2. Definition of Spiritual Gifts Spiritual gifts* are God’s gracious enablement to help the people of God, as individuals, in various, unique ways to do the work of God, both in the world and in the church, more effectively than they could on their own. *pneumatika [gifts] that come from the Spirit *charismata [gifts] that result from God’s grace TIP Every good and perfect gift comes from God. This session, however, focuses only on what the Bible calls spiritual gifts.

3. Categories of Spiritual Gifts in the Bible 9 “Supernatural Gifts” 1 Corinthians 12:4-119 “Supernatural Gifts” 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 7 “Motivational Gifts” Romans 12:6-87 “Motivational Gifts” Romans 12:6-8 4 or 5 “Equipping Gifts” Ephesians 4:11 (7-16)4 or 5 “Equipping Gifts” Ephesians 4:11 (7-16)TIP There are 3 categories of gifts identified by these Greek terms as spiritual gifts (and several other miscellaneous uses).

4. COMPARE Though each category is unique, all spiritual gifts share several things in common. Features Common to all Spiritual Gifts Each gift is a unique way God’s grace enables an individual.Each gift is a unique way God’s grace enables an individual. No gift is for boasting.No gift is for boasting. None for the benefit of the recipient, but for the common good.None for the benefit of the recipient, but for the common good. All are to be operated with love.All are to be operated with love. God’s Spirit equips both genders in every category of gifts.God’s Spirit equips both genders in every category of gifts.

5. The 9 Supernatural Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) Spontaneous Spontaneous supernatural endowments given by God given by God to meet need as the occasion arises. to meet need as the occasion arises.

6. The 9 Supernatural Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) An Instance of Wisdom, v. 8An Instance of Wisdom, v. 8 An Instance of Knowledge, v. 8An Instance of Knowledge, v. 8 Faith, v. 9Faith, v. 9 Gifts of Healings [that Result], v. 9Gifts of Healings [that Result], v. 9 Workings of Miracles [that Result], v. 10Workings of Miracles [that Result], v. 10 Prophecy, v. 10Prophecy, v. 10 Discerning/Distinguishing of Spirits, v. 10Discerning/Distinguishing of Spirits, v. 10 Various Kinds of Tongues/Languages, v. 10Various Kinds of Tongues/Languages, v. 10 Interpretation of Tongues/Languages, v. 10Interpretation of Tongues/Languages, v. 10

7. The 7 Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:1, 6-8) Like personality traits, inherent at birth, heightened after new birth, these motivations are graciously given by God that we might serve Him with great joy.

8. The 7 Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:1, 6-8) Prophesying (Prophecy)Prophesying (Prophecy) Serving (Serving, Helps)Serving (Serving, Helps) TeachingTeaching Encouraging (Exhortation)Encouraging (Exhortation) Giving (Contributing)Giving (Contributing) Leading (Leadership, Administration)Leading (Leadership, Administration) [Showing] Mercy (Compassion)[Showing] Mercy (Compassion)

9. The 4 or 5 Equipping Gifts (Ephesians 4:11-13) These gifts are people whose place in ministry helps the church, by preparing the congregation for service, and edifying, unifying, and maturing the body of Christ.

10. The 4 or 5 Equipping Gifts (Ephesians 4:11-13) ApostlesApostles ProphetsProphets EvangelistsEvangelists PastorsPastors TeachersTeachers

11. Are spiritual gifts restricted by gender? Supernatural Gifts?Supernatural Gifts? Motivational Gifts?Motivational Gifts? Equipping Gifts?Equipping Gifts?NO! NT theology, NT examples, and those throughout history and today disprove it!

12. But doesn’t the Bible restrict women’s authority and leadership in ministry? These texts refer to specific, local problems. They do not prohibit women’s spiritual leadership or authority. authority. What about 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 &1 Corinthians 14:34-35 & 1 Timothy 2:11-14?1 Timothy 2:11-14?

13. What is the timeless truth? No one, whether male or female, should disrupt the worship service.No one, whether male or female, should disrupt the worship service. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35

14. What is the timeless truth? People, whether male or female, should learn right doctrine before they’re allowed to teach.People, whether male or female, should learn right doctrine before they’re allowed to teach. 1 Timothy 2:11-14

15. Both men and women should use their gifts together to fulfill the Great Commission! CONCLUSION?