SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Overview: It is important to note 3 different Greek words used for this subject: 

Ro 12:6  "charisma" = spiritual gifts

    1Co 12:7  "phanerosis" = manifestation

Eph 4:8 "doma" = present

Only prophecy and teaching are linked to all 3.

A. Gift: Something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation. A gift cannot be paid for. It cannot be owed to you. It can be rejected, ignored, discarded, wasted or destroyed.

B. Ps 24:1 Everything belongs to God. He owes us nothing. All that we have is from him. Every breath, every heartbeat. Every moment.

C. Mal 3:10,11

D. Lk 6:45-38

Our gifts are to be used as seeds to be planted and harvested with God giving the increase.

E. Ro 11:29     Once called and anointed: always called and anointed

F. Mt 25:14-30 (?) How do we explain this in light of Ro 11:29? A talent is not a gift until turned over to God. (Our meaning for the word "talent" comes from the parable). Talents are natural, gifts are spiritual. Note that in the parable, the talents are turned over to God Who then returns them as gifts. We are all born with talents and make choices as to their usage.

G. Mt 2:7-11       Give your best to God.

  Ro 12:3-8    1 Co 12:1-14:40     Eph 4:7-16 (vs 14-16 very important)

 Ro 12:3-8  grace = charis - root for charismata (spiritual gifts)

The gifts are the concrete expression of grace. Grace coming to visible effect in word or deed.

      v:6 gifts = charisma

1 Co 12:1-14 "spiritual gifts" = pneumatikos (spiritual/supernatural "things" not gifts)

        v: 4 gifts = charisma

        v:12 Ps 139:13-16       How God puts a body together

 1 Co 13:12          Ps 139 (reminder)

  Eph 4:7      Lk 6:35 (reminder)

Everybody has at least one gift. Jesus had all gifts.

PURPOSE

1. Edification Of The Church - 1 Co 12:4-7, 14:12

2. Conviction/Conversion Of Unbelievers - 1 Co 14:21-25

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

1. Deception - Ex 7:10-12, 17-22 Ac 16:16-18 1 Co 12:1-3 1 Jn 4:1-6

2. Ambition/Competition/Envy - Mk 10:35-45    2 Co 10:12-19   Gal 5:25,26

3. Passivity - 1 Pe 4:8-11   Jn 11:33-44    2 Ki 4:1-7

4. Pride - Eze 28:11-19 (origin of the devil/Lucifer; Satan's resume)

5. Complacency - Rev 3:15-19

6. Carnality - 1 Co 1:10-15    2 Ti 4:2-5

7. Tolerance of Unrighteousness - 1 Co 5 Eph 5 Rev 2:14-16, 19-25

8. Idleness - 2 Th 3:6-15

9. Improper Attire - Eph 6:11-18 (need every piece to stand against the wiles of the devil)

10. Distraction - Lk 12:13-14 Mt 12:46-50 Lk 17:32

                       Heb 5:14 -- read your Bible

                       Mark 8:17-25 sight - then we get vision from Jesus

 Why Don't I Know What Giftedness I Have?

1. Never Taught    Pr 22:6

2. Insecurity/Self-Image   Judg 6:11-17

3. Improper Teaching/Ignorance    1 Ti 1:12-16    1 Cor 13

1. Sin/Bondage John 8:34

2. Irresponsibility  Lk 12:42-48

3. Anger  Mt 5:21-26  Connect  Eph 4:26,27  Pr 23:7a

4. Comparing Oneself Ro 12:1-3

Example: Music          

              Lyrics/Composition (2 Chron 29:30)

              Instrumentalists (2 Chron 34:12)

              Singers (1 Chron 15:19)

              Directors/Conductors (Neh 12:46)

              Instructors (1 Chron 15:22)

              Making Instruments (2 Chron 7:6)

How Many Gifts? No one knows. 18 mentioned. The list is no more complete than the list of the members of the body in 1Co 12:12-18.

Categories of Gifts    1 Co 13:1-3    1 Cor 12:1-18

SUMMARY

GRACE IN EFFECT

FOR BELIEVERS

NOT UNTO REPENTANCE

FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. PURPOSE: EDIFICATION OF THE CHURCH, CONVICTION/CONVERSION OF UNBELIEVERS

2. PROBLEMS:

LOSING FOCUS ON PURPOSE

DECEPTION

NOT KNOWING ONE'S GIFTS

NOT MAXIMIZING ONE'S GIFTS

NOT UNDERSTANDING THE INTERACTION OF GIFTS

DEFINING GIFTS TOO STRICTLY

TALENTS

OFFICES

MINISTRIES

CALLINGS

TITLES

PEOPLE

MANIFESTATIONS

Word Of Knowledge (Eph 1-3)      Word Of Wisdom (Eph 4-6)

Knowledge vs. Wisdom - Knowledge is information. Wisdom is the application of knowledge to achieve proper ends. (2 Ch 1:10)

WORD OF KNOWLEDGE - The supernatural ability to receive and comprehend truth when it cannot be known by natural means. It is the understanding of God's Word that exceeds human reason (Mt 16:14-17). It is subject to intelligence. The utterance of this knowledge is a manifestation of the teaching gift.

WORD OF WISDOM - The supernatural ability to apply God's truth. It is Biblically oriented and always consistent with the will of God (Pr 8:10-36). It will cause the receiver to consider God (Ac 6:8-10). The expression of this wisdom is a manifestation of the exhortation gift.

Hebrew words translated "wisdom" in Proverbs

          1. chokmah (true wisdom) Pr 24:7

2.binah (discernment, discrimination) Pr 23:4

3. leb (heart) Pr 11:12

4. armah (shrewdness) Pr 8:5

5. sahal (prudence, good sense) Pr 1:3

6. sekel (insight) Pr 23:9

7. tushiyah (stability) Pr 2:7 translated "sound wisdom"

Isa 11:1-5

FAITH - The supernatural ability to believe God for the "impossible". It is  "mountain-moving" faith as opposed to "saving" faith, and must be used lovingly (1 Co 3:12).

- The possessor not only envisions what God wants, but also recognizes the obstacles AND REMAINS UNDETERRED (Mk 2:1-5).

- The gift of FAITH goes beyond hope and trust to expectation and assurance (Gen 22:1-5). The gift of FAITH releases God's blessings (Gen 22:15-18).

-The possessor is in submission to the will of God. The possessor's requests are limited to what God wants. FAITH does not limit God. (Lk 8:41-56).

- The witness of FAITH is exemplified by Noah's shipbuilding tasks.

HEALINGS - The supernatural ability to cure illness and/or the restore health.

       - 1 Co 12:9 - "Gift" and "Healing" are both plural in Greek. 3 basic types.

       -Spiritual Healing Mt 13:13-15 1 Pe 2:21-24

       -Emotional Healing Lk 4:18

       -Physical Healing Ac 3:1-11 Ac 8:5-7

The rarest of the types is physical. Jesus and his disciples used it as a means of spreading the Gospel. Only 3 people cited in the Book of Acts (Paul, peter, and Philip). Physical healing is not always operable (Ac 28:8) (Phil 2:25-27,30).

- Healing is determined by the will of God --not faith of the sufferer.

             Ex 15:26 Lk 22:49-51 Mt 15:22-28

- God may heal instantly (Mt 9:27-31, gradually (2 Ki 4:32-35), or through medication (2 Ki 20:1-7).

-God may chose not to heal as discipline for sin (1 Co 5:15, 11:270-30), to add personal growth/humility (2 Co 12:7), or to add glory (Jn 9:2,3).

CAUTION: Healing is not always from God. Some illness is psychosomatic, some people respond to the power of suggestion. There is also the power of Satan (Mt 24:23,24) (Ac 16:16-18) (1 Jn 2:18) (Rev 13:1-3,11-14)

  Deu 13:1-3 Isa 66:1-5 2 Th 2:8-12

MIRACLES - Events of supernatural power, perceivable by the natural man, which authenticate the doer as servant of God.

Acts2:22 1. Power (Gr."Dunamis") Mk 9:39 Ac 8:13

              2. Wonder (Heb. "pala" Judg 6:13 (Heb. "mopheth") Deu 29:2-4

              3. Sign (Heb. "owth") Nu 14:21-23 (Gr. "semeion" Jn 6:14 Ac 6:8

Purpose Of Miracles

- To display the power of God and to demonstrate the authority of worker.

        Ex 4:1-5 Jos 6:15-20    1 Ki 18:21-40        2 Ki 4:38-44       Jn 3:1,2

- To cause people to listen to (not necessarily obey) God's message.

           Nu 22:26-35     Ac 8:3-6        2 Co 12:11-12        Heb 2:1-4

Every aspect of a miracle (timing, location, type, etc.) is determined by the will of God.        Jn 14:12   Ac 5:12-15, 19:11,12

Although God provides signs, it is contradictory to faith to require or seek signs.

           Mt 12:38-40 1 Co 1:21-24, 14:21,22

Miracles do not guarantee or increase faith.

          Ex 10:13-20 Ac 4:13-22 Lk 1:11-20, 16:23-31

CAUTION: Remember part 3 of the definition. Satan is a deceiver and a counterfeiter. He provides pseudo-miracles/magic. Ex 7:8-12    Rev 16:12-16

PROPHECY - Inspired revelation, declaration, and/or interpretation of the will and/or purpose of God. Prophecy is NOT fortune-telling.

Gr. prophetéia (forth-telling, i.e., bringing forth a message)

       (1 Co 14:3, 29-33)

ALL Prophecy points to Jesus (Rev 19:10)

- Prophecy comes from God, not the speaker (Deu 18:20, 2 Pe 1:19-21)

- Prophecy must be 100% accurate (Deu 18:21,22, Jn 19:28ºPs 69:21) AND line up with the Word of God (Deu 13:1-3) BECAUSE God uses FALSE prophets to test us (1 Jn 4:1).

- Prophecies cannot conflict with one another since they must be 100% accurate.

    (Jer 32:4, 34:3 vs. Eze 12:13)  (Jer 39:6,7)

-Prophecy is specifically noted as superior (1 Co 14:1-6, 1 Th 5:19-21)

- Prophecy does not require the speaker's awareness (Jn 11:47-52)

-Prophecy does not extend beyond Scripture (Deu 4:1,2 Rev 22:18,19)

-Prophecy is no respecter of persons (Ex 15:20, Judg 4:4, 2 Ki 22:12-14, Isa 8:3, Joel 2:28,29, Lk 2:36,37, Ac 21:8,9)

Lk 19:39,40

DISCERNMENT- Special ability to distinguish between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

- Those so gifted can discriminate between what is raised up by God and what pretends to be. They can unmask Satan's trickery, ferret out false prophets, and detect false teachings. They can detect subtle errors and deficiencies in books or sermons. They can tell whether the atmosphere in a service is emotional or spiritual. Discernment comes from the knowledge of the Word of God (Bible Study) and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Heb 5:12-14). Spiritual claims are to be tested, not trusted (1 Jn 4:1. 1 Th 5:21), thus discernment extends to motive (heart) as well as message (tongue) (1 Ti 3:1-7).

- Satan is a counterfeiter (2 Co 11:13-15)

Christ                                                      Antichrist (instead of Christ)

True Prophets                                             False Prophets

True Apostles                                             False Apostles

Wheat                                                       Tares

Sheep                                                       Wolves in sheep's clothing

Holy Spirit/Angels                                      Unclean Spirits/Demons

God expressly forbids "spiritism"(Deu 18:10-1)

False teaching is demonic (1 Ti 4:1-4)

False teachers must not be supported (2 Jn 6-11)

Church leaders are accountable for discernment (Rev 2:1,2,12-16,18-24)

Examples      Mt 12:45-50,16:15-17,21,23        Ac 5:1-10,8:18-24,16:16-18

                         Gal 1:6-9

TONGUES - Spoken (not written) LANGUAGE

Interpretation - Understanding,Comprehension (not translation)

        Gr. Glossalia "glossai" (tongues, languages) + "lalein" (to speak)

- The Holy Spirit

            a) Gave one language   Gen 2:19.20   Gen 11:1

            b) Divided language Gen 11:2-10 (Gen 11 explains Gen 10)

            c)One language restored Ac 2:16-21 (Joel 2:28-31) 1Co 13:8  Rev  7:9-10

"When the body prays and not the spirit" Mt 6:7 (chanting)

"When the spirit prays and not the mind" 1 Co 14:14-17

- Do all believers speak in tongues? 1 Co 12:10,11,30   (See FAQ #35)

- Do only believers speak in tongues? It may be Divine, Satanic, Artifical, or Psychological. It is the most easily counterfeited manifestation. It is practiced by Hindus and many other non-Christians.

- How important is tongue-speaking to the Body?

     1. Ranks last among manifestations 1 Co 12:28

     2. Only 5 explicit references. Discussed only once by Paul.

         a) Mk 16:17 ("new tongues" = to speak a different way)

         b) Authentication of the Apostles in Acts

            - Ac 2:1-13 (1st 3,000 converts)

                  10:44-46 (Start of Gentile Mission)

                  19:1-12 (Start of Mission for followers of John The Baptist

        c) 1 Co 12-14 (Paul discusses abuse of tongues)

             Read 1 Co 12:7-10, 28-30; 14:1-33, 39,40

Speaking in tongues is not required.

Speaking in tongues should not be forbidden (1 Th 5:19, 1 Co 14:39)TONGUES + INTERPRETATION = PROPHECY

APOSTLE(Gr. "apostolos"- One who has been sent) Specifically, one who has been sent by one in authority, i.e., an authorized messenger.

- Disciple vs. Apostle - Disciples are "called to". Apostles are "sent from". All apostles are disciples. Not every disciple becomes an apostle.

                   Mt 10:1,2 Lk 6:12,13

- God has a process for apostleship

                  Ro 10:14-15÷1 Ti 3:1-6

- Paul had to become a disciple first (CALLED)....

 Ac 9:1-6

.... then an apostle (SENT)

Ac 9:10-20

- There were at least 82 apostles before Pentecost.

    Lk 10:1 Ac 1:13-15

- Jesus was an Apostle

       Heb 3:1,2

- Apostles lay foundations that others may build on.

    1 Co 12:28,29 (apostles listed first)

Remember: Jesus was a carpenter (not a shepherd*), an Author, and Finisher. * this refers to His occupation

TEACHING - Communicating TRUTH (not knowledge) so that others are caused to learn.

Knowledge vs. Truth - Satan has full knowledge of Scripture and of God, BUT....Jn 8:44   Eze 28:1-19

Acquiring Knowledge is a step, not a goal     2 Pe 1:1-11

Intelligence to Knowledge to Wisdom to Obedience to Love

What is TRUTH? Ps 119:142 Law of God

Ps 119:151 Commandments of God

Jn 14:6 Jesus

Jn 17:17 Word of God

1 Jn 2:20-27 Anointing of Holy Spirit

1 Jn 5:6 Holy Spirit

What is the source of TRUTH? Jn 1:1,2,14-17    Ps 57:3      Gal 1:11,12

If some possess the gift of teaching, who needs the manifestation?

                      Heb 5:12            Deut 11:19 (Parents)  Tit 2:3,4 (Older Women)

                                               Lev 10:11 (Priests)

HELPS(Ministration) - Serving the CHURCH in a way that supports, encourages and strengthens spiritual ministries. THE MINISTRY OF SUPPORTING MINISTRY. MUTUAL SERVICE IN LOVE. It is not the same as showing mercy, caring for the elderly, etc.

          1 Co 12:28 Gr. "antilepsis" (Lit."to take a turn") to support

ILLUSTRATIONS

- 1st recorded ordination to Christian ministry Ac 6:1-7

- Christ as the pattern Mt 20:25-28 Lk 12:13,14 Jn 13:1-17

- Paul's priority 1 Co 1:14-17 1 Co 9:13-17

- Baruch Jer 36:1-18

- Samuel 1 Sa 1:20-28, 2:11,17-20, 3:1

- Disciples Mt 26:17-19 Jn 4:1-2,7-8

- Prayer 1 Ti 2:1-3

- Support/Encouragement 2 Ti 1:16-18

Ac 13:1-5

Ac 19:21,22

Ac 20:1-4

1 Co 16:10-15

Ro 16:1-15

Lk 8:1-3

Philemon 10-13

Mk 9:35

1 Th 3:2

Jer 36:25-32

REMEMBER: "Helps" applies only to ministry within the Body. The gifts of serving, giving and compassion are in operation at all times.

GOVERNMENTS (Ruling) - The authorized, Spirit-led direction and control of the gifts and ministries of the Body.

          1 Co 12:28 Gr. "Kubernesis" (steering, guidance)

- 1 Timothy contains the earliest instructions for the orderly arrangement of the Church. It is ETHICAL; not HIERARCHICAL. The organization of modern churches is traditional, not Scriptural.

CHRIST IS THE HEAD (Co 1:18) (Eph 1:15-23)

- Authority comes from God Ro 13:1-7 Mt 15:7-14

     Ex. Pharaoh Ex 9:13-16

           Nebuchadnezzar Dan 4:28-32 Jer 25:9

           Prophets Deut 18:15-22

          Judges Judg 2:14-18

          Priest 1 Sa 2:27-36

- Believers = Leaders   1 Pe 2:5,9 Rev 1:5,6

- Leadership = Labor    1 Th 5:12,13 1 Pe 5;1-3

- Titles are functional and service-oriented, often used interchangeably (bishop/elder/pastor/minister), and generally non-specific (Heb 13:7,17,24)

- Resolution without Rank Gal 6:1-10 1 Co 6:1-4 1 Ti 5:19-21 Tit 1:7-14; 2:9-11

- Character and Ethics, Not Rank and Duties   1 Ti 3:1-13; 4:1-11

- Paul: (In His Own Words)

Servant/Apostle (Ro 1:1) Steward (1 Co 4:1) Prisoner (Eph 3:1)

Minister (Ro 1:16) Follower (1 Co 11:1) (Fellow)Solider (Col 4:10)

Preacher (Ro 1:20) Ambassador (2 Co 5:20) Sinner (1 Ti 1:11)

Labourer (1 Co 3:9) Worker (2 Co 6:1) Pattern (1 Ti 1:12)

Masterbuilder (1 Co 3:10) (Fellow)Helper (2 Co 8:23) Teacher (1 Ti 2:7)

EVANGELIST - One who proclaims the gospel of salvation in relevant terms to unbelievers effecting conversion and discipleship.

(Eph 4:11,12) Messengers are sent (apostles) to reveal the will and purpose of God (prophets) to provide witness and to convert (evangelists) so believers can be fed (pastors) and brought to maturity (teachers).

Evangelists provide MILK. Pastor/teachers supply MEAT. (Heb 5:12-6:3)

REMEMBER: This can all be embodied in one individual

"Evangelist" appears only 2 other times in the Bible other than Eph 4:11. (2 Ti 4:5) and (Ac 21:8) where Philip is the only one in the Bible specifically called an evangelist. Philip was not a pastor, bishop, elder, etc., he was a deacon (Ac 6:5) (Ac 8:1)

- Philip as a model for an evangelist

       Ac 8:5-13 Traveling, Preaching, Conversion, Discipleship

       Ac 8:26-40 Traveling, Witnessing, Teaching, Preaching, Conversion

Reach Out (Mk 1:17)

Are Effective (Ac 2:36-41)

Fulfil Prophecy (Lk 24:44-48)

Present A Simple Message (1 Co 2:1,2)

Can Be Counterfeited (2 Ti 4:3,4)

"Evangelism" does not appear in the Bible at all, and didn't come into the English language until about 1626, BUT it is the subject of most of the New Testament activities.

Mt 9:11-13; 36-38; 16:13-18  Mk 1:1-8  Ac 1:6-8  1 Jn 4:1-6  1 Pe 1:1-9; 2:1-5

EVANGELIST                                    PASTOR/TEACHER

Person of Christ                                 Whole Counsel of God

Short Term                                         Long Term

Wins Souls To Christ                          Build Believers In The Faith