PNEUMATOLOGY: THE DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Extra Notes #2 HOLY SPIRIT AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS

The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts

The Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts is an essential doctrine for the church.

In recent years much has been written on the subject and much of it does not have biblical support.

Many, wanting to see the miracles of the early church return, have twisted the Scriptures in order to promote false concepts about the proper role of spiritual gifts in the church today.

Others have pressured believers to seek out, define, and use their spiritual gifts by using man-made methods.

In this lesson we will look at a general overview of spiritual gifts.

We will not engage in the much debated issue of tongues and sign gifts but save them for other lessons.

I. DEFINITION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS

A. The Holy Spirit: “The Bible teaches that every redeemed person is given at least one gift of the Holy Spirit: “Now there are varieties of gifts, . . . But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (I Cor. 12:4, 7).

1 Corinthians 12:4 KJV 1900

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:7 KJV 1900

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

God holds us responsible for the way we use our gifts.”

B. The Work of the Holy Spirit:

“The charisma or spiritual gifts are the divinely ordained means and powers whereby the King enables His Church to perform its task on the earth.”

C. God the Holy Spirit:

“We all have natural gifts, but the spiritual gifts, which any one of us may possess, is something separate from and entirely different from this.

It is a gift that is given directly to us by the Holy Spirit.

Let us go further and say that it does not even mean the heightening of a natural gift.

Some people have fallen into that error.

They have thought that what a spiritual gift really means is that a person’s natural gift is taken hold of by the Holy Spirit and heightened or made more vivid so that it therefore becomes a spiritual gift.

But that is not what the Scripture would have us believe.

A spiritual gift is something new, something different.”

D. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary: “Spiritual gifts [are] special gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon Christians for the purpose of building up the church.”4 1 2 3

.

E. Nelson’s New Christian Dictionary:

“Five gifts of the Holy Spirit that enable Christians to minister to fellow Christians.

These are: working of miracles, gifts of healing, gifts of helpers, gifts of government, and gifts of faith.

There are 14 gifts concerning the Word of God: apostleship, prophecy, discernment of spirits, teaching, exhortation, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, tongues, interpretation of tongues, evangelism, service, contributing to the needs of the church, acts of mercy, and giving aid.”

F. A Survey of Bible Doctrine: “A spiritual gift is a God-given ability for service.

If we keep in mind that a gift is primarily an ability, it will keep us from much of the confusion which exists in people’s minds concerning gifts.”

II) THOUGHTS TO PONDER ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS

A. New Bible Dictionary: “Various classifications of the gifts have been attempted, but they fall most simply into two main categories—those which qualify their possessors for the ministry of the word and those which equip them for practical service.”

B. The Holy Spirit: “The “peril of the pendulum” operates in teachings concerning spiritual gifts.

On one extreme of the pendulum is the idea that spiritual gifts were given to the early church only and are irrelevant to the church today.

According to this view the important concern for today is spiritual maturity, not gifts. . . At the opposite swing of the pendulum is the teaching that you must know your spiritual gift(s) before you can do anything for the Lord.”

C. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary: “The apostle Paul indicated that these gifts are equally valid but not equally valuable.

Their value is determined by their worth to the church. In dealing with this matter, he used the analogy of the human body.

All members of the body have functions, Paul declared, but some are more important than others.

The service of each Christian should be in proportion to the gifts that person possesses (1 Corinthians 12–14).”

1 Corinthians 12–14 KJV 1900

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

D. A Survey of Bible Doctrine: “We can develop our gifts by benefitting from the ministry of others (see Ro 1:11 where Paul is not saying that he could bestow gifts but that he could through his ministry impart the benefit of his spiritual gifts to others).

Romans 1:11 KJV 1900

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established;

This should be a never ending cycle—gifted people ministering to others who are thereby built up and who in turn minister to others who are then built up to minister to others, etc.

This is the way the body of Christ grows quantitatively and qualitatively.”

III. SCRIPTURAL PROOF OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS

A. Rom. 12:3-8

Romans 12:3–8 KJV 1900

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

B. I Cor. 12:4-31

1 Corinthians 12:4–31 KJV 1900

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

C. Eph. 4:4-13

Ephesians 4:4–13 KJV 1900

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

D. Heb. 2:3-4

Hebrews 2:3–4 KJV 1900

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

E. I Pet. 4:10-11

1 Peter 4:10–11 KJV 1900

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 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.

Chart 1

Romans 12:6-8 I Corinthians 12:8-10 Ephesians 4:11 I Pet. 4:10-11

Romans 12:6–8 KJV 1900

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 12:8–10 KJV 1900

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

Ephesians 4:11 KJV 1900

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

1 Peter 4:10–11 KJV 1900

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 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.

prophecy word of wisdom prophets speaking service word of knowledge apostles serving teaching faith evangelists exhortation healing pastors

giving miracles teachers leadership prophecy mercy distinguishing of spirits tongues interpretation of tongues Basic Definitions and Texts of Spiritual Gifts and Offices

Chart 2

Teaching - to explain and communicate biblical doctrine to others through question and answer so they can understand how to apply the truth.

Rom. 12:7 I Cor. 12:28 Eph. 4:11

Romans 12:7 KJV 1900

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV 1900

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Ephesians 4:11 KJV 1900

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Faith - an extra degree of faith in God which is an example and encouragement to the body.

I Cor. 12:8-10 Ministering, service, or helps - an extra degree or refined kind of giftedness to serve others in the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:8–10 KJV 1900

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

Rom. 12:7 I Cor. 12:28 Apostleship - one who accompanied 13 Jesus during His ministry, performed signs of an apostle, and who was sent with authority from Christ to proclaim the gospel.

Romans 12:7 KJV 1900

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV 1900

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

I Cor. 12:12, 28 Eph. 4:11 Administration or leadership - the exceptional ability to lead and/or administrate the affairs of the church.

1 Corinthians 12:12 KJV 1900

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

1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV 1900

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Ephesians 4:11 KJV 1900

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Rom. 12:8 I Cor. 12:28 Prophecy - one who receives direct revelation from God and communicates that message in a perfect inspired way.

Romans 12:8 KJV 1900

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV 1900

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Rom. 12:6 I Cor. 12:10, 28; 14:1-40 Evangelism - an extra degree and passion to evangelize the lost.

Romans 12:6 KJV 1900

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

1 Corinthians 12:10 KJV 1900

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV 1900

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:1–40 KJV 1900

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

Eph. 4:11 Miracles - authority from God to cast out demons, heal all manner of disease and sickness, in order to authenticate the gospel message to unbelievers.

Ephesians 4:11 KJV 1900

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

I Cor. 12:28 Pastor - the ability to care for, feed, and protect the church from false doctrine and false teachers.

1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV 1900

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Eph. 4:11 Healing - similar to the gift of miracles but used exclusively to heal physical and spiritual maladies.

Ephesians 4:11 KJV 1900

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

I Cor. 12:9, 28, 30

1 Corinthians 12:9 KJV 1900

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV 1900

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:30 KJV 1900

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

Ephesians 4:11 is a list of offices given to the church, not spiritual gifts. However, the offices are gifts, they do require certain spiritual gifts to operate, and they are for the benefit or edification of the church. Hence, many include them with spiritual gifts because of their close association with the gifts of the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:11 KJV 1900

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Many believe that the phrase “pastors and teachers” is not a gift, but the single office of “pastor/teacher.”

Many believe that the gifts and/or offices of apostleship, prophecy, healing, miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, and distinguishing spirits were temporary gifts of the apostolic era and have ceased permanently.

Basic Definitions and Texts of Spiritual Gifts and Offices

Exhortation - similar to teaching and preaching.

It is the gift of appealing to others to take action on Biblical truth, usually in private. Giving - an extra degree or desire to support and give to others in the church from one’s resources. Mercy - an extra ability to help, encourage and support those who are weak and hurting.

Rom. 12:8 Tongues - the ability of men to speak in a known language to unbelievers for the purpose of communicating the gospel to them.

Romans 12:8 KJV 1900

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Rom. 12:8 Interpreting Tongues - the supernatural ability to understand and interpret languages unknown to oneself for the purpose of communicating Biblical truth.

Romans 12:8 KJV 1900

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

I Cor. 12:10, 28, 30; 14: 40 I Cor. 12:10; 14:26-28 Rom. 12:8 Distinguishing spirits - the enhanced ability to distinguish doctrinal truth from error. Most likely a sign gift that worked with several others to make sure those who claimed to prophesy were true.

1 Corinthians 12:10 KJV 1900

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV 1900

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:30 KJV 1900

Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

1 Corinthians 14:40 KJV 1900

Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Corinthians 12:10 KJV 1900

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

1 Corinthians 14:26–28 KJV 1900

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Romans 12:8 KJV 1900

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Word of Wisdom - the gift of being able to understand how the Word of God should be applied to a certain situation.

I Cor. 12:8 Word of Knowledge - possibly a gift that works in tandem with those who study to preach and teach, the extra ability to discover keen insights from the study of God’s Word.

1 Corinthians 12:8 KJV 1900

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

I Cor. 12:10 I Cor. 12:8

1 Corinthians 12:10 KJV 1900

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

1 Corinthians 12:8 KJV 1900

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

IV. ERRORS CONCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS

A. Error – We need to ask and/or pray to receive our spiritual gifts according to I Cor. 12:31.

1 Corinthians 12:31 KJV 1900

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

B. Error – We all need to speak in tongues.

C. Error – We need to do a spiritual gifts inventory to discover our spiritual gifts.

D. Error – We only have one spiritual gift and should only serve in one area.

E. Error – We should not be content until we get the spiritual gifts we want.

F.Error – God is no longer doing miracles because the sign gifts are no longer given to believers.

G. Error – It doesn’t matter how you use your spiritual gift as long as you use it.

V. APPLICATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS

A. You should not be envious of others’ gifts since they are given by the Holy Spirit, but instead be content with the gift/s God has chosen to give you.

B. Spiritual gifts are for the edification of the church, not self.

C. You are responsible to use your gift/s for the common good of the church.

D.You must keep in mind there is a difference between common gifts and spiritual gifts.

E. If you do not use your spiritual gift you will cause the body to become lame.

You will cause others to have to work harder.

You will often cause others to stop doing what God has called them to do, in order for them to do what God has called you to do.

F. You can usually discover what your gift is in the process of ministering to others.

Here are some practical guidelines for discovering your Spiritual gift/s.

1. Pray and ask God to help you discover your spiritual gift.

2. Seek to serve in whatever ministry you desire the most.

Make sure you get adequate training.

3. Serve for a time in that ministry and then evaluate how you like it and what fruit it is bearing.

4. If you like the ministry and others are blessed, you most likely found your spiritual gift or at least a ministry that helps you employ it.

5. Once you have found your spiritual gift seek to excel still more.

G. You must use your spiritual gifts in conjunction with unconditional love or it profits you nothing.