INTRODUCTION
In this lesson we will survey the subject of the gifts of the Spirit. I. SPIRITUAL GIFTS DEFINED.
The gifts of the Spirit are abilities and endowments given to one through the inner-working of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:4-11). They are to be distinguished from the initial gift of the Spirit Himself (Acts 2:38, 10:45, 11:17; I Corinthians 12:4). Spiritual gifts are also not to be confused with natural abilities or talents. One is born with certain strengths that may be developed. Spiritual gifts on the other hand are not a product of birth but of the Holy Spirit's power. II. TYPES OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
Spiritual gifts are listed in the following passages (Romans 12:5-8, Ephesians 4:11-12; I Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-29). Various classifications that have been suggested are: A. Administrative - functional-sign
B. Edification - authentication.
C. Permanent - temporary
Some gifts then were given as signs (Tongues, Miracles, Healing, etc.). Other gifts enable the church to operate in an orderly manner; (Helps, Government), or bless those with special needs (Showing Mercy). A large number of the gifts concern the ministry of the Word (Teaching, Prophecy, etc.). Those gifts that were given to meet the unique needs of the apostolic churches were of course temporary. This included all sign gifts, and any gifts that involved direct revelation apart from the Bible.
In noting the various types of spiritual gifts we should mention that certain types of gifted men are also mentioned (I Corinthians 12:28-29). The men who fill these positions must no doubt possess more than one gift to carry out their work. They are themselves gifts to the church (Ephesians 4:7-12). Certain of these offices like that of Apostle or Prophet were temporary. III. THE SOURCE OF THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT.
The gifts of the Spirit have a twofold origin. A. They were given by Christ - Ephesians 4:7-11.
B. They are given by the Spirit - Corinthians 12:4-11.
These two points may be reconciled by understanding that the Spirit was bestowed upon the church by Christ. The Spirit has been called the "ascension gift" of Christ to the church (Acts 2:33, John 7:39). The Spirit having thus been sent produces within us the needed spiritual abilities. IV. TO WHOM WERE THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT GIVEN?
A. While all saints have spiritual gifts (I Peter 4:10, I Corinthians 12:7), yet it is correct to say that the gifts were given to the church. All Christians are not members of one of the Lord's, but it is God's revealed will that they should be. The church is the proper sphere for the exercise of the gifts of the Spirit. The gifts were given to the church for its spiritual development (Ephesians 4:8-12, note verse 12; I Corinthians 12:14-31, note verse 27-28). Gifts are given to individual saints so that the entire assembly may be blessed.B. The relationship of the gifts of the Spirit to the church may be seen in the New Testament concept of the church as the Temple of God, and as the Body of Christ. While regeneration makes us "living stones" (I Peter 2:5), it is the gifts of the Spirit that cause these "living stones" to form a temple of God that is "fitly framed together" (Ephesians 2:21). Just as a human body has many members that contribute to the general well-being of the whole so the local church as a body of Christ is supplied with every necessary function by the variety of gifts within its membership (I Corinthians 12:12-28; Ephesians 4:16). The church was given the gifts of the Spirit because it is responsible to promote the spiritual growth of God 's people (Ephesians 4:11-16).
C. Perhaps this is a good place to mention that the Charismatic concept of people receiving spiritual gifts in order to be personally blessed is entirely false. Every gift is for the body of Christ as a whole. We do not received gifts for our own benefit but for that of the body. As with ,the human body there is to be an interdependence of members. The good of the whole body must be the controlling factor in the exercise of any spiritual gift. This is Paul's central theme in I Corinthians chapters 12-14.
V. THE REGULATION OF THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT.
A. Since spiritual gifts are given for the benefit of the entire body they must be regulated in a manner that will help to achieve this end. While specific rules are given (I Corinthians 14:27-35), yet the general precept is to allow love for others to control our actions. Love is so important in the exercise of spiritual gifts that the greatest exposition of love in the Bible is found in the midst of a discussion on spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 13:1-13).B. In mentioning the regulation of spiritual gifts it is to be noticed that this implies that those who possess spiritual gifts may control them (I Corinthians 14:32-33). Those who disturb worship services with uncontrolled actions cannot attribute their behavior to the power of the Spirit of God.
VI. ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO BE SOUGHT?
In our day many are being taught to pray for and to seek various spiritual gifts. This is a dangerous and foolish error. The person who teaches in this manner displays a total lack of understanding concerning the gifts of the Spirit. Consider the following facts:
1. No one in Scripture was ever instructed to seek or pray for spiritual gifts.
2. All Christians have one or more spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:4-11).
3. These gifts are bestowed by the Holy Spirit according to His sovereign will (I Corinthians 12:11). The church like the human body is designed by God (I Corinthians 12:18-28). We do not pick our own place in the body of Christ.
4. Members of the body of Christ have differing gifts (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). How foolish is the idea that everyone is to seek the same gift.
5. Christians are taught to be content with their gifts (I Corinthians 12:14-16, 29-30).
Some have falsely concluded that I Corinthians 12:31, 14:1 teaches that we are to seek spiritual gifts. What Paul is saying is that those gifts that are a blessing to others are to be more highly regarded by the church. Rather than to desire self-glorification, the saints should desire to possess those gifts which can bless others. In the church of Corinth not all could be prophets (I Corinthians 12:29), but this gift was to be coveted or envied because it was a blessing to others. The church as a whole was to delight in those gifts that edified.(ll) What a blessing it would be if everyone possessed this attitude. VII. THE DANGER OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
While the gifts of the Spirit were given to be a blessing they can be abused. Unlike the fruit of the Spirit they can produce pride. Sometimes where there is a multitude of spiritual gifts there is very little grace (Compare I Corinthians 1:7 with 3:1-3). Consider the following points:
1. Spiritual gifts are given to one for the good of others. It is therefore a fact that the reception of a spiritual gift does not insure one of a personal blessing.
2. Spiritual gifts are no sure mark that one is a child of God. Both Judas and Balaam received spiritual gifts.
3. The possession of spiritual gifts unlike the possession of the fruit of the Spirit in no way proves that our Christian life is pleasing to God (I Corinthians 13:1-3). Those who manifest the fruit of the Spirit are walking close to God. The same cannot always be said or those who possess spiritual gifts.
4. Spiritual gifts may expose us to certain temptations when not regulated by love. The Corinthians used their gifts as a means of self glorification.
While the above is in no way intended to demean spiritual gifts, yet it is intended to be a warning to those who would misuse gifts or trust in them as proof of their personal acceptance with God. ____________ Note
11. In I Corinthians 12:31 & 14:1, Paul appears to be speaking to the church as a whole. The idea seems to be that the church as a body should desire God to raise up men who can be a blessing to all. This is totally different than an individual seeking to be endowed with a certain gift himself. ================= Go to Chapter Twenty-two of Holy Spirit Study
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