Paul on Gifts

Unlike Luke’s 111 references to the Holy Spirit, Paul makes 35 references to gifts - not all of them connected with the Holy Spirit in the same manner. He also speaks of the Holy Spirit 43 times - combined reference is 78 times over 44 verses. Also, Paul speaks of the gift of salvation in those 35 references which have nothing to do with Gifts of the Spirit.

Paul’s scope of teaching on the Holy Spirit is more narrow and is not in reference to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit except when referring to his own personal experience with the Holy Spirit where he reinforces the need to pray and praise in the spirit and with understanding and even exclaims he prays with tongues more than anyone else.

His greater distinction is referring to the Gifts of the Spirit and spiritual gifts.

There is a difference between Ministry Gifts and Gifts of the Spirit...

A spiritual gift is an enabling by the Lord to an individual to perform certain ministries, tasks, or encouragement to the body of Christ.

i.e.

Ephesians talks about the gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

Romans talks about gifts of encouragement, giving, administration, etc.

God has given each individual spiritual gifts to use in His Kingdom for His glory and honor — they are not the same as the Gifts of the Spirit which proceed from the Spirit to the church to distribute as He wills and when He wills.

In addition, the gift of tongues listed in the Gifts of the Spirit is far different from the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism of Spirit:

Proceeds from Christ

Recipient is Individual Believer

Purpose is empowerment

Initial evidence is tongues (can be used in prayer and praise)

Gift of Tongues:

Spiritual gift

Proceeds from the Holy Spirit

Recipient is the Body of Christ

Purpose is Encouragement

Is limited in presentation and must have interpretation for effectiveness

Paul ‘s teaching on gifts are often used out of context with Luke’s teaching on the Holy Spirit giving more credence to Paul’s words and ignoring those of Luke. The Holy Spirit inspired both men, and the teachings do not conflict when we understand they are not talking about the same thing.

Paul’s Teaching on Gifts and the Holy Spirit

There are primarily 3 Sections of Scripture that Paul talks about spiritual gifts and Gifts of the Spirit...

Romans

Corinthians

Ephesians

1. Spiritual Gifts / Ministry Gifts

Romans 12:1–8 NLT

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Clearly, if you look at the gifts listed here, it is talking about the abilities that God has invested into each of our lives to use for His Kingdom.

Leading

Giving

Showing Kindness

Serving

Prophesying (in the sense of proclaiming the Word)

Teaching

Administration

These gifts here are also similar to the Ministry Leadership Gifts mentioned in Ephesians

Ephesians 4:7–16 NLT

7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Eph 4.7-

Here he speaks of the role of ministries in the body of Christ so

The Body can be equipped to do the work of the Kingdom

The body will grow up in maturity in Christ

Jesus taught us that God has invested in all of our lives (Parable of the Talents)

in

He desires us to use those abilities in His Kingdom and for His glory - they were invested to be used and not wasted.

2. Spiritual Gifts/Gifts of the Spirit

1 Cor 12

1 Corinthians 12:1–11 NKJV

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

If I were to read this with the understanding of the greater context of Scripture, I would see that v 5 refers to Ministry Gifts mentioned in other Ephesians, and diversities of gifts like those mentioned in Romans...

Then he comes to a discussion on other gifts - Gifts of the Spirit in fact the word MANIFESTATION of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all...

In other words - these spiritual gifts are special in a different way as they are not taking the talents and abilities assigned to us by God, but how the Holy Spirit manifests Himself in the church through individuals but for the benefit of all.

V. 11 is the key in all of this - these are given by the Holy Spirit as He wills and when He wills — they are not ours to claim personally as our spiritual gifting, but any who are surrendered to be used by the Spirit can function in these gifts.

Likewise, these gifts as given are like a toolbox given by the Holy Spirit to build up the church and empower us to minister to others. There is nothing keeping these gifts from functioning when ministering to unbelievers on the street.

9 Gifts of the Spirit are:

Word of Wisdom

Word of Knowledge

Faith

Gifts of Healings (multiple - various healings needed)

Working of Miracles

Prophecy

Tongues *

Interpretation of tongues*

Discerning of spirits

*Must work in tandem with the other.

(Talk about each of the gifts and their operating in the church)

DON’T FORGET LOVE...

1 Corinthians 13:1–13 NLT

1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless. 11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

1 cor 13.1-

Tells us that although these gifts have significant importance in the realm of the church, they are never meant to replace UNCONDITIONAL LOVE and demonstrating that love within the body of Christ and to the lost.

Christ unconditionally loved us, and we cannot think ourselves better than another because we have been used by the Holy Spirit in a gift, and then fail to love our brethren.

Philippians 2:1–5 NLT

1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

3. Operating in the Gifts of the Spirit

Paul has a correction to make in the Corinthian Church.

The Greeks were profoundly drawn to oratory gifts and language. It was part of the philosophical culture of the day.

With that in mind, they loved to exercise speaking in tongues - but it was not always the gift of tongues.

Some commentators have said that they were literally trying to preach in tongues.

Can you imagine the madness taking place with that?

Putting such lofty goals on expressing their tongues was becoming a distraction and hindrance when unbelievers came into their midst.

This is not a teaching that says only a few should ever speak in tongues, or it is a gift not all have, or never use your prayer language in church...

It is about the distraction and distortion and desire to “one up” with a spiritual gift.

1 Corinthians 14:1–33 NLT

1 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. 3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. 5 I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened. 6 Dear brothers and sisters, if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful. 7 Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. 8 And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle? 9 It’s the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space. 10 There are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning. 11 But if I don’t understand a language, I will be a foreigner to someone who speaks it, and the one who speaks it will be a foreigner to me. 12 And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church. 13 So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said. 14 For if I pray in tongues, my spirit is praying, but I don’t understand what I am saying. 15 Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. 16 For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? 17 You will be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear you. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. 19 But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language. 20 Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind. 21 It is written in the Scriptures: “I will speak to my own people through strange languages and through the lips of foreigners. But even then, they will not listen to me,” says the Lord. 22 So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers. 23 Even so, if unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your church meeting and hear everyone speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy. 24 But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. 25 As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.” 26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. 27 No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say. 28 But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately. 29 Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. 30 But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop. 31 In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. 32 Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

1 cor 14.1-

Paul is saying that, if the Spirit is speaking to the church, than what is proclaimed to the church must be in a language all understand or it has not purpose!

A variation of this might be in a prayer meeting where people are praying in the Spirit and those present are believers!

He is also saying that to have multiple prophesy and tongues and interpretations just going on and on is not in order, and that the Spirit is subject to the prophet - v. 32 - the Spirit has not overtaken you where you do not have control over yourselves.

Don’t be yelling over each other!

All is subject to evaluation - in another words - if it lines up with Scripture and context of service. Don’t think you have the right to call out in church and its just accepted.

V. 15 however refers to Paul reinforcing what being a SPIRIT FILLED CHRISTIAN is!! Use that prayer language, praise in it too!!! Just don’t abuse it in congregational setting.

v. 28 would be targeted at holding up the service for all to hear...

Prophesying is a part of the body ministry… done in order, don’t forbid tongues, it has its place as well.

1 Corinthians 14:36–39 NLT

36 Or do you think God’s word originated with you Corinthians? Are you the only ones to whom it was given? 37 If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself. 38 But if you do not recognize this, you yourself will not be recognized. 39 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues.

1 cor 14.

v 18 - Paul spoke in tongues!!!! It was a part of his life as a Spirit filled believer! It was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in his life — different from the gifts operating in the church.

CONCLUSION

Paul taught us about

Spiritual Ministry Gifts

Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Manifestation

His own experience with the Baptism

How to operate in Gifts of the Spirit in church orderly

We should not confuse the different spiritual gifts with the Gift from Jesus - the Holy Spirit Himself. We should allow gifts of all the above to flow.