Spiritual Gifts In Us
Introduction to Spiritual Gifts
Lesson 1
Connection
- What do you think is the greatest gift God has ever given to you?
Definition of Spiritual Gift
- A spiritual gift is a significant ability given to each believer by the Holy Spirit, who in this way equips and moves members of the church to serve others in special ways for Christ and his kingdom.
- Romans.8:9:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
Difference between Spiritual Gifts and Talents.
-A talent is often mistaken for a Spiritual gift. These abilities are independent of our accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Talent is “any natural ability or power; natural endowment
- David: Harp Musician:1 Samuel.16:23: 23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him
- 700 men from Benjamin tribe: Judges.20:16:16 Among all this people were seven hundred select men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair’s breadth and not miss.
- Ahimaz:Runner: 2 Samuel.18:23 :23 “But whatever happens,” he said, “let me run.”So he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain, and outran the Cushite.
Facts About Spiritual Gifts.
- Spiritual gifts are freely and graciously given. Gifts of grace cannot be earned, for you cannot do anything to get them in your own power.
- Rom. 12:6:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
- A gift is not earned or merited so a believer should not feel personal pride or self satisfaction due to his gift.
- Ephesians.4:7:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
- Spiritual gifts are a means of serving in the Body of Christ. Gifts are not to exalt the person who has the gift; they are to enable that person to serve other believers.
- 1 Peter.4:10: 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
- Spiritual gifts necessitate the activity of the possessor. You will discover your gift as you function. Many do not recognize their gift because they are inactive.
Purposes of Spiritual Gifts.
It is to build up the Body of Christ such that it can fulfill its God-given Mission.
- Gifts are given for the common good of the body.
- 1 Corinthians 12:7:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
- Gifts are given to build up the Church.
- 1 Corinthians 14:12:12 Even so you, since you are [a]zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the [b]edification of the church that you seek to excel.
- Gifts are given to serve others.
- 1 Peter 4:10:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
- Gifts are given so that in all things.
- 1 Peter.4:11:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the [a]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 [b]dominion forever and ever. Amen.
- Gifts are given for works of service so that the Body of Christ may be built up.
Ephesians 4:12:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [a]edifying of the body of Christ,
Exploration of Spiritual Gifts
Romans 12:6-8
- Encouragement
- Giving
- Leadership
- Mercy
- Prophecy
- Service
- Teaching
1 Corinthians 12:8-10
- Wisdom
- Knowledge
- Faith
- Healing
- Miracles
- Prophecy
- Discernment
- Tongues
- Interpretation
1Corinthians.12:28-30
Apostles Prophets Teachers Miracles Healings
Helps Administration Tongues
Ephesians 4:11
- Apostles
- Prophets
- Evangelists
- Shepherds (Pastor)
- Teachers (Pastor)
Reasons for not Seeking Out Spiritual Gifts
A person may not be involved in service to others. Much of what we learn about our gift is learned as we help others.
A person may be imitating another person. As long as we try to copy someone’s gift, we will never develop our own.
There may be some confusion between ministry and our spiritual gift. Ministry is a specific act of service to another. A gift is the motivation that leads us to be involved in ministry.
False understanding that only full-time clergy or staff members are gifted for ministry.
Reflection
1. What working gifts do you have? What gifts do you want to have?
2. Has God already used these gifts in your life? If so, how?
3. What have others said to you to confirm your gifts?
4. What are some further ways you think your gifts can be used?
5. What have you learned about your gifts that you didn’t know before?