Nature of spiritual gifts

OT examples of God giving special gifts

God’s gracious provision from above

Joe 2:23–24 This gracious provision of material needs from above can be seen as foreshadowing God’s bestowal of spiritual gifts.

See also Ex 16:4; Ex 16:8; Ex 16:13–14; Dt 11:14; 1 Ki 17:6; Job 5:10; Is 55:10

Distribution of land to tribes

Jos 13:6–7 The Hebrew word for “give” often includes the sense of “apportion” or “assign”.

See also Eze 47:21

The future promise of spiritual gifts

Joel 2:28–29 NKJV

“And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

See also Ac 2:17–18

In his earthly ministry Jesus Christ offers supernatural gifts

Matthew 11:28 NKJV

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

See also Mt 16:19; Lk 10:19; Jn 4:14; Jn 6:51

Spiritual gifts linked with grace

Romans 12:6 NKJV

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;

See also Mt 10:8; 1 Co 4:7

Specific reference to spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1 NKJV

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

See also Ro 1:11; 1 Co 14:1; 1 Co 14:12; 1 Co 14:37

Diverse gifts, one giver

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 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.

See also Ro 12:6–8; 1 Co 7:7; 1 Co 7:17; 1 Co 12:8–11; 1 Co 12:27; Eph 4:11; Heb 2:4; 1 Pe 4:10–11

The purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church

1 Corinthians 14:12 NKJV

Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.

See also 1 Co 12:7; 1 Co 14:2–5; 1 Co 14:17–19; 1 Co 14:26; 1 Co 14:31; Eph 4:16

The body of Christ benefits from these varied gifts

1 Corinthians 12:12 NKJV

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.

See also 1 Co 12:14–31; Ro 12:4–6

Encouragement to aspire to the greater spiritual gifts

1 Co 12:31; 1 Co 14:1

The importance of love in exercising spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 13:1 NKJV

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

See also Ro 12:5–9; 1 Co 14:1

Warnings about spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 14:39 NKJV

Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.

See also 1 Co 14:37; 1 Th 5:19–20