Sunday Leftovers (2/21/10)

A short Q & A about spiritual gifts —

1.  What do we mean with the term “spiritual gifts?”

Spiritual gifts can be defined this way:  “Spiritual gifts are received from God and His unmerited grace — and they are diversely and sovereignly given to believers at the moment of salvation by the Holy Spirit for the special ability of serving God and others.”

Thus, spiritual gifts are to be distinguished from natural gifts or abilities.  These gifts are an evidence of the working of the Holy Spirit that can only be explained by His presence.

Additionally, these gifts should be distinguished from the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  Spiritual fruit is fundamentally a variety of attitudes that are the result of the working of the Holy Spirit in each believer and this fruit should be evident in the life of every believer.  Conversely, the gifts are primarily abilities that are bestowed on believers in various combinations and degrees that are for the benefit of others.

2.  What are the spiritual gifts?

Scripture (Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4; 1 Pt. 4) identifies 18 different spiritual gifts.  It is likely that these gifts are not a complete list, but a representative list (there are likely other gifts bestowed by the Spirit that are not clearly mentioned in Scripture):

• prophecy
• service/helping
• teaching
• exhortation
• giving
• administration
• showing mercy
• apostleship
• evangelism
• pastor-teacher
• wisdom
• knowledge
• faith
• healings
• miracles
• discernment of spirits
• tongues
• interpretation

3.  What are the implications for spiritual gifts, both in this passage and elsewhere?

• Because they are gifts, we have not part in determining them (and they should not be sought).
• Because they are given in grace they should produce gratitude in us.
• Because they are given according to Christ’s measure (determination), there will be differing levels of “competency” and effectiveness in the use of the gifts — a difference which was decreed and purposed by Christ, so there should be no jealousy.
• Because they are God’s gifts, they are eminently worthy and useful.
• Because they are God’s gifts, they should be used — they are God’s provision for church’s needs.

And perhaps most significantly, when believers do not exercise their gifts toward one another, the functioning of the body of Christ is hindered, and ultimately, the unity of the body is left unpreserved and protected.