Discipleship Part III: Growing Deeper as Disciples Week 2 Spiritual Gifts Disciples who are growing, serving and reaching to others so that they become disciples. Page 0
SPIRITUAL GIFTS Day One WHO GIVES THEM? Most people enjoy receiving gifts. A gift can cause a smile to break forth upon our faces. A gift can be the reason why a giggle erupts from the depths within our souls. When we receive a gift it can validate us. We can feel that we have worth. When we receive a gift it means that someone has thought about us. There are special gifts that are given to us by God. They are spiritual gifts. In the New Testament many times when we find references to spiritual gifts we find the Greek word, charisma which is best translated in Strong s Exhaustive Concordance as, gifts of holy grace. This week, we are going to spend some time examining what the Bible has to say about spiritual gifts. An important component of receiving a gift is from whom the gift has been given. Many times, the gift does not matter as much as the one who gives it to us matters. It is the giver of the gifts that can speak volumes to us. 1. The first step to receiving spiritual gifts is to be ready to receive them. Ephesians 5:18 God has bestowed upon us the gift of spiritual gifts not just randomly or simply so that we can say that we have this or that gift. God is the giver of these gifts so that others can see God. God is the one from whom the gifts originate. The spiritual gifts that we have been given to us by God are to draw focus back upon God. 2. God gives us spiritual gifts so that we and others can see God. Hebrews 2:4 God is the One who decides who gets what spiritual gifts. There have been erroneous teachings that we pick and choose what gifts we want or desire. God is the giver of the gifts and God Page 1
determines to whom what gifts are given. When we are not happy with the spiritual gifts we have received we are telling God that He did not know what He was doing when He gave them to us. 3. God chooses who has what gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:11 God loves to give His children gifts. God loves to take care of us. God enjoys when we seek to honor and please Him. Let s remember, to be a disciple means that we are in a relationship with God. A component of a healthy relationship is when we give to each other. As we give everything to God, He loves continually giving us more and more. 4. God wants to give to His children. Ecclesiastes 2:26 God also gives different gifts to different people. God can give as many gifts as He wants to one person and not as many to another person. He is God and spiritual gifts are His so He can do what He wants to do with them. We cannot feel as if that is unfair or that it is not right. God can do anything God chooses to do. God may also choose to give more gifts to one because He knows that the gifts will be used to glorify Him. 5. God gives as He wants to give. Matthew 25:15 Regardless of the spiritual gifts that we possess there is a universal gift to which we all have access. That gift is grace. God s grace is here for us. It is here for us to receive. When we are hesitant about receiving His grace it may hinder us from receiving His spiritual gifts. We do not deserve God s grace. We do not deserve His gifts. But we can receive them and be thankful. 6. Let us never forget that God s grace is here. Ephesians 4:7 Page 2
It is God who gives us spiritual gifts. We cannot work hard enough to earn them. We cannot get a good grade on an exam to get them. We are blessed to be the recipients of that which God wants to give us. When we realize that our gifts come from God it can help us to realize what we are to do with them. Have we given God glory for the gifts He has given us? Have we in anyway felt we deserved them so we should have them? Have we taken them for granted? What key point are you taking from this lesson? How are you going to apply that to your life? Page 3
Write out the first forty-two books of the Bible three times Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Matthew, Mark, Luke Page 4
Write out the Memory verse three times. Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. As you pray, begin with at least one statement that acknowledges how big God is and one statement on something you are thankful for today. Page 5
THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS SPIRITUAL GIFTS Day Two As we see that it is all God from whom the gifts come we have to also understand that God does not give us gifts haphazardly. God does not give us gifts just to be a giant Santa Claus. When He gives us gifts He is intentional and has a reason for giving us the gifts that He has given us. Unfortunately, people have been given gifts by God but they have not used them for the purpose which God gave them the gifts. When God gives us a screwdriver it is not to be used to hammer in a nail. There are other times when we are only developing or utilizing a small portion of the gift God has given us and we are missing out. We can be like the child who is playing with the box that the toy arrived in instead of the toy itself. Spiritual gifts have been given to us for a reason. 1. When Jesus walked upon this earth, He understood the purpose of gifts. Mark 1:34 A reason that spiritual gifts were given was to validate the ministry of those serving the Lord. The apostles were charged with taking the good news to the world. They were not sent empty handed or powerless. God gave them spiritual gifts so that others could see that there was something larger than life that was occurring. 2. The spiritual gifts of the apostles proved that they were sent by God. 2 Corinthians 12:12 Our gifts were not given to us so that we could sit back and think that we were something special. Our gifts were given so that others could see God. Our gifts are to point others to coming closer to the Lord. When we realize that we have what has been given to us so that others can benefit, we will be able to dive into a deeper relationship with God. 3. Our gifts are for the good of everyone else. Page 6
1 Corinthians 12:7 Our spiritual gifts have also been given to us so that we can work for God. They have not been given to us so that God can work for us. Our spiritual gifts equip us to do what God wants us to do. Sadly, we are living in a Burger King society where many want it their way. We will only be complete and whole when we want it God s way. 4. Our spiritual gifts have been given to us to do what God wants us to do. Hebrews 13:20,21 God s spiritual gifts have also been given to us to empower us to live holy lives. We cannot live holy lives using our own strength. We can never be good enough. We cannot live holy lives by just following external ordinances. Holy living is an internal response to being in a relationship with God. Spiritual gifts have been given to us so that so that we can fulfill God s expectations of us. 5. Spiritual gifts empower us. Ezekiel 36:27 Our power, our strength, our might, our energy, all that we are has to come from the Lord. If it does not we will fail miserably. If we are relying upon anything else then the spiritual strength and gifts that God has given us than we will feel overwhelmed and may not be able to move ahead. 6. God s Spirit is our source of power and strength. Zechariah 4:6 Page 7
Our spiritual gifts are actually connected with stewardship. With stewardship the question can be raised, what am I doing with what God has entrusted me? With spiritual gifts a similar question can be asked, am I using my spiritual gifts in the manner that God wants? Am I being a good steward over my spiritual gifts? 7. When we receive spiritual gifts it is directly connected to stewardship. 1 Peter 4:10 Why do you have the spiritual gifts that you have? Do you know what spiritual gifts you have been given? What would be wrong if a person did not know their spiritual gifts or were not using them in the manner that God intended them to be used? What key point are you taking from this lesson? Page 8
How are you going to apply that to your life? Write out the first forty-two books of the Bible three times Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Matthew, Mark, Luke G E L N D J Ju R 1st S 2nd S 1st K 2nd K 1st C 2nd C E N Page 9
E J P Pr E S I J L E D H J A O J M N H Z H Z M M Page 10
M L Write out the Memory verse three times. Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to you and not to harm you, plans to give you and a future. As you pray, begin with at least one statement that acknowledges how big God is and one statement on something you are thankful for today. Page 11
MISUNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS SPIRITUAL GIFTS Day Three There are many diverse teachings and beliefs concerning spiritual gifts. There are those who believe that they were only for a certain time and season. Others believe that we can bombard God enough until He gives us the gifts that we want to have. When one has an unbiblical view of spiritual gifts that can be setting themselves up for frustration or failure. Today, we are going to look at certain facts dealing with spiritual gifts that will help us to have a Biblically balanced understanding. 1. The Apostle Paul wanted us not to be baffled about spiritual gifts but to comprehend them as much as we are able. 1 Corinthians 12:1 There are more than just one or two gifts. There is a plethora of gifts that God has gifted His Church with as we are dealing with a diversity of people and circumstances. If we all had the same spiritual gifts we would be extremely limited. We would not be as effective as God wants us to be. If on a sports team all the players only played one position they would be very weak and would be easily defeated by their opponent. 2. God has different gifts so we can make up a complete composite. 1 Corinthians 12:4 We all have different gifts. We have special and unique gifts. The gifts God has given us have been shaped and directed through our history and our experiences. We are not to feel bad if we don t have the same spiritual gifts that someone else has. This is extremely important to note, it would not be beneficial to the Kingdom of God if we all possessed the same gifts. Page 12
3. We have different gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:30 There are those who feel that they are owed spiritual gifts. Let us remember, God does not owe us anything. Anything and all we have has come from God and we are to be grateful for it. There have been those who have not received spiritual gifts because their motivation was not right. They wanted spiritual gifts for people to see them instead of people seeing God. 4. God knows our motivation when giving spiritual gifts. Acts 8:19 As we all have different gifts we are to use them. We are not to hoard them. We are not to hide them under a blanket. Our spiritual gifts can be used according to our proportion of faith. A way that our faith can grow can be to use our spiritual gifts. A way for our faith to be stronger is when we see God using us as His tool by way of the spiritual gifts He has given us. 5. As Nike says, just do it. Romans 12:6 There are also times when the enemy tries to duplicate God s gifts for his own purpose. The enemy can lead people astray with a false power. It is not a power of substance but merely of flash. The spiritual gifts that God gives us that are properly used will point to God. The use of a gift in a manner that does not point to God is not a spiritual gift given from God. 6. The enemy has tried to mimic the power of gifts. Exodus 7:11 Page 13
The purpose of spiritual gifts can be boiled down to one item. We have been given spiritual gifts so that others can be saved or step closer to God in their walk with God. Spiritual gifts are not here for our own self-satisfaction. They are not here for us to pat ourselves on the back. Spiritual gifts are here for us to bring God to the forefront. 7. Jesus explained the crux of spiritual gifts in His first sermon. Luke 4:18 Have you really spent much time pondering the importance or purpose of spiritual gifts? If not, how can digging deeper into spiritual gifts impact your relationship with God? What key point are you taking from this lesson? How are you going to apply that to your life? Write out the first forty-two books of the Bible four times Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Matthew, Mark, Luke G Page 14
E L N D J Ju R 1st S 2nd S 1st K 2nd K 1st C 2nd C E N E J P Pr E S I J L E Page 15
D H J A O J M N H Z H Z M M M L Write out the Memory verse four times. Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the I have for you, declares the, plans to you and not to you, plans to you and a future. Page 16
As you pray, begin with at least one statement that acknowledges how big God is and one statement on something you are thankful for today. Page 17
SPIRITUAL GIFTS Day Four SPIRITUAL GIFTS There are many opinions concerning how many spiritual gifts are listed in the Bible. Some scholars believe that there are over 26 spiritual gifts. Most scholars agree that there are eighteen or nineteen spiritual gifts. Today we are going to examine those spiritual gifts. There are several spiritual gifts that are found in one particular passage. Ephesians 4:11,12 Apostles Those who are sent out. There are those who believe that this gift ceased when the last of the original 12 disciples died. However, there are still today those who are called to leave their country, culture, or language to minister to others. Prophets - One who proclaims with authority the message of God. Prophecy can foretell or be forthcoming. To foretell means to say what is going to happen. Forthcoming is to say what should be done now. Pastors One who cares for, watches out over, and spiritually feeds. A pastor has the personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of others. Teachers One who has the ability to explain what the Bible says, what it means, and how we are to apply it to our lives. Teachers have many styles but seek to inspire others to learn more of God. Evangelists One who shares the good news with others. One who has a special passion for those who don t have a relationship with God. Evangelists can be burdened for the lost and have a strong desire to share their faith. Page 18
There are two spiritual gifts found in this verse. 1 Corinthians 12:8 Wisdom The gift of applying knowledge to daily experiences. Those who have this gift can take what they have been taught and know of God and directly place it into their lives. They can see clear Biblical answers to complex life situations. Knowledge The gift of intellect. Those who have this gift are able to understand and organize the message and truth found in the Bible. They are able to gather information and present it so that it is summarized to be helpful. There are several gifts found in this particular passage. Romans 12:8-10 Encouragement This gift is also called exhortation. This gift has the ability to minister words of comfort, consolation, inspiration, motivation, and counsel. This gift is generally practiced one on one. Giving The gift of having a special generosity to contribute material possessions or finances with others or to the work of the Lord. It does not necessarily mean a large amount but what the person has, they are willing to give in the name of the Lord. Leadership The gift to set goals with direction and clarity. This gift combines spiritual growth while people are moving through transitions, both personally and corporately. Mercy The gift of feeling genuine empathy and compassion for those who are hurting. Those with this gift are able to minister to those lonely, in despair, and heavily burdened. Faith The gift of an unusual ability to trust God. Those with this gift know that God is going to do great things no matter what the current situation may appear to be. Page 19
Discernment The gift of being able to detect untruths or to know when something or someone is not genuine. This gift enables the person to discriminate between what is coming from God and what is not. Acts 9:36 Helps The gift of using someone s talents to help others. Those with this gift increase the effectiveness of those to which they are ministering. This gift can be described as being useful. Romans 12:13 Hospitality The gift of sharing meals or homes with those who are in need of food or lodging. Those with this gift will open up their homes or use what they have to aid and minister to others. Acts 14:23 Administration The gift of being able to understand and implement goals of a corporate body. The person with this gift can coordinate others together to accomplish one purpose. Psalm 149:3 Creative Communication The gift of being to express God s truths artistically. This can include singing, painting, playing a musical instrument, drama, and much more. Exodus 31:4,5 Page 20
Craftmanship The gift of being able to build or construct something for the glory of God. The person with this gift also possesses the ability to fix that which is broken. Ephesians 6:18 Intercession The gift of praying for others. The person with this gift will stand in the gap for those who might not be able to pray for themselves. There are also other gifts that are outlined in scripture The gift of healing, miracles, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. Have you taken a spiritual gift test? If so, what were your gifts and are you using them for the Lord? Take the spiritual gift test at the Church. What key point are you taking from this lesson? How are you going to apply that to your life? Page 21
Write out the first forty-two books of the Bible five times Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Matthew, Mark, Luke G E L N D J Ju R 1st S 2nd S 1st K 2nd K 1st C 2nd C E N E J P Pr E Page 22
S I J L E D H J A O J M N H Z H Z M M M L Page 23
Write out the Memory verse five times. Jeremiah 29:11 - For I the I have for you, declares the, plans to you and not to you, to you and a. As you pray, begin with at least one statement that acknowledges how big God is and one statement on something you are thankful for today. Page 24
SPIRITUAL GIFTS Day Five THE GREATEST GIFT There is one spiritual gift that is greater than all of the others. This gift is one that every believer can possess. It is a gift that has changed this world. Throughout history, there have been great civilizations and incredible accomplishments. There have been massive military movements and mighty philosophical ideologies. But they have all passed away. Time and culture have moved on. There is only one force that comes out of the greatest gift and it has lasted longer than dynasties and emperors, kings, and rulers. The greatest gift is love. The apostle Paul s writings have been interpreted to prove one s personal theologies and beliefs. Many state that Paul was writing that there is one particular gift that everyone should have. They have arrived at that conclusion by this verse. 1 Corinthians 12:31 Paul was saying that we are to seek and desire the greatest gift and that gift is love. We can know that is what Paul was talking about because of how he continued in his letter to the Church in Corinth. After Paul said, seek the greatest gift, he went on and talked about love. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Paul does not deny that other gifts and attributes are important. But he does want us to know that there is one that is above all. If we have every other gift but do not have love we are missing out. It is all about love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 Page 25
Love is the greatest spiritual gift. Love is the greatest natural gift. It is the greatest gift because it exemplifies who God is. Throughout scripture, God is described in many ways. We see His attributes explained and His actions outlined. There are two verses where we can clearly see without any shadow of a doubt of who and what God is. 1 John 4:8 1 John 4:16 Since we are to imitate God we are to be a people of love as well. We as people all face difficulties and adversities. We all have bad days. We all have challenging times. When we love each other we will be able to overcome the valleys and dips that our journeys take us through. When we love each other, others will be able to see that there is something different about Christians. John 13:35 A beautiful aspect of love is that we can continue to grow in it and it grow in us. As God is love, we can always love more. We can always learn more of what love means. We can always be strengthened in love and lift those around us in love. No matter how much love we are filled with we can continually be filled with more and more. An evidence of spiritual growth is if our love is growing. Let us seek to have more and more of the greatest gift in our lives. Philippians 1:9 Love is the greatest gift. Like scripture says, if we have everything else but don t have love we really don t have anything. How is our love? Are we loving others? Are we loving ourselves? Are we loving God? What are some specific ways that the spiritual gift of love can grow in our lives? Page 26
What key point are you taking from this lesson? How are you going to apply that to your life? Write out the first forty-two books of the Bible seven times Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Matthew, Mark, Luke G E L N D J Ju R 1st S Page 27
2nd S 1st K 2nd K 1st C 2nd C E N E J P Pr E S I J L E D H J A O J M N Page 28
H Z H Z M M M L Write out the Memory verse seven times. Jeremiah 29:11 - For I the I have for you, the, to you and to you, to you and a. Page 29
As you pray, begin with at least one statement that acknowledges how big God is and one statement on something you are thankful for today. Page 30