A spiritual gift is a supernatural gift or ability given by God in special grace to Christians for the purpose of service to build the church.
A spiritual gift must be distinguished from a natural
talent. A natural talent is an
ability given by God in common grace to all men to better the human race. Natural talents would include abilities
like art, music, and athletic talent.
This raises the question as
to whether music is a talent or spiritual gift. It is a natural talent but it is usually accompanied with
the gift of encouragement. Unsaved
men can sing, but only saved people can sing in such a way that it honors and
glorifies God.
THE PURPOSE OF GIFTS
There are four clear purposes
for spiritual gifts: 1) to promote the unity of the body of Christ. ÒThat there be no division in the bodyÓ (1
Cor. 12:15); 2) to promote the growth of the Body (Eph. 4:13-16); 3) to
promote the evangelization of the lost (Eph. 4:11-12), and 4) to bring glory to
God (1 Pet. 4:11). There may be a
fifth purpose and that is to encourage other members of the body. Those who have the gift of faith,
evangelism, giving, etc. become an encouragement to others to do the same on a
lesser level.
DEFINING THE GIFTS
Some try to divide the
twenty or so gifts mentioned in Scripture into the supernatural and natural
gifts, but that is inaccurate since all gifts are supernatural. It is best to categorize the gifts as
ordinary and extra-ordinary.
Spiritual
gifts are given for the common good of the church to motivate GodÕs people and
to stir them to action. All
Christians are to have faith, but there are some that have the gift of
faith. All Christians are to help
but there are some with the gift of helps. All Christians are to give money but there is a gift of
giving for some. All Christians
are to teach, help, serve and show mercy to each other but there are also
special gifts in these areas. All Christians
are to pray for healing, but some Christians have the special gift of
healing. God gives all these gifts
to spur us on to higher things for Him.
Ordinary Gifts
Evangelist. ÒIt was he (Christ) who gave some to be
apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors
and teachersÓ (Eph. 4:11). An
evangelist is one who has a special gift of reaching the lost and bringing them
into the church. He can
communicate the gospel in relevant terms to the unsaved. The evangelist also has the
responsibility to equip and train the saints to do the work of evangelism.
Pastor-Teacher. Ò. . . and some to be pastors and teachersÓ
(Eph. 4:11). The
pastor-teacher (one gift according to the Greek) is one who instructs and cares
for Christians. The evangelist
deals with the initiation of a person into the Christian life, while the
pastor-teacher is involved with the development and growth of that life. Evangelists are obstetricians and
pastor-teachers are pediatricians.
Some are paid full time to be pastor-teachers. Others are laymen pastor-teachers without pay. Christians with this gift would be
involved in teaching, shepherding, counseling and discipling. Both men and women could have the gift
of pastor-teacher.
Service. ÒIf it is serving, let him serveÓ
(Rom. 12:7). This comes
from the same root from which we get the word ÒdeaconÓ which means Òone who
serves.Ó This would be service to
help others, which would include hospitality and the ability to meet in a
practical way the physical and spiritual needs of others. This person also displays a willingness
to do the menial tasks without receiving any human glory.
Encouragement. ÒIf it is encouraging, let him encourageÓ
(Rom. 12:8). This is the
ability to encourage and comfort, move the will, warm the heart and impel to
action.
Giving. ÒIf it is contributing to the needs of
others, let him give generouslyÓ (Rom. 12:8). This is a special ability to contribute money. These folks are able to give liberally
whether rich or poor. This gift
may also involve the ability to make money and give it for the furtherance of
the gospel of Christ. Those who
have this gift give with great delight and joy.
Leading. ÒIf it is leadership, let him govern
diligentlyÓ (Rom. 12:8). This
is the special ability of leadership.
Literally, this means, Òone who stands in front.Ó This would be those who emcee meetings,
conduct panels, chair committees, organize people, and motivate the masses of
people.
Showing
Mercy. ÒIf it is showing mercy, let him
do it cheerfully" (Rom. l2: 8).
This is a special ability to deal with the sick and the
afflicted. This person is able to
identify with and comfort those who are in distress. He or she has a real sensitivity to the emotional needs of
others.
Helps. ÒThose able to help othersÓ (I Cor. 12:28). This is the ability to lend a hand
whenever a need appears, but do it in such a way that it encourages and
strengthens others. In the church,
it often appears in those who do behind the scene ministries such as ushering,
serving dinners, running the sound booth, preparing communion, working in the
nursery, arranging flowers, etc.
Hospitality would be included in helps. Those with the gift of helps make it possible for those with
the up front gifts to function more effectively. Everyone is indebted to those who have the gift of helps.
Teacher. ÒThird teachersÓ (I Cor. 12:28). This person has the special ability
to explain and to apply the truth of the Word of God. He or she also has the ability to communicate truth to
others so they can learn and understand the content.
Administration. ÒThose with the gifts of administrationÓ (I
Cor. 12:18). Literally,
this says Òone who pilots.Ó It is
a special ability to lead and administrate in the local church. Those with this gift can coordinate and
administrate. They have the
ability to see the overall picture and to clarify long-range goals. With this gift comes the ability to
know how to delegate responsibility.
Word
of Wisdom. ÒTo one there is given
through the Spirit the message (word) of wisdomÓ (I Cor. 12:8). Some think this is an
extra-ordinary gift. However, it
is not mentioned anywhere else neither in the Scripture nor in any other early
Christian literature. This
spiritual gift is the ability to bring practical, spiritual insight in a timely
way to a specific problem. It is
the ability to apply the Word of God to any situation. Gaining knowledge may not be this
person's forte but he or she is strong in living to apply the Word of God in a
practical way. This is wisdom
based on biblical content not on mystical experiences.
Word
of Knowledge. ÒTo
another the message (word) of knowledgeÓ (I Cor. 12:8). This is a gift mentioned only in 1
Corinthians 12:8, so there is no biblical or historical help with this
gift. Some think this is an
extra-ordinary gift. This
spiritual gift is the ability to deal with the theoretical and philosophical
aspects of the Word of God. This
person as great ability to perceive and systematize the great truths that
hidden in the Word of God.
The word of knowledge could possibly be keen insight into specific problems such as when Christ saw into the Samaritan womanÕs many husbands or when Peter had Holy Spirit leading on AnnaniasÕ and SapphiraÕs real problem of lying to the Holy Spirit.
Today
charismatics claim world of knowledge is a gift of getting special revelation
from God. We have all seen and
heard on TV during the healing time where the host says, ÒThe Lord is telling
me someone with a stomach ulcer will be healedÓ or ÒI am visualizing a woman
who has just come back from the doctor who told her she has cancer, but God
says you are being healed – Òjust believe.Ó What we see in these so-called TV healers is primarily the
subtle power of suggestion and there is no way this can be substantiated. Yet,
God at times does providentially guide Christians so as to lay strongly on
their hearts that something is going to happen. If this is truly from Him, this impression will surely come
to pass.
Faith. ÒTo another faithÓ (I Cor. 12:9). This gift is the ability to believe
GodÕs power to supply and provide.
This is the ability to see something that needs to be done and believe
that God will do it even when it looks impossible. Some think this is an extra-ordinary gift and is linked with
miracles, healing and casting out of demons, but there is no reason to think
that this is nothing more than extraordinary faith, which believes God to move
mountains.
This
is not the kind of faith we hear about today which dogmatically and defiantly
asserts, ÒYou are healedÓ or ÒThe pain will go awayÓ or ÒYou will not dieÓ when
in reality the pain has not gone away, the person is not healed and the person
dies anyway. This is presumption
and self-deception not faith. Yet, in some situations, God does grant
extraordinary faith and things supernaturally happen.
Discerning Spirits. ÒTo another distinguishing between spiritsÓ (I Cor.
12:10). This gift is mentioned only here and nowhere else in the Bible;
therefore, it is hard to know exactly what this gift may be. This gift is the ability to spot a
phony, to detect false doctrine and to point out counterfeits. The person with this gift must be
careful about getting a negative attitude, becoming judgmental, jumping to conclusions
about words, actions and motives, displaying a unforgiving spirit and cutting
off those who do fall into error or sin.
` Some
believe this is an extra-ordinary gift.
If so, then it includes the ability to recognize the influences of the
Holy Spirit or demonic spirits in a person.
Extra-ordinary Gifts
Apostle. ÒIt was he (Christ) who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets,
some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachersÓ (Eph. 4:11). Technically ÒapostleÓ refers to the
office of Apostle that was given to the original Twelve. ÒBuilt on the foundation of the apostles and
prophetsÓ (Eph. 2:20). Only
the Twelve will sit on the throne judging over the twelve tribes of Israel
(Matt. 19:28), and in the eternal city will have twelve foundations with name
of the Twelve Apostles (Rev. 22:14).
There are no apostles today with apostolic authority as the original
Twelve. The office of apostle passed
out of existence after the first century.
Some believe that the gift of apostle may still be with the church today but not the office of apostle. The gift of apostle continues today in a non-technical sense. The word ÒapostleÓ means, Òsend oneÓ. It would be equivalent to the modern day missionary or church planter. We know the Bible refers to James (Gal. 1:19) and Barnabas (Acts 14:14) as apostles. Others of lesser status were also called apostles such as Epaphroditus (Philip. 2:25 and Andronicus and Junia (Rom. 16:7). There is no continuing official office of Apostle but there is the continuing of the gift of apostle that is primarily church planing or a pioneer missionary.
Healing. ÒTo another the gifts of healingÓ (1 Cor.
12:9). This gift is the
ability to heal physically, psychologically and spiritually. Literally, this says, Ògifts of
healings.Ó A person may have the
gift to be the instrument God uses to effect supernatural physical healing, or
he might have the natural gift of healing coupled with faith to be used in
healing the physical body through natural means. There may also be psychological, inner healing by
supernatural means or by the skills of a talented counselor with the gift of
faith.
Miracles. ÒTo another miraculous powersÓ (1 Cor.
12:10). This literally
says, Òthe workings of powers.Ó It
is in the plural so it may indicate different levels of miracles. This gift is the ability to release the
power of God in a unique and supernatural way. Christ and the Apostles did miracles such as putting back a
cut off ear, shaking buildings, walking on water, raising people from the dead,
etc. (2 Cor. 12:12). There are men
and women today who claim to have this gift as there have been those who
claimed to have it in the past, but they do not seem to meet the biblical
criteria. At the highest level, I
do not believe there are gifted Christians who are doing miracles with the same
intensity as those of Christ and the Apostles. However, if miracles imply the ability to cast out demons as
some claim, then I believe that this gift is most certainly in the church today.
Prophecy. ÒTo another prophecyÓ (1 Cor. 12:10). This is the ability to speak the
mind of God whether that is by preaching the Bible or telling something which
God has spontaneously brought to mind.
Tongues. ÒTo another speaking in different kids of
tonguesÓ (1 Cor. 12:10). This
is the ability to speak forth a language one has never learned and which he or
she does not understand. These
tongues could take the form of a literal foreign language as set forth in Acts
2 or an unintelligible verbal prayer language as set forth in 1 Corinthians 14.
Interpretation
of Tongues. ÒAnd
to still another the interpretation of tonguesÓ (1 Cor. 12:10). This is the ability to interpret a
foreign language one has never learned or to give an intelligible interpretation
of an unintelligible verbal utterance.
GENERAL STATEMENTS ABOUT GIFTS
Most gifts are sovereignly
bestowed by the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. ÒAll these are the work of one and the same
Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determinesÓ (1 Cor.
12:11). ÒBut in fact God has
arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to
beÓ (1 Cor. 12:18). However,
it may be that some gifts are given after salvation. ÒBut eagerly desire the greater giftsÓ (1 Cor. 12:31).
Every Christian has at least
one spiritual gift. ÒEach
one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others . . .Ó (1 Pet.
4:10). There is no such
thing as a true Christian without a spiritual gift.
The Christian probably has more than one gift. The Apostle Paul had the gifts of apostle, evangelist, teacher and tongues (I1 Tim. 1:11; 4:5; 1 Cor. 14:18).
Gifts
differ in value to the body but all are important. ÒAnd in the church God has appointed first of all apostles,
second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having
gifts of administration and those speaking in different kinds of tonguesÓ (1
Cor. 12:18). ÒHe who prophesies is
greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church
may be edifiedÓ (1 Cor. 14:5).
Notice that tongues is put at the end of the list. Tongues may be the least important gift.
Gifts
probably differ in degree as seen through general observation from
experience. One person may be more
effective than another when both may have the same gift and are filled with the
Spirit. Paul was a more effective
evangelist than Timothy or Titus but all were evangelists.
Spiritual
gifts are to always be used in love or they will divide the body of
Christ. ÒIf I speak in the tongues of men
and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging
cymbal. If I have the gift of
prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith
that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothingÓ (1 Cor. 13:1-2). Those with extra-ordinary gifts
often think of themselves as more spiritual than those who do not have these
gifts (1 Cor. 14:36-38).
APPLICATION OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO LIFE
However small the gift or
insignificant the place, every Christian is essential to the body of Christ (1
Cor. 12:22). Every believer has a
place in the body of Christ that no other Christian can fill. Each person is unique to the body of
Christ. There is a divine purpose in the life of every Christian and spiritual
gifts are in keeping with that purpose.
Every
Christian has a ministry to fulfill for which he has been equipped by God and
for which God holds him responsible.
It is sin not to know oneÕs gift and be using it for the glory of God.
Spiritual
gifts are only effective for eternity when one is controlled by the Spirit of
God. Great gifts do not make great
Christians. One may use a gift in
the flesh but in so doing, no glory will be brought to God. One must be yielded to the Spirit for
the gift to be fully operative.
The
members of the body of Christ are dependent upon the Head, Christ, for
leadership and upon each other for cooperation.
When
a believer is not using his gift for the glory of god, then the whole body
suffers. If the church is lame and
sick today, it may be because the members are not exercising their gifts. ÒIf one part suffers, every part suffers
with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with itÓ (1 Cor. 12:26).
HOW TO DISCOVER SPIRITUAL
GIFTS
Do you have a desire for a
particular gift? It would seem
strange for God to impart a gift and then give no desire for it. A person may have a gift and a desire
but be afraid to try something new or be frightened of people. Failure is no shame. Failure may simply show that you do not
have the gift in an area and then you seek to find what your gift is.
Others
will recognize this gift in you.
While you may feel insecure or awkward in a gift, others will recognize
your potential. You may not even
be aware that you have a gift, but others will bring it to your attention.
Others
will be blessed by the use of your gift.
You may feel as though you are inadequate in some gifting, but others
will declare spiritual blessing when you use your gift.
There
will be fruit in the particular area of your gift. Those who claim certain gifts will see fruit and get
definite results from their gifts as they use them in the body of Christ.
DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Although gifts are
supernaturally bestowed, they must be developed. ÒBut eagerly desire the greater giftsÓ (1 Cor. 12:31). ÒI long to see you so that I may impart
to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--that you and I may be mutually
encouraged by each otherÕs faithÓ (Rom. 1:11). ÒFor this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of
God, which is in you through the laying on of my handsÓ (2 Tim. 1:6).
An individual may be
ambitious to exercise certain gifts but this ambition can only be fulfilled by
study and hard work. If you are called
to be a teacher or a pastor-teacher, you will have to give many hours to study
of GodÕs Word.
Never measure your gift by your fruit now. Fruitfulness comes with the gradual development of your gift. Set out to find your gifts and then though patience and perseverance seek to put them to work in the LordÕs service, preferably in the local church.
SPIRITUAL
GIFTS AND THE MINISTRY (Eph. 4:7, 11-16)
A more literal translation
from the original Greek of Ephesians 4:11,12 is:
ÒAnd he (Christ) gave some apostles; and
some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastor-teachers for the
equipping of the saints (Christians) unto the work of ministry (the unsaved),
unto the building up of the body of Christ (the saved).Ó
The
average Christian today thinks that the clergy is to do the work of the
ministry and his job is to pay the clergy to do it. But the Bible teaches that the saints (Christians) are to do
the work of the ministry. A
failure to see that the role of the clergy is to train the saints to do the work
of the ministry has resulted in untold damage to the Christian Church. The concept of ministering saints must
be driven home again and again to Christians until they understand that God has
placed upon them the responsibility of the ministry.
Gifted Men to the Church (Eph. 4:7,11).
Spiritual
gifts have been given by GodÕs grace to every Christian. The subject of Ephesians 4:11-16 is
about spiritual gifts.
Christ
has given gifted men to the church – apostles, prophets, evangelists and
pastor-teachers. Some believe that
ÒapostlesÓ and ÒprophetsÓ are used in a special sense (technical) and refer to
the first century gifts of the Apostles and Prophets that are not now operate
in the church. However, others
take ÒapostlesÓ and ÒprophetsÓ in a more general sense (non-technical) and
refer to the gifts of church planter and missionary. These would train those who feel called to plant churches
and encourage the body.
The
gift of evangelist is a special gift of reaching the lost and bringing them
into the body of Christ, the church.
The evangelist probably has the responsibility of training the saints to
be evangelistic. The pastor-teacher
has the duty of caring for and instructing the flock from the Bible.
Gifted Men Are to Equip the Saints (Eph. 4:12a)
The
gifted men (clergy) are to equip the saints. The word ÒequipÓ can be translated complete or perfect. The task of the gifted men is to equip
or train the saints to do the work of the ministry. The word ÒforÓ in the Greek is the word pros, and in context, speaks of the immediate or near goal that is
to be attained; that is, the equipping of the saints.
Saints
can only be equipped as they are grounded in the Word of God, encouraged to put
this knowledge to work in their experience, and shown how to use their gift for
the glory of God. This training
involves not only teaching but also showing them how to do the work of the ministry
with their particular gift.
The Saints Are to Reach the Lost (Eph. 4:12).
Saints
are to be trained Òunto the work of the ministry.Ó The ÒministryÓ most likely refers to reaching the lost for Jesus
Christ. This word ÒministryÓ is
used in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19:
ÒAll
this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry
of reconciliation. We are
therefore ChristÕs ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through
us. We implore you on ChristÕs
behalf: Be reconciled to God.Ó
Obviously, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 is referring to reaching the lost with the message of reconciliation. The word ÒministryÓ is the same word as that in Ephesians 4:11-12, and seems to be referring to reaching the lost for Christ.
The
ÒuntoÓ is the Greek word heis, which in context refers to the far
or distant goal; that is, saints reaching the lost with the gospel. The world will never be reached for
Christ until the saints do it. No
local church will ever be truly evangelistic until the saints become personally
involved in reaching the lost for Jesus Christ.
The Saints Are to Build the Church (Eph. 4:12c)
Saints
are to be trained Òunto the building up the body of Christ.Ó It is the Christians who are to do most
of the building up of the body of Christ, not the clergy. ÒTherefore encourage one another and build
each other up, just as in fact you are doingÓ (1 Thess. 5:11).
The pastor is not to do all
the visitation, calling on the sick, instruction, administration, etc. It must be done by the saints or no
local church will function properly.
The Process of Gifted Men Training the Saints for
the Ministry Produces Maturity (Eph. 4:13-16)
This
process is to continue until all Christians exercise unity in the Faith,
demonstrate a full knowledge of Christ and reach ultimate maturity,
experiencing the fullness of Jesus Christ. This process will go on until the Second Advent of Christ
(4:13).
This maturing process is to keep the Christian from doctrinal instability and false teaching (4:14). It is also to develop the Christian in love, so the believer may learn to speak the truth in love (4:15-16).