This is the transcript of Part 1 of a Two Part Sermon Series on Spiritual Gifts delivered at The Church of Divine Guidance, Los Angeles, CA where I am the Associate Pastor. You will be able to listen to the audio recording of the sermon by clicking on the YouTube image at the end of the transcript.
Last Sunday we looked at some general information about spiritual gifts. We know that every Ephesians 4:7 (NKJV) But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
We know that the gifts although often beneficial in our life outside the church, were given by the Holy Spirit to be used in the church.
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
The Holy Spirit decides who gets what gift or combination of gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:11 (NKJV) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Spiritual gifts are not the same as the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Spiritual fruit is produced from within; spiritual gifts are received from without. Fruit relates to Christlike character; gifts relate to Christian service.
Spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents. Unlike the natural abilities which everyone has from birth, spiritual gifts belong exclusively to believers in Christ. In some cases, the gifts of the Spirit coincide with natural talents, but they go beyond these natural abilities by adding a supernatural quality. Both are given by God, and should be developed and used according to their purpose for the glory of God.
Gifts are God's spiritual equipment for effective service and edification of the body.
They are not given so that the person who has it can feel superior but for the profit and edification of the Body of Christ.
No gift is more important than another. We read the example of that in 1 Corinthians 12:14-26. We’re not going to read it today because we don’t have time but you should read it again. It’s the passage that explains that just as no one part of the natural body is indispensable for operation as God created it so the church doesn’t operate as God intends for it to work unless all the parts, in this case, all of us work together. Even in the case that one part doesn’t function as God intended it another part on the body compensates for it.
And finally, The person with the gift is only the instrument of glory and not the receiver of the glory.
Now let’s look at the gifts themselves, and talk about them so you can start to look at yourself, identify your gift or gifts, and then start using them here at CDG or wherever you attend in church. As we read the lists I want you to really notice the reasons for the gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
The Holy Spirit decides who gets what gift or combination of gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:11 (NKJV) But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Spiritual gifts are not the same as the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Spiritual fruit is produced from within; spiritual gifts are received from without. Fruit relates to Christlike character; gifts relate to Christian service.
Spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents. Unlike the natural abilities which everyone has from birth, spiritual gifts belong exclusively to believers in Christ. In some cases, the gifts of the Spirit coincide with natural talents, but they go beyond these natural abilities by adding a supernatural quality. Both are given by God, and should be developed and used according to their purpose for the glory of God.
Gifts are God's spiritual equipment for effective service and edification of the body.
They are not given so that the person who has it can feel superior but for the profit and edification of the Body of Christ.
No gift is more important than another. We read the example of that in 1 Corinthians 12:14-26. We’re not going to read it today because we don’t have time but you should read it again. It’s the passage that explains that just as no one part of the natural body is indispensable for operation as God created it so the church doesn’t operate as God intends for it to work unless all the parts, in this case, all of us work together. Even in the case that one part doesn’t function as God intended it another part on the body compensates for it.
And finally, The person with the gift is only the instrument of glory and not the receiver of the glory.
Now let’s look at the gifts themselves, and talk about them so you can start to look at yourself, identify your gift or gifts, and then start using them here at CDG or wherever you attend in church. As we read the lists I want you to really notice the reasons for the gifts.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Romans 12:6-8 (NKJV)6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NKJV)7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
The Gifts
Most Bible scholars classify these gifts into three categories: ministry gifts, manifestation gifts, and motivational gifts.
MINISTRY GIFTS
These are the offices that I mentioned last week. I told you that all Christians are called to a ministry, but not all are called to an office. The key word here is called (that means a calling from God. Those called, to an office, will have one or more of the gifts associated with the call.
It is possible to have an office and not have the spiritual gift or be spiritually equipped for the office. Let me quickly explain often offices are humanly recognized and appointed by denominations, or individual congregations and sometimes by the individuals themselves, so people who do the appointing should be led by the Holy Spirit and should include people who have some of the other gifts I’m going to talk about.
The ministry gifts, or equipping gifts, as defined by some, serve to reveal the plan of God. They are characteristic of a full-time office or calling, rather than a gift that can function in and through any believer
Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher
APOSTLE
Apostle literally means "one sent forth". A true apostle is a minister sent by God to accomplish a specific work. Apostles are sent forth to establish and build up groups of believers in all areas of the believer's lives. Apostles become Fathers to their ministries.
• Characteristics: The apostolic gift includes the ability to do whatever is necessary to accomplish what God has sent the apostle to do. Apostles also minister in the other four ministry gifts; Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher. Apostles attract leaders in a supernatural way with strong gifts of pastoring, teaching, evangelism, and prophecy. They may remain as heads of ministries they have founded or they may move on leaving the leadership to others.
The legacy of an apostle is his works. They see the overall ministry and are burdened for the churches and the people under their care. They know supernaturally when a part of their work needs help or when a minister under them is suffering. Apostles have big hearts. Often apostles are looked up to beyond their local church and they may find themselves connected with others, ministering to a group, association, or denomination.
• Cautions: Apostles need to surround themselves with strong leaders who can balance their opinions and strengthen their ministries. Apostles need to remember that most under their care do not have the same spiritual passion and their expectations of others can be very high. For those who see this gift primarily as church planting, they may have the potential of always looking outside their own church and not developing the ministry of their own local church before handing it off to others.
• Cautions: Apostles need to surround themselves with strong leaders who can balance their opinions and strengthen their ministries. Apostles need to remember that most under their care do not have the same spiritual passion and their expectations of others can be very high. For those who see this gift primarily as church planting, they may have the potential of always looking outside their own church and not developing the ministry of their own local church before handing it off to others.
• Scripture Example: Paul's Missionary Journeys - Paul planted churches all over the Gentile world you can see by his letters to several of the churches and to his sons in the gospel Timothy and Titus.
PROPHET
The prophet has the divine enablement to proclaim God's truth with power and clarity in a timely and culturally sensitive fashion for correction, repentance, or edification.
• Characteristics: The focus is on correcting behavior and applying biblical truth to culturally sensitive issues. These people identify and try to correct deception and sin. They often seem blunt and opinionated. Generally they can cause one to be uncomfortable. The results of this gift cause strengthening, correction, encouragement, and ultimately comfort. It helps if the person using this gift has built up a credible reputation.
• Cautions: These people can lack compassion and may not keep love, unity, and the building up of others as their goal. This leads to discouragement and disharmony. A person with the gift of mercy helps to balance the prophet.
• Scripture Example: Agabus (Acts 11:27-28, 21:10-11)
Acts 11:27-28 (HCSB)27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the time of Claudius.
Acts 21:10-11 (HCSB)10 While we were staying there many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.11 He came to us, took Paul’s belt, tied his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into Gentile hands.’”
Then you have all of the prophets in the Old Testament, who God spoke through to the nation of Israel denouncing their sin and telling them what was going to happen if they didn’t repent. They also prophesied about the coming Messiah who would take away the sin of the world.
EVANGELIST
The divine enablement to effectively communicate the message of Christ to unbelievers who respond in faith and discipleship.
• Characteristics: This term literal means "messenger of good news". They have a strong desire to communicate the message of salvation to a lost world. A person with this gift often looks and prays for opportunities to work Christ into the conversation. They are regularly "harvesting" lost souls for the kingdom. An evangelist isn't concerned with imparting deep spiritual truths as the teacher is, but they are motivated to help people understand and respond to the basic biblical messages, that all have sinned and need a Savior and that Savior is Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit flows out of them in a way that convicts people of their sins. Evangelists are active individuals motivating others to act. They are exciting to be around, they like quick results, big crowds, fast change and are constantly moving.
• Cautions: The evangelist has the tendency to project his gift upon all other Christians and he can see witnessing as the means of measure for everyone's spirituality and godliness. Although we are all called upon to witness, the evangelist may see God call upon him more often and more dynamically. However, he may also lose sight of the other purposes of the church and see "soul saving" as the end of spiritual growth instead of the beginning of a life with Christ. Often he may lead people to Christ and then abandon them. Nowhere in Scripture does an evangelist lead a church. They need to be free to be mobile and somewhat independent, going where God tells them, when He tells them, and not tied down to a leadership positions.
• Scripture Example: Philip (Acts 8:26-40)
Acts 8:26-40 (HCSB)26 An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: “Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is the desert road.)27 So he got up and went. There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch and high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to worship in Jerusalem 28 and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud.29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.”30 When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.32 Now the Scripture passage he was reading was this: He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb is silent before its shearer, so He does not open His mouth.33 In His humiliation justice was denied Him. Who will describe His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.34 The eunuch replied to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or another person?”35 So Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning from that Scripture.36 As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water! What would keep me from being baptized?” [37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”]38 Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer. But he went on his way rejoicing.40 Philip appeared in Azotus, and he was traveling and evangelizing all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
PASTOR
The divine enablement to lead, care for, and nurture individuals or groups in the Body as they grow in their faith.
• Characteristics: This is one who guides, protects, and nurture's God's sheep. They provide oversight and feel the responsibility for individuals in their sphere. They teach and help others grow by serving as role models of faith and patience through hard times and mistakes. Their purpose is to disciple others in their personal, emotional, and spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit guided words that come out of the hearts and mouths of pastors make their listeners able to relax, come together, and feel secure in the Body of Christ. They are excellent at one on one development over long periods of time.
• Cautions: They may have the potential of taking on too much responsibility for the development of others, not leaving the Holy Spirit as the agent of change. The fact that they are good at one on one may be a liability when the care of large groups and large ministries is what is really needed. They also may devote too much time to trying to "save" the black sheep at the expense of the others. Pastors are not necessarily good leaders. Most leaders are apostles, prophets, or teachers, NOT pastors.
• Scripture Example: John (John 1,2,3) These chapters of John show Jesus in the role of a pastor.
TEACHER
The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the Word of God to the lives of listeners. The Teacher explains what the Prophet proclaims.
• Characteristics: The teacher is a good communicator. This person has a thirst for knowledge and loves to learn. He is generally self-disciplined and usually prefers to teach groups, more than one on one. Gifted teachers do not just teach Bible knowledge and doctrine, but when they explain God's truth, people are set free of sin, natural limitations, depression, fear, anxiety, and the anointing breaks bonds off the listeners. A naturally gifted teacher may be able to explain to people why they sin and what the Bible has to say about the sin, but a teacher who is spiritually gifted releases the Holy Spirit's power through the gift to set the other person free.
• Cautions: The teacher may struggle to keep things simple because he is too detailed, not wanting to miss anything. He can be too profound, theological, and even esoteric. This can result in a sense of superiority and the teacher becomes unteachable. He can also get frustrated when others don't get it and can't keep up his pace for knowledge and insight. Teachers are often good communicators and lousy listeners.
• Scripture Example: Timothy and others (2 Timothy 2:1-2)
2 Timothy 2:1-2 (HCSB)1 You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Manifestation Gifts
The manifestation gifts serve to reveal the power of God. These gifts are supernatural or spiritual in nature. They can be further subdivided into three groups: utterance, power, and revelation.
Utterance - These gifts say something: Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues
PROPHECY
Forth telling not fortune telling. Prophecy is speaking the word of God that he gives you for edification not not fortune telling. I talked about and characteristics when I talked about the office of the Prophet. Remember you don’t have to have the office to have the spiritual gift.
TONGUES
The divine enablement to speak in unknown tongues, or languages for the edification of those who hear.
• Characteristics: In private times of worship a person may speak prayerfully in a language that they may not have learned. Out of the depths of personal praise one may express unintelligible utterances to God. It edifies and inspires one to love God more and serve the body of Christ. On occasion this gift may show itself in corporate worship where others are then commanded to interpret, and I’ll talk about in a few minutes.
• Cautions: This gift cannot be projected on all believers. Scripture states that it is the least of the gifts. If there is no interpretation then the one with the gift must keep silent in the church. In the early days of the church when there was no official Bible, tongues and interpretation was used to reveal God's word to the people. Today, since we now have the Bible there is no new revelation and any message of tongues and interpretation must be weighed against Scripture as to its truth and validity.
• Characteristics: In private times of worship a person may speak prayerfully in a language that they may not have learned. Out of the depths of personal praise one may express unintelligible utterances to God. It edifies and inspires one to love God more and serve the body of Christ. On occasion this gift may show itself in corporate worship where others are then commanded to interpret, and I’ll talk about in a few minutes.
• Cautions: This gift cannot be projected on all believers. Scripture states that it is the least of the gifts. If there is no interpretation then the one with the gift must keep silent in the church. In the early days of the church when there was no official Bible, tongues and interpretation was used to reveal God's word to the people. Today, since we now have the Bible there is no new revelation and any message of tongues and interpretation must be weighed against Scripture as to its truth and validity.
• Scripture Example: Paul (1 Corinthians 14:18)
1 Corinthians 14:18-19 (HCSB)18 I thank God that I speak in ⌊other⌋ languages more than all of you;19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than 10,000 words in ⌊another⌋ language.
1 Corinthians 14:18-19 (HCSB)18 I thank God that I speak in ⌊other⌋ languages more than all of you;19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than 10,000 words in ⌊another⌋ language.
INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES
The divine enablement to make known to the Body the message of one who is speaking in tongues (see Tongues).
• Characteristics: The person with this gift has the ability to interpret a message which is given in tongues to a local assembly. The point of the interpretation is to edify the body and bring glory to God. Often these people have the gift of tongues as well as interpretation.
• Cautions: These people can have a fear that what they are saying is not valid or authentic. They may be overly cautious to use their gift. They also need some sound biblical knowledge to know when, where, and how the Spirit may lead them to exercise this gift. It takes lots of unique experiences to develop this gift and often in the early stages of using it, pride and arrogance are the biggest pitfalls. Interpreters can wrongly assume they have some special relationship with God that is not shared by others.
• Scripture Example: Believers in Corinth
1 Corinthians 14:18-19 (HCSB)18 I thank God that I speak in ⌊other⌋ languages more than all of you;19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than 10,000 words in ⌊another⌋ language.
Power - These gifts do something: Faith, Healing, Miracles
FAITH
The divine awareness to see the Lord's will and act on it with an unwavering belief in God's ability.
• Characteristics: These people have an easier time trusting God for the miraculous. Their faith becomes a catalyst for others whose faith may be wavering. They pray often and easily, even in the face of adversity and act as a calming influence on others during troubled times. They are more acutely aware of God's presence and to call upon the readiness of His power. Their faith is centered only in God regardless of obstacles or the surrounding environment.
• Cautions: There may be a tendency to "claim" things for God without seeking His will. There can also be an awkwardness having faith in God to do something in any circumstance, and yet trying not to predetermine God's will in a given situation.
• Scripture Example: Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-12)
Hebrews 11:8-12 (HCSB)8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went out to a place he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he was going.9 By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise.10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.11 By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful.12 Therefore from one man—in fact, from one as good as dead—came offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as innumerable as the grains of sand by the seashore.
HEALING
The divine enablement to be God's channel to restore people to health.
• Characteristics: People with this gift have an ability to allow the Holy Spirit to work through their prayers and encouragement to bring about physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual healings. The use of this gift is always to bring glory to God and authenticate the message of the gospel of salvation. This does not necessarily mean the laying on of hands.
• Cautions: This could easily be seen as a special power that the individual wields. There is no magic formula or strategy which brings about healing. Healing comes from God. The focus of the gospel and salvation through Jesus Christ could be relegated to a back seat with the misuse of this gift.
• Scripture Example: Peter and John (Acts 3:6-10)
Acts 3:6-10, 12-13, 16 (HCSB)6 But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”7 Then, taking him by the right hand he raised him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong.8 So he jumped up, stood, and started to walk, and he entered the temple complex with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.9 All the people saw him walking and praising God,10 and they recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg at the Beautiful Gate of the temple complex. So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him. 12 When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness?13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. 16 By faith in His name, His name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Him has given him this perfect health in front of all of you.
Please be aware that the person with this gift is God's channel. God heals that person does not heal. Please be aware of that.
• Scripture Example: Peter and John (Acts 3:6-10)
Acts 3:6-10, 12-13, 16 (HCSB)6 But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”7 Then, taking him by the right hand he raised him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong.8 So he jumped up, stood, and started to walk, and he entered the temple complex with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.9 All the people saw him walking and praising God,10 and they recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg at the Beautiful Gate of the temple complex. So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him. 12 When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness?13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. 16 By faith in His name, His name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Him has given him this perfect health in front of all of you.
Please be aware that the person with this gift is God's channel. God heals that person does not heal. Please be aware of that.
MIRACLES
The divine enablement to affect powerful acts which authenticate the message of Christ and glorify God.
• Characteristics: This gift may be closely associated with the gift of faith. The working of miracles, like healing, is often more commonly seen in cultures where the ties to a "scientific world view'' are not so strong (our scientific views may be a barrier to faith). Someone with this gift may see God perform profound, supernatural acts which authentic the message of the gospel. Thus, it becomes a tool for evangelism in pagan cultures which do not know Christ.
• Cautions: Like healing, this gift can be seen as an end in itself. Those blessed with this gift need to use extreme caution so as not to fall into the rut of thinking they are the ones who have the ability or power to perform a supernatural act. On the other extreme, they need to have strong faith that God can and will move.
• Scripture Example: Philip (Acts 8:6-7,13)
Acts 8:6-8 (HCSB)6 The crowds paid attention with one mind to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the signs he was performing.7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.
We could classify healings and miracles as signs and wonder can’t we? To a certain extent also tongues and interpretations. Let’s look at why signs and wonders were and are important.
In much the same way Jesus’ miracles were to validate his person and message. The signs and wonders followed to validate the new leadership for the Church. Signs and wonders were to follow those who believe, not the believer following after the signs.
In much the same way Jesus’ miracles were to validate his person and message. The signs and wonders followed to validate the new leadership for the Church. Signs and wonders were to follow those who believe, not the believer following after the signs.
Acts 14:3 (HCSB) So they stayed there for some time and spoke boldly in reliance on the Lord, who testified to the message of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be performed through them.
The focus was to build people up in the message or Word, not looking for the power to do miracles.
Mark 16:20 (HCSB) And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the accompanying signs.
Signs and wonders, miracles are not for the Christians who already believe, they accompanied the Gospel and were done in the presence of the unbelievers to have them believe in the message.
Revelation - These gifts reveal something: Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits
The focus was to build people up in the message or Word, not looking for the power to do miracles.
Mark 16:20 (HCSB) And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the accompanying signs.
Signs and wonders, miracles are not for the Christians who already believe, they accompanied the Gospel and were done in the presence of the unbelievers to have them believe in the message.
Revelation - These gifts reveal something: Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits
WORD OF WISDOM
The divine enablement to apply knowledge and insight in accordance with God's purposes for someone's life.
• Characteristics: These people are readily sought for advice and counsel in spiritual matters. They can anticipate consequences and implications of a person's actions and make practical applications of biblical truth. In the midst of conflict they can see simple solutions and have a high degree of common sense. The person with this gift knows how to fix problems and meet challenges.
• Cautions: They may not see their gift as spiritual and thus rely too heavily on their own abilities to solve issues rather than resort to prayer and seeking God's will. They also need to enhance their abilities by increasing in knowledge, specifically, God's word.
• Scripture Example: Solomon (1 Kings 4:29-31); Steven (Acts 6:10)
1 Kings 4:29-30 (HCSB)29 God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding as ⌊vast⌋ as the sand on the seashore.30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt.
Acts 6:10 (HCSB) But they were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking.
WORD OF KNOWLEDGE
It should be noted that the actual term is a word or a message of knowledge. There are a couple of possibilities for this gift. This could mean that it is information divinely given that one could not otherwise know.
John 4:16-18 (HCSB)16 “Go call your husband,” He told her, “and come back here.”17 “I don’t have a husband,” she answered. “You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband,’” Jesus said.18 “For you’ve had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.”
Or it might be the divine enablement to accumulate and analyze information for the expression of God's truth. Or, a word given after careful thought and consideration.
• Characteristics: This person may have a flash of insight into the needs and hurts of another person's life in order to bring about a change or correction in that person's life. Another aspect of this gift denotes a special ability to gain insight into God's word after careful and critical examination. This insight is then used to teach and edify the body of Christ, both individually and collectively. People with this gift have a deep understanding of God, His word, and His purposes.
• Cautions: This person can become too absorbed with collecting facts and lose sight of the purpose of "giving the word, or message of knowledge". Many of the same cautions that exist with the teacher (esoteric, too detailed, too profound, etc.) exist with this gift. In fact, this gift is often closely associated with the gift of teaching.
• Scripture Example: Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)
Acts 18:24-28 (HCSB)24 A Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was powerful in ⌊the use of⌋ the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught the things about Jesus accurately, although he knew only John’s baptism.26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained the way of God to him more accurately.27 When he wanted to cross over to Achaia, the brothers wrote to the disciples urging them to welcome him. After he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.
• Characteristics: This person may have a flash of insight into the needs and hurts of another person's life in order to bring about a change or correction in that person's life. Another aspect of this gift denotes a special ability to gain insight into God's word after careful and critical examination. This insight is then used to teach and edify the body of Christ, both individually and collectively. People with this gift have a deep understanding of God, His word, and His purposes.
• Cautions: This person can become too absorbed with collecting facts and lose sight of the purpose of "giving the word, or message of knowledge". Many of the same cautions that exist with the teacher (esoteric, too detailed, too profound, etc.) exist with this gift. In fact, this gift is often closely associated with the gift of teaching.
• Scripture Example: Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)
Acts 18:24-28 (HCSB)24 A Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was powerful in ⌊the use of⌋ the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught the things about Jesus accurately, although he knew only John’s baptism.26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained the way of God to him more accurately.27 When he wanted to cross over to Achaia, the brothers wrote to the disciples urging them to welcome him. After he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.
DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
The divine ability to sense the presence of spiritual forces and distinguish between truth and error.
• Characteristics: These people have a keen sense of what is right and what is wrong "spiritually speaking". They are able to distinguish truth from error in a divine fashion which was especially crucial in the early church when the Bible was not readily available to all, thus there was no way to measure the claims of the teacher or prophet. These people have a keen sense of spiritual intuition and may be called upon often by the Holy Spirit for there is an element in which those with this gift can more easily identify the spiritual influence of the demonic on individuals or in the room.
• Cautions: They may rely way too much on "feeling" and not on scripture to decide truth from error. There is a potential to either relegate this gift to the back burner, or give it too much credibility in decision making. Usually it takes years of practice to develop this gift and often shy and introverted people have it but they are unwilling to tell their leaders of their experiences and impressions for fear of being mocked. This slows down their gift development.
• Scripture Example:
The divine ability to sense the presence of spiritual forces and distinguish between truth and error.
• Characteristics: These people have a keen sense of what is right and what is wrong "spiritually speaking". They are able to distinguish truth from error in a divine fashion which was especially crucial in the early church when the Bible was not readily available to all, thus there was no way to measure the claims of the teacher or prophet. These people have a keen sense of spiritual intuition and may be called upon often by the Holy Spirit for there is an element in which those with this gift can more easily identify the spiritual influence of the demonic on individuals or in the room.
• Cautions: They may rely way too much on "feeling" and not on scripture to decide truth from error. There is a potential to either relegate this gift to the back burner, or give it too much credibility in decision making. Usually it takes years of practice to develop this gift and often shy and introverted people have it but they are unwilling to tell their leaders of their experiences and impressions for fear of being mocked. This slows down their gift development.
• Scripture Example:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (HCSB)16 Rejoice always!17 Pray constantly.18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.19 Don’t stifle the Spirit.20 Don’t despise prophecies,21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good.22 Stay away from every kind of evil.
Nathan (2 Samuel 12); Peter (Acts 5:1-11)
Motivational Gifts
Nathan (2 Samuel 12); Peter (Acts 5:1-11)
Motivational Gifts
The motivational gifts serve to reveal the personality of God. These gifts are practical in nature. They describe the inner motivations of the Christian servant. Prophecy, Ministering/Serving/Helps, Teaching, Giving, Exhortation/Encouragement, Administration/Leadership, Mercy
We’ve already talked about prophecy and teaching.
MINISTERING/SERVING/HELPS
The Bible doesn't give us much detail or definition on this one. Service is most likely the divine enablement to attach spiritual value to the accomplishment of physical tasks within the Body of Christ. Also the special anointing by which one stands alongside and serves, in a very personal way, those leading the Church.
• Characteristics: These people are absolutely essential to the life of the church. They are the ones who flow to the obvious needs automatically. They don't need a lot recognition, just appreciation. They value serving the leaders because they see the value of serving in support of those up front. They are the ultimate team players of Christ's church.
• Cautions: They can devalue their contribution to the Lord's work, and they may not see their abilities as being a spiritual gift, given by the Holy Spirit. They too, can get frustrated doing their ministry and they may fall into the trap of saying "I just let My light shine for Jesus", when we are all called to speak up as His witnesses and ministers at some point and time.
• Scripture Example: Tabitha
Acts 9:36 (HCSB) In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. She was always doing good works and acts of charity.
GIVING
The Bible doesn't give us much detail or definition on this one. Service is most likely the divine enablement to attach spiritual value to the accomplishment of physical tasks within the Body of Christ. Also the special anointing by which one stands alongside and serves, in a very personal way, those leading the Church.
• Characteristics: These people are absolutely essential to the life of the church. They are the ones who flow to the obvious needs automatically. They don't need a lot recognition, just appreciation. They value serving the leaders because they see the value of serving in support of those up front. They are the ultimate team players of Christ's church.
• Cautions: They can devalue their contribution to the Lord's work, and they may not see their abilities as being a spiritual gift, given by the Holy Spirit. They too, can get frustrated doing their ministry and they may fall into the trap of saying "I just let My light shine for Jesus", when we are all called to speak up as His witnesses and ministers at some point and time.
• Scripture Example: Tabitha
Acts 9:36 (HCSB) In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. She was always doing good works and acts of charity.
GIVING
The divine enablement and ability to contribute money and material resources to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality.
• Characteristics: These people give generously, freely, and joyfully. They don't just give money, but they are free with all of their possessions. They are not always the "rich" among us but they are often given the talent for making money and increasing wealth even though they have no interest in possessions. They give above and beyond their normal tithe in order to support Christ's Church. They see themselves as caretakers and stewards of their resources and they usually prefer anonymity when they give.
• Cautions: They can think that giving should give them respect and a place of leadership in the church. They can make the error of replacing serving with giving. Another caution is that those with this gift can see themselves as the ultimate authority, deciding through their giving which ministries are worthy to fund and which will die of financial neglect, rather than leave those decisions to the Holy Spirit through God's appointed leaders, pastors, and ministers.
• Scripture Example: Early Believers
Acts 4:34-35 (HCSB)34 For there was not a needy person among them, because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed for each person’s basic needs.
EXHORTATION/ENCOURAGEMENT
The divine enablement to reassure, strengthen and affirm those around you.
• Characteristics: The term is derived from a Greek word whose literal meaning is "to come along side", same word as used about the Holy Spirit. The encourager regularly helps others to apply God's word to their lives in a productive fashion. They bring comfort to those who are going through difficult times, and they tend to be very positive and complimentary. They are expressive about God's will being attainable and their goal is to motivate, comfort, and challenge.
• Cautions: They need to guard against being a "yes man or woman" and they may not be good at confrontation when it is needed. Their optimism may not take into account when some issues need the "prophet's challenge" in order to be corrected.
• Scripture Example: Barnabus (Acts 4:36)
Acts 4:36 (HCSB) Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement,
ADMINISTRATION
The divine enablement to understand what makes an organization function, and the special ability to plan, execute, and achieve procedures that increase the church's organizational effectiveness. This gift is distinguished from regular administration in that its focus is to edify the church.
• Characteristics: The administrator loves to organize, strategize, and systematize things so as to make them run more smoothly, efficiently, and effectivly. They are experts at knowing how something works or functions. They are constant improvers of the system and can tell others how to get something done or get from point A to point B. They are great trouble shooters and anticipators of problems.
• Cautions: They can become so focused on the tasks, charts, and graphs that they lose sight of the people. They may be too "black and white" in their approach to issues and problems. They can tend to lack flexibility and depend on systems and strategies more than the Holy Spirit to get things done. They are detailed people who need the visionary leader to inspire them. In leadership, this gift needs to be supportive of apostles, prophets, and teachers.
• Scripture Example: Baruch
Jeremiah 36:4-8 (HCSB)4 So Jeremiah summoned Baruch son of Neriah. At Jeremiah’s dictation, Baruch wrote on a scroll all the words the LORD had spoken to Jeremiah.5 Then Jeremiah commanded Baruch, “I am restricted; I cannot enter the temple of the LORD,6 so you must go and read from the scroll—which you wrote at my dictation—the words of the LORD in the hearing of the people at the temple of the LORD on a day of fasting. You must also read them in the hearing of all the Judeans who are coming from their cities.7 Perhaps their petition will come before the LORD, and each one will turn from his evil way, for the anger and fury that the LORD has pronounced against this people are great.”8 So Baruch son of Neriah did everything Jeremiah the prophet had commanded him. At the LORD’s temple he read the LORD’s words from the scroll.
LEADERSHIP
The divine enablement to attract, lead, and motivate people to accomplish the work of ministry.
• Characteristics: These people are overseers and goal setters in the church. They are motivators of vision and direction. The good ones are team players and delegators who take the initiative when others do not make decisions. They are natural leaders who can point out the direction and course that others will follow. They dream big. Credibility and respect need to be built up before an individual can truly exercise this gift.
• Cautions: The leader can have the potential of becoming overconfident and perhaps demeaning of other gifts. They have the potential of losing sight of the individual and only seeing the "mass" or "the crowd". Leaders can often tell others where the church is going and where a ministry is heading, but they are poor at charting the course in showing others how to get there. They are often poor at details. Good leaders must surround themselves with people who have the gifts of administration and of helps.
• Scripture Example: Peter (Acts 1O: 1-23a)
MERCY
The divine enablement to minister cheerfully and appropriately to people who are suffering.
• Characteristics: People with this gift assume the needs of others. They often desire to remove the pain of others. They aren't merely sympathetic, but they take action to alleviate the suffering. They often find themselves focused around social issues and they develop ministries along those lines (i.e. the homeless, sick, those in prison, single mothers, the poor, etc.). They reflect the heart and compassion of God.
• Cautions: They have the potential of being rescuers. Some pain and suffering is allowed and used by God as a tool to teach and correct behavior. The person with the gift of mercy needs to be aware of when God does not want the pain immediately removed, and when rescuing someone actually may perpetuate the problems in that person's life.
• Scripture Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-35)
Gifts used without love do not accomplish God's intended purpose.
Paul was writing to the Corinthian church, who had all the spiritual gifts that God had given them for the edification of the body and each of them, because they were misusing them, they were abusing each other, they thought one gift was superior to another, they were puffed up with knowledge, so what did he say? And I leave you with this today seek the best gifts but seek even more the better thing which is love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NKJV)1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
I encourage each of you if you don't already know your spiritual gift to identify it because we need it to operate in the church for us to accomplish the task that God has for us here at The Church of Divine Guidance. Although I went through the gifts this was very quick. I can give you a spiritual gifts inventory that will help you identify your gift. It is quite long so I don't have a copy for each of you. If you would like it email me and I will send it to you. My email address is donald@cdgla.org. If you don't have email and would like a copy let me know and I will have one for you next week.
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