CHRIST-MUST GIFTS, PART 2 1 Corinthians 12:8-11

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1 CHRIST-MUST GIFTS, PART 2 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 I. The Proof Of Spiritual Gifts (1-3) A. Deliberating The Present Gifts: Information Over Experience (1) B. Differentiating The Past Experience: Demons Controlled Idols (2) C. Discerning The Truth Source: Holy Spirit Controls Truth (3) II. The Purpose For Spiritual Gifts (1,4-7) A. The Gifts Are Sourced From The Holy Spirit (1 spiritual = pneumatikon) B. The Gifts Are Diverse And Free (4 gifts = charismaton, cf. Rom 12:6) C. The Gifts Are Intended To Serve Others (5 service = diakonion) D. The Gifts Are Miraculous Effects (6 activities = energematon - 1 Cor 12:6) E. The Gifts Are To Be Displayed, Not Hidden (7 manifestion = phanerosis ) III. The Plurality Of Spiritual Gifts 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. Spiritual Gifts As Presented In Scripture Romans 12:3-8 1 Corinthians 12 Ephesians 4 1 Peter 4:10-11 Prophecy Helps/Service Teaching Exhortation Giving Administration Wisdom Knowledge Faith Healing Miracles Prophecy Tongues Interpreting Tongues Apostleship Teaching Administration Helps Apostleship Prophecy Evangelism Pastoring/Teaching Speaking Serving Mercy Discernment of Spirits A. Special Gifts to enac the formation of the church The revelatory gifts gave God s revelation to serve as the foundation of the early church prior to the completion of the New Testament canon. 1. Apostleship (Eph 2:20; 4:11-12; 1 Cor 15:9) This gift was an office of the early church that laid the foundation and direction for the church. 2. Prophecy (Eph 4:11-12; 1 Cor 14:3, 23-25; Acts 2:17-18; 11:27-28) Those with the gift of prophecy were channels or conduits of direct revelation of God. They were used by God to speak forth God s mind and counsel about present and future events. 3. Distinguishing Spirits (1 Cor 12:10) - This gift refers to a discerning of spirits which immediately evaluates the authenticity of the prophetic utterances of others. 4. Wisdom (1 Cor 12:8) The spiritual ability to understand the mysteries of God and to perceive truth and situations from God s perspective. 5. Knowledge (1 Cor 12:8) A special ability to grasp objective data that results from special revelation connected with the word of wisdom to systematize it and extend its implications to new situations. (Robert Thomas) B. Sign Gifts to establish the authenticity of God s Word and work God used the sign gifts to authenticate the revelation of His Word and source of His miraculous works. Though these gifts were mainly used to support the revelatory gifts, they were also a source of revelation as well. These gifts died out as the New Testament canon was complete. 1

2 1. Faith (1 Cor 12:9; 13:2) The spiritual enablement to trust God to overcome certain situations. 2. Healing (1 Cor 12:9) - Gifts of healings make it possible for healing to occur at every level of human experience, including healing in the physical, emotional and spiritual realms. (Jerry Vines) 3. Miracles (1 Cor 12:10) the miracle s effect on the hearers was to create an impression of God s direct involvement in what was being said. (Robert Thomas) 4. Tongues (1 Cor 12-14) The Holy Spirit enabled ability to speak a known language not previously known to the speaker. 5. Interpretation Of Tongues (1 Cor 12:10) Interpretation of tongues is the ability to interpret that message in a language understood by the hearers (Charles Ryrie) C. Speaking Gifts to expound God s Word The speaking gifts emphasize the communication of God s Word and the Gospel in an effective manner that produces a response of obedience in the recipient. 1. Evangelism (Eph 4:11-12) The extra-ordinary ability to communicate the good news of redemption through Jesus Christ with extra-ordinary success. 2. Teaching (1 Cor 12:28, Rom 12:7, Eph 4:11-12) The ability to make the truth from God s Word clear, lucid and applicable. This individual is able to motivate others to obedience through the clear teaching and application of God s Word. 3. Pastor-Teacher This gift gives an individual a passion and effectiveness to shepherd the sheep of God through feeding, protecting, tending, leading and equipping. 4. Exhortation (Rom 12:8) This gift provides the ability and passion to come alongside a person hurting spiritually or emotionally to comfort, support and exhort with God s Word. This ministry is focused on the spiritual growth of a person in distress and sin, as well as those who are needing a word of assurance in their walk. D. Serving Gifts to edify God s people Serving gifts benefit the church body on a direct basis by meeting specific needs in the are the application of what is taught through the speaking gifts. church. Serving gifts 1. Helps/Ministry (1 Cor 12:28; Romans 12:7) This gift motivates an individual to serve in a broad spectrum of ministries because he/she understands how spiritual needs can be met through physical acts. From meeting physical needs, to setting up for the church, to assisting those who need help, this gift has the broadest of applications. 2. Mercy (Rom 12:8) Those with the gift of mercy are focused on helping those going through trials, illness, pain, or suffering. Through the ability to express empathy and pity, this individual provides emotional, spiritual and physical relief. 3. Giving (Rom 12:8) A special ability to give generously to the Lord s work financially and materially. The glory of God is sought through sacrificial giving. 4. Administration (1 Cor 12:28; Rom 12:8) The individual with this gift possesses special administrative ability to make the church body more effective. IV. The Power For Spiritual Gifts 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. A. Spiritual Gifts Are Empowered By The Holy Spirit B. Spiritual Gifts Are Distributed By The Holy Spirit (cf. Rom 12:6) Conclusion: 1. Don t neglect your spiritual gift Misuse It, Abuse It, Disuse It, Refuse It but Use It 2. Develop your spiritual gift. (1 Pet 4:10-11) 3. Rekindle your spiritual gift. (2 Tim 1:6) 2

3 CHRIST-MUST GIFTS, PART 2 1 Corinthians 12: Corinthians 12: Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says Jesus is accursed! and no one can say Jesus is Lord except in the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. I. The Proof Of Spiritual Gifts (1-3) A. Deliberating The Present Gifts: Information Over Experience (1) B. Differentiating The Past Experience: Demons Controlled Idols (2) C. Discerning The Truth Source: Holy Spirit Controls Truth (3) II. The Purpose For Spiritual Gifts (1,4-7) A. The Gifts Are Sourced From The Holy Spirit (1 spiritual = pneumatikon) B. The Gifts Are Diverse And Free (4 gifts = charismaton, cf. Rom 12:6) C. The Gifts Are Intended To Serve Others (5 service = diakonion) D. The Gifts Are Miraculous Effects (6 activities = energematon - 1 Cor 12:6) E. The Gifts Are To Be Displayed, Not Hidden (7 manifestion = phanerosis ) III. The Plurality Of Spiritual Gifts 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. Spiritual Gifts As Presented In Scripture Romans 12:3-8 1 Corinthians 12 Ephesians 4 1 Peter 4:10-11 Wisdom Tongues Apostleship Speaking Knowledge Interpreting Tongues Prophecy Serving Faith Apostleship Evangelism Healing Teaching Pastoring/Teaching Miracles Administration Prophecy Helps Discernment of Spirits Prophecy Helps/Service Teaching Exhortation Giving Administration Mercy Marriage and celibacy could also be spiritual enablements. 1 Corinthians 7:7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. 3

4 A. Special Gifts to enac the formation of the church The revelatory gifts gave God s revelation to serve as the foundation of the early church prior to the completion of the New Testament canon. 1. Apostleship (Eph 2:20; 4:11-12; 1 Cor 15:9) - apostolos a. Definition: This gift was an office of the early church that laid the foundation and direction for the church. The apostles were commissioned by Christ to build the church. Apostolos is one who is sent with a commission. The qualifications for this office 1) Personal contact with Jesus (Acts 1:8, 21-23) 2) Eyewitness of Jesus resurrection (Acts 1:21-22; Luke 24:48; 1 Cor 9:1-2) 3) Personally appointed by Jesus Christ (Luke 6:13-16) 4) Ability to perform signs, wonders & miracles (Rom 15:15-19; 2 Cor 12:12) c. Examples In Scripture: 1) Acts 8: Holy Spirit imparted only when apostles were present 2) 1 Cor 14:36-37 Paul was God s authorized spokesman as an apostle 2. Prophecy (Eph 4:11-12; 1 Cor 14:3, 23-25; Acts 2:17-18; 11:27-28) - propheteia a. Definition: Those with the gift of prophecy were channels or conduits of direct revelation of God. They were used by God to speak forth God s mind and counsel about present and future events. We usually relate prophecy to the ability to foretell the future. But the basic function of the prophet is to forthtell the Word of God, which certainly can include the future. The gift of prophecy can be defined as the supernatural ability to receive revelation from God and to communicate it to others in the people s language. (Pettegrew, p. 164) Like apostleship, prophecy is also used in both a general sense and a technical sense. In the general sense it refers to proclaiming and thus to preaching. But technically a prophet was not only able to proclaim God s message but he also was able to predict the future. All of his messages, whether proclaiming or predicting, came from God directly through special revelation. (Ryrie, p. 372) 4

5 1) They understood the mysteries of God (1 Cor 13:2; Eph 2:20; 3:3,5) 2) All apostles had the gift of prophecy, but not all prophets had the gift of apostleship. 3) Prophecy provided edification to the church through exhortation and comfort from God s Word. (1 Cor 14:3,29,30) 4) Prophecy predicted future events (Acts 11:27-28; 21:10-11; 1 Tim 1:18; Rev 1:3) c. Examples In Scripture: 1) Agabus Acts 21: ) Daughters of Philip the Evangelist Acts 21:9 d. Usage Today: Many commentators agree that the office of prophet no longer exists since God s revelation is complete, but they will apply the gift of prophecy to the ability to preach (MacArthur, Body Life, p.108). Others disagree, believing the gift ceased when the New Testament became complete (Swindoll, p.13; Thomas, p.177) 3. Distinguishing Spirits (1 Cor 12:10) - diakrisis a. Definition: This gift refers to a discerning of spirits which immediately evaluates the authenticity of the prophetic utterances of others. 1) This gift knows whether a prophecy came from the Holy Spirit or not. 2) Those with this gift also possesses the gift of prophecy (1 Cor 14:29) c. Examples In Scripture: none directly 1) Similarity can be drawn from Paul who determined that a woman s words were from an evil spirit (Acts 16:16-18) 2) Paul with Elymas the magician (Acts 13:9-12) 4. Wisdom (1 Cor 12:8) - sophia a. Definition: The spiritual ability to understand the mysteries of God and to perceive truth and situations from God s perspective. 1) Associated with prophecy and knowledge (1 Cor 13:2,8,9,12) 2) Wisdom focuses more on receiving revelation; prophecy focuses on the communication of revelation. 5

6 c. Examples In Scripture: 1) Paul, referred to by Peter (2 Pet 3:15) 2) James (James 1:5) 5. Knowledge (1 Cor 12:8) - gnosis a. Definition: A special ability to grasp objective data that results from special revelation connected with the word of wisdom to systematize it and extend its implications to new situations. (Thomas) One having the spiritual gift of the word of knowledge has a motivation for knowing the content of Scripture in detail. He understands and arranges truth carefully. The Holy Spirit enables him to have the proper balance and emphasis in viewing Scripture as a whole. (Blanchard, p. 22) 1) This gift is clustered with other revelatory & sign gifts (1 Cor 12:8-10) 2) This gift is different than general knowledge as it involves inspired application. c. Examples In Scripture: 1) Peter 2 Peter 3:2-3 2) Jude B. Sign Gifts to establish the authenticity of God s Word and work God used the sign gifts to authenticate the revelation of His Word and source of His miraculous works. Though these gifts were mainly used to support the revelatory gifts, they were also a source of revelation as well. These gifts died out as the New Testament canon was complete. 1. Faith (1 Cor 12:9; 13:2) - pistis a. Definition: The spiritual enablement to trust God to overcome certain situations. 1) This gift gives a person boldness, without doubt, to trust God to accomplish great things (Mt 17:20; 21:21; Mk 11:23) 2) This gift expected God to do the miraculous 1) Paul confidence during the storm (Acts 27:25,34) 2. Healing (1 Cor 12:9) iaomai 6

7 Gifts of healings make it possible for healing to occur at every level of human experience, including healing in the physical, emotional and spiritual realms. (Jerry Vines, SpiritLife, p. 154) To be discussed in future message 3. Miracles (1 Cor 12:10) - dunamis Dunamis gives the idea of power that resides in the individual or is inherent in the gift itself. The gift of miracles (1 Cor 12:28) is classified as the first of the lesser gifts. While apostles, prophets, and teachers are of primary importance, miracles and other gifts are secondary. The use of then (epeita) makes it clear that the order is deliberate. (John Walvoord, The Holy Spirit, p. 179) Men specially endowed with this power in the early church consistently displayed it along with the preaching of the Word (1 Cor 2:4; 4:20; 2 Cor 6:7; 1 Thess 1:5). In each case, the miracle s effect on the hearers was to create an impression of God s direct involvement in what was being said. (Thomas, p. 62) - Though the gift of miracles has ceased, the miracles of God have not. The fact that the Holy Spirit would do something supernatural through us for the edification of the church is a miracle in itself. 4. Tongues (1 Cor 12-14) glossa The Holy Spirit enabled ability to speak a known l anguage not previously known to the speaker. - To be discussed in great length future message 5. Interpretation Of Tongues (1 Cor 12:10) - hermeneis Interpretation of tongues is the ability to interpret that message in a language understood by the hearers.the purposes of interpreted tongues were two: to communicate truth from God, and to authenticate the truth of the Christian message, especially to Jewish people or 14:5,21-22). (Charles Ryrie, Systematic Theology, p. 373) C. Speaking Gifts to expound God s Word The speaking gifts emphasize the communication of God s Word and the Gospel in an effective manner that produces a response of obedience in the recipient. 1. Evangelism (Eph 4:11-12) eulangelistes a. Definition: The extra-ordinary ability to communicate the good news of redemption through Jesus Christ with extra-ordinary success. 7

8 1) Unusual ability to persuade lost people of their need of Christ. 2) Greater success in evangelistic efforts than most people. 3) Desires to go to where the lost are to witness Christ. 1) Philip (Acts 21:8; 8:4-39) d. Application: Church planter, missionary, pastor, visitation (lost, visitors, bereaved, rest homes, hospitals, jails, door to door), missions committee, evangelistic speaking, outreach ministry, youth/children worker, international students ministry, campus outreach 4. Teaching (1 Cor 12:28, Rom 12:7, Eph 4:11-12) - didaskalos a. Definition: The ability to make the truth from God s Word clear, lucid and applicable. This individual is able to motivate others to obedience through the clear teaching and application of God s Word. 1) This individual will have a passion to study the Word of God to a point of clarity to him/herself. 2) All pastors must have the gift of teaching, though not all teachers need to be pastors. 1) Paul (Acts 18:11) 2) Aquila & Priscilla (Acts 18:26) d. Application: Pastor, missionary, boards & committees, Sunday School teacher/superintendent, youth sponsor, Junior church, outreach ministries, Bible study leader, Christian education, professor, international student ministry 5. Pastor-Teacher a. Definition: This gift gives an individual a passion and effectiveness to shepherd the sheep of God through feeding, protecting, tending, leading and equipping. 1) This is an office as well as a gift. 2) This requires the ability to teach (1 Tim 3:2) 3) Acts 20:28 delineates a pastor s responsibility to Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God. 8

9 1) Paul 2) Timothy (1 & 2 Timothy) 3) Peter (John 21:15-17; 1 Peter 5:1-15) d. Application: Pastor, missionary, men/women s ministry leader, church planting, evangelism, chaplain (military, hospital, police) 4. Exhortation (Rom 12:8) - parakaleo a. Definition: This gift provides the ability and passion to come alongside a person hurting spiritually or emotionally to comfort, support and exhort with God s Word. This ministry is focused on the spiritual growth of a person in distress and sin, as well as those who are needing a word of assurance in their walk. 1) This individual may pay special attention to those in grief and personal struggle and encourages them with God s Word. 2) This person may also be drawn to those needing to make a moral decision and providing Scriptural guidance and direction. 3) This person may also be drawn to those struggling spiritually to give a word of admonishment/correction. 1) Timothy (1 Thess 3:2) 2) Paul (1 Thes 2:12; 2 Tim 4:2) 3) Barnabas ( Son of Encouragement - Acts 4:36) d. Application: Deacon, deaconess, missionary, youth sponsor, children s worker, visitation (sick, newcomers, shut-ins, door to door, members, hospital, rest homes, telephone), counselor (emotionally distressed, marriage, premarital, widows, moral & legal problems), campus ministries, foreign students ministries, boards & committees D. Serving Gifts to edify God s people Serving gifts benefit the church body on a direct basis by meeting specific needs in the church. Serving gifts are the application of what is taught through the speaking gifts. 1. Helps/Ministry (1 Cor 12:28; Romans 12:7) - antilepsis a. Definition: This gift motivates an individual to serve in a broad spectrum of ministries because he/she understands how spiritual needs can be met through physical acts. From meeting physical needs, to setting up for the church, to assisting those who need help, this gift has the broadest of applications. 9

10 Derived from a word that means to take a burden on oneself in place of another, this term specifies help of all kinds administered to those in need.but in a more specialized way, it speaks of different kinds of physical help or relief given wherever there is need. (Thomas, p ). 1) This is a chief characteristic and predominant gift for those serving as a deacon (1 Tim 3:8-13) 2) Helps has the unusual ability to know how to help people through ordinary and extra-ordinary skills. 1) 7 deacons chosen to feed the widows (Acts 6:1-6) 2) Onesiphorus (2 Tim 1:16-18) 3) Onesimus (Philemon 10-13) d. Application: Deacon, deaconess, nursery worker, serve widows & orphans, usher, greeter, youth sponsor, building repair, music, audiovisual, treasurer, hospitality (meals/lodging), office support, kitchen help, missions committee, librarian, janitor, international student ministries, driver, boards & committees 2. Mercy (Rom 12:8) eleos a. Definition: Those with the gift of mercy are focused on helping those going through trials, illness, pain, or suffering. Through the ability to express empathy and pity, this individual provides emotional, spiritual and physical relief. Some Chrisitians are given special ability to show mercy with cheerfulness, hilaroteti, found only here in [Rom 12:8] in the noun form, has in it the thought of readiness of mind, promptness, from its root-meaning propitious. (Walvoord, p. 171) 1) Showing mercy is a special know how in consoling the mourner, relieving the sufferer, accomplishing acts of various kinds of assistance for the benefit of distressed people. 2) Through displaying mercy, there is an atmosphere created that demonstrates the mercy of God. 1) Dorcas (Acts 9:36) d. Application 10

11 Deacon, deaconess, usher, greeter, visitation (sick, dying, shut-ins, hospital, rest homes, newcomers, bereaved), missions committee, counselor (alcoholics, mentally ill, blind, deaf, under-privileged, foreign students), hospitality (meals/lodging), cassette ministry to shut ins, boards and committees 3. Giving (Rom 12:8) - metadidomi a. Definition: A special ability to give generously to the Lord s work financially and materially. The glory of God is sought through sacrificial giving. - Metadidomi is comprised of two words: meta in the midst of association and didomi to give. This is the ability to give in the midst of a spiritual relationship in the Body of Christ. 1) It is not uncommon for this person to be able to earn a lot of money for the purpose of giving it. 2) Giving is joyful, not begrudging (2 Cor 9:7) 1) Barnabas (Acts 4:34-37) d. Application: Deacon, deaconess, boards & committees, missionary committee, fund raising, building committee, benevolence ministry, hospitality (meals/lodging), underwrite or sponsor mission projects, international student ministries 4. Administration kubernesis (1 Cor 12:28) or prohistame (Rom 12:8) a. Definition: The individual with this gift possesses special administrative ability to make the church body more effective. - Kubernesis means to guide, govern (Blanchard, p. 27) - Prohistame is made up of two words: pro (before) and histame (to stand). So Paul is describing the ability to stand before others and oversee / direct the work. 1) This individual knows how to organize resources and provide direction (pilot/steer). 2) The man who leads his church also leads his family well (1 Tim 3:4-5). 3) The spirit of the gift is not a dictatorship or domination, but is able to steer and lead with a servant s heart and through team work. 4) This individual deals with people, not just paper. 1) James providing leadership at council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) 11

12 d. Application: Deacon, deaconess, treasurer, Sunday School superintendent, youth sponsor, children s church director, nursery coordinator, head usher, camp director/administration, vacation Bible school, men/women fellowship coordinator, missions committee, international student ministries IV. The Power For Spiritual Gifts 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. A. Spiritual Gifts Are Empowered By The Holy Spirit B. Spiritual Gifts Are Distributed By The Holy Spirit *Even within the same categories of gifts, the application can be vastly different. Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us. Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24) Paul was greater in his ability to speak in tongues than others (1 Cor 14:18) Conclusion: 1. Don t neglect your spiritual gift. Exhortation will lead people to worship and transform their lives to the holiness of God Teaching will elucidate God s Word and will for the believers Administration will coordinate meeting the needs in the church Mercy brings specific care to specific hurts in the lives of believers Giving brings a financial undergirding to the ministry Encouragement helps believers achieve spiritual victory Evangelism will lead non-believers to Christ and instruct other believers how to more effectively share Christ The Church will not be transformed unless we use our spiritual gifts! a. Misuse It Use what God has given you instead of trying to be something you are not. 1 Corinthians 12: If the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body, is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the 12

13 body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? b. Abuse It Spiritual gifts are to be exercised in love for the Lord and the church body. These abilities are not for our own selfish ambitions or goals. 1 Corinthians 13 is a love chapter but the primary context is the motivation for the exercise of spiritual gifts. Pride in the ability to teach destroys the gift. Hoarding money God enabled you to earn rather than using it for the Lord s purposes destroys the gift of giving. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. c. Disuse It For without love, and the humility which accompanies it (Rom 12:3; 1 Cor 4:7), the purpose of the gifts of the Spirit is thwarted (1 Cor 13:1-3). They are given through the Spirit of Christ to equip believers to serve one another in the body of Christ and thus to set on display the unity of the church in the context of its diversity, and vice versa. For this, love is essential. (Ferguson, p. 209) Unlike the non-usable Christmas gifts that pile up in your closet, the gifts of the Spirit of God are not to be in disuse. 1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you 1 Corinthians 12:26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. d. Refuse It e. Use It Remember that these gifts are a result of Christ s victory on the cross (Eph 4:8-10). To refuse to use the gifts Christ distributed to us as a result from His victory on the cross is to devalue His sacrifice. 2. Develop your spiritual gift. 13

14 1 Peter 4:10-11 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. manifold = poikilos = multi-faceted, rich diversity a. Learn the identity and aspects of the spiritual gifts listed in the Scriptures. b. Serve in a wide variety of ministries to see where and how your gifts might accentuate your ministry. c. Maintain your spiritual walk to be filled with the Spirit. d. Don t let your lack of certain gifts refrain you from being faithful to God s commands. Gifts Given To Some Commands Given To All Ministering Serve one another (Gal 5:13) Exhortation Exhort one another (Heb 10:25) Giving All give (2 Cor 9:7) Teaching Great Commission (Mt 28:19) Showing Mercy Be kind (Eph 4:32) Faith Walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7) Evangelism All witness (Acts 1:8) Charles Ryrie, Basic Theology, p Rekindle your spiritual gift. 2 Timothy 1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. Paul was encouraging Timothy who was getting discouraged in the ministry. The tendency of a fire is to go out watch the fire of the altar on your heart. Anyone who has tended a fire place knows that it needs to be stirred up occasionally. (General William Booth) 14