Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:4–11 NKJV

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Giver of Gifts

I believe the first thing we should note is focus. We should always remember that these gifts have been given to us by Holy Spirit. I do believe it’s ok to be inspired by people used in the gifting’s as long as our eyes are on Jesus.

Matthew 7:11 NKJV

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

The gifts are given as the Holy Spirit see’s fit. An individual may operate in multiple gifts or may simply be used in one. It may be on a regular basis or it may be occasionally as the Lord see’s fit.

The Purpose of Gifts

These gifts are God given abilities for the primary purpose of promoting the spiritual growth and development of the church.

Measuring growth in the church may not be exactly what we think of. Growth is numerical, but that’s really only a small part of it. A better measure of growth is that Christians are becoming more like Christ and less like the patterns of this world. We should be growing in love for God, concern for others, purity of heart, a good conscience, a sincere faith and a readiness to serve His purposes.

1 Corinthians 14:26 NKJV

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

All that being said, the gifts are not meant to draw attention to yourself, they’re not meant to tear down or embarrass others. The gifts always point to Jesus. He will not share glory with anyone.

Caution

It is unwise to think of someone as more spiritual because they’re being used with spectacular gift such as healing or maybe prophecy. This doesn’t mean these gifts are more important than less impressive gifts. Also, just because someone is used in some impressive gifts does not mean that the Lord approves of everything that individual says or does. Remember the gifts are NOT fruit!

An example may be a well know evangelist that has a tremendous healing ministry only to find out that they’re having an extramarital affair on the side. It has happened.

The Bible also teaches us that we don’t listen to every spirit, but that we test them.

1 John 4:1 NKJV

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 NKJV

Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.

Even satan and false prophets will come working signs and wonders.