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 KJV 1900

And it shall come to pass afterward, That I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids In those days will I pour out my spirit.

See also Ac 2:17–18

In his earthly ministry Jesus Christ offers supernatural gifts

Matthew 11:28 KJV 1900

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 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 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;

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

Specific reference to spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1 KJV 1900

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

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 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.

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 KJV 1900

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of 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 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.

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 KJV 1900

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.

See also Ro 12:5–9; 1 Co 14:1

Warnings about spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 14:39 KJV 1900

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

See also 1 Co 14:37; 1 Th 5:19–20