What are Spiritual Gifts?
Introduction:
There are several key New Testament passages that describe what we call spiritual gifts. They are Ephesians 4:1-8; Romans 12:3-8; 1st Corinthians 12:1-11; and 1st Peter 4:10. Ephesians 4 tells us that the first thing Christ did when He ascended on high was to gift his body the church. This lesson is designed to understand what the proper use of these gifts are
I. Spiritual Gifts are Supernatural Gifts 1st Cor. 12:1
Explanation: Your gift is a “grace” gift. It is what the Greek language calls a “charismata”=a thing of grace
This means a grace gift is not a natural talent or ability. Your gift is of God and independent of natural talent.
In fact, natural ability can be a hindrance bin exercising your gift. Your gift may or may not be in an area of any natural talent you may possess.See 1st Cor. 2:2, 12, 2nd Cor. 12:9
II. Spiritual Spirit are Salvation Gifts 1st Peter 4:10; 1st Cor. 12:7
- You have one or more gifts simply because you are a born again person. At the moment you are born again the Holy Spirit came into your life. He came in on your spiritual birthday-bearing gifts to equip you for service. You received your gifts the day you were saved.
Every Christian has a gift “each one is given a manifestation of the spirit-for the common good.1st Cor.12:7Every Christian has a function in the body of Christ 1st Cor. 12:12 ff
The church is a body- the spiritual body of Christ, and even as a physical body has many parts and organs that function together, the church as Christ’s body has parts (gifts) that must function to be healthy and spiritually alive.
- So, happy birth day! Have you opened your gift? Jesus came in to dwell in you and his hands were full, bearing gifts. Your gift is for you to serve him, the church, and the world.
Note:The difference between the Fruit of the Spirit and Gifts of the Spirit.
Fruit of the Spirit is about Christian character or Christ-likeness.
Gifts of the Spirit has to do with ministry skills. They are a Christ ability within you to do work in the kingdom.
Note: Gifts are not evidences of spirituality. You have your gift-regardless of your spiritual walk.
Note: Satan can duplicate or imitate the gifts of the Spirit-but not the Fruit of the Spirit.
For example the gift of tongues can be of God or it can be demonic. 99% of what passes as tongues today is either psychological, Satanic or carnal. Only 1% is the NT expression of a gift.
Look at the Corinthian Church, it was carnal, immature, and worldly yet it had charismatic Gifts.
Note: When anointed of the Spirit, The gifts have great power and spiritual effect.
3. Not everyone has the same gift or gifts. 1st Cor. 12: 4,8
Differing parts of the body have different functions. All are needed.
Note; there are no short cuts to spirituality- seeking Tongues or the “baptism of the Holy spirit” as a quick fix to spirituality is false.
III. Spiritual Gifts are Sovereignly Bestowed 1st Cor. 12:11
We are never told in scripture to seek a gift, or pray to receive a gift.
1st Cor 12:31= cultivate or earnestly desire the best gifts-not seek tongues!
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Note: the gift he gave you at salvation has your Destiny imprint on it. It helps define who you were born again to be!
1. When God put his gift in you, no one needs tell you how to get it.
Example;Some churches put people in a “tongues” drill. “Open your mouth and start saying “la la la real fast” This is false teaching! You will not see a church helping people get the gift of giving, or the gift of service-so why the gift of tongues?
2. When your gift of God you’ll want to exercise the gift according to Scripture.
Example; 1st Cor. 14: 34, 35 forbids a woman to speak in tongues in church assembly.
Therefore any exercise of gifts should submit to apostolic teaching.
IV. Spiritual Gifts are Service Gifts 1st Cor. 12:7, 1st Peter 4:12
The Gifts are not given to us for our own personal satisfaction or benefit. They are bestowed on us to edify the body of Christ. See Ephesians 4:11-13 where the gifts are for the equipping of believers.
Note: My gift is for you and your gift is for me. Thought the spirit-led use of our gifts we serve the Body of Christ.
V. Strengthen and recognize your gifts.
Paul told Timothy to stir up the gift that is within him and not to neglect it.1st Tim 4:14
1. You recognize your Gift by personal inclination.
Note: your gift is normally what a spirit-filled believer wants to do. Not always but usually. Your gift is the expression of your spiritual passion.
2. Public Acclamation
Note: the church will see your gift and ask for more.
God will bless it & the Church will seek it
Example: if a young man thinks he is called to preach, but no one wants to hear him preach, he probably is not gifted as a preacher. Especially if this is true after much study, training and practice.
- Backed up by personal edification.
Your gifting is where you get your greatest joy in service to Christ and His church. Your gifting is the “fire in your belly, “it is what you are most passionate about in kingdom service.
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