Gifts of the Spirit pt. 4

Purpose of the Gifts continued

To encourage the church 1 Corinthians 14:31-32 “For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”

For the equipping of the saints for ministry Ephesians 4:11-12 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,”

Building up Each church was designed to have each office functioning in it. How many churches do you know that have or allow that?

To help those in the body to mature and grow up in the faith Ephesians 4:15-16

To confirm the truth and power of God's Word- Mark 16:15-20 “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.”

Some churches believe that gifts of the Spirit are no longer for the church. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.”

Jesus is the perfect and He hasn't come yet. These verses are talking about spiritual maturity.

Gifts are to equip us until Jesus returns. 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Difference between gifts and callings-

A calling is what you do…gifts are what you use in order to fulfill your calling.

Pastor- gift of preaching, but needs more than just that gift in order to be a pastor. It is just one tool in the toolbelt.

Nurse example- called to be a nurse, but uses gifts of service, mercy, compassion, administration, leadership, exhortation, encouragement and others

Some callings are also gifts: Apostle, Pastor, Teacher, Prophet, Evangelist

Dangers of Gifts:

Pride

Chasing after the gifts and not the Gift Giver

Ignoring the gifts

Idolizing those who are effective with their giftings

Having wrong motives in using your gifting.

What are your gifts?

Tests for gifts?? I don't prefer them. I think you end up with man's view of what your gifts are and not what Holy Spirit says. They limit you and put you in a box.

Pray and ask Holy Spirit what gifts you have and if there are any He wants you to have. Write them down.

Ask people that are close to you what gifts they might see in you.

Earnestly desire 1 Corinthians 14:1 “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”

Gifts are sometimes imparted by others: Romans 1:11-12 “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”

Things that can block your gifts:

Without

Unworthiness/past

Doubt/skepticism

Ignorance

Denial

Self-pity/fleshly feelings

Division 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Timidity

Fear of man

Willful sin

Pride

1 Timothy 4:14-16- Hands on training