SPIRITUAL GIFTS 1

Definition: What is a “Spiritual Gift”?

Simplystated, a spiritual gift is a skill or an ability that enables each Christianto perform a function in the body of Christ with ease and effectiveness.

Spiritualgifts are neither identical to natural abilities nor are they totallydifferent. There are both similarities and differences.  Both gifts andtalents may have their source in God (1 Cor. 4:7). Even the quality of thetalent and gift may be similar. But there are some very definite differencesbetween the two.

1. Only Christians possess spiritualgifts. Only those who possess the Holy Spirit possess the gifts of the Spirit(Rom. 8; 9, 14, 16, 17; 1 Cor. 12:7). In direct contrast the Bible refers tothe unbeliever as the one who does not have these gifts. (1 Cor. 14:16, 23,24).

2. Natural abilities are those talentswhich man receives at birth. Man cannot develop what was not given at birth.However, spiritual gifts are given to man from birth and after his conversionexperience. In Jeremiah 1:5 God says to Jeremiah “Before I formed you in thewomb I knew you and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointedyou a prophet to the nations. So we see that both the ministry and the gift ofprophecy were Jeremiah’s from birth.

3. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul was agifted teacher and persuader before his conversion (Gal. 1:15, 16; Phil. 3:5,6; Acts 22:3-5). But his gifts of miracles, healing, tongues and apostleshipwere not given to him until after his conversion.  Talents come with anatural birth. Spiritual gifts may come from the natural birth (for thepotential Christian) and from the second birth, the spiritual birth (John3:3-8).

4. The natural man (1Cor.2:14) isdependent on himself to discover develop and use his talent, but the Christiancan call on the Holy Spirit to reveal what gifts he possess, to discipline himin developing his gifts (2 Tim.1:7) and to empower him in using those gifts (1Cor.2:4,5; Phil 4:13).

Shaped for serving God.

WheneverGod gives us an assignment, he also equips us with what we need to accomplishit. This custom combination of capabilities is called your SHAPE.

Spiritual gifts

Heart

Abilities

Personality

Experience

Youcan’t earn your spiritual gifts or deserve them that is why they are calledgifts.

BecauseGod loves variety and He wants us to be special, no single gift is given toevery one. Also, no individual receives all the gifts. If you had them all,you’d have no need of anyone else, and that would defeat one of Gods purposes– to teach us to love and to depend on each other.

 Yourspiritual gifts were not given for your own benefit but for the benefit ofothers, just as other people were given gifts for your benefit.

Why they are important.

Firstthey keep the body balanced. The variety of spiritual gifts keeps the bodymoving in many directions safeguarding us against extremes or preoccupations.

Second,they keep the church healthy. Since every believer has a spiritual gift theburden of ministry can be shared equally.

Third,they keep the focus clear. When spiritual gifts are working together God isglorified.

TheApostle Paul illustrates each of these three points in a memorable analogy thatalso reveals his sense of humour. (1Cor.12:14-22).

A simple way to categorise the gifts.

Onehelpful way is a three fold division that considers the gifts functions.

SupportGifts ServiceGifts SignGifts

Apostleship/ Word of Administration/ Distinguishingof spirits

Wisdom                                                      Leading                                       Miracles

Prophecy/Word of Exhortation                                Healings

Knowledge                                               Faith                                              Tongues

Evangelism                                               Giving                                          Interpretationof tongues

Pastor– Teacher Helps– Serving

Teaching                                                    ShowingMercy

Support Gifts

Thesupport gifts are foundational. Like the heart and lungs, they are vital to thebody of Christ because they provide direction and leadership for the church.

Service Gifts

Theservice gifts work behind the scenes quietly encouraging and building up thebody.

Sign Gifts

The sign gifts supernaturally manifest the HolySpirits power authenticating Gods presence in the church.