Transcript Spiritual Gifts - Victory-in

Spiritual Gifts
A look at God’s design for the
Christian
Victor “Skip” Hessel, Jr.
Calvary Bible College
Kansas City, Missouri
© 2008
What is a Spiritual Gift?
A Definition
Spiritual Gift – The extraordinary grace
given to believers by the Holy Spirit for the
edification of the body of Christ, the
church, and for the conviction and
conversion of believers according to the
sovereign will of God.
Every Believer Has a Gift
“But one and the same Spirit works all these
things, distributing to each one individually
just as He wills.” (1 Cor. 12:11)
“What is the outcome then, brethren?
When you assemble . . .
let all things be done for
edification.” (1 Cor. 14:26)
Where are Spiritual Gifts found in
the Bible?
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1 Corinthians 12 &14
Romans 12
Ephesians 4
1 Peter 4
And many other shorter passages
1 Corinthians
• The church at Corinth was in turmoil, and
Paul wrote this letter in response to
specific questions the church sent to him.
– Issues of wisdom
– Sexual practice
– Pagan sacrifices
– Behavior in the church (11-14)
– Resurrection of the body
Your behaviors?
Paul Understood ‘Sharing’
• Romans 1:11-12 “For I long to see you in
order that I may impart some spiritual gift
to you, that you may be established; that
is, that I may be encouraged together with
you while among you, each of us by the
other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
The basis for Spiritual gifts is that
we edify and exhort each other
(the body of Christ).
Good Stewardship of Spiritual Gifts
• Know that Spiritual Gift(s) are of great
practical value and benefit to the believer.
• The Christian cannot ignore his/her
Spiritual Gift(s).
– Find your place in ministry
– Determine your priorities
– Understand God’s will for you
Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
• Not primarily given to benefit the
individual, but the entire body.
• Given to carry out every essential
function of the body.
Talent or Gift?
• Ps. 139 – God fashioned us & gave talents
• Spiritual gifts are separate from talents &
abilities.
• Spiritual gifts often complement talents &
abilities.
• Spiritual gifts (like talents) are developed
further by their use.
Some Errors to Avoid
• Confusing Spiritual Gifts with spirituality
• “That’s NOT my gift” is an unreasonable
excuse from doing what is needed.
• Knowledge is NOT so important that we
neglect service.
• Spiritual gifts DO NOT have to be
spectacular.
How Can I Discover My Gift?
• Understand that God has
given you gift(s).
• What are the gifts?
• Obey the Scripture
• Devote yourself
The Greatest Danger is:
DON’T LET YOUR GIFT GO TO YOUR
HEAD!
Complete the Survey
5 – Highly Characteristic of me
4 – Most of the time this would describe me
3 – Frequently like me, about 50% of time
2 – Occasionally true of me, 25% of time
1 – Not at all like me/definitely untrue of me
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Skip's Spiritual Gifts
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Leadership
• Leadership aids the body by leading and
directing members to accomplish goals
and purposes of the church. Leadership
motivates people to work together in
unity toward common goals.
Rom. 12:8 “he who leads, with diligence”
Administration
• Persons with the gift of administration lead
the body by steering others to remain on
task. Administration enables the body to
organize according to God-given
purposes and long-term goals.
1 Cor. 12:28 “administrations”
Teaching
• Teaching is instructing members in the
truths and doctrines of God’s Word for
the purposes of building up, unifying, and
maturing the body
1 Cor. 12:28 “teachers”
Rom. 12:7 “or he who teaches, in his teaching”
Eph. 4:11 “and some as pastors and teachers”
Knowledge
• The gift of knowledge manifests itself in
teaching and training in discipleship. It is
the God-given ability to learn, know, and
explain the truths of God’s Word.
1 Cor. 12:8 “to another the message of knowledge”
Wisdom
• Wisdom is the gift that discerns the work
of the Holy Spirit in the body and
applies God’s teachings and actions to
the needs of the body of Christ.
1 Cor. 12:8 “through the Spirit the message of wisdom”
Prophecy
• The gift of prophecy is proclaiming the
Word of God boldly. This builds up the
body and leads to conviction of sin.
Prophecy manifests itself in preaching
and teaching.
1 Cor. 12:10 “to another prophecy”
Rom. 12:6 “If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him
use it in proportion to his faith.”
God’s
Word is
truth!!
Discernment
• Discernment aids the body by recognizing the
true intentions of those within or related to
the body. Discernment tests the message and
actions of others for the protection and wellbeing of the body.
1 Cor. 12:10 “to another discerning of spirits”
Exhortation
• Possessors of this gift encourage
members to be involved in and
enthusiastic about the work of the
Lord. Members with this gift are good
counselors and motivate others to service.
Exhortation exhibits itself in preaching,
teaching, and ministry.
Rom. 12:8 “or he who exhorts, in his exhortation”
Shepherding
• The gift of shepherding is manifested in
persons who look out for the spiritual
welfare of others. Although pastors, like
shepherds, do care for members of the
church, this gift is not limited to a pastor or
staff member.
Eph. 4:11 “and some as pastors”
Faith
• Faith trusts God to work beyond the
human capabilities of the people.
Believers with this gift encourage others to
trust in God in the face of apparently
insurmountable odds.
1 Cor. 12:9 “to another faith by the same Spirit”
Evangelism
• God gifts his church with evangelists to
lead others to Christ effectively and
enthusiastically. This builds up the body
by adding new members to its fellowship.
Eph. 4:11 “and some as evangelists”
Apostleship
• The church sends apostles from the body
to plant churches or be missionaries.
Apostles motivate the body to look beyond
its walls in order to carry out the Great
Commission.
1 Cor. 12:28 “And God has appointed in the
church, first apostles” (also Eph. 4:11)
Service/Helps
• Those with the gift of service/helps
recognize practical needs in the body
and joyfully give assistance to meeting
those needs. Christians with this gift do
not mind working behind the scenes.
Rom. 12:7 “if service, in his serving” (also 1 Cor. 12:28)
Mercy
• Cheerful acts of compassion
characterize those with the gift of mercy.
Persons with this gift aid the body by
empathizing with hurting members. They
keep the body healthy and unified by
keeping others aware of the needs within
the church.
Rom. 12:8 “he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness”
Giving
• Members with the gift of giving give freely
and joyfully to the work and mission of
the body. Cheerfulness and liberality are
characteristics of individuals with this gift.
Rom. 12:8 “he who gives, with liberality”
Hospitality
• Those with this gift have the ability to
make visitors, guests, and strangers
feel at ease. They often use their home to
entertain guests. Persons with this gift
integrate new members into the body.
1 Pet. 4:9 “Be hospitable to one another without
complaint.”
To the Work!