Bible Articles, page 2

 

SPIRITUAL GIFTS 

 By David L. Antion

The "Love Chapter" of the Bible, 1st Corinthians 13, is really introduced with the last verse of chapter 12 which reads, "But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way." It can also be translated, "You desire the best or greatest gifts. But let me show you the very best!" Then begins the "Love Chapter" which lists several spiritual gifts but states that without love they are useless or unprofitable. Chapter 13 mentions gifts like tongues, knowledge, faith, and martyrdom.

A HISTORY In the Old Testament there is a history of God’s Spirit giving extraordinary powers to people. Samson received extra power through the Spirit of God "And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him…" (Judges 146). He then was given the strength to kill a lion with his bare hands. And again "And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them" (1419).

God filled people who were to make the garments of Aaron the priest with the "spirit of wisdom" (Ex. 283).

Samson wasn't the only one. Saul prophesied by the Spirit (1Sam. 1010). There were prophets such as Ezekiel and Micah (Ezek. 13; Micah 38). Jesus seemed to indicate what God’s Spirit was giving Him the power to do in Luke 418-19.

NEW TESTAMENT WORDS Thus we see a history of God’s Spirit empowering His servants and giving them powers above the normal human ones. In the New Testament, when Paul wrote to the Corinthians he acknowledged their spiritual gifts, "so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift (ca,risma charisma), as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ" ( 1Cor. 17 RSV). This church virtually had all the spiritual gifts. Charisma means a "gift in grace." It refers to gifts freely given by God’s grace unearned. They include faith, wisdom, knowledge, etc.

The other main Greek word that is translated "spiritual gifts" is used in 1 Cor. 121. It is pneumatikw/j pneumatikos and means literally, "the spirituals." We will now take a look at the main passages which deal with the spiritual gifts.

THE LIST In Romans 12 Paul explains that the church is like a human body. All members are part of the body but all members do not have the same function. In verse 6 he writes, "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them if prophecy, in proportion to our faith." Paul is saying that we have gifts but they are different. In Romans 12 he mentions seven gifts 1)prophecy (inspired preaching or utterance), 2) service, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leadership, 7) mercy. In first Corinthians chapter 12, Paul mentions eleven more spiritual gifts in addition to those in Romans 1) wisdom, 2) knowledge, 3) faith, 4) healing, 5) miracles, 6) discerning of spirits, 7) tongues, 8) interpretation of tongues, 9) Apostle, 10) helps, 11) administration.

Ephesians 4 tells us that other gifts were given "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers" (v. 11 RSV). Here we have 3 in addition to those already mentioned1) evangelists, 2) pastors and 3) teachers.

The PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS is given in 1Cor. 127 and in 1Pet. 410 which state respectively "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (NAS); "As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

We are told that God gives these gifts for service and edification (Eph. 412; 1Cor. 1211, 28; Rom. 126). The gifts come from God through the Holy Spirit and they are called "gifts in grace" (charismata) because they cannot be earned or bought.

SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT REGARDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS Some churches do not believe that any spiritual gifts are extant today. Others believe that some gifts remain today and that the miraculous gifts ended with the birth of the Church. They feel that the "sign gifts" are no longer needed.

A third position holds that all the gifts are still with us but that only the church hierarchy may dispatch or dispense them and that they are dispensed according to the church’s corporate wisdom (Matt. 1618-19).

Others believe that all Christians have all the gifts and that circumstances determine which gifts to use. They believe that at baptism each person receives all the spiritual gifts.

Another school of thought says that all gifts are just as needed and valid as they were in the times of the Apostles. This school holds that there is widespread ignorance of these gifts and that Paul addressed this issue in his writings (1Cor. 121; 1Thess. 519).

THE PITFALLS There are pitfalls when Christians consider spiritual gifts.

1) There is the tendency to exalt over gifts. Paul had to deal with this in 1Cor. 12-14. Some thought they were better because they had the gift of tongues. Can you imagine how exalted one would feel with a gift of healing today?

2) "Everyone can do it" syndrome. That is, a person may have a gift but they act as though "everyone should be able to do like I do." They really don't recognize they even have a gift.

3) Some use their gift to excuse themselves from other Christian duties. "I have the gift of wisdom, I can't be bothered serving others.

WHAT SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE NOT In order to better understand what spiritual gifts are we need to understand what they are not

1) They are not acquired skills though a person which a gift may also acquire skills to enhance it.

2) They are not natural talents though I believe gifts are often given in line with natural talents.

3) Gifts are not roles. We all have to fulfill roles as Christians. We are to be lights to the world. We all must witness to our faith in Christ. We all have to give to support the church and to support evangelism and outreach. We all must pray. But there are people who have a spiritual gift for giving, for evangelism and for intercessory prayers.

4) Gifts are not offices designated by church organizations. Every church organization designates offices. These may or may not have anything to do with the spiritual gifts in Eph. 411.

5) Spiritual gifts are not the "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 522-23). All Christians must show the fruit of the Spirit in their Christian lives. But spiritual gifts are a special manifestation of the Spirit given for the common good.

6) Spiritual gifts are not "agape" the love of God. But no gift is effective without agape (1 Cor. 13).

7) Spiritual gifts are not for self gain. They are for service to others and edification of the Church (the great Body of Christ).

8) Spiritual gifts are not divisive. Some groups have splintered because of claims, uses, denials, and buses of spiritual gifts. In fact the Corinthian church had to many divisions in it and was rebuked by Paul for its many divisions.

9) Spiritual gifts are not the same for everyone. Paul makes that plain in Romans and 1 Corinthians 12. We are not all an eye, or an ear, or a hand, or a foot. If we were all an eye, where would be the hearing, Paul argued.

10) Spiritual gifts are not even the same mix in every congregation.

In order to understand what spiritual gifts are, it is also helpful to understand what they are not. We have already stated they were not roles, acquired skills, natural talents or church offices.

Technically they are not to be acquainted with the "fruit of the Spirit." However, it is doubtful that one can have spiritual gifts without bearing fruit of the spirit (Gal. 522-23). Without the fruit of the spirit no spiritual gift would be effective.

Technically, a spiritual gift is not "agape." Paul makes it plain that agape and spiritual gifts are different when he states that without "agape" (love) a spiritual gift is essentially useless. Agape can be used for love in other instances as well as for the "love of God." Almost always when it talks about God’s love the Greek manuscripts use "agape."

Spiritual gifts are not for self gain. They are not divisive. Some groups have split because of claims, uses, or denials of spiritual gifts. Furthermore, spiritual gifts are not the same for every one. People often have a gift mix rather than just one gift. Neither are the gifts in the same mix for every congregation.

And lastly, spiritual gifts are not satanic counterfeits. Satan can performs signs and wonders but these are not really spiritual gifts (Matt. 2424).

WHAT SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE They are extraordinary abilities that God gives to build up the Body of Christ, or a local congregation, for a service to its members and through its members and to the world.

1) They are unmerited blessings (gifts in grace) from God.

2) They are forms of service or ministries.

There are prerequisites

1) You must be converted and have the Holy Spirit to have spiritual gifts. (1Cor. 214).

2) You must believe in spiritual gifts.

3) You must be willing to work to understand and discover them.

4) You must pray that God will help you to identify yours.

We might classify the gifts like this

1) Speaking Gifts such as exhortation (Rom. 128), word of wisdom and knowledge (1Cor. 128), tongues, prophecy (1Cor. 1210), teaching (1Cor. 1228).

2) Serving Gifts such as administration, helps, leadership, giving, mercy and service.

3) Sign Gifts such as healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, miracles, and discernment of spirits.

FOUR STEPS

1) Explore the possibilities begin thinking about gifts, read the passages.

2) Experiment with as many gifts as you can. Look for needs.

3) Examine your feelings. You may come up with this thought "This is really what I’d like to do for God more than anything else."

4) Pray and ask God to give you understanding.

We now want to elaborate on each of the spiritual gifts. We will start with what Paul said he preferred. He placed "prophecy" forthtelling not necessarily foretellingabove tongues.

The gift of prophecy has been defined by one scholar as " the extraordinary ability to link biblical truths and God’s will for today’s living and to be an instrument for revealing or interpreting historic or current messages from God for righteous and just living in today’s world."

A person with the gift of prophecy is usually articulate, s/he can identify motives, character and contrast righteousness with unrighteousness, justice with injustice. The gift of prophecy reaches the inner hearts of people and can bring about repentance and change. Passages relating to this gift are Acts 214-36 where Peter speaks forth. Acts 1128; 1532 2110-12; 219-11. There are others such as Rom. 126d; 1Cor. 1210; 143, 6, 24-28; Eph. 31-6.

The gift of pastor can be defined as "the extraordinary ability to carry varieties of spiritual, physical, and social concerns for groups and individuals and to persist over long periods of time and circumstances with effective caring." The Greek word is "poimen" and is translated in the KJV as "shepherd" and "pastor." It means someone who oversees, manages, cares for, assembles together, and feeds those who committed themselves to the poimen’s charge. Passages related to this gift are Matt. 2812-14; John 101-30; Acts 2028; 1Tim. 31-7; 1 Pet. 52-4; Eph. 411-14.

There is the gift of teaching (Gk. "didaskalia"). It means to "teach, to instruct, to clarify, to elucidate, to illuminate, to simplify, and to illustrate. This gift seems to underlie other gifts such as pastor or prophecy. For, if one cannot teach, it appears that prophecy or pastor would be ineffective. In fact, every elder must be "able to teach" (1Tim. 32). The passages referring to this gift are Acts 131; 1824-28; 2020-21; 1Cor. 1228; 1Tim. 27; 2Tim. 111; James 31; Eph. 411.

Another is the gift of wisdom (Gk.- "sophia"). This is defined as the super ability to make concrete, practical applications of knowledge to specific and concrete situations that call on God’s favor. A person with this gift is able to apply God’s truth to present situations. That person would be able to ask practical questions and use the information to make wise, proper and godly decisions.. While God gives wisdom to everyone who asks (James 15), the gift of wisdom is a super ability. See Acts 63, 10; 710; 1Cor. 118-27; 318-19; 1218; Col. 128; 316; 2 Pet. 315.

Solomon had that ability to the point people were astounded at this insights and practical applications of knowledge to a specific situation. Perhaps his most famous case was that of the two harlots who became mothers. One laid on her child accidentally during the night and it died. She then stole the other woman’s child and place the dead child in the bed with her. They came before Solomon each claiming the living child. Knowing how much a mother cares for her baby Solomon was able to use that knowledge to find out who the real mother was (1Kings 316-27).

We continue with a description of the spiritual gifts. And we now come to The Gift of Knowledge. The Greek word is "gnosis" from which an early heretical sect got its name -- Gnostics. They believed that all one had to do was to acquire knowledge and nothing else really mattered.

But the "word of knowledge" is to "know the timeless truths and facts relating to God’s will and the mission of the church." No doubt Paul had this gift as he committed to Timothy the great treasure of the truth of the gospel (2Tim.1:13-14). Paul said he would rather speak with knowledge than with tongues (1Cor. 14:6). And while every Christian has some general knowledge from the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 2:12-16) the person gifted with knowledge has an insatiable need to know and study. See also Rom. 11:33; 1Cor. 12:8, 2Cor. 11:6; Eph. 3:19; Col. 2:3).

Next we will review the Gift of Exhortation. There was a man whose name meant "son of encouragement" and who gave money to the early church. He then became an apostle and worked with Paul His name? Barnabas! See Acts 4:31-37; Acts 9:26-28.

Barnabas was put in charge of the Antioch church but went to fetch Paul. Evidently, he felt Paul’s gifts could help strengthen the church (Acts 11:22-29). He wasn’t worried about his position. He could have had the head title all to himself but he felt Paul could bring special edification to that congregation.

The Greek word for exhortation is "parakaleo" which means to "call along side." It has to do with companionship, being with and for another, guiding, encouraging, strengthening, consoling, motivating, begging, and comforting. It is related to the word for "Comforter" which is used of the Holy Spirit.

When Barnabas wanted to take John Mark on their second journey, Paul refused because Mark had left them at Pamphylia on the first journey. But the "son of encouragement" insisted to the point he was willing to take Mark even if it mean going on a separate journey (Acts 15:36-41). Later Paul came to realize that Mark had changed and acknowledged that he was profitable (2Tim 4:11).See also Rom. 12:8; 1Thes. 2:11; 1Tim. 4:13; Heb. 10:25.

There is a gift called Discerning of spirits (1Cor. 12:10). The word "discerning" comes from the Greek "diakrisis" which means to discriminate, separate, judge, estimate, dispute or oppose. It is the super ability to "differentiate between good and evil, right and wrong, what is of God, human nature, or evil, and to use this knowledge for the protection and health of the body of Christ." While every Christian has some ability to discern the spiritual truths of God not all have the ability to discern the spirits and attitudes of those around them accurately and beneficially. See also the following passages: Matt. 7:6; Acts 5:1-11; 8:22-23; 1Cor. 12:10; 2Pet. 2:1-3; 1John 4:1-6.

There is a gift called Giving (Rom. 12:8). While everyone is to give, there are persons who have an ability beyond normal to do so. They delight in the sheer act of giving. The Greek word for giving is "metadidomi" and it means "to turn over, to give, share, transfer, deliver from one’s substance to the needs of another."

We see this when we read of the widow who gave her all. Jesus made this statement, ""Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had" ( Luke 21:2; Mark 12:41-44).

We might say that those who have the gift of giving give to the point that it appears unreasonable. But they do so for the sheer joy of doing so. The widow referred to above gave all that she had to live on. One would not expect anyone to give to a church or temple everything they had. That’s unreasonable. But she did and Jesus noticed and commented on it.

We see what the Macedonian church did when it came to contributing to the saints in Jerusalem. Paul stated that they went beyond their means (2Cor. 8:1-7). Again we see that people who have the gift of giving do so beyond what would be considered reasonable to others. This giving brings them joy and they often are blessed with more to give. It seems that they are never left without.

Those with the gift of giving do so without any motive for self-exaltation. They often give anonymously See also Acts 20:35; 1Kings 17:8-16.

There is a gift called Helps (1Cor. 12:28). This gift can be defined as the super ability and eagerness "to aid or assist others in need to such an extent that the helper receives as much joy as the person helped." There is a reciprocity between the one helped and the one helping. People with this gift feel compelled to give from their skills, talents and energy to help others who have need. They delight in the relationship that comes from giving that help.

The Bible speaks of the gift of Evangelist (Eph. 4:11; 2 Tim..4:3-5). An person with this gift has the super ability to present the truth of the gospel so that it moves others to accept that truth and become disciples of Christ. This person would be well versed in the understanding of God’s Word and His plan. That person would have extraordinary ability to make those truths plain and clear to whatever audience there was. The would necessitate understanding a particular audience’s objections, culture, difficulties, sins.

There is also the gift of Faith (1Cor. 12:9). This may be defined as the extra ability to extend one’s basic or saving faith to serve the Body of Christ and individuals in their needs related to the life and service of the Church. See Mark 9:23; Acts 11:22-24. While every one has to have, some people have extraordinary amounts as a result of a spiritual gift.

 

As we continue to describe the spiritual gifts, we come to the gift of Administration (KJV= governments). The Greek word is "kubernesis" which is translated "administration" in the more modern translations. This word describes the captain or helmsman of a ship. It has to do with a directional and managerial service or ministry. Persons with this gift have the "extra ability to organize and coordinate people and materials effectively to attain objectives and goals." The noun form of this Greek word is used in Acts 2711 and in Revelation 1817 where it refers to the captain or master of the ship. It is referring to the steering master. That person is likely to count the cost before beginning a project and to have it sufficiently organized to see it through. See Luke 1428-30.

Healings is another gift of the Spirit which is defined as the "extra ability to cure or be cured of ill conditions that hinder the effective ministries in the Body of Christ or individuals." This gift is mentioned in 1Cor. 129, 28. The Greek word is "iama" translated in the KJV "healing" three times. It is "a means of healing, remedy, medicine, or a healing." It means to make whole or cure. This is more than just physical healing of disease and may refer to a much broader healing of the mind, spirit, and inner person. See also Luke 619.

There are other Greek words translated "heal" as well. One of them is the same word that is translated "save." But these are not the words used regarding the spiritual gift.

There is the gift of Tongues and its corresponding gift of the Interpretation of Tongues (1Cor. 1210). We know that there are "tongues of men and of angels." Reading 1Cor. 14 carefully we see that a person may pray in a tongue but s/he cannot even interpret what they are saying (v. 13). It, therefore, appears that these "tongues" were more than just the ability to speak in a foreign language. Nevertheless, Paul forbid speaking in tongues in church unless there was an interpreter and all such speaking had to be done in an orderly manner so that there be no confusion (1Cor. 1433).

There is the gift of Intercessory Prayer which can be defined as the "extra ability to know when, how and for what and for whom to pray and their prayer achieves effective results." While all of us pray, there are people who have a special gift to intercede on behalf of others. They labor in prayers (Col. 412-13). They pray, not for themselves, but for the benefit and blessings to others (Col. 19-12). They write down and remember to pray for others who are having trouble and sorrows. Their prayer is effectual (James 516). They do it without looking for any credit for themselves but on behalf and for the benefit of others.

We know there is a gift of Martyrdom as described by Paul when he wrote, "and though I give my body to be burned and have not charity, it profits me nothing (1Cor 133). While all Christians must stand ready to suffer and even die for their belief in Christ, there are some that can do it in a way that becomes a witness to the minds and hearts of others. Stephen was such a person. He was able to say, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." And when he had said this, he fell asleep (died)" (Acts 754-60). Saul was consenting to his death. But Saul (who later become Paul) probably never got that image of Stephen out of his mind. It haunted him as he wrote these words, "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God" (1Cor. 159).

I can hear his words now. In the Kingdom when they are resurrected, I can hear Paul saying, "I feel so badly about having consented to your death. But I could never get that picture out of my mind. I had never seen or heard anyone be martyred with such grace and with such an impact on us all. I have thought about you thousands of time, especially after my conversion. I know you know I did it in ignorance."

We now come to our next spiritual gift which is Service. We might define this as the extra ability "to identify unmet needs in a task related to God’s work and to make use of available resources to meet them." Another definition would be "the extra ability to place importance on any deed or service that aids the church or individuals without concern for rank, recognition or popularity." See Romans 127 and Acts 61-4.

Service differs from "Helps" or "Mercy" in that it is task oriented. The Greek word for "service" is "diakonia" which is often translated "ministry." It is the word from which we derive our English word "deacon." People who have this gift often have many abilities which they can use to satisfy unmet needs. They see what needs to be done and they pitch in and do it. They often are not in the limelight and don't necessarily seek it.

Another spiritual gift is that of Spirit Music. It is the "extra ability to create or perform music to inspire others to worship and to service to the glory of Christ and the Father." We read, "What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also" (1 Corinthians 1415). These are people who love God and are deeply converted, who, when they sing, impart their love of God and the worship of Him to others.

Craftsmanship is not mentioned in the New Testament. But it is in the Old Testament. "Bezalel and Oholiab and every able man in whom the LORD has put ability and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded. And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning" (Ex. 361-3). See also Exodus 3520-35.

Another gift stated plainly is the gift of Miracles. This gift would include the "super ability God gives to certain members of the Body to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to perform powerful acts that are perceived by observers to have altered the ordinary course of nature." We see this gift in 1 Cor. 1210, 28. The words used here are "working ("energema" = energy) of miracles" (Grk =dunamis = power). This is the word from which we get dynamite.

Paul wrote, "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power" (Eph. 37) The words in bold here are the same words in the Greek as working of miracles." They are, "energema autos dunamis." The energy of power or the "working of miracles."

A person does not have to struggle hard to know whether s/he has the gift of miracles. This one is plain and abundant. It is so obvious when it alters the ordinary course of nature that one does not have to be in doubt about some one who has it. Presently, I haven't seen this gift much in the Body of Christ.

As with tall gifts, they are to be used to edify the Body of Christ and individual members. As Peter wrote, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 410). A more modern translation reads this way "Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received" (New Revised Standard Version).

May God help you to discover your own spiritual gifts and to employ them in the service of the great Church and individual members.

    -- David L. Antion