Spiritual Gifts SPIRITUAL GIFTS DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 Spiritual Gifts SPIRITUAL GIFTS DESCRIPTION Spiritual Gifts are special abilities (supernatural) given by the Hly Spirit and distributed t every believer accrding t Gd s design and grace fr the cmmn gd f the Bdy f Christ. Gd Hpe Baptist Church, Lafayette LA Dr. Ricky E. Carter, Pastr-Teacher

2 SPIRITUAL GIFT IS THIS ME? CONTRIBUTES WHAT? Administratin Discernment Encuragement/Exhrtatin Evangelism Faith Giving Helps Hspitality Knwledge Leadership Mercy Nurturer Perceiver Service Teaching Wisdm Page 2 f 23

3 Administratin - The divine enablement t understand what makes an rganizatin functin and the special ability t plan and execute prcedures that accmplish ministry gals. Peple with this gift: develp strategies r plans t reach identified gals, assist ministries t becme mre effective and efficient, create rder ut f rganizatinal chas, manage r crdinate a variety f respnsibilities t accmplish a task r event. Administratin (1 Cr. 12:28)--This wrd, like helps, appears nly ne time in the New Testament, and it is used utside f Scripture f a helmsman wh steers a ship t its destinatin. This suggests that the spiritual gift f administratin is the ability t steer a church r Christian rganizatin tward the fulfillment f its gals by managing its affairs and implementing necessary plans. A persn may have the gift f leadership withut the gift f administratin. Persns with the gift enables the bdy t rganize accrding t Gd-given purpses and lng- term gals. Discernment - (1 Cr. 12:10) --The divine enablement t distinguish between truth and errr, discern the spirits, differentiating between gd and evil, right and wrng1 Jhn 4:6). Peple with this gift: distinguish truth frm errr, right frm wrng, pure mtives frm impure, identify deceptin in thers with accuracy and apprpriateness, determine whether a wrd attributed t Gd is authentic, recgnize incnsistencies in a teaching, prclamatin, are able t sense the presence f evil. Discernment aids the bdy by recgnizing the true intentins f thse within r related t the bdy and it seeks t prtect the bdy. Exhrtatin (Rm. 12:8)--The ability t mtivate thers t respnd t the truth by prviding timely wrds f cunsel, encuragement, and cnslatin. When this gift is exercised, believers are challenged t stimulate their faith by putting Gd's truth t the test in their lives. Pssessrs f this gift encurage members t be invlved in and enthusiastic abut the wrk f the Lrd. Members with this supernatural ability are gd cunselrs and mtivate thers t service. Help - The divine enablement t accmplish practical and necessary tasks that free up, supprt, and meet the needs f thers. Peple with this gift: serve behind the scenes wherever needed t supprt the gifts and ministries f thers, see the tangible and practical things t be dne and enjy ding them, sense Gd s purpse and pleasure in meeting everyday respnsibilities, attach spiritual value t practical service, enjy knwing that they are making it pssible fr thers t d what Gd has called them t d. (Rm. 12:7)- The Greek wrd fr this gift is the same as that fr ministry r deacn, but the gift shuld nt be cnfused with the ffice. Hspitality - The divine enablement t care fr peple by prviding fellwship, fd, and shelter. Peple with this gift: prvide an envirnment in which peple feel valued and cared fr, meet new peple and help them feel welcmed, create a safe and cmfrtable setting where relatinships can develp, seek ways t cnnect peple tgether int meaningful relatinships, set peple at ease in unfamiliar surrundings. Page 3 f 23

4 Thse with this gift have the supernatural ability t make visitrs, guests and strangers feel at ease. Persns with this gift integrate new members int the bdy (I Peter 4:9) Faith - (1 Cr. 12:9) The divine enablement t act n Gd s prmises with cnfidence and unwavering belief in his ability t fulfill his purpses. Peple with this gift: believe the prmises f Gd and inspire thers t d the same, act in cmplete cnfidence f Gd s ability t vercme bstacles, demnstrated an attitude f trust in Gd s will and His prmises, advance the cause f Christ because they g frward when thers will nt, ask Gd fr what is needed and trust Him fr His prvisin. The gift f faith transfrms visin int reality. Giving - (Rm. 12:8)--The divine enablement t cntribute mney and resurces t the wrk f the Lrd with cheerfulness and liberality. It desn t ask, Hw much mney d I give? but Hw much f Gd s mney d I keep? Peple with this gift: manage their finances and limit their lifestyle in rder t give as much f their resurces as pssible, supprt ministry with sacrificial gifts t advance the kingdm, meet tangible needs that enable spiritual grwth t ccur and prvide resurces trusting Gd fr His prvisin, may have a special ability t make mney t further Gd s wrk. Evangelism - (Eph. 4:11) --The divine enablement t effectively cmmunicate the gspel t unbelievers s they respnd in faith and mve tward discipleship. Peple with this gift: cmmunicate the message f Christ with clarity and cnvictin, seek ut pprtunities t talk t unbelievers abut spiritual matters, challenge unbelievers t faith and t becme fully devted fllwers f Christ, adapt their presentatin f the gspel t cnnect with the individual s needs, seek pprtunities t build relatinships with unbelievers. Service - The divine enablement t identify, assists, and supprt ministries within the bdy f Christ thereby allwing thse ministries t effectively accmplish their desired results. Peple with this gift: serve behind the scenes in specific areas where supprt is needed t build up the gifts and ministries f thers, see the tangible and practical things dne and enjy ding them, sense Gd s purpse and pleasure in meeting everyday respnsibilities, attach spiritual value t practical service, enjy knwing that they are making it pssible fr thers t d what Gd has called them t d. (Rm. 12:7)- The Greek wrd fr this gift is the same as that fr ministry r deacn, but the gift shuld nt be cnfused with the ffice. Leadership - (Rm. 12:8) The divine enablement t cast visin, mtivate, and direct peple t harmniusly accmplish the purpses f Gd. Peple with this gift: prvide directin fr Gd s peple r ministries, inspire thers t perfrm t the best f their abilities, present the big picture fr thers t see, mdel the values f the ministry, take respnsibility t establish ministry gals. Page 4 f 23

5 Knwledge - (1 Cr. 12:8)--The divine enablement t bring truth t the bdy thrugh spiritual r biblical insight. Peple with this gift: receive truth which enables them t better serve the bdy, search the Scriptures, understand truth, gain knwledge that at times is nt attained by natural means but revealed t them by Gd, have an unusual insight r understanding that serves the church, cmmunicate truth fr teaching and practical use. The supernatural ability t discver, analyze, and systematize truth fr the benefit f thers. With this gift, ne speaks with understanding and penetratin. Sme als assciate supernatural perceptin with this gift but is a Spirit revealed truth, Hly Spirit. Mercy - (Rm. 12:8)--The supernatural ability t deeply sympathize, empathize and engage in cmpassinate acts n behalf f peple wh are suffering physical, mental, r emtinal distress. Thse with this gift manifest cncern and kindness t peple wh are ften verlked r are cunted as the underdgs. Peple with this gift: have cmpassin that mves them t actin; fcus n alleviating the surces f pain r discmfrt in suffering peple; address the needs f the lnely and frgtten; extend lve, grace, and dignity t thse facing hardships and crisis; serve in difficult r unsightly circumstances and d s with jy; cncern themselves with individual r scial issues that ppress peple. Peple with this gift keep the bdy healthy and unified by keeping thers aware f the needs within the church. Teaching - (Rm. 12:7; 1 Cr. 12:28-29)-- The supernatural ability t clearly explain and effectively apply the truths f Gd's Wrd s that thers will learn. This requires the capacity t accurately interpret Scripture, engage in necessary research, and rganize the results in a way that is easily cmmunicated. Peple with this gift: cmmunicate biblical truth that inspires greater bedience t the Wrd, challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths f Scripture, teach the whle cunsel f Gd fr maximum life-change, give attentin t detail and accuracy, prepare thrugh extended times f study and reflectin. Thse wh perate in this gift assist in building up, unifying and maturing the bdy. Nurturer - The divine enablement t nurture, care fr, and guide peple tward nging spiritual maturity and becming like Christ. Peple with this gift: take respnsibility t nurture the whle persn in their walk with Gd, prvide guidance and versight t a grup f Gd s peple, mdel with their life what it means t be a fully devted fllwer f Jesus, establish trust and cnfidence thrugh lng-term relatinships, lead and prtect thse within their span f care. Peter was cmmissined by Christ t shepherd His sheep (Jhn 21:16), and Peter exhrted the elders in the churches f Asia Minr t d the same (1 Pet. 5:2; cf. Acts 20:28). A persn with this spiritual gift has the ability t persnally lead, nurish, prtect, and care fr the needs f a flck f believers. Nt all peple with the ffice f pastr (elder, verseer) have r need the gift f nurturing, and many with this gift d nt have r need the ffice. Page 5 f 23

6 Wisdm - (1 Cr. 12:8)--The divine enablement t effectively apply spiritual truth t meet a need in a specific situatin. The supernatural ability t apply the principles f the Wrd f Gd in a practical way t specific situatins and t recmmend the best curse f actin at the best time. Peple with this gift: fcus n the unseen cnsequences in determining the next steps t take, receive an understanding f what is necessary t meet the needs f the bdy, prvide divinely given slutins in the midst f cnflicts and cnfusin, hear the Hly Spirit prvide directin fr Gd s best, apply spiritual truth in practical ways. The exercise f this gift skillfully distills insight and discernment int excellent advice. Perceiver - (Rm. 12:6; 1 Cr. 12:10, 28-29; 14:1-40) The divine enablement t see and reveal truth and prclaim it in a timely and relevant manner fr understanding, crrectin, repentance, r edificatin. There can be immediate r future implicatins. Peple with this gift: expse sin r deceptin in thers fr the purpse f recnciliatin, see truth that thers ften fail t see and challenge them t respnd, warn f Gd s judgment if there is n repentance, and understand Gd s heart and ministry thrugh experiences He takes them thrugh. Page 6 f 23

7 Administratin Literal Meaning: T pilt r steer a ship Descriptin: The gift f Administratin is the divine enablement t understand what makes an rganizatin functin, and the special ability t plan and execute prcedures that accmplish the gals f the ministry. Develp strategies r plans t reach identified gals Assist ministries t becme mre effective and efficient Create rder ut f rganizatinal chas Manage r crdinate a variety f respnsibilities t accmplish a task Organize peple, tasks, r events Thrugh Objective Respnsible Organized Gal-riented Efficient Cnscientius Cautins: Need t be pen t adjusting their plans, s that they dn t stifle a leader s visin Culd use peple simply t accmplish gals withut being cncerned fr their grwth in the prcess Culd fail t see Gd s purpses being fulfilled in the prcess f meeting a gal References: I Crinthians 12:28; Acts 6:1-7; Exdus 18:13-26 Page 7 f 23

8 Discernment Literal Meaning: T separate r make a distinctin, differentiate Descriptin: The gift f Discernment is the divine enablement t distinguish between truth and errr. It is being able t discern the spirits, differentiating between gd and evil, right and wrng. Distinguish truth frm errr, right frm wrng, pure mtives frm impure Identify deceptin in thers with accuracy and apprpriateness Determine whether a wrd attributed t Gd is authentic Recgnize incnsistencies in a teaching, message, r interpretatin Able t sense the presence f evil Perceptive Insightful Sensitive Intuitive Decisive Challenging Truthful Cautins: May struggle with hw t express their perceptins, feelings, r insights Culd be harsh when cnfrnting thers, instead f speaking the truth in lve Need t cnfirm their perceptins befre speaking References: I Crinthians 12:10; Acts 5: 1-4; Matthew 16: Page 8 f 23

9 Encuragement/Exaltatin Literal Meaning: T cme alngside f Descriptin: The gift f Encuragement is the divine enablement t present truth s as t strengthen, cmfrt, r urge t actin thse wh are discuraged r wavering in their faith. Cme t the side f thse wh are discuraged t strengthen and reassure them Challenge, cmfrt, r cnfrnt thers t trust and hpe in the prmises f Gd Urge thers t actin by applying biblical truth Mtivate thers t grw Emphasize Gd s prmises and have cnfidence in His will Psitive Mtivating Challenging Affirming Reassuring Supprtive Trustwrthy Cautins: Can smetimes be verly ptimistic, t simplistic, r flattering Shuld first take time t understand where thers are and what they really need May want t just say psitive things t thers and avid being cnfrntatinal when it s needed References: Ephesians 4:11; Acts 8: 26-40; Luke 19: 1-10 Page 9 f 23

10 Evangelism Literal Meaning: T share gd news Descriptin: The gift f Evangelism is the divine enablement t effectively cmmunicate the gspel t unbelievers s they respnd in faith and mve tward discipleship. Cmmunicate the message f Christ with clarity and cnvictin Seek ut pprtunities t talk t unbelievers abut spiritual matters Challenge unbelievers t faith and t becme fully devted fllwers f Christ Adapt their presentatin f the gspel t cnnect with the individual s needs Seek pprtunities t build relatinships with unbelievers Sincere/Serius Candid Respected Influential Spiritual Cnfident Cmmitment-riented Cautins: Need t remember the Hly Spirit, nt guilt, is the mtivatr in a persn s decisin fr Christ Shuld avid becming critical f thers by remembering that we are all witnesses, but we are nt all evangelists Need t listen t peple carefully, because the same apprach is nt apprpriate fr everyne References: Ephesians 4:11; Acts 8:26-40; Luke 19: 1-10 Page 10 f 23

11 Faith Literal Meaning: T trust, have cnfidence, believe Descriptin: The gift f Faith is the divine enablement t act n Gd s prmises with cnfidence and unwavering belief in Gd s ability t fulfill His purpse. Believe the prmises f Gd and inspire thers t d the same Act in cmplete cnfidence f Gd s ability t vercme bstacles Demnstrate an attitude f trust in Gd s will and His prmises Advance the cause f Christ because they g frward when thers will nt Ask Gd fr what is needed and trust Him fr His prvisin Prayerful Optimistic Trusting Assured Psitive Inspiring Hpeful Cautins: Need t act n their faith Shuld remember that thse wh speak with reasn and desire t plan d nt necessarily lack faith Shuld listen t and cnsider the cunsel f wise and Spirit-filled believers References: I Crinthians 12:9; 13:2; Hebrews 11:1; Rmans 4: Page 11 f 23

12 Giving Literal Meaning: T give part f, share Descriptin: The gift f Giving is the divine enablement t cntribute mney and resurces t the wrk f the Lrd with cheerfulness and liberality. Peple with this gift d nt ask, Hw much mney d I need t give t Gd? but Hw much mney d I need t live n? Manage their finances and limit their lifestyle in rder t give as much f their resurces as pssible Supprt the wrk f ministry with sacrificial gifts t advance the kingdm Meet tangible needs that enable spiritual grwth t ccur Prvide resurces, generusly and cheerfully, trusting Gd fr His prvisin May have a special ability t make mney s that they may use it t further Gd s wrk Stewardship riented Respnsible Resurceful Charitable Trusts in Gd Disciplined Cautins: Need t esteem their gift, remembering that giving mney and resurces is a spiritual cntributin t the bdy f Christ Need t remember the church s agenda is determined by leaders, nt by the giver s gift Need t guard against greed References: Rmans 12:8; 2 Crinthians 6:8; Luke 21:1-4 Page 12 f 23

13 Helps Literal Meaning: T take the place f smene Descriptin: The gift f Helps is the divine enablement t accmplish practical and necessary tasks which free up, supprt, and meet the needs f thers. Serve behind the scenes wherever needed t supprt the gifts and ministries f thers Seek the tangible and practical things t be dne and enjy ding them Sense Gd s purpse and pleasure in meeting everyday respnsibilities Attach spiritual value t practical service Enjy knwing that they are freeing up thers t d what Gd has called them t d Available Willing Helpful Reliable Lyal Dependable Whatever-it-takes attitude Cautins: Need t esteem their gift, remembering that ding practical deeds is a spiritual cntributin t the bdy f Christ Find it difficult t say n Need t be respnsive t the pririties f leadership instead f setting their wn agendas References: I Crinthians 12:28; Rmans 12:7; Acts 6:1-4; Rmans 16:1-2 Page 13 f 23

14 Hspitality Literal Meaning: T lve strangers Descriptin: The gift f Hspitality is the divine enablement t care fr peple by prviding fellwship, fd, and shelter. Prvide an envirnment where peple feel valued and cared fr Meet new peple and help them t feel welcmed Create a safe and cmfrtable setting where relatinships can develp Seek ways t cnnect peple tgether int meaningful relatinships Set peple at ease in unfamiliar surrundings Friendly Gracius Inviting Trusting Caring Respnsive Warm Cautins: Shuld avid viewing their gift as just entertaining Need t remember t ask Gd wh He wants them t befriend and serve Shuld be careful nt t cause stress in their wn family when inviting thers int their hme References: I Peter 4:9-10; Rmans 12:13; Hebrews 13: 1-2 Page 14 f 23

15 Knwledge Literal Meaning: T knw Descriptin: The gift f Knwledge is the divine enablement t bring truth t the bdy thrugh spiritual and r biblical insight. Receive truth which enables them t better serve the bdy Search the Scriptures fr insight, understanding, and truth Have an unusual insight r understanding that serves the church Organize infrmatin fr teaching and practical use Gain knwledge which was nt attained by natural bservatin r means Inquisitive Respnsive Observant Insightful Reflective Truthful Spiritually sensitive Cautins: Need t be careful f this gift leading t pride ( knwledge puffs up) Shuld remember that it s Gd s message, nt theirs, when they share their knwledge Need t remember with the increasing f knwing cmes the increasing f pain (Ecclesiastes 1:18) References: I Crinthians 12:8; Mark 2:6-8; Jhn 1:45-50 Page 15 f 23

16 Leadership Literal Meaning: T stand befre Descriptin: The gift f Leadership is the divine enablement t cast visin, mtivate, and direct peple t harmniusly accmplish the purpse f Gd. Prvide directin fr Gd s peple r ministry Mtivate thers t perfrm t the best f their abilities Present the big picture fr thers t see Mdel the values f the ministry Take respnsibility and establish gals Influential Diligent Visinary Trustwrthy Persuasive Mtivating Gal setter Cautins: Shuld realize their relatinal credibility takes time and is critical fr leadership effectiveness Shuld remember that servant leadership is the biblical mdel, the greatest being the servant f all D nt need t be in a leadership psitin t use this gift References: Rmans 12:8; Hebrews 13:17; Luke 22: Page 16 f 23

17 Mercy Literal Meaning: T have cmpassin Descriptin: The gift f Mercy is the divine enablement t cheerfully and practically help thse wh are suffering r in need, having cmpassin that is mved t actin. Fcus upn alleviating the surces f pain r discmfrt in suffering peple Address the needs f the lnely and frgtten Extend lve, grace, and dignity t thse facing hardships and crisis Serve in difficult r unsightly circumstances and d s cheerfully Cncern themselves with individual r scial issues that ppress peple Empathetic Caring Respnsive Kind Cmpassinate Sensitive Burden-bearing Cautins: Need t be aware that rescuing peple frm their pain may be hindering Gd s wrk in them Need t guard against feeling unappreciated, since sme f the peple helped will nt shw r express any appreciatin Shuld guard against becming defensive and angry abut the surces f ther s pain References: Rmans 12:8; Matthew 5:7; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 10:25-37 Page 17 f 23

18 Nurturer Literal Meaning: T prtect r care fr a flck r grup f peple Descriptin: The gift f Nurturing is the divine enablement t nurture, care fr, and guide peple tward nging spiritual maturity and becming like Christ. Take respnsibility t nurture the whle persn in their walk with Gd Prvide guidance and versight t a grup f Gd s peple Mdel with their life what it means t be a fully devted fllwer f Jesus Christ Establish trust, lyalty, and cnfidence thrugh lng-term relatinships Lead and prtect thse within their span f care Influencing Nurturing Guiding Discipling Prtective Supprtive Relatinal Cautins: Shuld remember that Gd judges thse wh neglect r abuse their versight respnsibilities Need t be aware that the desire t feed and supprt thers can make it difficult t say n Shuld realize that sme f thse being nurtured will grw beynd the shepherd s wn ability and need t be freed t d s References: Ephesians 4:11-12; I Peter 5: 1-4; Jhn 10:1-18 Page 18 f 23

19 Perceiver Literal Meaning: T speak befre Descriptin: The gift f Perceiving is the divine enablement t see and reveal truth and prclaim it in a timely and relevant manner fr understanding, crrectin, repentance, r edificatin. There may be immediate r future implicatins. Expse sin r deceptin in thers fr the purpse f recnciliatin Speak a timely wrd frm Gd causing cnvictin, repentance, and edificatin See truth that thers ften fail t see and challenge them t respnd Warn f Gd s immediate r future judgment if there is n repentance Understand Gd s heart and mind thrugh experiences He takes them thrugh Discerning Cmpelling Uncmprmising Outspken Authritative Cnvicting Cnfrnting Cautins: Need t be aware that listeners may reject the message if it s nt spken in lve and fr their edificatin Need t avid pride, which can create a demanding r discuraging spirit that hinders the gift Shuld remember that discernment and Scripture must supprt and agree with each perceiving mment References: Rmans 12:6; I Crinthians 12:10, 28; 13:2; 2 Peter 1:19-21 Page 19 f 23

20 Service Literal Meaning: T serve r t take the place f smene Descriptin: The gift f Service is the divine enablement t identify, assist and supprt ministries within the bdy f Christ thereby allwing thse ministries t effectively accmplish their desired results. Serve behind the scenes fr specific ministries Seek the tangible and practical things t be dne and enjy ding them Sense Gd s purpse and pleasure in meeting everyday respnsibilities Attach spiritual value t practical service Enjy knwing that they are freeing up thers t d what Gd has called them t d Available Willing Helpful Reliable Lyal Dependable Whatever-it-takes attitude Cautins: Need t esteem their gift, remembering that ding practical deeds is a spiritual cntributin t the bdy f Christ Find it difficult t say n Need t be respnsive t the pririties f leadership instead f setting their wn agendas References: I Crinthians 12:28; Rmans 12:7; Acts 6:1-4; Rmans 16:1-2 Page 20 f 23

21 Teaching Literal Meaning: T instruct Descriptin: The gift f Teaching is the divine enablement t understand, clearly explain, and apply the Wrd f Gd, causing greater Christlikeness in the lives f listeners. Cmmunicate biblical truth that inspires greater bedience t the Wrd Challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths f Scripture Present the whle cunsel f Gd fr maximum life-change Give attentin t detail and accuracy Prepare thrugh extended times f study and reflectin Disciplined Perceptive Teachable Authritative Practical Analytical Articulate Cautins: Shuld avid pride that may result frm their superir biblical knwledge and understanding Culd becme t detailed when teaching and fail t make life applicatin Shuld remember that their spirituality is nt measured by hw much they knw References: Rmans 12:7; I Crinthians 12:28-29; Acts 18:24-28; 2 Timthy 2:2 Page 21 f 23

22 Wisdm Literal Meaning: T apply truth practically Descriptin: The gift f Wisdm is the divine enablement t effectively apply spiritual truth t meet a need in a specific situatin. Fcus n the unseen cnsequences in determining the next steps t take Receive an understanding f what is necessary t meet the needs f the bdy f Christ Prvide divinely given slutins in the midst f cnflict and cnfusin Hear the Spirit prvide directin fr Gd s best in a given situatin Apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways Sensible Insightful Practical Wise Fair Experienced Cmmn sense Cautins: Culd fail t share the wisdm that Gd has given them Need t avid having thers develp a dependence upn them, which may weaken their faith in Gd Need t be patient with thers wh d nt have this gift References: I Crinthians 12:8; 2:3-14; James 3:13-18; Jeremiah 9:23-24 Page 22 f 23

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