Spiritual Gifts Lesson 1 Why Study Spiritual Gifts?

“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.” (Eric Liddell, ‘Chyariots of Fire,” 1981

WHY ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS IMPORTANT? Personal Experience Personal Observation According to the Scriptures...

1)The Bible teaches that we should not be ignorant of spiritual gifts. With regard to spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed (1 Corinthians 12:1, NET).

2)Spiritual Gifts are important because God’s work cannot be done in our own strength. 6 Therefore he told me, “These signify the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength and not by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord who rules over all (Zechariah 4:6).

3 For though we live as human beings, we do not wage war according to human standards, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments 5 and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

3)Spiritual gifts are important because our understanding and practice of spiritual gifts is crucial to the way we function as a church.

3)Spiritual gifts are essential to the unity of the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts require and facilitate unity. Both in Corinth and today, gifts often divide.

5)Spiritual gifts have been given to us as a stewardship, for which we will give account. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God (1 Peter 4:10, NET; see also 1 Corinthians 4:1-7; Ephesians 3:1- 10).

6)The ultimate goal of spiritual gifts is the glory of God. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:10-11, NET).

Ministry to others who are weak, and thus need to be served (see Acts 4:36-37; 9:26-28; 11:19-26). Ministry toward those who are weak in their ability to serve (Acts 4:36-37; 11:27-30). Ministry to those who have similar gifts, but which are not yet recognized or well developed (2 Timothy 2:2). 7)Spiritual gifts are divinely provided strengths which enable us to minister God’s strength to weaknesses.

8)Knowing our gifts should guide us in many of life’s choices. –Education –Career –Ministry opportunities

Conclusion Understanding and exercising your spiritual gift(s): Enables you to “feel God’s pleasure,” -- to experience fulfillment rather than frustration Is good stewardship Helps you discern God’s will Produces supernatural fruit Benefits the whole church Glorifies God

A Challenge Keep an open mind. Don’t let this subject be a cause for division. Read all the relevant texts several times each week. Purpose to learn what God has empowered you to do, and to do it. Purpose to make whatever changes are needed to accomplish these things.

Spiritual Gift Texts Romans 12: Corinthians Ephesians 4: Peter 4:7-11 Romans 1:8-12 Ephesians 3: Corinthians 1:4-9; 4:1-7; 7:6-7 1 Timothy 4: Timothy 1:6-7 Hebrews 2:1-4 Copyright © 2007 by Community Bible Chapel, 418 E. Main Street, Richardson, TX This is the edited PowerPoint Presentation in the Spiritual Gifts series prepared by Bob Deffinbaugh for September 2, Anyone is at liberty to use this presentation for educational purposes only, with or without credit. The Chapel believes the material presented herein to be true to the teaching of Scripture, and desires to further, not restrict, its potential use as an aid in the study of God’s Word. The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Community Bible Chapel.