Today’s topic . . . SPIRITUAL GIFTS

What is a “spiritual gift”? An ability that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in love to build up the church.

Why Study This? Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. (1 Corinthians 12:1)

Holy Spirits? Spiritual gifts? How many . . . Holy Spirits? Spiritual gifts? Read 1 Cor. 12:4-6 and Eph. 4:4-5. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. One Spirit, many gifts.

One Body Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. (Romans 12:4-6a) God paints a beautiful picture of what His church should look like: one awesome body, with each person playing a valuable part. DIVERSITY + UNITY.

My Epiglottis Anyone here a doctor? Nurse? Remember anatomy from high school? Anyone know what an epiglottis is? When I was in high school, as a prank one of my friends turned in an essay under my name entitled My Epiglottis. It went on and on for several pages describing in excruciating (and quite humorous) detail my love for my epiglottis. My English teacher liked it better than anything I had ever actually written myself and even read parts of it out loud to the class. I have to admit that before that point, I had no idea what my epiglottis was. But I ended up with a new appreciation for that unobtrusive little flap of skin at the back of my throat. Basically, the epiglottis' job is to save our lives several times every single day by keeping food from going down our windpipe. So, what if my role in God's body is to be something unglamorous like an epiglottis? What I would rather be an eyeball? Or an ear? Or maybe a big toe? God answers that very question . . .

One Body If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts of the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. (1 Corinthians 12:17-20) Let’s repeat those last two words. Imagine a body with 2 heads (or 58). Or one with no kneecaps. Or no epiglottis (choke).

How do you figure out your part of the body? Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Romans 12:3) In other words, do some deep thinking, praying and talking to other Christians to help you see more clearly the special gifts and abilities God has given you.

What spiritual gifts are there? Several “lists” in Scripture. 1 Cor. 12:8-10, 12:28, Eph. 4:11, Rom. 12:6-8, 1 Pet. 4:11, 1 Cor. 7:7. Most theologians exclude “apostle” as unique to NT times. Some include marriage and celibacy as gifts (1 Cor. 7:7). Others include intercessory prayer, worship leading, etc.

“Speaking” Gifts Prophecy Evangelism Pastoring Teaching Knowledge Wisdom Encouraging Summary mostly drawn from Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Ephesians 4:11. Headings are somewhat useful but not 100% descriptive. More detail (including suggested definitions and scripture references) in handout.

“Service” Gifts Serving Giving Leadership Mercy Faith Helping Discernment of spirits Administration

“Sign” Gifts Miracles Healing Speaking in tongues Interpretation of tongues

Charismatics v. Cessationists Some (e.g., Calvin, MacArthur) say the “sign” gifts were unique to the Acts-period. Others say not so fast (e.g., Charismatics, Grudem).

How must gifts be used? for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7) in love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) to build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12) in a fitting and orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:40) Could someone please read 1 Cor. 12:7? Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. How about 1 Cor. 13:1-3? 1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing. Who here wants to be a resounding gong? 1 Cor. 14:12. 1 Cor. 14:40 (and 33a) (God is a God of peace, not disorder.)

The BIG PICTURE Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10) Don’t focus on the gifts for YOUR benefit. For the good of OTHERS (or they’re good for nothing). We are called to faithfully administer God’s grace in its various forms.

Questions Individual Reflection: Review the list of spiritual gifts in the handout with the Holy Spirit. Ask him to reveal the spiritual gift(s) with which you have been blessed. Group Discussion: Discuss your gift(s) and how you can use ‘em in love to build up the Body. PRAY! Talk to the HS. Talk to other believers. Talk to your pastor. Pray, pray, pray.

PRAYER