Monday, October 08, 2007

Spiritual Gifts 101




This past Sunday we started a new message series here at Grace Church on the topic of spiritual gifts. We are calling the series, “To You…From God!” It is our goal through the month of October that we will learn how to DEFINE what spiritual gifts are; how to DISCOVER which spiritual gifts we have; and how to DEVELOP the spiritual gifts that God has chosen for us to use in His church. Below are some foundational facts about spiritual gifts that we covered as we kicked of this new and exciting series.

What do we learn about the diversity of gifts? The are a variety of spiritual gifts and a variety of ministries in which these gifts are used (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

What passages in the Bible list the Spiritual Gifts? Romans 12:3-8 (verses 9-21 deal with general responsibilities); 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28; Ephesians 4:11; and I Peter 4:10-11 (no specific gifts are mentioned, rather two classifications of gifts are given in verses 10-11…serving gifts and speaking gifts)

What are not spiritual gifts? They are not natural talents which are abilities acquired from birth and developed by education and practice such as musical abilities, artistic skill, athleticism, craftsmanship, poetical expression or dramatic acting. Neither are they general responsibilities which are actions that all Christians are supposed to participate in like witnessing (Mark 16:15), loving (1 John 3:11), and encouraging (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Nor are they the Fruit of the Spirit seen in Galatians 5:22, 23 which are character qualities that result from surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s control in our lives

What are spiritual gifts? They are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation for service and ministry

Who has a spiritual gift? Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 4:10), even young people (1 Timothy 4:12-14)

How do we get spiritual gifts? Believers have no guarantee that they will get the gifts that they desire to have the most nor are there any magic formulas or schemes in order for a believer to obtain the gift he or she desires. God the Father has chosen your gift (1 Corinthians 12:18, 28) and the Holy Spirit gives the gift (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

Why do we have spiritual gifts? Spiritual gifts are given so that we can minister to others (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 14:12, 26, 31). Spiritual gifts are not for the believer’s own edification. The believer benefits only as a by-product through the joy of ministering to others. Spiritual gifts are also given to have every believer involved (1 Corinthians 12:7). God has a place of ministry for every Christian. Every Christian is gifted so that he or she can contribute to the building of God’s kingdom through the church. In the coming weeks on Sundays at Grace church we will look at the which gifts are available today and learn how to discover our gifts so that we can be an active part of God’s work here at Grace.

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