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"The entrance of Thy
words gives Light; It gives understanding to the simple. " Psalm 119:130.
To help those who are following the Lord Jesus Christ to grow from
faith to faith and strength to strength. The meat of the Word for healthy
growth. Here are the truths presented to you to think deeply and meditate
eagerly and to practice regularly, to bear fruit and glorify the Lord.
Amen!
Check on the right side column for the subjects
you like to read.
Spiritual Gifts
Introduction
Distinguishing the Terms:
Natural Talents: are inherited abilities and interests received
at birth.
Spiritual life is not necessary for their development.
e.g.The early people with talents in Genesiss 4:20-22. singing, music, sportsmanship, etc.
Spiritual Gift: Is a supernatural
gift f grace which is measured and given out by God to each true Christian
as a stewardship for serving the Church of Jesus Christ.
Each gift is in the form of a specific spirirtual ability for service.
It is a distinct, special present from the Holy Spirit. The effective
service depends upon the proper understanding and use of the spiritual
gifts.
The inner motivation, the degree (level) and quality of effectiveness
will be different with spiritual gifts compared to the naural talents.
When a person is born again (2Cor.5:17) he becomes Spirit-controlled (1Cor.6:19),
and all that he does-his atttitudes & actions-the spiritual fruit like
love, joy, peace, etc- irrespective of his temperament, abilities or spiritual
gifts are the demonstration of the spirit-controlled life.
e.g. 1Thess. 5:11- to comfort & edify.
Gal. 5:13- to serve one another.
Heb.10:25- exhorting.
2Cor.9:7-giving to the Lord.
2Cor.5:7- walking by faith.
1John 4:1- to discern/prove the spirits.
These foregoing ministries are meant for all and all true Christians have
the privilege to practice them.
The Terms for the Spiritual Gifts:
In the Eph. 4:7- we find the Greek: "dooron" used to
describe the "gift". Here Paul uses the word "gift"
to describe the measure of God's grace needed to transform an ordinary
man into a prophet of God. This speaks of something far greater than a
gift (charisma) of the Spirit like the gift of prophecy. The gift of a
prophet requires a "big grace".
In 1Cor.12:1, we find the word "pneumatika" (pneuma
means breath or spirit).
-The emphasis here being on the inner spiritual motivation that comes
with the gift.
In Romans 12:6, we see another word. "charismata" (charis
means grace).
-The emphasis here is on God's grace in outward display. It is God who
provides both the inner motivation for and the outward expression of a
person's spiritual gift.
Here is something important we need to understand before we actually
study the details of the gifts.
Before the day of Pentecost in the N.T., God's Spirit indwelt God-fearing
believers only in certain instances. Usually, He was "upon" them ( Numbers
11:17), and "among" them (Haggai 2:5). Also, He did "enter" mightily.
Gen. 41:38; Ex. 31:3,6; Num. 11:256,26; 27:18-27; Deut. 34:9; Dan. 4:8b,18.
In the New Testament Church, all the believers are indwelt by the
Spirit, and all are gifted for service. Here are some observations:
-because of the Holy Spirit we call God 'Father', and belong to Him.
(Rom.8).
- We call Jesus as Lord by the Holy Spirit (1cor.12:3).
-At the spiritual rebirth- when we are born again- the Holy PSirit enters
a person's life, by faith (Gal. 3:2; 1Cor.6:19).
-The believers are exhorted to be filled by the Spirit often- i.e. to
come under His control. Eph. 5: 18.
* The Ignorance of Gifts:
The Corinthians lacked no gift: 1Cor.1:7. They needed only insight into
how to use them.
Today's popular objections:
Q1. Spiritual Gifts no longer needed now for we have a complete
N.T. 1Cor. 13:10.
Ans: The spritual gifts were never given to substitute the word
of God.
The early church excercised gifts and referred to the Scriptures for doctrinal
authority. Acts 2:16; 15:15.
Paul taught that gifts were subject to judgement: 1Cor. 14: 29-32.
(If we say that the early church was (or had) imperfect due to gifts
& due to lack of complete Bible, then we are building on that which
is imperfect? Eph. 2:20-22.
Q2. Spiritual gifts are no longer needed now we are mature/established:
eph. 4:11-16; 1Cor. 3:1-3.
Ans: Is the church mature? (Eph. 5: 26-27). Is being washed and
cleansed.
Q3. Over emphasis of gifts is dangerous because of Satanic counterfeit.
Ans: Do we stop marriage because the divorce rate is increasing?
1Cor. 12:3; Lk. 11:13; Heb.11:6).
Continued to List
of Gifts
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