The Gifts of the Spirit Part Two

1 Corinthians 12:1 ESV

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.

I want us to understand what they are, why they are used and then we can choose for ourselves what is next for them.

One of the gifts that is mentioned is faith. Yet all these gifts take our faith in God and what He wants to do in order for us to exercise any of them. Let’s thing about what we talked about last week. The idea of one being sent out, prophecy, or evangelist. These are all gift God gives us. But it takes a great faith to be able to say Lord I trust that this is you asking me to speak out. Lord I trust that you are going to use me to speak a word to this person.

Yes faith is a gift of the Spirit and one that we should all be praying for. I want us to seek the supernatural faith we can find in Jesus Christ and His Spirit. I want us to be able to come to a place that we can say Lord I trust this is you and I will act on it as you are leading.

With that Last week we looked:

Here is the list as a whole

Apostle

Prophecy

The Gifts of the Spirit Part Two

Evangelist

Danny Vasquez / General

This week we are going to start with:

Faith – All believers possess faith in some measure because it is one of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on all who come to Christ in faith (). The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles.

This gift seems to be offered to us all:

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

As it is given as a fruit of the Spirit as well. These are all attributes that we are given by Him. This faith is also seems to have a place of steroids or extra faith. This faith is described by the actions in .

This is faith that believes in the promises of God

Holy Spirit / Holy Spirit: Gifts / 1 Corinthians 12:1–11

Serving – Also referred to as “ministering,” the Greek word diakonian, from which we get the English “deacon,” means service of any kind, the broad application of practical help to those in need.

Holy Spirit / Holy Spirit: Gifts /

Serving – Also referred to as “ministering,” the Greek word diakonian, from which we get the English “deacon,” means service of any kind, the broad application of practical help to those in need.

Romans 12:6–8 ESV

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Serving sounds so basic and even as if it is not needed in the church. Yet what a great need to have people who are given this gift to serve the body of Christ. This gift can also be called the gift of ministry. Those who are serve the body endlessly.

Over the years I have seen many people come and go. There is one family that I know that seems to move from church to church. They well off and have a lot of resources. Some would say that this family just church hops. And on the on set it may look that way. But I believe this family has the gift of serving. Over the 10 years or more I have known them I have seen them move to a few different churches. Each church they moved to was a church that was in a building project.

They were at our church when I was in Vineland working on the building project there. We were having delivered concert pipe for our retention pond. I do nto remember why but the company had no way to get it off the truck and they called us and said we will be there soon. We had no way to get it off the truck either. These were hundreds of pounds each. Well I called my friend at work and asked if he had any ideas, he told me he was on his way with his fork life.

That is the gift of serving. He not only had the resources but the ability to help the body of Christ in this way and in many ways over the years. This is just not something we all can do.

Pastor/Teacher– This gift involves the analysis and proclamation of the Word of God, explaining the meaning, context and application to the hearer’s life. The gifted teacher is one who has the unique ability to clearly instruct and communicate knowledge, specifically the doctrines of the faith.

1 Corinthians 12:28 ESV

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

Ephesians 4:11 ESV

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

Ephesians

As we see this we know it is describing one gift with two descriptive words in the greek. The roll of the pastor or shepherd includes the ability to teach. Yet this is not the only factor into this gift. If we are to look at this word pastor we would also see that it translates into the word shepherd.

This was a word that they would have understood very well. Jesus is our good shepherd and if we think of Him for a moment this will help us understand this gift. Jesus was willing to lay down His life for us. He was willing to protect us as His sheep. He is put us in the sheepfold or to a place of protection.

As the pastor teacher our role is to lead the body of Christ to Him and to His vision for the church. The person is given a gift to lead, an ability to teach the word with clarity. But just to be clear, just because this is a gift does not mean that it does not need to be refined. It is a gift like any other that needs to be used and leaned on Jesus but one that needs to also be refined with practice, time and much prayer.

Some seem to thing that a pastor is just a person who goes to school and gets his ordination. This is not the case. It is a calling. And one that is seen in the life of the person even before they may be give the title of pastor.

The gifts of the Spirit are still debated today. The reason this is so important to me is because as Paul says I do not want us to be ignorant of any of them:

Leadership – The gifted leader is one who rules, presides over, or has the management of other people in the church. The word literally means “guide” and carries with it the idea of one who steers a ship. One with the gift of leadership rules with wisdom and grace and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit in his life as he leads by example.

Romans 12:8 ESV

the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:6–8 ESV

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

L

This is a gift that we may see as just a type a personality. Yet according to Paul it is a gift. This is why I believe that there are gifts the the Spirit offers that are not in these lists. Leaders are special people, and it is a calling or a gift to be able to lead a group of people. I think of my own life. I have always just been a leader. I have never done anything to be this people just look to me to lead them. At times this is also a hard thing to not act out on. I see things, businesses, teams, churches and I often look at how I could run them or fix them. It is not be being critical it is me being critical it is me seeing with my gift.

Encouraging – Also called “exhortation,” this gift is evident in those who consistently call upon others to heed and follow God’s truth, which may involve correction or building others up by strengthening weak faith or comforting in trials.

Romans 12:8 ESV

the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

The encourager or the one who also exhorts. This gift is very special. One that is able to help people take the word of God and His teaching and help people use in their lives. We think of encouraging in one way: “good job, well done, so proud of you.” This is really different I believe. It is a person who is able to take a group and give them purpose through empowering them with the confidence of God. It is one thing to encourage someone with a good job and it not be truth. You are a really good soccer player. The reality is they are not. But to encourage a person to see their strengths and weaknesses then know how to build them up is a real needed gift.

In a world of participation awards we need to understand that this is not what Paul is saying. It is the ability to help a person grown in who God has created them to be.

ESV

1 Corinthians 12:1 ESV

Giving – Gifted givers are those who joyfully share what they have with others, whether it is financial, material, or the giving of personal time and attention. The giver is concerned for the needs of others and seeks opportunities to share goods, money, and time with them as needs arise.

ESV

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.

Have you ever met a person who seemed to just give it all away, yet God kept providing and giving them more. I have, this is a gift of giving. These people to not look at what they own as their own but as it belongs to the Lord. I know a person who often gives away cars, money, and all kids of things because he says God is leading him too.

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.

This is also a gift we may all have as God may say to us, I want you to give them this. I have had this happen to me, and been used to give things to those as well. I also believe it is a gift that is beyond tithing. As we trust God in out tithe this is the hearing from God to give extra to an organization, your church above and beyond and a person for no reason other than God spoke it.

I was also reminded that God

I want us to understand what they are, why they are used and then we can choose for ourselves what is next for them.

Mercy – Closely linked with the gift of encouragement, the gift of mercy is obvious in those who are compassionate toward others who are in distress, showing sympathy and sensitivity coupled with a desire and the resources to lessen their suffering in a kind and cheerful manner.

I want us to understand what they are, why they are used and then we can choose for ourselves what is next for them.

Acts 9:26–28 ESV

And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

Barnabas is a man who seems to have this gift. When all other rightfully feared Paul Barnabas heard from the Lord and reached out to Paul. Also Barnabas had mercey on Mark even after he messed up:

Acts 15:36–39 ESV

And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,

This is the gift, able to see past what was and use them in-spite of what may be true. This is a gift that if we are not careful we can be taken advantage of. And this is why we need the Spirit of God to direct us.

Helps – Closely related to the gift of mercy is the gift of helps. Those with the gift of helps are those who can aid or render assistance to others in the church with compassion and grace. This has a broad range of possibilities for application. Most importantly, this is the unique ability to identify those who are struggling with doubt, fears, and other spiritual battles; to move toward those in spiritual need with a kind word, an understanding and compassionate demeanor; and to speak scriptural truth that is both convicting and loving.

This is something that the body needs. It is a gift that a person has a wonderful ability to see those who may not be seen. Spurgen says this about the gift:

1 Corinthians 4. God Distributes Gifts and Callings according to His Pleasure (27–31)

“It strikes me that they were not persons who had any official standing, but that they were only moved by the natural impulse and the divine life within them to do anything and everything which would assist either teacher, pastor, or deacon in the work of the Lord. They are the sort of brethren who are useful anywhere, who can always stop a gap, and who are only too glad when they find that they can make themselves serviceable to the church of God in any capacity whatever.”

1 Corinthians 4. God Distributes Gifts and Callings according to His Pleasure (27–31)

“It strikes me that they were not persons who had any official standing, but that they were only moved by the natural impulse and the divine life within them to do anything and everything which would assist either teacher, pastor, or deacon in the work of the Lord. They are the sort of brethren who are useful anywhere, who can always stop a gap, and who are only too glad when they find that they can make themselves serviceable to the church of God in any capacity whatever.”

1 Corinthians 4. God Distributes Gifts and Callings according to His Pleasure (27–31)

An old Puritan preacher once did a great sermon on this text: And Bartholomew (Matthew 10:3). His point was that Bartholomew is never mentioned by himself, but always with the phrase and Bartholomew. He is always spoken of doing something good with someone else. He was never the leader, but always a helper.

How this gift has been used in my life. It is a gift that when I have been down I get a call. Or when it seems all has failed that person reaches out and just checks in. This is a needed gift in our world today. And we are working on this for our church. A group of folks who just love to check in and see how people are doing. To send cards if they are sick or for their birthdays. To love on those who just need that extra love through the power of the Spirit of God.

One of the gifts that is mentioned is faith. Yet all these gifts take our faith in God and what He wants to do in order for us to exercise any of them. Let’s thing about what we talked about last week. The idea of one being sent out, prophecy, or evangelist. These are all gift God gives us. But it takes a great faith to be able to say Lord I trust that this is you asking me to speak out. Lord I trust that you are going to use me to speak a word to this person.

Word of wisdom – The fact that this gift is described as the “word” of wisdom indicates that it is one of the speaking gifts. This gift describes someone who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with all discernment.

One of the gifts that is mentioned is faith. Yet all these gifts take our faith in God and what He wants to do in order for us to exercise any of them. Let’s thing about what we talked about last week. The idea of one being sent out, prophecy, or evangelist. These are all gift God gives us. But it takes a great faith to be able to say Lord I trust that this is you asking me to speak out. Lord I trust that you are going to use me to speak a word to this person.

Faith – All believers possess faith in some measure because it is one of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on all who come to Christ in faith (). The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles.

Healing – Although God does still heal today, the ability of men to produce miraculous healings belonged to the apostles of the first century church to affirm that their message was from God. Christians today do not have the power to heal the sick or resurrect the dead. If they did, the hospitals and morgues would be full of these “gifted” people emptying beds and coffins everywhere.

Miraculous powers – Also known as the working of miracles, this is another temporary sign gift which involved performing supernatural events that could only be attributed to the power of God (). This gift was exhibited by Paul (), Peter (), Stephen (), and Phillip (), among others.

Word of wisdom – The fact that this gift is described as the “word” of wisdom indicates that it is one of the speaking gifts. This gift describes someone who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with all discernment.

Yes, faith is a gift of the Spirit and one that we should all be praying for. I want us to seek the supernatural faith we can find in Jesus Christ and His Spirit. I want us to be able to come to a place that we can say Lord I trust this is you and I will act on it as you are leading.

Word of knowledge – This is another speaking gift that involves understanding truth with an insight that only comes by revelation from God. Those with the gift of knowledge understand the deep things of God and the mysteries of His Word.

With that Last week we looked:

Faith – All believers possess faith in some measure because it is one of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on all who come to Christ in faith (). The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles.

1. Apostle

Healing – Although God does still heal today, the ability of men to produce miraculous healings belonged to the apostles of the first century church to affirm that their message was from God. Christians today do not have the power to heal the sick or resurrect the dead. If they did, the hospitals and morgues would be full of these “gifted” people emptying beds and coffins everywhere.

2. Prophecy

Miraculous powers – Also known as the working of miracles, this is another temporary sign gift which involved performing supernatural events that could only be attributed to the power of God (). This gift was exhibited by Paul (), Peter (), Stephen (), and Phillip (), among others.

3. Evangelist

Distinguishing (discerning) of spirits – Certain individuals possess the unique ability to determine the true message of God from that of the deceiver, Satan, whose methods include purveying deceptive and erroneous doctrine. Jesus said many would come in His name and would deceive many (), but the gift of discerning spirits is given to the Church to protect it from such as these.

This week we are going to start with:

Speaking in tongues – The gift of tongues is one of the temporary “sign gifts” given to the early Church to enable the gospel to be preached throughout the world to all nations and in all known languages. It involved the divine ability to speak in languages previously unknown to the speaker. This gift authenticated the message of the gospel and those who preached it as coming from God. The phrase “diversity of tongues” (KJV) or “different kinds of tongues” (NIV) effectively eliminates the idea of a “personal prayer language” as a spiritual gift.

Interpretation of tongues – A person with the gift of interpreting tongues could understand what a tongues-speaker was saying even though he did not know the language that was being spoken. The tongues interpreter would then communicate the message of the tongues speaker to everyone else, so all could understand.

Faith – All believers possess faith in some measure because it is one of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on all who come to Christ in faith (). The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles.

Faith – All believers possess faith in some measure because it is one of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on all who come to Christ in faith (Galatians 5:22-23). The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles.

Faith – All believers possess faith in some measure because it is one of the gifts of the Spirit bestowed on all who come to Christ in faith (). The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles.

Interpretation of tongues – A person with the gift of interpreting tongues could understand what a tongues-speaker was saying even though he did not know the language that was being spoken. The tongues interpreter would then communicate the message of the tongues speaker to everyone else, so all could understand.

Helps – Closely related to the gift of mercy is the gift of helps. Those with the gift of helps are those who can aid or render assistance to others in the church with compassion and grace. This has a broad range of possibilities for application. Most importantly, this is the unique ability to identify those who are struggling with doubt, fears, and other spiritual battles; to move toward those in spiritual need with a kind word, an understanding and compassionate demeanor; and to speak scriptural truth that is both convicting and loving.

This gift seems to be offered to us all:

ESV

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

As it is given as a fruit of the Spirit as well. These are all attributes that we are given by Him. This faith is also seems to have a place of steroids or extra faith. This faith is described by the actions in .

As it is given as a fruit of the Spirit as well. These are all attributes that we are given by Him. This faith is also seems to have a place of steroids or extra faith. This faith is described by the actions in Hebrews 11.

This is faith that believes in the promises of God

Serving – Also referred to as “ministering,” the Greek word diakonian, from which we get the English “deacon,” means service of any kind, the broad application of practical help to those in need.

ESV

Romans 12:6–8 ESV

ESV

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Serving sounds so basic and even as if it is not needed in the church. Yet what a great need to have people who are given this gift to serve the body of Christ. This gift can also be called the gift of ministry. Those who are serve the body endlessly.

Over the years I have seen many people come and go. There is one family that I know that seems to move from church to church. They well off and have a lot of resources. Some would say that this family just church hops. And on the onset it may look that way. But I believe this family has the gift of serving. Over the 10 years or more I have known them I have seen them move to a few different churches. Each church they moved to was a church that was in a building project.

They were at our church when I was in Vineland working on the building project there. We were having delivered concert pipe for our retention pond. I do nto remember why but the company had no way to get it off the truck and they called us and said we will be there soon. We had no way to get it off the truck either. These were hundreds of pounds each. Well I called my friend at work and asked if he had any ideas, he told me he was on his way with his fork life.

That is the gift of serving. He not only had the resources but the ability to help the body of Christ in this way and in many ways over the years. This is just not something we all can do.

Pastor/Teacher– This gift involves the analysis and proclamation of the Word of God, explaining the meaning, context and application to the hearer’s life. The gifted teacher is one who has the unique ability to clearly instruct and communicate knowledge, specifically the doctrines of the faith.

1 Corinthians 12:28 ESV

ESV

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

Ephesians 4:11 ESV

ESV

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

As we see this, we know it is describing one gift with two descriptive words in the Greek. The roll of the pastor or shepherd includes the ability to teach. Yet this is not the only factor into this gift. If we are to look at this word pastor, we would also see that it translates into the word shepherd.

This was a word that they would have understood very well. Jesus is our good shepherd and if we think of Him for a moment this will help us understand this gift. Jesus was willing to lay down His life for us. He was willing to protect us as His sheep. He has put us in the sheepfold or to a place of protection.

As the pastor teacher our role is to lead the body of Christ to Him and to His vision for the church. The person is given a gift to lead, an ability to teach the word with clarity. But just to be clear, just because this is a gift does not mean that it does not need to be refined. It is a gift like any other that needs to be used and leaned on Jesus but one that needs to also be refined with practice, time and much prayer.

Some seem to thing that a pastor is just a person who goes to school and gets his ordination. This is not the case. It is a calling. And one that is seen in the life of the person even before they may be give the title of pastor.

Leadership – The gifted leader is one who rules, presides over, or has the management of other people in the church. The word literally means “guide” and carries with it the idea of one who steers a ship. One with the gift of leadership rules with wisdom and grace and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit in his life as he leads by example.

Romans 12:8 ESV

ESV

the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

This is a gift that we may see as just a type a personality. Yet according to Paul it is a gift. This is why I believe that there are gifts the the Spirit offers that are not in these lists. Leaders are special people, and it is a calling or a gift to be able to lead a group of people. I think of my own life. I have always just been a leader. I have never done anything to be this people just look to me to lead them. At times this is also a hard thing to not act out on. I see things, businesses, teams, churches and I often look at how I could run them or fix them. It is not be being critical it is me being critical it is me seeing with my gift.

Encouraging – Also called “exhortation,” this gift is evident in those who consistently call upon others to heed and follow God’s truth, which may involve correction or building others up by strengthening weak faith or comforting in trials.

ESV

Romans 12:8 ESV

the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

The encourager or the one who also exhorts. This gift is very special. One that is able to help people take the word of God and His teaching and help people use in their lives. We think of encouraging in one way: “good job, well done, so proud of you.” This is really different I believe. It is a person who is able to take a group and give them purpose through empowering them with the confidence of God. It is one thing to encourage someone with a good job and it not be truth. You are a really good soccer player. The reality is they are not. But to encourage a person to see their strengths and weaknesses then know how to build them up is a real needed gift.

In a world of participation awards we need to understand that this is not what Paul is saying. It is the ability to help a person grown in who God has created them to be.

Giving – Gifted givers are those who joyfully share what they have with others, whether it is financial, material, or the giving of personal time and attention. The giver is concerned for the needs of others and seeks opportunities to share goods, money, and time with them as needs arise.

Have you ever met a person who seemed to just give it all away, yet God kept providing and giving them more? I have, this is a gift of giving. These people to not look at what they own as their own but as it belongs to the Lord. I know a person who often gives away cars, money, and all kinds of things because he says God is leading him too.

This is also a gift we may all have as God may say to us, I want you to give them this. I have had this happen to me and been used to give things to those as well. I also believe it is a gift that is beyond tithing. As we trust God in out tithe this is the hearing from God to give extra to an organization, your church above and beyond and a person for no reason other than God spoke it.

Mercy – Closely linked with the gift of encouragement, the gift of mercy is obvious in those who are compassionate toward others who are in distress, showing sympathy and sensitivity coupled with a desire and the resources to lessen their suffering in a kind and cheerful manner.

ESV

Acts 9:26–28 ESV

ESV

And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

Barnabas is a man who seems to have this gift. When all other rightfully feared Paul Barnabas heard from the Lord and reached out to Paul. Also, Barnabas had mercy on Mark even after he messed up:

Acts 15:36–39 ESV

ESV

And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus,

This is the gift, able to see past what was and use them in-spite of what may be true. This is a gift that if we are not careful, we can be taken advantage of. And this is why we need the Spirit of God to direct us.

Helps – Closely related to the gift of mercy is the gift of helps. Those with the gift of helps are those who can aid or render assistance to others in the church with compassion and grace. This has a broad range of possibilities for application. Most importantly, this is the unique ability to identify those who are struggling with doubt, fears, and other spiritual battles; to move toward those in spiritual need with a kind word, an understanding and compassionate demeanor; and to speak scriptural truth that is both convicting and loving.

This is something that the body needs. It is a gift that a person has a wonderful ability to see those who may not be seen. Spurgeon says this about the gift:

1 Corinthians 4. God Distributes Gifts and Callings according to His Pleasure (27–31)

. God Distributes Gifts and Callings according to His Pleasure (27–31)

“It strikes me that they were not persons who had any official standing, but that they were only moved by the natural impulse and the divine life within them to do anything and everything which would assist either teacher, pastor, or deacon in the work of the Lord. They are the sort of brethren who are useful anywhere, who can always stop a gap, and who are only too glad when they find that they can make themselves serviceable to the church of God in any capacity whatever.”

. God Distributes Gifts and Callings according to His Pleasure (27–31)

1 Corinthians 4. God Distributes Gifts and Callings according to His Pleasure (27–31)

An old Puritan preacher once did a great sermon on this text: And Bartholomew (). His point was that Bartholomew is never mentioned by himself, but always with the phrase and Bartholomew. He is always spoken of doing something good with someone else. He was never the leader, but always a helper.

An old Puritan preacher once did a great sermon on this text: And Bartholomew (Matthew 10:3). His point was that Bartholomew is never mentioned by himself, but always with the phrase and Bartholomew. He is always spoken of doing something good with someone else. He was never the leader, but always a helper.

How this gift has been used in my life. It is a gift that when I have been down, I get a call. Or when it seems all has failed that person reaches out and just checks in. This is a needed gift in our world today. And we are working on this for our church. A group of folks who just love to check in and see how people are doing. To send cards if they are sick or for their birthdays. To love on those who just need that extra love through the power of the Spirit of God.

Healing – Although God does still heal today, the ability of men to produce miraculous healings belonged to the apostles of the first century church to affirm that their message was from God. Christians today do not have the power to heal the sick or resurrect the dead. If they did, the hospitals and morgues would be full of these “gifted” people emptying beds and coffins everywhere.

Miraculous powers – Also known as the working of miracles, this is another temporary sign gift which involved performing supernatural events that could only be attributed to the power of God (Acts 2:22). This gift was exhibited by Paul (Acts 19:11-12), Peter (Acts 3:6), Stephen (Acts 6:8), and Phillip (Acts 8:6-7), among others.

Miraculous powers – Also known as the working of miracles, this is another temporary sign gift which involved performing supernatural events that could only be attributed to the power of God (). This gift was exhibited by Paul (), Peter (), Stephen (), and Phillip (), among others.

Word of wisdom – The fact that this gift is described as the “word” of wisdom indicates that it is one of the speaking gifts. This gift describes someone who can understand and speak forth biblical truth in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations with all discernment.

Word of knowledge – This is another speaking gift that involves understanding truth with an insight that only comes by revelation from God. Those with the gift of knowledge understand the deep things of God and the mysteries of His Word.

Distinguishing (discerning) of spirits – Certain individuals possess the unique ability to determine the true message of God from that of the deceiver, Satan, whose methods include purveying deceptive and erroneous doctrine. Jesus said many would come in His name and would deceive many (Matthew 24:4-5), but the gift of discerning spirits is given to the Church to protect it from such as these.

Distinguishing (discerning) of spirits – Certain individuals possess the unique ability to determine the true message of God from that of the deceiver, Satan, whose methods include purveying deceptive and erroneous doctrine. Jesus said many would come in His name and would deceive many (), but the gift of discerning spirits is given to the Church to protect it from such as these.

Speaking in tongues – The gift of tongues is one of the temporary “sign gifts” given to the early Church to enable the gospel to be preached throughout the world to all nations and in all known languages. It involved the divine ability to speak in languages previously unknown to the speaker. This gift authenticated the message of the gospel and those who preached it as coming from God. The phrase “diversity of tongues” (KJV) or “different kinds of tongues” (NIV) effectively eliminates the idea of a “personal prayer language” as a spiritual gift.

Interpretation of tongues – A person with the gift of interpreting tongues could understand what a tongues-speaker was saying even though he did not know the language that was being spoken. The tongues interpreter would then communicate the message of the tongue’s speaker to everyone else, so all could understand.

Interpretation of tongues – A person with the gift of interpreting tongues could understand what a tongues-speaker was saying even though he did not know the language that was being spoken. The tongues interpreter would then communicate the message of the tongues speaker to everyone else, so all could understand.