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

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 ESV

“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, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

See also Ac 2:17–18

In his earthly ministry Jesus Christ offers supernatural gifts

Matthew 11:28 ESV

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

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

Spiritual gifts linked with grace

Romans 12:6 ESV

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

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

Specific reference to spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1 ESV

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.

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 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.

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

The purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church

1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV

So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

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

The body of Christ benefits from these varied gifts

1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with 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 ESV

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

See also 1 Co 14:1; Ro 12:5–9

Warnings about spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 14:39 ESV

So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

See also 1 Co 14:37; 1 Th 5:19–20