifts would work with the Written Word of God to the furtherance of His purpose and plan, the carrying out of the great commission in the world , his glory and the preparation for the end and our lives in eternity.
Who has spiritual gifts
Ephesians 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.
Every believer is given them, and again this reinforces the design for every believer to be a part of a church body.
Parameters for gifts
It is supposed that No One man has ALL but some have several, all have at least one.
1 Corinthians 12:29-30 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
All are not the same, and one supposes that a man with all the gifts would almost be a body unto himself but
1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Here the word severally indicates that separation of gifts and distinction.
Where do we get the spiritual gifts
The gifts come from our LORD JESUS CHRIST
Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
They come BY WAY of the HOLY SPIRIT
The GIFTING is based upon
THE WILL OF GOD
1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
THE NEED OF THE BODY (and the Individual)
The church body was encouraged to covet earnestly the best gifts…
The MORE gifts in USE in a church body the MORE that can be accomplished, it is not the number of the members that is all that important but the percentage of gifts being utilized to their capacity.
Of course the MORE members you have (Employing their gifts) the More by far that can be accomplished.
We are given WORKS specifically and God never calls us to a task that He doesn’t provide for.
* We have works before ordained as a church and the equipping of the church to Do and accomplish those works and his will is provided for in the gifts given.
The PERSONALITY and (Latent & Apparent) TALENTS of the Member
The gift to each individual is from the same character of Christ as it comes out in our personality, like a pen …. The same ink, different purpose according to the shape of the point and character of the instrument. The differing gift is the different expression of the Spirit through our individual character and personality.
The GIFT is therefore aptly SUITED to the character and temperament of the recipient.
*** It is interesting to note that often the manifestation of the gifts will express themselves naturally in the talents and abilities of those gifted.
For example one who has abilities in music and a talent and enjoyment of such for such and has the gift of TEACHING will gravitate to songs pertaining to Teaching and the impartation of KNOWLEDGE and may even be concerned with the teaching of music, those with the gift of MERCY will often focus on the HURTING SOUL and the BINDING UP of the WOUNDED in their songs.
Here is where GIFTS find expression in our TALENTS.
Those with abilities in Accounting with find their GIFT often being expressed with that ability. Even those with skills in carpentry, in art, whatever it is the gift will often find expression there. (That is why some often confuse talents and ability with Spiritual gifts. One can be talented without having a gift and ability does not determine gift)
The ABILITY to USE and DEVELOP (The members Capacity)
Each of us have a differing ability or capacity. (We can have that capacity enlarged…) Psalms 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.(enlarged by time, circumstance, exercise, grace)
Yet we see even in the parable of the talents that each was given according to their ABILITY. God will take into account our FRAME.. He remembers that we are dust and he will not give us more than we can bear.)
THE WORK ORDAINED
Again if God calls us to a work He will equip us FOR that work, if we are to bear fruit He provides the wherewithal to accomplish that. The Gifts are for the BODY to ACCOMPLISH what He has set out and each member will be given that which is necessary for the BODY to accomplish what He has set forth.
How to Identify your gifts
PRAYER
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
This is a prayer God would be pleased to reveal if you are genuine to its utilization and purpose.
WORK
When we see a NEED, to allow ourselves to be placed IN the place of service. When we are stretched we will discover the manifestation of those gifts in us. Remember the gift is something you did not possess before and telling yourself you were never able to do something in the past is no guarantee that you are not able NOW.
BE AWARE of where you fit in and what you are gravitating toward.
ASK (those that are near you and over you, ask those with the gift of discernment)
Ask your Pastor.
THE BODY will see and its needs will often determine and reveal those gifts in us and to us.
THE Stewardship of Gifts
We master the gifts we have, as the master masters us.
We will be judged to their use or misuse
Can we GAIN NEW GIFTS or are they SET once for all? Certainly the gifts are based upon the foreknowledge of God bit is it stated that He can not ADD to us if the need was there? I do not know but I am intrigued by the thought.
Can we lose our gifts? To be taken from us and given to another? I doubt this but certainly our loss may be another’s gain.
There is certainly a deepening and expanding of these gifts in us as time and experience progresses. We grow IN THE USE and FROM the use. The gift expands greatly and we see many different facets of those gifts that we did not see before the DEPTH of those gifts is so much greater than we see now, the possibility and depth of them is staggering. Alas! all too often we are satisfied with but scratching the surface of those gifts, satisfied with the bare minimum.
What are spiritual gifts for
Ephesians 4:12-16 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 fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Spiritual gifts are primarily for the GLORY of GOD
Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
The gifts are for THE BODY so that it is EQUIPED to bring God Glory.
This Glory is brought about by way of THE BODY acting singularly… that we would BE WHO we ought and by that bring Him glory and DO what he WILLS , to do the works that he has foreordained that we should walk in them.. to BE CONFORMED to the image of Christ and to bring forth MUCH FRUIT in the usage of those gifts.
This is accomplished by way of the GIFTS that are FOR the WORK of the BODY.
The gifts are for OUR EDIFICATION, our strength, and OUR REWARD. (Singularly and corporately)
We are to USE these gifts IN the BODY and to GROW in GRACE … we are to GROW in their USAGE and implementation. We should grow in SKILL and in their use.
1 Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
The placement of these gifts in the body are FOR OUR TIME and OUR PLACE, for such a time as this….TIMELY gifts.
The cautions of spiritual gifts
They are given to us for a purpose and we would do well to use them for that purpose and not to abuse them.
Ignore them (bury them) you may lose them or use, and certainly you lose the ability to use them and the rewards gained from their use and the sustenance that was needed by the body that you were responsible to give.
Turning the gift upon ourselves without regard to the body…
(Those with discerning eyes to turn their eyes INWARD alone and to be so self absorbed and self analytical that they can not serve anyone else… remember to let God reveal things and not self… the heart of a man is like deep waters.. the heart is an endless pit of sin and only God can plumb the depths)
Using them for our OWN GAIN
A gift becomes part of WHO we are and that gift finds expression even in our workplace, but that is not the primary place for it’s implementation, it is a byproduct and should not be used as the main product.
Our strength becomes our weakness
Be careful to not fall into the trap of thinking there is no NEED for OTHER GIFTS that yours is the PARAMOUNT GIFT…. (Love is the paramount 1 Corinthians 13)
1 Corinthians 12:21-25 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
(be careful of PRIDE and arrogance, judgmental attitudes)
Those with discernment getting haughty and judgmental why EVERYBODY cannot see it as clearly as YOU.. be careful that the GIFT does not become a source of PRIDE, for whatever you received you received of the LORD… it is not because YOU are great and it is certainly not for the harming of the body but for the blessing of that body.
Beware of the blindside just viewing the body and it’s needs from YOUR gift’s perspective. (The BODY mentality must be cultivated for we are individuals… thus the importance of UNITY and surrendering to the SPIRIT’S DIRECTION)
Assuming that the GIFTED are the ONLY ones qualified to DO certain things…
Just because you don’t think you have the gift for something doesn’t mean you should not be part of it, or contribute….beware of this type of exclusiveness
Gifts are a JOY not a CURSE… it is not just one MORE thing to do, but a JOY and an avenue of great fulfillment for us, part and parcel of the ABUNDANT LIFE we have in Christ. Truly these abilities are GIFTS to us and to the BODY!
Examination of spiritual gifts for today:
Rom 12:6-8; 1Cor 12:4-10, 28; Eph 4: 7-8
Many seek to categorize the gifts of the Spirit and to some extent we can. All believers are indwelled with the Spirit of the Lord and it is the filling of the Spirit that exhibits the person of Christ Jesus in our lives.
THE FRUIT OF THE Spirit and the Person of Christ is the ESSENCE of those gifts. The MANIFESTATION of those gifts in our lives are dependent upon the Will of the LORD, the Character and personality of the person and the need of the church body they are to enter into.
The body is to earnestly desire the best (or better gifts) that of LOVE Charity) namely
Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Ephesians 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.
1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
* definitions from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary*
WISDOM
“ The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or practice. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion. I differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Prudence then is a species, of which wisdom is the genus. Wisdom gained by experience, is of inestimable value.”
FAITH
Belief; the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared by another, resting on his authority and veracity, without other evidence; the judgment that what another states or testifies is the truth.
DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
To see or understand the difference; to make distinction; as, to discern between good and evil, truth and falsehood.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
This is what I jokingly call x-ray vision… often seeing through to the HEART of a matter.
Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
This gift allows one to be a good councillor and judge of things
HELPS
Numbers 11:17 And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.
Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.
Barnabas, the son of consolation… is a good example of a man with such gift. These are the UNDERGIRDERS of the CHURCH BODY… those that KEEP IT TOGETHER, the plodders and helpers… the PILLARS and strength.
TEACHING
. To instruct; to inform; to communicate to another the knowledge of that of which he was before ignorant. To show; to exhibit so as to impress on the mind. To counsel and direct.
This gift is exemplified in being able to take a complex subject and bring it down to an easy level. As one man said, “if you can’t explain it to your grandmother you don’t really understand it at all”
Some people understand things but they make even the simplest things complicated, and there are those who can bring clarity to thoughts and impart that to others.
EXHORTATION ……PROPHECY (forth teller… PREACHER)
EXHORT', v.t. egzhort'. L. exhortor; ex and hortor, to encourage, to embolden, to cheer, to advise. The primary sense seems to be to excite or to give strength, spirit or courage.
To incite by words or advice; to animate or urge by arguments to a good deed or to any laudable conduct or course of action.
Here is the domain of the PREACHER! What separates a teacher from a preacher, a motivator of men, those who can give a clarion call to those around them to rally men, to lead.
GIVING
To bestow; to confer; to pass or transfer the title or property of a thing to another person without an equivalent or compensation. To give away, to alienate the title or property of a thing; to make over to another; to transfer.
There are those with a supernatural gift to give of themselves wholly and fully without reservation. This is often seen by others as carelessness but no so, for they will be careful but cheerful with a clear view of temporal things and their place and use.
RULING
To govern; to control the will and actions of others, either by arbitrary power and authority, or by established laws.
To govern the movements of things; to conduct; to manage; to control. That God rules the world he has created, is a fundamental article of belief. 3. To manage; to conduct, in almost any manner. To oversee and guide, to place things in their proper order or context.
Administration, organization, wisdom in structuring and allotting… the how to person. This is the one who will work out HOW it will work and be able to see where all the pieces fit together.
MERCY
That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being.
The caring hand and loving touch, cutting where needed (faithful are the wounds of a friend) but with tenderness, their presence like a balm… the restorer, the peacemaker, the healer)
PASTOR
Bishop, shepherd, overseer,
A shepherd; one that has the care of flocks and herds.
Concerning the office with regard to the gift….He cares for the sheep, guards the flock, leads the sheep in the way already set forth. He oversees the work and is responsible for the whole… the big picture man. He co-ordinates the whole of the work and the body.
Essentially this GIFT is one of OVERSEEING, GUIDING, LEADING, CARING, A Mother
Separate from the OFFICE comes the GIFT of SHEPHERDING.
Proverbs 27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
This is by no means a comprehensive study nor is it authoritative in its scope, for The WORD is SOLE authority, but it may contribute to the understanding of this subject. Perhaps the gifts that are listed are simply a SAMPLING of the greater and are used for illustrative purposes but I think that they are fairly representative to the whole. There are COMBINATIONS of GIFTS that have surprising results and interesting effects. Combined with a number of other gifts and working in UNITY it produces an AWESOME effect which is quite impossible to “pigeon hole”.
The goal here is not to cast any into rigid compartmentalisations but to give us a working knowledge of the ways of the workings of these gifts and to encourage us to WORK as a BODY, a UNIT together .
Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.