Equipping the Saints: Gifts of the Holy Spirit (Part 1)


A.   Listing of Gifts – the lists in the Bible are meant as descriptive examples and not as an exhaustive list. Therefore the are other gifts than those listed.

Rom 12:6-8

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.

1 Cor 12:7-10

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 distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking 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 one, just as he determines.

B.   Reasons for Gifts –

a.     The gifts are given for the furthering of the Kingdom

1 Cor 12:4-7

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.

b.     They are given according to his pleasure and not as a sign of maturity.  They are not earned.

1 Cor 12:11

All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

Heb 2:4

God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

c.      They are given to different individuals so that together we can minister effectively as the Church.

1 Cor 12:27-30

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?

d.     There are greater and lesser gifts.

1 Cor 12:31

But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

1 Cor 14:1-3

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.   3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.

1 Cor 14:12

So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

e.      They are distinct from the Fruit of the Spirit.  The fruit of the Spirit is manifested as a result of an ongoing life-changing relationship with God.

Gal 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

f.       God’s give are never lost. They can, however, be rendered ineffective by not walking with Christ.

Rom 11:29

for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.

 

4. Gifts in Romans


A.  Gifts of Service

a.     Service to others

b.     Encouraging

c.      Giving

d.     Mercy

B.  Gifts of Administration

a.     Leadership

b.     Teaching

C.  Gift of Prophecy

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