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 CSB

After this I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions. I will even pour out my Spirit on the male and female slaves in those days.

See also Ac 2:17–18

In his earthly ministry Jesus Christ offers supernatural gifts

Matthew 11:28 CSB

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, 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 CSB

According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith;

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

Specific reference to spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1 CSB

Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware.

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 CSB

Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God produces each gift in each person.

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 CSB

So also you—since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in building up the church.

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 CSB

For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though 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 CSB

If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

See also Ro 12:5–9; 1 Co 14:1

Warnings about spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 14:39 CSB

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

See also 1 Co 14:37; 1 Th 5:19–20