FORERUNNER SCHOOL OF MINISTRY SPRING 2009 PRP II - CULTIVATING THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT SESSION 1 WES HALL Introduction to Spiritual Gifts Part I: What are they? Why do we need them? I. IHOP PROPHETIC HISTORY THE PROMISE OF A FULL MANIFESTATION OF THE GIFTS A. At the very foundation of this movement is a prophetic promise that God would release a Full Manifestation of the Gifts of the Spirit to equip His end time church. This promise was given in a dramatic way at the very beginning of our prophetic history. B. June 1982 Mike Bickle received a prophetic word in St. Louis from a man named Augustine whom he had never met before. Augustine received the word through the audible voice of the Lord while he was driving around the church building where Mike was working. The word came shortly before Mike relocated to Kansas City and contained four distinct promises related to this relocation and the work that Mike was to begin: 1. Thousands of young people will gather together into this body of believers 2. In the timing of the Lord there will be the full manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit ( in a way that you can't even fathom right now ). 3. There will be a false prophet in your midst from the very beginning of this new work. 4. There will be a persecution that will come against you that will be so fierce and so intense you'll have to know that I told you about it ahead of time. C. In September 1982 while Mike was in Cairo, Egypt, he heard the 'internal audible voice of the Lord'. Jesus invited him to be a part of something that would touch the ends of the earth. He called Mike to 4 things warning him that well meaning reasoning brothers would try to take this from his heart: 1. Intercession for Revival with fasting 2. Holiness empowered by grace 3. Offerings to the poor and a commitment to a simple lifestyle 4. Prophetic Ministry with Manifestations & the Revelation of the Spirit / Unwavering Faith D. These same four standards were confirmed through a prophetic word from Paul Cain many years later. The Lord told Paul Cain that these are essential in the end-time move of God. They're not the only four important things; but these are the four issues that cause stigma. These are the four issues that people resist. These are the four issues that cause trouble.
Session 1 PAGE 2 If you stand for the revelation and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit you will have so much hassle and so much controversy that even a good man will wilt under the weather of that kind of heat of standing for the prophetic. Because there's a God ordained stigma, a God orchestrated stigma on the prophetic ministry. Because the very people he uses in it, he wants to humble. 1 E. Shortly after Mike arrived in Kansas City he was encouraged to meet a prophetic man named Bob Jones. Because of the word from Augustine, Mike thought Bob was the false prophet Augustine had warned him about. Mike eventually met with Bob who shared with him many dreams and visions and concluded the meeting by giving Mike the same four part prophecy that he had received from Augustine: 1) There will be thousands of young people that will come to this church in the future; 2) There will be the full manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Lord's timing; 3) There s a false prophet in your midst. Beware! He's here right now; 4) There will be a great persecution that will come against you and the Lord says that you need to know it because you might be confused by it if you didn't know II. SCRIPTURE COMMANDS US TO UNDERSTAND AND PURSUE SPIRITUAL GIFTS It was Paul s expectation that believers (regardless of their spiritual maturity) both understood and operated in the Gifts of the Spirit. To Paul it was not optional to function in the gifts of the Spirit but normal and essential for the health of the church that everyone was functioning in his or her gift(s). 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant (1 Cor.12:1) A. Paul exhorted the Church at Corinth to eagerly desire the gifts Paul s letters to the church at Corinth indicate that the Corinthian believers were not only immature in their faith, and unspiritual in their lives, but also divisive and destructive in their use of the spiritual gifts. It was their wrong understanding of the gifts (particularly the gift of speaking in tongues) that was creating many problems in the midst of that Church. Yet, it is the Corinthians that Paul exhorts more than any other group to pursue right understanding and use of the gifts. 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. (1 Cor.12:1) 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. (1 Cor.12:31) 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied (1 Cor.14:5) 26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. (1 Cor.14:26) 1 Mike Bickle Encountering Jesus Series
Session 1 PAGE 3 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged (1 Cor.14:31) 1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy (1 Cor.14:1) 39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. (1 Cor.14:39) Paul explains that his instructions concerning spiritual gifts are actually commandments from the Lord. 37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. (1 Cor.14:37) B. Paul exhorts the Church at Rome to exercise (use) their gifts Paul had never met the church at Rome yet it was his assumption that they were functioning in the Gifts of the Spirit as a normal part of their life as believers. He encourages them to make the best use of the gifts and desires to visit them so that he may impart some gift to them. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them (Rom.12:6) 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established (Rom.1:11) C. Paul tells Timothy not to neglect his gift 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. (1 Tim.4:14) There is a tendency in the church to think that because we believe in something and talk about it occasionally, we are actively pursuing it ourselves. Over the past 100+ years there has been a great resurgence in understanding that the gifts of the Spirit did not die out with the Apostles. Yet research has shown that many of the churches that some decades ago were contending for the use of the gifts are no longer actively using them in the 21 st Century. Paul reminded Timothy: 1. That he has received a gift; and 2. That the effectiveness of that gift will diminish if it is neglected (not used)
Session 1 PAGE 4 III. SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE FOR EVERY BELIEVER A. The Bible teaches that spiritual gifts are for everyone and not simply for a spiritually elite class of Christians. The health of the church (the Body of Christ) depends on each member identifying and actively using his or her gifts. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all (1 Cor.12:7) The apostle Paul says that to each one, male and female, young and old (1 Cor.12:7a) has been given the manifestation of the Spirit. According to Romans12:3,6, if you have grace, you have a gift (see also Eph.4:7; 1 Pet.4:10). Peter cited the prophecy of Joel on the day of Pentecost to prove that gifts such as prophecy and tongues would be given to all mankind including your sons and daughters, young men, old men, as well as bondslaves, both men and women (Acts 2:17-18). Gifts are not the exclusive privilege of elders, deacons, pastors, Sunday school teachers, or some unique class of alleged super-saints. (Sam Storms) 2 B. Every believer has at least one gift 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Pet.4:10). C. We do not need spiritual maturity (or maturity in years) before we can operate in gifts (and should not forbid the use of them in those who are spiritually immature cf. 1 Cor 14:39) 1. Paul s letter to Corinth was to a group of spiritually immature believers yet he thanked God for the manifestation of the gifts in their midst and encouraged them to press in for more. 1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? (1 Cor.3:1-3) 39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.(1 Cor.14:39) 2. Timothy was a young man and Paul encouraged him to activate the gifts that God had given him and not let anyone look down on him because he was young. 2 Sam Storms, The Beginners Guide to Spiritual Gifts, 2002 Vine Books
Session 1 PAGE 5 I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.(2 Tim.1:6-7) 12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership (1 Tim.4:12) 3. The Book of Acts shows us that the evidence of being filled with the Spirit was the immediate manifestation of the gifts. In other words, they are the provision of God to every believer who has received the Holy Spirit (we will look at this subject more in Session 2). a. The gift of tongues was received instantaneously by both Jewish and Gentile believers as soon as they received the Holy Spirit. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4) 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. (Acts 10:44-46) b. Peter emphasized that gifts of healings and miracles do not operate because of spiritual maturity or godliness but because of the power of the Holy Spirit. 11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: "Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk (Acts 3:11-12) IV. SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE GIVEN FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE KINGDOM A. Spiritual Gifts Equip the Church to Fulfill its Ministry until Jesus Returns 7..Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.(1 Cor. 1:7)
Session 1 PAGE 6 Before he died, Jesus set the context for the ministry of the Church after the resurrection. He told them that they would be doing his business between the inauguration and the consummation of the Kingdom of God on Earth. In the words of George Eldon Ladd, they would be living in the now but not yet of the Kingdom. 11 He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 12 Therefore He said: "A certain nobleman went into a far country (ascent of Jesus to the Father) to receive for himself a kingdom and to return (second coming). 13 So he called ten of his servants, (disciples) delivered to them ten minas, (resources of Holy Spirit) and said to them, "Do business till I come.(preach the Gospel of the Kingdom)' 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, "We will not have this man to reign over us.' 15 "And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading (judgment according to faithfulness in how you use what you have been given). (Luke 19:11-15) B. Understanding the now but not yet dimension of the Kingdom will help us avoid both passivity and disillusionment as we seek to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit. 1. If we live with our focus exclusively on the not yet of the Kingdom (Millennial Reign of Jesus) it can lead to passivity in contending for the manifestation of the Kingdom of God in the here and now through demonstrations of the Holy Spirit. We know that one day Jesus will restore all things (see Acts 3:21) and we can be tempted to live with a low expectation of how much He will accomplish before His return. 2. On the other hand, if we live with the expectation that the fullness of the kingdom is all in the now, there can be a tendency to disillusionment when not everyone is healed, people reject the gospel and society is not completely transformed. 3. The safest place to live is in the now and the not yet where we understand that one day Jesus will make all wrong things right, yet recognize that He has delegated His authority to us in the here and now and he really will break in with demonstrations of his Kingdom by His Spirit, through the church. We know that he will not restore the whole earth until He returns but he did not say, for example, he would not restore entire cities. We cannot say with certainty how much He will give us this side of that day. Our responsibility is to maximize what we do with what He has given us (cf. Luke 19). C. The Continuing ministry of Jesus through the Holy Spirit 1. After the resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days with his disciples, teaching them about the Kingdom of God. It was God s intention that the ministry of Jesus in proclaiming and demonstrating the Kingdom of God would be continued by His disciples between His first and second coming.
Session 1 PAGE 7 2. At the beginning of the book of Acts, Luke describes the ministry of Jesus in the Gospels as all that Jesus began both to do and teach (Acts 1:1). The book of Acts is the record of all that Jesus continued to do and teach through the Church. D. The gift of the Holy Spirit was given to empower the church to be effective witnesses to Jesus and those who would demonstrate His Kingdom to a dying world. you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8) Jesus words contain two imperatives for His disciples: You shall receive power, and you shall be witnesses to Me. These two you shalls go together; either one is meaningless without the other. A witness to Jesus that has no spiritual power accomplishes nothing, and spiritual power that does not witness to Jesus has no purpose. 3 E. Gifts of the Spirit are manifestations of the life of Jesus (Holy Spirit) in and through the life of the believer. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. (1 Cor.12:7) 1. The Greek word, Phanerosis (translated manifestation (1 Cor. 12:7)) means to show forth, make visible or make known. It tells us that the gifts of the Spirit are about showing forth the life of Jesus through our lives. 2. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would impart His life to every believer giving us power to live as He lived and do the same works that He did. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38) 12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.(John 14:12) 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:16-18) 3 The Hidden Power of Speaking in Tongues, Mahesh Chavda, 2003, Destiny Image
Session 1 PAGE 8 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26) 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:49) F. The Gifts are tools that the Holy Spirit gives us to effectively witness to Jesus 1. Every spiritual gift is given to equip and enable us to be effective witnesses to Jesus. Without the gifts, our witness is ineffective in demonstrating the power of the age to come. It is for this reason that Jesus told his disciples not to go and preach until they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit. He knew they would not be able to do the task without the tools. 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."(acts 1:4-5) 2. Paul told the Corinthians that it was important that the message of the Gospel was backed up with power demonstrations so that people do not put their faith in man but in God. 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Cor.2:1-4) 3. If we place little or no emphasis on the gifts we are robbed of the power we need to fulfill our mandate. 4. It is no co-incidence that the places in the earth where the Gospel is going forth with the greatest effectiveness are also the places where the supernatural power of God is displayed to the greatest extent. 5. It is important to recognize that we do not pursue gifts for their own sake. They are tools uniquely designed to help us witness to Jesus and fulfill our mission. If we place too much emphasis on the gifts themselves it will take our eyes off Jesus and leave us without direction and vision. We should always remember that signs are supposed to follow the believer and not vice-versa!
Session 1 PAGE 9 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:17-18) V. SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE GIVEN TO EQUIP AND EDIFY THE CHURCH A. To be effective in completing the mandate to preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, we must be equipped and built up. The function of the gifts within the body is to prepare and equip us for works of service both corporately and individually. B. With only one exception (devotional tongues) the Gifts of the Spirit are intended for the edification and equipping of the church in the context of ministry to one another (or body ministry ) 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all (1 Cor.12:4-7) C. If charisma [meaning grace ] points us to the origin of spiritual gifts, diakonia [meaning service ] points to their purpose. All spiritual gifts are designed to serve and help others. Spiritual gifts are less privileges than responsibilities. Gifts are not for personal adornment, power or popularity (Storms) 4 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph.4:7-11) 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10) 12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. (1 Cor.14:12) 26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. (1 Cor.14:26) 4 Sam Storms, The Beginners Guide to Spiritual Gifts, 2002 Vine Books
Session 1 PAGE 10 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. (1 Cor.14:3-5) VI. WHAT ARE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS? A. In 1 Cor.12-14, Paul gives us the fullest explanation of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they are to function. Other key passages that discuss specific gifts of the Spirit are Rom.12:3-8; Eph.4:7-16; 1 Pet. 4:10-11. B. Charisma is the primary word used by Paul in 1 Cor.12 to describe the gifts of the Spirit. From it we get the word charismatic. To be truly charismatic is to demonstrate the gifts of the Holy Spirit in your life. The plural of the word is charismata. 4 There are diversities of gifts (charismata), but the same Spirit. (1 Cor 12:4) C. Charisma comes from the root word charis meaning grace. In other words, a charisma refers to a work of grace in our lives (e.g. eternal life) or something that God has freely given to us by his grace. We do not receive the gifts of the Spirit by our own merit. John Wimber liked to refer to the gifts of the Spirit as gracelets to emphasize this aspect. D. Different Categories of Gift 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (1 Cor 12:4) 1. The Holy Spirit expresses the life of Jesus through the Body of Christ through many different gifts. Some may appear to us more spectacular than others, but Paul is clear that each is essential to the health of the Church. 2. It is important that we encourage the development of each gift and honor each gift for what it contributes to the Body. Each gift comes from one and the same Spirit and without even one of them the body cannot function properly. 3. In this class we will focus mostly on the nine gifts mentioned in 1 Cor.12:6-10, not because they are more essential than any of the others (any more than an eye is more essential than an ear for a body to be complete), but because they tend to be the most misunderstood, most neglected and least practiced in the Church at large because of their unseen/supernatural element and the controversy that tends to surround their use.
Session 1 PAGE 11 4. We want to be bold in contending for these gifts to be released in their fullness within the church and we need to have clear understanding of what they are, why we need them today, and how they are to function in the life of the Church. 5. The full functioning of these nine has been prophetically highlighted to this community in particular as being critical to equip the church to fulfill her destiny before the Lord s return. 6. It is important that we recognize that there are many more gifts than the nine mentioned in the first half of 1 Cor.12 and that we need to be just as diligent in identifying these gifts in our lives and the lives of others and cultivating (strengthening) them in our lives. 7. We cannot be certain that the lists of gifts listed by the Apostles represent all the gracelets that are available to the church today (for example, there is no gift of casting out demons cf. Mark 16:17 where it is listed as one of the signs that are to follow believers 5 or of worship leading etc). Nevertheless, the lists in the epistles seem to be fairly comprehensive in their scope. 8. Diversities of Gifts Marriage (1 Cor.7:7), Celibacy (1 Cor.7:7), Word of Wisdom (1 Cor.12:8), Word of Knowledge (1 Cor.12:8), Faith (1 Cor.12:9; 13:2), Gifts of Healings (1 Cor.12:9,28,30), Working of Miracles (1 Cor.12:10,28,30), Prophecy (1 Cor.12:10,28,30; Rom 12:6), Discerning of Spirits (1 Cor.12:10), Tongues (1 Cor.12:10,28,30), Interpretation of Tongues (1 Cor.12:10,30), Apostle (1 Cor.12:28,30; Eph 4:11), Teaching (1 Cor.12:28,30; Rom 12:7), Helps (1 Cor.12:28), Administrations/Leadership (1 Cor.12:28; Rom.12:8), Giving (1 Cor.13:3; 2 Cor.8:7; Rom.12:8), Martyrdom (1 Cor.13:3), Ministry (Serving) (Rom 12:7), Exhortation (Encouragement) (Rom 12:8), Leadership (Rom 12:8), Showing Mercy (Rom 12:8), Evangelism 6 (Eph 4:11), Shepherding (Pastor) (Eph 4:11) E. All the gifts are given by God, and none of them should be despised. There is no distinction between ordinary and extra-ordinary gifts or between spiritual and natural gifts. All the charismata (gracelets) are empowerments for service given by the Holy Spirit and are, thus, spiritual by their nature; only believers can receive them. 5 Although it is possible that casting out demons could fall under gifts of healing 6 Evangelism is not technically listed as a charisma but is possibly implied in the office of Evangelist in Eph 4:11. The same would be true of Apostle and Pastor-Teacher.
Session 1 PAGE 12 F. All of the gifts are a manifestation of God s personality and reflect the work He wants to do in the church and in the manifestation of the Kingdom (e.g. not only exhortation, teaching, miracles, healing etc. but also helps, mercy, giving etc.) God is not just about public displays of spectacular power, but about private displays of mercy and provision. In other words we need all the gifts. G. Spiritual Gifts are not necessarily dependant upon natural ability or personality type (although they can sometimes reflect or intensify natural abilities (e.g. The apostle Paul, Charles G. Finney etc.)) Throughout the Bible and Church history, God has chosen the weak to confound the wise and has anointed with power those who would be usually be written off in the natural (e.g.moses, Gideon, Jonah, Jeremiah, Peter, Timothy, Maria Woodworth-Etter, Smith Wigglesworth etc.) H. Gifts are received not earned but Paul indicates that we can position ourselves to receive as we eagerly desire the gifts (1 Cor.12:31). The pattern of Scripture is that the primary way of receiving fresh gifts is as we receive fresh fillings of the Holy Spirit (see.e.g Acts 4:31). The primary way we receive more of the Spirit is as we give ourselves to the place of prayer and consecration to the Lord (we will cover this in much greater depth in Session 2). Paul also tells us that gifts may be imparted through the laying on of hands and through prophecy (cf.rom.1:11; 1 Tim.4:14; 2 Tim.1:6) I. No one person can operate in all the gifts all the time. Only Jesus operated in all the gifts all the time (Acts 10:38). However it is common for several gifts to operate in an individual over the course of his/her life (some are usually more prominent than others). J. Overview of the Sign Gifts in 1 Cor.12:8-10 1. The nine gifts of 1 Cor.12:8-10 have sometimes been called the sign gifts because they correspond most directly to the signs that Jesus promised would follow those who believe (Mark 16:17). They are the more overt supernatural manifestations of the Spirit, which demonstrate the presence of the power of the age to come among God s people. 2. These gifts are historically the most controversial of all the gifts and have been the most misunderstood and neglected throughout church history. Often it is fear of misuse and abuse that has caused neglect of these gifts. 3. It is often feared that use of these nine gifts will cause hurt, division and chaos and they are, therefore, often set aside for the sake of unity in the Body. However, without them, we cannot function as God intends us to as the Body of Christ. The primary goal of the gifts is stated by Paul to be for the profit of all (1 Cor.12:7), and for the edification of the church (1 Cor.14:12). We cannot allow fear of abuse to stop us contending for right use of these gifts in the Church.
Session 1 PAGE 13 4. Paul makes this point powerfully in his letter to the Corinthians. The Corinthians were operating in these gifts to the point that Paul was able to say they lacked no gift (1 Cor.1:7). Their misunderstanding and misuse of the gifts, however, was causing division in the ranks. Paul s response, however, was not to forbid the use of the gifts that were causing most trouble (see. 1 Cor.14:3), but to explain how they were to be used properly. 5. In recent years, God has restored an understanding to much of the Church that these gifts were not restricted to the time of the first apostles 7. However, though many in the church agree that these gifts are for today, few in the West have experience of these gifts operating through in any significant sense. It is important not only that we have right doctrine, but also that we are practicing what we preach. 6. The nine gifts of 1 Cor.12:8-10 fall traditionally into three categories. We will adopt these categories in our study of the gifts. a. Gifts that Reveal : Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, Discernment of Spirits b. Gifts that Do: Faith, Gifts of Healings, Working of Miracles c. Gifts that Say : Prophecy, Tongues, Interpretation of tongues K. God wants us to eagerly desire greater gifts and to function in many areas (not use lack of gifting as an excuse for laziness), but he wants us to give specific focus to cultivating those gifts which are most prominent in our lives for the sake of His Body. We can expect to grow in effectiveness as we practice using our gifts (e.g. a tool is no good if you don t know how to use it you must learn how it works and will not get it right the first time). 7 Jack Deere makes an excellent case for the continued use of the miraculous gifts in his excellent book, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit 1996 Zondervan
Session 1 PAGE 14 VII. IDENTIFYING YOUR GIFTS If we are to function effectively in our area of gifting, it is important that we identify those areas of our lives in which God has equipped us to minister. It is important that we are able to recognize our own gifting and the gifting of others if we are to be effective in ministry together as the Body of Christ. There are several practical keys to discovering your gifts. 8 A. Degree of success in ministry This is a matter of trial and error. Attempt various areas of ministry that interest you. You will succeed in some and fare less well in others. It is likely that your gifting lies in the areas you are experiencing greater measures of success. B. Desires of the heart If you are experiencing a desire to pursue a certain area of ministry, try it out! The Lord often shows us the areas in which he has gifted us through giving us a desire to do it. It would be miserable to be gifted in an area of ministry you do not enjoy. C. Advice of others Sometimes we pursue an area of ministry out of desire, and the Lord has not gifted us in that area. Often our desire to succeed can blind us to the fact that we are not called to that area of ministry and we need the counsel of close, trusted friends to gently and truthfully point this out to us (e.g. someone with gifts of healings desiring to be a teacher but having no teaching gift etc.) D. Prophetic utterance and the laying on of hands This is the means by which Timothy was made aware of his gifting (2 Tim.1:6). However, because of the fallibility of prophecy under the New Covenant, it is important to test the words you receive by the means listed above (A-C) before concluding that you have a particular gift. 8 These keys were taken from Jack Deere s Surprised by the Power of the Spirit (ibid.) and by no means constitute an exhaustive list of means by which we can discover our gifts. Furthermore, it is important to recognize that while we may not have certain gifts in one season of our lives, the Lord may release them to us in another season.
Session 1 PAGE 15 VIII. THE CHURCH IS ONE BODY WITH MANY MEMBERS A. One Body 1. The church is the Body of Christ. Our purpose is to manifest the life of Christ through our life as a corporate entity. Though we are many members, we have a common purpose. All the members with their unique giftings are supposed to be working towards the same goal. Recognizing our unity of function and purpose is critical if we are to manifest the life of Christ 12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many are one body, so also is Christ. (1 Cor.12:12-13) 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.(rom.12:4-5) 2. The gifts are all given by the same Holy Spirit, and their proper use should increase unity rather than cause division because it is the same Spirit working in us all for the same purpose. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Cor.12:4-13) 3. The gifts are given to exalt Jesus in the life of the church (making her more like Jesus) and in the world (drawing people to the knowledge of Christ). The goal of the Holy Spirit as he manifests His gifts in us, is to draw greater attention, not to the individual but to Christ who is shown forth as the body functions as one unit. 14 He (Holy Spirit) will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. (John 14:14-15)
Session 1 PAGE 16 4. The relationship between the individual and the body is well illustrated by the life of John the Baptist. His rejoiced when Jesus was glorified and when all attention was on Him. 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:29-30) B. Many Members with Differing Functions 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.(1 Cor.12:14) 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you."(1 Cor.12:20-21) 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another (Rom.12:4-5) 1. Though we have a common purpose as one body, God has intentionally made us all different and given distinct gifts to all of us. The gifts come from Him and we need to honor each gift equally with this in mind. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills (1 Cor.12:11) 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. (1 Cor.12:18) 2. The Body will only function properly if each member does its part. Just as each organ is essential to the right functioning of the human body, so there are no indispensable parts in the body of Christ. If we are not functioning in the specific gifts God has given us, the whole body will not work as it should. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling?... 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? (1 Cor.12:17-19)
Session 1 PAGE 17 3. When the Corinthians were dividing around which of their leaders was most anointed or who had the greatest gift, Paul rebuked them and told them that they were all coworkers on the building with specific tasks that had been given by God. As the apostle, he was responsible for the foundation, others who came later had different, yet complementary tasks. 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building (1 Cor.3:5-9) C. We belong to each other and are called to honor and care for one another we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.(rom.12:5) But God composed the body.that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. (1 Cor.12:24-26) 1. We must be aware of the danger of exalting those parts of the body that are more visible (e.g. platform gifts). It can be our tendency to place greater value on those gifts which have high visibility in our ministry context. This is like saying the face is more valuable than the heart, or the body of a car is more valuable than the fuel pump because it is more visible. Paul correctly stated that the hidden ministries within the church are indispensable. If you do not maintain (honor) the hidden organs of your body, you will eventually die. The same is true of the Body of Christ. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary (1 Cor.12:21-22) 2. We need to get God s perspective on what He considers valuable and recognize that we are not the author of the gifts God is; and he created each of us to be a perfect fit for the gifts he has for us. Paul does not seem to list the gifts by rank or importance. Rather, when he encourages the Corinthians to desire the best or greater gifts (1 Cor.12:31) he is encouraging them to move from a place where they were using the gifts primarily for self-edification to the place where they would use the gifts to build up or edify the church.
Session 1 PAGE 18 3. We should give special honor to members of the body whose contribution is not as visible recognizing that we need one another to build God s House. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it (1 Cor.12:23-24) D. Our identity is not based on the gifts we have but on who we are before God in Christ Jesus (see e.g. Eph.1:3-14). We need to be careful of assessing our value or the value of others based on gifts that have been given by the grace of God alone. Possessing certain gifts does not make us better Christians or more spiritual. In some circles it is popular to exalt one gift over the others. Having a certain gift constitutes a spiritual status symbol in some groups. The first class citizens are separated from the secondclass citizens on the basis of exercising a certain gift or gifts. When this happens, gifts tend to become ends in themselves. They glorify the user rather than the Giver. They benefit the individual rather than the Body. They produce pride and self-indulgence. The Corinthians had fallen into this trap, and Paul writes 1 Corinthians 12-14 in an attempt to straighten them out. All of us need to take fair warning and avoid gift-exaltation. (Wagner) 9 E. The Corinthian Error 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. (1 Cor.14:17) 1. The Corinthians were in error for they (wrongly) viewed certain gifts as spiritual status symbol (i.e. you were more spiritual if you manifested certain gifts). In their context, it seems the gift of tongues was particularly highly esteemed. 2. It appears they had an unhealthy emphasis on spiritual manifestations that they had carried across from their pagan practices. They had begun to classify and compare among their ranks as to who was more spiritual, and this was having a destructive and divisive effect on their church meetings. 3. Paul corrected them with his teaching in 1 Cor.12-14 and encouraged them to strive for the greater gifts. He made the following helpful points concerning the spiritual value of platform gifts and manifestations: 9 C.Peter Wagner, Your Spiritual Gifts can help your Church Grow, 1979 Regal Books
Session 1 PAGE 19 a. Even Pagans can operate in paranormal manifestations. 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. (1 Cor.12:2) (1) This is probably a reference to the inspired speech that was used by those worshipping idols. This kind of activity would have been familiar to those in Corinth. (2) Paul is pointing out that it is not the manifestation that is most important (even the pagans have manifestations) but the content and purpose of the manifestation. b. Those who are operating in the Spirit of God will glorify Jesus through the manifestation and not draw attention to themselves. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.12:2) IX. THE MOST EXCELLENT WAY IS LOVE 1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts (1 Cor.14:1) A. The context for Paul s famous chapter on love is the right use of spiritual gifts. He tells the Corinthian believers that unless they grow in love, possessing the gifts is meaningless. 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 (1 Cor.13:1-3) B. Love is identified by Paul in Gal.5:22 as the Fruit of the Spirit. He is saying, you must have the fruit if you are asking for the gifts. We should desire gifts but we must pursue love. In other words, we have no control over what gifts God gives us (though we do have control over how we cultivate them), however, we can (and must) take responsibility to grow in love. We grow in love as we grow in intimacy and seek to pursue full obedience to the Lord in our lives. C. Love is also the protection mechanism to save us from falling into pride, deception and, ultimately, apostasy.
Session 1 PAGE 20 Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him. (1 Cor.8:1-3) 22 Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matt.7:22-23) D. True spirituality is measured by fruit of the Spirit in our lives, not manifestations of the Gifts 1. Our eternal rewards are not based on the kind of gift we have been given but on our faithfulness in administrating them in love. The message of the parable of the talents (Matt.25:14-30) is that we must be faithful with what we have been given. 2. What if we are not faithful with what He has given us? Are gifts without repentance? (see Rom.11:29) 29 "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have (proven faithfulness in small things), even what he has will be taken away (gifts). 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' (Matt.25:29-30)