M401: Lesson 5; Motivational Gifts

Motivational Gifts

Key Verse: “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.”–1 Corinthians 12:4 (NKJV)

Purpose: The purpose of this lesson is to help the disciple discern and embrace motivational gifts and to use them for the benefit of others and for the glory of God.

Diversities of Gifts (Review)

The Greek word for “gifts” is charismaton(singular charisma, Strong’s G5483), which means “spiritual ­­­­­­­­­­­­­ENDOWMENT.”

Charisma comes from the same Greek root as chara (joy) and chaira (to rejoice). Charis is the Greek word for “grace.”

These diverse charismaton (grace gifts) are measures of the MANIFOLD or “multifaceted” grace of God given by the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

The term “gifts of the Spirit” is mistakenly used to describe the “MANIFESTATIONS of the Spirit” listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10:

1 Corinthians 12:8–10 (NKJV) “for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9to 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.”

The Greek word “gifts” (charismaton) is more accurately applied to the seven “Grace Gifts” or “MOTIVATIONAL Gifts” listed in Romans 12:6-8.

Romans 12:6–8 (NKJV) “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

In this lesson, we will refer to these grace gifts as “Motivational Gifts”.

We receive the gift of the Spirit when we are born again and baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13)

Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:6-8)

Each of us have gifts differing according to the GRACE of God given to us.

We are responsible to use the gift God has given us.

The seven Motivational Gifts are:

Prophecy

Ministry

Teaching

Exhortation

Giving

Leadership

Mercy

Critical MISTAKES to avoid

Although each of us is gifted in one of the seven gifts, we are responsible to grow and mature in every area of grace. Jesus Christ had all seven grace gifts simultaneously. As we grow to be like Jesus, we will learn to display all seven.

It is a mistake to choose which gift we want and then try to “act” like it. (E.g., “I claim the gift of prophecy so I can start operating like a prophet.”)

It is a mistake to use our gift to excuse areas of fleshly weakness. (E.g., “Sorry you are offended. Get over it. Remember, I’m not gifted in that area!”

It is a mistake to make our gift an excuse to not serve in other areas. (E.g., “My gift is prophecy. God shows me the problem. It’s not my job to fix the problem.”)

It is a mistake to divide the body by classifying people according to their gifts. (E.g., “You are the servants. We are the leaders.”)

The Gift of Prophecy

The motivational gift of prophecy is not the same as the office of the prophet.

Those with the gift of prophecy share truth regardless of what anyone thinks.

They are motivated to confront anyone with what they believe is the truth.

They often find themselves pointing the way, declaring specific truth, or taking a stand for righteousness.

They are a powerful tool to reprove, rebuke, and exhort others when controlled by the Holy Spirit.

In a word they are BOLD.

Weakness: FIGHTING or CONTENDING with others.

Goal: Declare truth to RECONCILE others to God and to one another rather than to DIVIDE.

The Gift of Ministry

The motivational gift of service is faithful BEHIND the scenes.

They are interested in serving others to serve the Lord.

They love to help and be a blessing to others.

They are motivated by a strong sense of need, “Someone has to do it.”

They usually do what no one else likes to do.

They usually do whatever must be done.

They are flexible and adapt to many challenges.

They simply enjoy meeting needs.

They like to be involved.

In a word they are SELFLESS.

Weakness: OVEREXTENDING themselves.

Goal: BALANCING service with other equally important PRIORITIES.

The Gift of Teaching

While those with the gift of prophecy like to declare truth, those with the gift of teaching like to EXPLAIN why it is true.

They are interested in research to dig deep into the details.

They enjoy presenting to others what they discover.

They are often negligent of other needs as they press toward deeper understanding of truth.

They love to study.

They sometimes miss the most obvious.

They stretch the limits of learning.

They like to set high standards for learning.

In a word they are IN-DEPTH.

Weakness: Digging too DEEP.

Goal: Reveal truth without EXHAUSTING it.

The Gift of Exhortation

They find themselves LIFTING others up.

They are compelled to give advice.

As counselors they tend to have steps of action.

While those with the gift of prophecy like to declare truth and those with the gift of teaching like to explain truth, those with the gift of exhortation like to help people APPLY truth.

They bless others with a strong sense of concern for them.

Because of their strong desire to encourage others, they are often sought as counselors.

They are friendly, understanding, and practical.

They enjoy using their communication skills to share specific insights.

In a word they are ENCOURAGERS.

Weakness: Being sought out to meet needs often leads to SELF-GLORY.

Goal: Rely upon GOD rather than on your own ABILITY.

The Gift of Giving

They are seriously concerned about FINANCIAL matters.

They also have the “gift of getting”.

They are very sensitive to how money is spent and saved.

They do not give to the wheel that squeaks the loudest but to the wheel that truly needs the grease.

They have true financial insights.

They serve well on boards responsible for financial budgets.

They are usually conscientious and conservative.

They are concerned with wise stewardship.

In a word they are STEWARDS.

Weakness: Being CONSUMED with the power of MONEY.

Goal: Genuine stewardship rather than financial HARASSMENT.

The Gift of Leadership

They demonstrate an unusual ability to INFLUENCE others.

They are determined to challenge and direct others toward a specific goal.

They stand out and take stands.

They tend to be multi-talented excelling with their people with task skills.

They are often results-oriented and driven.

They need to guard their strengths.

They need to be more sensitive and patient with those who don’t respond like they would like.

They are great motivators.

In a word they are VISIONARIES.

Weakness: Becoming too DEMANDING and IMPATIENT.

Goal: Lead by EXAMPLE and willingness to be a SERVANT.

The Gift of Mercy

They demonstrate genuine SENSITIVITY to SUFFERING.

They are compelled to help reduce pain and suffering in people’s lives.

They are concerned more with the person than with the reason for their suffering.

They are very sensitive to the feelings of those who are hurt.

They like to minister to others by “being there” when people need them.

They are sympathetic (they are moved by another’s pain).

They are empathetic (they feel another’s pain).

While others may be more concerned with why, what, when or how, they are concerned with “who” needs tender loving care.

In a word they are CARING.

Weakness: They are too SENSITIVE.

Goal: Cultivate WISE insights rather than FOOLISH responses.

Illustration 1: A large meal has been prepared for a large family gathering. After the meal the wife goes into the kitchen to bring out the dessert. On the way out she trips and falls spilling the tray of desserts across the floor. Consider the various gifts in operation:

Prophecy: “That’s what happens when you’re not careful!”

Motivation: To correct the problem

Mercy: “Don’t feel bad. It could have happened to anyone.”

Motivation: To relieve embarrassment

Service: “Oh, let me help you clean it up.”

Motivation: To fulfill a need

Teaching: “The reason that it fell is that it was too heavy on one side.”

Motivation: To discover why it happened

Exhortation: “Next time, let’s serve the dessert with the meal.”

Motivation: To correct the future

Giving: “I’ll be happy to run to the store and buy another dessert.”

Motivation: To give toward a tangible need

Leadership: “Jim, you get the mop. Sue, please help pick it up. Mary, help me fix another dessert.”

Motivation: To achieve the immediate goal of the group

Illustration 2: A Christian brother falls sick and is admitted to the hospital. Several of his Christian brothers and sister make a trip together to go see him. Consider the various gifts in operation:

Service: “Here’s a little gift. I brought your mail in, fed your dog, and watered your plants and washed your dishes. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Mercy: “I can’t begin to tell you how I felt when I learned you were sick. How do you feel?”

Leadership: “Don’t worry about a thing. I’ve assigned your job to four others in the office.”

Prophet: “What is God trying to tell you through this illness? Is there any sin in your life that may have brought this on?”

Teaching: “I did some research on your illness and I believe I can explain what’s happening.”

Giving: “Do you have insurance that will cover this kind of illness?”

Exhortation: “How can we use what you’re learning here to help others in the future?”

Illustration 3: The benevolence committee of a church has met to consider paying a $90.00 electric bill of a member. Consider the various gifts in operation:

Prophecy: “Don’t work, don’t eat.”

Exhortation: “I will be glad to counsel with them.”

Teaching: “Let me share what the Bible has to say here.”

Service: “I’ll help them get a job.”

Giving: “Have they been through a financial freedom course?”

Mercy: “Can’t you see that they need help? Just pay the bill.”

Leadership: “Why don’t we table this meeting until tomorrow. Meanwhile I will assign each one a different thing to do.”