Gifts Of The Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:4–11 (ESV)

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Intro

I have been in many church settings

The Holy Spirit is one of those controversial subjects

I have often said to many of my friends in the groups associated with what is called “the tongues movement.” I do not believe it is proper to magnify one gift above all others, particularly when that gift is one that Paul described as of least value.

I cannot believe that the unscriptural exhibition of that gift in public, like a child with a new toy, can be pleasing to God.

I believe that in any setting, the tendency to place personal feeling above the Scriptures is always an insult to God.1

A. W. Tozer

Gifts

Eerdmans Bible Dictionary SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Apart from 1 Pet. 4:10, Gk. chárisma occurs in the New Testament only in the writings of Paul. It is used primarily in two ways, first as a general reference to God’s “free” or “special” gift of his grace, especially in salvation (Rom. 5:15–16; 6:23; 11:29; 1 Cor. 7:7; 2 Cor. 1:9–11), and more frequently by Paul as a designation for specific “spiritual gifts,” special endowments to be employed in service to the Christian community.

Charisma

Something graciously given, a gift

What are the characteristics?

They are from God

God loves giving gifts

1 Corinthians 12:7 “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

They are a manifestation of the Spirit

One Spirit who contains all the gifts now gifts them to us

It is important for us to work together

They are free

By the grace of God

They are good

God only gives good gifts

They are useful

God’s gifts are to be used

They are spiritual

Gifts from the Spirit

Manifestations of the Spirit

They are for the common good

They are not meant to be used for the building up of the church

The Gifts

Romans 12:6–8 ESV

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 12:28 ESV

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

1 Peter 4:10–11 ESV

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

God has deposited a gift in you, you are a steward of that gift, don’t let it go to waste

The Scary Gifts

Prophecy

Eerdmans Bible Dictionary (PROPHECY, PROPHET)

Communication of a divine message through a human messenger who proclaims and interprets divine revelation.

Divine Revelation

1 Corinthians 14:3 ESV

On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

Tongues

Speaking in other tongues

Other earthly languages

Heavenly language

Unknown language, to the speaker

Sign the Gentiles were saved

1 Corinthians 14:5 ESV

Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

1 Corinthians 12:31 ESV

But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 14:1 ESV

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

So What?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are nothing to be afraid of. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life.