Spiritual Gifts - Introduction

NOVEMBER 9, 2022 STUDY NOTES SERIES: SPIRITUAL GIFTS SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES In our study of “Spiritual Gifts” there will be repetitions of truths and scripture Because scripture identifies those same truths in more than one verse, repetition is necessary The Greek word for “spiritual gifts” is “charisma,” it is related to the word for “grace” The word literally means “grace gifts,” the spiritual gifts are due to the grace of God Spiritual gifts are gifts of grace given to every believer through the Holy Spirit God wants every believer to know of and understand their spiritual gift, 1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability for Christian service, empowered by the Holy Spirit A spiritual gift is an ability to be used in serving the body of Christ, controlled by the Holy Spirit Spiritual gifts are the means of God ministering to the saved and the lost through the Christian Spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents, spiritual gifts are not natural unto man Spiritual gifts are not the natural talents, skills, and abilities that people have All good things come from God, God allows both the saved and the lost to have natural abilities The lost can excel in all natural areas of life: as athletes, educators, musician, craftsman, etc. Christians possess natural abilities before they are saved After they are saved, they may use their natural abilities for the glory of God instead of self God will use the natural talents of a Christian to minister unto others Spiritual gifts are supernaturally given by the Holy Spirit to those who are saved All Christians are spiritually gifted at the time of their salvation, 1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. The “manifestation” of the Spirit within the believer begins at the time of receiving the Spirit, Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Spiritual gifts are given only and always to believers in Jesus Christ Every believer has at least one spiritual gift, 1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. This is one of the most important verses in the Bible for the church of today to understand Christians today must come to the realization that they have been spiritually gifted to serve others Something that we must come to understand and obey, something we must learn and live Every Christian has been gifted with a “Spiritual Gift” for-the purpose of ministering to others Every Christian is therefore considered to be a minister or a servant for God God has freely given to every Christian in order that every Christian might freely give to others Every Christian has the responsibility of loving service for God (1 Corinthians 13) “As every man” has the meaning of whoever the Christian might be, which includes each of us Also, in whatever quality or quantity, it makes no difference, if you are saved you are included So, Peter is not speaking to a special group set aside for special use among Christians Many people today believe that ministry should be limited to the church leadership And that is the problem today, too often that is what you will find in many churches Many Christians come to church on Sunday and believe they have fulfilled their ministry When Peter says, “Every man,” he is referring to each-and every Christian Ministry is not restricted to a privileged few, every believer has an assignment of ministry There is not one exception, there is not one exemption, the reference is to every Christian Every Christian has received the responsibility and the capability from God to serve God No Christian should be living a “useless” Christian life, every Christian has “received the gift” Page 1 of 7 (Review the truths) Every Christian has “Received” a spiritual gift, or a “Grace Gift” “Gift” is the Greek word “charisma” which means a “gift of grace” Spiritual gifts are “Grace Gifts” which are graciously and freely given to every Christian Gifts are given because of God’s grace, “God’s Grace” allows the Christian to minister to others Spiritual gifts are a God-given supernatural ability which enables every Christian to serve God A spiritual gift is the operation of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer A “gift” is a special and unique spiritual ability which qualifies each one of us to serve God Every Christian is qualified to serve God, is on a God-given assignment, on special duty for God Every Christian is-able to minister to others according to the gift they have “received” Spiritual gifts are to be distinguished from natural abilities, spiritual gifts are supernatural Spiritual gifts are not the result of our natural birth but a result of our spiritual birth They are not what we have gone to school for and not what we have trained for or developed We cannot work for or personally earn a spiritual gift they are not a reward for good works We have “received the gift,” which does not mean only one gift has been received Every believer has received at least one spiritual gift, but we are not limited to one gift Most Christians have a combination of the gifts listed in scripture Which means that each Christian has a unique way of serving God and ministering to others Having received a spiritual gift assures us that we can do what Peter now tells us to do “Even so minister the same one to another” (The purpose of “Spiritual Gifts” is to minister) Spiritual gifts are not for self-satisfaction, spiritual pride, or self-exaltation Our spiritual gift is to be used to benefit others, gifts are for the profit of all, 1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. A believer will profit from his own spiritual gift, but the purpose is for “all others to profit” Our gift is for the good of others and for the spiritual growth of others Spiritual Gifts are exercised for the common good of the Church, for the advantage of all Individual Christians are blessed through individual Christians exercising their individual gift The Christian who fails to minister through their gift hinders the church in ministering to others Peter wants us to know that there is work to be done for God and now is the time to do it Peter not only tells us to use our spiritual gift he tells us how to use it, “as good stewards” “Good” identifies with the performance of a duty which is beneficial for self and others Which means performing our duty in an excellent way or faithfully carrying out our duties Which is explained as being a “good steward,” a “steward” is an administrator One who manages the affairs of a person, a family, or a business, here it is God’s business Christians have been given the title of a “steward” because of our God-given responsibility We are God’s “stewards” upon this earth, called upon to care for God’s business daily God has trusted the believer with that responsibility, and we need to take care of our business God has called upon all believers to be “stewards” of God’s grace as we minister to one another God not only gave us the responsibility He also gave us the ability to fulfill our duty Every believer is a unique believer who can minister in a unique way No other believer is exactly like you and cannot minister to others exactly like you can You are a special “steward” of the grace of God, God can use every one of us in a special way We must carefully carry out the responsibilities and skills entrusted to us for the good of others When you exercise your spiritual gift, it is good for you, good for them, and good for all Because it is “of the manifold grace of God” “Manifold” means a variety, of many different aspects, or diverse God’s “grace” is bestowed upon us many times and in many ways, often mysterious ways The original word “manifold” had the meaning of “multi-colored” God has gifted believers with every color of His Grace Peter uses the word “manifold” twice in this letter, putting the two together gives us a great truth, Page 2 of 7 1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: Any and every color of trial and trouble can happen to us during our life upon this earth But God has grace for every kind and time of trouble, so understand what Peter is telling us God has gifted His people with every kind of grace for every kind of trouble we might experience God has gifted someone with a “Spiritual Gift” to minister to you in your time of trial and trouble When Christians minister to others through their gift they manifest a facet of God’s grace Every individual “Spiritual Gift” demonstrates a beautiful gem of God’s Grace That is why “Gifted” believers must be “good stewards of the manifold grace of God” The church of today needs Christians faithfully exercising their “Spiritual Gifts” “Grace” is the free giving of God, God has given all that we need, all that we need at-all times Certainly, the focus is upon God, we must look to God for our needs, but don’t miss the point God has gifted His people to do His work, we must give attention to being “good stewards” “Good stewards” are Christian’s who are taking care of business. How important is that? How great is our need of ministry today? Peter tells us in the next verse how we are to minister MINISTER THROUGH GOD’S POWER--1Pe 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Peter now gives us some examples of what is identified as a spiritual gift There are gifts that can be called “speaking gifts,” and gifts that can be called “serving gifts” In this verse Peter gives us an example of a speaking gift and then an example of a serving gift “If any man speak,” the word “speak” is not a reference to ordinary conversation This is not everyday conversation discussing the weather, president, government, or problems Peter does not have in mind a talkative person or a gossiping person, there are many Keep in mind that “gossip” is not a spiritual gift even though it excites people Peter is speaking of ministering to others by way of talking, there are too few today doing that His reference to speaking is speaking the Word of God, sharing God’s Word with others But it is not limited to public speaking, or teaching and preaching in a worship service It does include speaking before others in a church service, which must be done But it can also be someone “speaking” in a private conversation with only one person There must be private conversations outside of the church which ministers to the needs of others It may be comforting words for those who have lost loved ones It could be encouraging words for those who are critically ill A speaking ministry can be a private conversation that helps someone deal with a problem of life Jesus assured His disciples that they would have a speaking ability, Mat 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. (God still does that through the Holy Spirit) A speaking gift is the Holy Spirit speaking through you, Mat 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (When you experience it, you will agree with it) The Holy Spirit gives wisdom and power today to those who minister to others through speaking Not all Christians are gifted with a speaking gift, but all Christians can speak for Christ All Christians can share what Christ has done in their life and why they live for Christ, 1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: All Christians have received power to be a witness for Christ, Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Every Christian has been put in trust with the gospel, 1Th 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in Page 3 of 7 trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. Every Christian can speak for God, some have a special gift of speaking which we can learn from When we speak for God, be sure our words are of God, “let him speak as the oracles of God” “The oracles of God” are the teachings of God, the “sayings” of the Lord found in the Bible Peter is telling us that we must minister to others through the Word of God We must share the truth that comes from scripture with those who are in need Your answer to their need must be of God and in agreement with what God’s Word says God has a word for the occasion, God has an answer to the problem, God always has a way We must deliver God’s Word under God’s leadership in all areas of communication In public speaking, in private conversation, in daily communication, share God’s Word I think that there is another important point found within the meaning of what Peter says You are speaking from experience, not that you have experienced the same trial that they have But that your personal experience is a commitment to and belief in the Word of God You are living your daily life according to “the oracles of God,” trusting God and His Word You have-an understanding of what you are saying from an understating of the Bible You are a “good steward of the manifold grace of God” and you have “fervent love” for them, 1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Christians must minister to others by speaking and sharing God’s Word with the love of God We need to learn the Word of God so that we can share the right word for the occasion God’s Word is far more meaningful and far more powerful than our personal opinion We must all minister through God’s Word, “if any man minister” (1 Peter 4:11) To “minister” is to serve others, to wait upon them as a table waiter, to help others It covers all areas of Christian service, all areas of Christian work, all Christians are to serve Some Christians have a “Spiritual Gift” identified as a “Serving Gift” All “Spiritual Gifts” must be put to work in-the area of serving others And every Christian is to learn how to serve from those who are gifted to serve Every Christian has the responsibility of serving others and there are many ways to serve Christians are gifted and have-the ability to minister, ministry to others should be natural, Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. God sees and knows of every little deed of kindness and ministry shown unto others God does not forget “your work and labor of love,” ministry is not always easy Ministry may call upon you when you have something else planned, something you want to do So, what motivates us to take the time to minister to others? It is a “labor of love” like that witnessed in the Thessalonians, 1Th 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Every Christian must minister to others, but we cannot serve in our own strength and ability “Let him do it as of the ability which God giveth” (1 Peter 4:11) Deeds of Christian love will be strengthened by the power and influence of the Holy Spirit The promise is that God will give you the strength to minister to others The word translated “giveth” means that God gives an abundant supply of strength and influence When you work for God, it will work because it is God working in you, Paul said, 1Co 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. God through us will produce the results, so God gets the credit, 1Co 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. But every effort of ministry will be rewarded, 1Co 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. Page 4 of 7 Ministry is not through our strength or our ability and is not for our glory, but--“That God in all things may be glorified” The goal of our ministry is that God be glorified in all that we do The motive of ministry is not for us to look good or for others to be impressed with us “Spiritual Gifts” belong to God and must be used for God and for the glory of God God is to be praised for all things that are accomplished through His gifted people Rom 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Others must see us minister and when they do, they must see that it is God in us, Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Glory belongs to Him, everyone needs to know that it is God within us, or we would not do it They need to know that if it was not for God, we could not do it with the results they see Jesus explained how simple ministry can be, it can be as simple as a cup of water, Mat 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: How many do you know that are discouraged and need a ministry of encouragement? Mat 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. And whether man considers it small or great or even considers it at all, the goal is still the same, Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Everything that we say or do in our service for God has the same goal, “Glory to God” All that we are-able to do has the same purpose, so, it must all be done “through Jesus Christ” There is a famous verse that is often quoted and claimed by Christians But do we fully understand what it says and put it into practice daily? Paul knew the meaning of his words, and his testimony revealed the truth of his words, Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Paul was doing something for God) Just like all other verses, we must keep this verse in its context This is not a promise that God will help you do anything and everything you want to do Motivational speakers today tell us you can do anything you want too, just put your mind to it Christ will not help us do something against the will of God But Christ is there to help you do “all things” that are in the will of God for your life It is true that “all” is emphasized in the verse, referring to the previous verses Identifying with all that Paul has mentioned, he speaks of “all things” such as those things Those things were the things that happened in his life as he lived for the Lord Paul said, “I am strong for those things,” I am a match for all such things I have power to do and endure such things, I can continue to accomplish such things In every such circumstance of life, I can continue to be strong because of Christ, Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Paul always made sure that Christ was in control, guiding all things, working all things out “I can” is a popular, meaningful, and motivating slogan for cancer patients today, which is okay But “I can” has been around for a long time in the ministry of a Christian, 1Ti 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; (Paul’s testimony was, “I can” minister in the power of my Lord Jesus Christ) “I can” was a daily testimony for Paul, 2Ti 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. “I can” for the Christian is the power of Christ working in us as we work for the Lord, Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Page 5 of 7 power that worketh in us, But in all that “I can do,” Christ is the One to be praised, “to whom be praise” The root meaning of the word “praise” is glory, Christ is to be glorified through our life, 2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. To learn of Christ and to live for Christ is to glorify Him To minister to others is to manifest the “Glory” of God unto others “Glory” reveals that God is present, “Glory” reveals that God is doing something When we minister to others, we are revealing that God is present in our life And we reveal that because God is in us something is being done And it is God doing something through us, through our “Spiritual Gift,” God ministers to them Now is the time, today is the day to minister unto others, it is time for God to be praised Praise “and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11) The original word translated “dominion” is often translated power, strength, or might Our strength is His glorious “power,” Col 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Jude praised God for His “dominion,” Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Because of His “mighty power” we can stand strong “In the Lord,” Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. We agree with Peter, 1Pe 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. That which is accomplished through ministry today will last “for ever and ever” “For ever and ever” is the strongest way to express that which is endless What is accomplished today through ministry will last throughout the “endless ages” Our ministry today has an eternal future which is not a wish, it is a fact We have God’s seal of approval upon our daily ministry, exercising our “Spiritual Gift” Our ministry today for God will remain at the throne of God forever And God will be glorified through our ministry forever, Rev 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. In that day Christ is going to be praised for all that He has done in us through ministry And He will be praised for what He is yet to do, and we will be unto His Glory CONCLUSION Get excited about your ministry for God today, Rom 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Quit being spiritually lazy, take care of spiritual business, our spiritual business is “ministry” Christians should be enthusiastic, energetic, and excited about our ministry for “the Lord” Our ministry is “serving the Lord,” we have someone to work for and someone to live for We always have something to do, something to work for, and something to live for There are all kinds of opportunities to serve the Lord and minister to others They are all around us every day--Don’t miss a day--Don’t miss a time Don’t miss an opportunity to minister, ministry is so many things done in so many ways Read the Gospel accounts about the life of Jesus and you will discover our ministry for today The Lord will use a smile; helping hand; word of encouragement; Cup of water; a little lunch Don’t let the past failures of past years stop you Maybe you have failed so many times for so long You can begin to minister right now, right where you are, doing what you know is right Page 6 of 7 Get excited about your ministry—Start ministering to others now Learn of your spiritual gift, exercise your gift now, for the good of all and the glory of God Do not neglect your spiritual gift, be a good steward of the grace of God given to you, 1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. SCRIPTURES TO STUDY: Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12; 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 14 1 Timothy 4:14; Ephesians 4:7-16; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Page 7 of 7