Nature of spiritual gifts

OT examples of God giving special gifts

God’s gracious provision from above

This gracious provision of material needs from above can be seen as foreshadowing God’s bestowal of spiritual gifts.

See also ; ; ; ; ; ;

Distribution of land to tribes

The Hebrew word for “give” often includes the sense of “apportion” or “assign”.

See also

The future promise of spiritual gifts

Joel 2:28–29 NIV

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

See also

In his earthly ministry Jesus Christ offers supernatural gifts

Matthew 11:28 NIV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

See also ; ; ;

Spiritual gifts linked with grace

Romans 12:6 NIV

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;

See also ;

Specific reference to spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1 NIV

Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.

See also ; ; ;

Diverse gifts, one giver

1 Corinthians 12:4–6 NIV

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

See also ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

The purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church

1 Corinthians 14:12 NIV

So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

See also ; ; ; ; ;

The body of Christ benefits from these varied gifts

1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

See also ;

Encouragement to aspire to the greater spiritual gifts

;

The importance of love in exercising spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV

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

See also ;

Warnings about spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 14:39 NIV

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

See also ;