By Tyson Thorne

July 13, 2017
 
 

When the phrase “spiritual gifts” is mentioned most Christians respond I one of two ways, either an uneasy “isn’t that for charismatics?” remark or an “I’m all about them and pray in tongues every day!” Both reveal a misunderstanding of what spiritual gifts are, their purpose, and our responsibility to them. Possibly the most shocking aspect of spiritual gifts (to all but the Pentecostal communities, that is) is that they are intended to be used frequently. Like reading the Bible and prayer, Spiritual Gifts are a spiritual discipline for every believer. What that looks like may surprise even the most charismatic.

First, a review of the fundamentals:

  • Spiritual gifts are given to the body (1 Corinthians 12) and are therefore only given to believers in Jesus Christ.
  • Spiritual gifts are distributed by Christ (Ephesians 4.11). This gives holy importance to the most menial service.
  • Spiritual gifts are distributed by the Holy Spirit at will (1 Corinthians 12.11, .18).

Second, a Biblically-based definition of spiritual gifts: a spiritual gift is a God-given ability to serve the body of Christ wherever and however He directs.

When are the gifts given? Some at conversion (obviously we cannot receive gifts from entities we have no association with), others as we have need. The important thing to remember is that all believers have at least one spiritual gift (1 Peter 4. 10), but no believer has all the gifts. If a believer could posses all the gifts, he would not have any need of the body of Christ, for he would be eye and hand and foot etc. Further, the body metaphor would be meaningless.

While it is important to discover one’s spiritual gift through serving the body, there is one more aspect to the gift and the service we have not yet discussed: how it is to be exercised. Our gift, exercised as a service, is to be done out of love. As we grow in love for one another, we never miss an opportunity to serve each other. By serving we learn what gifts God has already given us, and we leave ourselves open to God’s enabling us with another gift. Why does God give good gifts to his children? Because he loves us. Why do we exercise our gifts in service to each other? Because we love God and each other. And what is the greatest gift ever given to mankind? Love. Immediately following Paul’s lengthiest discussion of gifts, he concludes, “Let me show you a more excellent way.” That most excellent way, far more excellent than any gift he discussed before, is the way of love.

Not to beat a dead horse, but this is one more reason why the church is so important. Those whose attendance is less than regular (or non-existent) miss out on this miraculous connection to their Creator. There are few things more exciting in the Christian life than seeing God use you to make a difference in another person’s life. To experience his providential hand guiding you from one divine appointment to another, spreading God’s love, power and grace.

 
 
Learn Biblical Hebrew Online

Translate

English French German Italian Portuguese Russian Spanish

GET IN TOUCH

Info@Think-Biblically.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/620829378050965/

@Think-Bibically

How to setup an RSS of Windows Reader Service