Section II UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Section II UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

What is a Spiritual Gift? A spiritual gift is an endowment of ability and capacity by the Holy Spirit, distributed to every Christian for the purpose of increasing and building up the body of Christ. Understanding Spiritual Gifts 57

Romans 12:1-8 New International Version (NIV) 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. 58 Understanding Spiritual Gifts

Principles from the Four Key Texts I. Principles from Romans 12:1-8. A. Spiritual gifts must be understood in the context of a life that is wholeheartedly and unreservedly consecrated to do the will of God (verses 1-2). What does Scripture mean when it exhorts every believer to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God? B. The Lord has established boundaries of faith so we will not go beyond our capacities for service or withdraw from those duties that He has enabled us to perform (vs. 3). What does Paul mean when he tells the Romans to think of yourself with sober judgment? C. Thinking is an activity associated with the subject of spiritual gifts, thereby nullifying the idea that we are to govern the use of our gifts by our feelings (vs. 3). How can you ensure that you will not be governed by your feelings alone? D. When we obtain the wisdom to appreciate the portion we have received from the hand of God and desire to use it for His honor and glory alone, we are thinking soberly and sensibly (vs. 3). Understanding Spiritual Gifts 59

E. It is a comfort for us to know that we are not responsible for accomplishing every task in the kingdom, for there are many members in the body who will be helping us (vs. 4). How could this truth improve the way you work together with other believers? F. There are different tasks and functions that each member of the body is responsible for fulfilling in building the kingdom of Christ. As every person is uniquely created in the image of God, so each one is uniquely gifted to serve the Lord (vss. 4,6). What are some of your personal characteristics that set you apart from others? G. Remember: there is only one body of Christ, not many. Therefore, all true believers who have trusted in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation belong to the same family and have the same Father, Redeemer, and Holy Spirit, regardless of nationality, race, language, color, or denominational affiliation (vs. 5). How can God s people work together in love for the furtherance of the gospel? H. Since each member belongs to all the others, the spirit of competition should be transformed into a spirit of cooperation and support (vs. 5). How can you be less competitive and more cooperative with other believers? One person put it this way: Fight to improve and do your best not to win. I. We are saved by the grace of God, and it should not surprise us that our gifts are distributed by pure, unmerited grace (vs. 6). How does an understanding of this truth remove pride? 60 Understanding Spiritual Gifts

I Corinthians 12:1-31 New International Version (NIV) 1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to dumb idols. 3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, Jesus be cursed, and no one can say, Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another the ability to speak in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each man, just as he determines. Understanding Spiritual Gifts 61

12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body, it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body, it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, I don t need you! And the head cannot say to the feet, I don t need you! 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 62 Understanding Spiritual Gifts

24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. Understanding Spiritual Gifts 63

II. Principles from I Corinthians 12:1-31. A. God does not want us to be of spiritual gifts (vs. 1). Why not? B. The Spirit divides or distributes a broad variety of gifts to His children (vs. 4). C. Like a conductor, the Holy Spirit, who is the source of all the gifts, orchestrates the diversity into a harmonious unity. Believers are given gifts by the Holy Spirit for the good (vs. 7). D. Three different names are assigned to the gifts in order to give us a glimpse into the fullness of these generous expressions from God (vss. 4-6). One term would not be sufficient in order to describe the richness of these gifts. E. The gifts are called charismata (the Greek word which literally means grace gifts ) in order to express the truth that they are given by grace. They are called ministries in order to accentuate the purpose they have in benefiting others. And they are called energies to remind us of the spiritual power that accompanies their utilization (verses 4-6). Complete the following sentence using these three terms (power, grace, and purpose): Spiritual gifts are distributed to believers by in order to accomplish God s by the of the Holy Spirit. 64 Understanding Spiritual Gifts

F. Mentioning the Spirit with gifts, the Lord with ministries, and God in regard to workings is not intended to be exclusive but inclusive as is shown by the phrase God who works all things in all persons (vs. 6). All three of the persons in the godhead the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are involved in all of the manifestations of spiritual gifts. G. believer is given the manifestation of the Spirit (vs. 7). How should this truth affect the way churches do ministry today? H. It is easy to forget that spiritual gifts have been given, not to benefit us, but others. They are neither for show nor a cause for boasting but are distributed for building Christ s church (vs. 7). Again, they have been given for the good. I. There is no place in the Christian s life for pride because of one s spiritual gifts, because the alone is the one bringing about the manifestation of the gifts (vs. 7). J. The Spirit does not give any believer all of the gifts. Every believer is given a gift or gifts in order to make a contribution to the body of Christ (vss. 11, 14-21). How would you answer the charge that believers can have any gift they desire? K. According to Scripture, it is the Spirit alone who determines who will receive which gifts (vss. 11,18). How should this truth affect the way you approach the discovery and development of your spiritual gift(s)? Understanding Spiritual Gifts 65

L. The analogy of the human is used in order to teach the organic unity of the members of church (verses 12f.). How does the analogy help you understand the way believers are supposed to relate to one another? M. The body of Christ is so diverse that our tendency is to focus on our differences rather than on our unity. We especially need to be aware that certain manifestations of the gifts in others do not suit our own personality, tastes, or beliefs. Nonetheless, we are all baptized into body and therefore belong to one another (vss. 12-14,19-20). N. There are no insignificant members in the body of Christ (vss. 15-21). How should this fact transform the way we view others and ourselves? O. Rebellion in the human body by any member of the same body would result in damage to one s health or life (suicide). The same would be true with regard to Christ s body. The members are enjoined to be interdependent (vs. 15f.). What does interdependent mean in this context? How does this word differ from independence and dependence? 66 Understanding Spiritual Gifts

P. When Christians come to an understanding of the way God has ordained the body to function together, the issue of jealousy can be overcome (vs. 15f.). How? Q. There are no inferior members in the body of Christ. Paul argues: Is the ear any a part of the body just because it is not an eye? (vs. 16). R. Those who seek equality and desire the same honor as other members in the body may bring ruin to themselves and possibly to the body of Christ (vs. 21-26). How could this happen? S. Those members who seem to be weaker than others are, nonetheless, necessary for the proper functioning of the body (vs. 22). How important, for instance, is your big toe? What do you think would happen to your sense of balance if your big toe were severed in an accident? T. We tend to attribute more value to certain members of the body (those that suit our sensibilities) and consequently treat them with more respect. But we are called upon to bestow more abundant honor upon the members of the body who may lack those traits and characteristics that would naturally draw us to them (verses 22-25). Understanding Spiritual Gifts 67

U. God has gifted each member so that everyone is indispensable to the proper working of the body. According to Paul, God has given greater to the parts that lacked it (vs. 24). V. Divisions are not to be tolerated among members. Rather, all of the members are to be equally for each other and to show care for each other (vs. 25; see Phil. 2:20). W. Because there is such a close connection between various members of the body, when one suffers, all are affected; and when one member is honored, all are to together (vs. 26). 68 Understanding Spiritual Gifts

Ephesians 4:11-16 New International Version (NIV) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into himself who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From himself the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Understanding Spiritual Gifts 69

III. Principles from Ephesians 4:11-16. A. Individuals who have certain speaking and leadership gifts are exhorted to use their gifts to equip other believers to do the Lord s work (vss. 11-12). What gifts does Paul include in this list? B. The body of Christ is to be built up, not by a few stars, but by every believer. All of Christ s sons and daughters ought to be engaged in spiritual labor. According to verse 12, who is charged to perform works of service? C. The goals for which each member of the body of Christ must strive are the unity of the body and the maturity of the body (vs. 13). What does Paul mean by the unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God? What does it mean to become mature? D. One of the signs that people are growing to maturity in Christ is that they are no longer acting like helpless children with no anchor in their lives (vs. 14). What will keep a believer from being tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching? 70 Understanding Spiritual Gifts

E. In order for the body of Christ to grow to maturity, each member must practice speaking the truth in (vs. 15). What is the result when we speak the truth without love? When we speak in a loving way without speaking the truth? F. Christ is the of His church (vs. 15). G. As each individual part of the body does its proper work, the whole and itself up in love (vs.16). H. A loving body is the result when each member submits to the head of the body and with faithful diligence uses the gifts he has been given in serving others for the glory of God (vs. 16). Understanding Spiritual Gifts 71

I Peter 4:10-11 New International Version (NIV) 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To himself be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 72 Understanding Spiritual Gifts

IV. Principles from I Peter 4:10-11. A. Once again, the purpose of spiritual gifts is made clear: we are to use them to serve (vs. 10). B. In this passage, believers are called stewards of the manifold grace of God (NASV). The NIV says we are to faithfully administer God s grace in its various forms. C. A steward is one who is entrusted with his master s possessions (see Lk. 12:41-48). What are the responsibilities of a faithful steward? D. We are not to misuse or abuse the trust which our Master has given us (Lk. 12:45). What are some ways we could be accused of this? E. There will be a day of reckoning for the way in which each steward handled his Master s possessions (Lk. 12:46-48; 16:2; Mt. 25:19). F. According to Scripture, it is required of stewards that they be (I Cor. 4:2). Understanding Spiritual Gifts 73

G. To be a steward of a spiritual gift is to faithfully use it as the Holy Spirit leads, so that believers are strengthened in their walk with the Lord and new disciples are made through evangelism. H. All believers will be held accountable for the way they used their gifts (Rom. 14:12). I. The desire of every true believer is to hear the words, Well done, good and servant! (Mt. 25:21,23). 74 Understanding Spiritual Gifts

A Comparison The Human Body The Body of Christ It has only one head. The mind directs the whole to accomplish its will. Each limb and organ has a special function. Each limb and organ has a limited capacity. Each member of the body needs the other parts to function well. The various parts of the body do not compete with one another; they cooperate. No one part of the body can perform all the other functions of the body. The body was not self-designed nor self-determined. It was created. Within the diversity of the body, there is unity. Bodily members can be used to benefit others as well as self. All parts of the body are significant, but some are more necessary than others. There is no equality among the body parts. Some body parts have more value than others. When one part of the body is in pain, the whole body responds. A healthy body grows. Jesus is the only head. The Holy Spirit orchestrates the body according to the will of God. Every believer has a special function. Believers are given a measure of faith. Each member of Christ s body needs the other members to function well. Christians are not to be jealous of one another s gifts but to help one another for the glory of God. Each believer must function where he is gifted without being overly responsible. Christ has created His body by His grace and has determined what it should be. Within the diversity of the body, there ought to be unity (for the glory of God). Gifts can be used for self-aggrandizement or for serving others. All parts of Christ s body are necessary and significant. There is no equality of spiritual gifts. All members of the body have value. When one member of the body suffers, all the members suffer. A healthy church grows. Understanding Spiritual Gifts 75