"There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift." Ephesians 4:4-7
Though we Christians have much in common with one another we each have been given different spiritual gifts from one another as the Holy Spirit determined (Heb 2:4). What are the spiritual gifts and what are they used for?
First, spiritual gifts are given to Christians in order to "equip the saints for the work of ministry" and for "building up the body of Christ" (Eph 4:14). This is so that we would become mature spiritually and no longer be susceptible to being deceived by false teachings (Eph 4:13-14). In addition, each Christian is to serve others in the Church by employing their spiritual gifts in love (Eph 4:15). Note that we are to "grow up in every way into him [Jesus] who is the head". The use of our spiritual gifts in love for others' benefit is yet another expression of our love for Christ. Some professing Christians seek to use their spiritual gifts to draw attention to themselves, but that is a shame since spiritual gifts are supposed to be used in a Christ centered manner if they are to be used for the benefit of other Christians.
Various places in the Bible reveal what the spiritual gifts are. So what are some spiritual gifts?
- Prophecy (Rom 12:6, 1 Cor 12:10, 1 Cor 14, Acts 21:9-10)
- Service (Rom 12:7)
- Teaching (Rom 12:7)
- Exhortation (Rom 12:8)
- Giving, or contributing (Rom 12:8)
- Leading (Rom 12:8)
- Mercy (Rom 12:8)
- Words of wisdom (1 Cor 12:8)
- Words of knowledge (1 Cor 12:8)
- Faith (1 Cor 12:9)
- Healing (1 Cor 12:9)
- Working of miracles (1 Cor 12:10)
- Distinguishing between spirits , or discernment of spirits (1 Cor 12:10)
- Various kinds of tongues (1 Cor 12:10)
- Interpretation of tongues (1 Cor 12:10)
Ephesians 4:11 lists some types of servants, or Christians with particular offices, which the Lord uses to equip and build up the Church.
- Apostles
- Prophets
- Evangelists
- Shepherds
- Teachers
It is debated whether or not some or all of the spiritual gifts listed in Scripture are in use today. Some Christians believe that the gift of tongues is still being given to Christians while others do not. When it comes to the various offices (Eph 4:11) of service in the Church many Christians (me included) believe that there are no longer apostles in the Church but that there are certainly pastors and teachers. But there are some churches out there that speak about "apostle" so and so and they are not talking about any of the twelve apostles. I believe that God could still give any of the spiritual gifts listed in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians to any of His people. I have not seen anyone using the gift of tongues in what I thought to be a legitimate manifestation of the gift but I suppose that God could still choose to give someone the gift if He so pleases. There are some that believe that no spiritual gifts are given to anyone in the Church. For instance, Missionary Baptist churches have this to say about spiritual gifts,
"We believe that miraculous spiritual manifestation gifts were done away when the Bible was completed. Faith, Hope and Love are the vital abiding Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor. chapters 12-14)".
I think that would be difficult to affirm since there seems to be confusion between spiritual gifts and fruits of the Spirit. I also know of several people with the gift of discernment of spirits (me included!). It is necessary in the light of the various false teachers and people who are doing a disservice to the body of Christ by using their "ministries" to glorify themselves rather than Christ. The main reason why I believe that spiritual gifts are still being given to individual Christians is the fact that the Church is being added to via new converts and is still maturing spiritually. This will not end until the full number of God's people are redeemed (Rev 6:9-11). 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 speaks about spiritual gifts ceasing when the "perfect comes",
"As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known."
Again, there is debate about what "the perfect" is referring to. I believe that this is referring to the return of Christ when the number of God's people is brought into the Church and their salvation is complete. Currently we see in a "mirror dimly", our spiritual sight is still being affected by our sinful nature. We cannot "know fully" in this life because we are still struggling with our sinful natures (Rom 7:18-20). But we have the sure hope that our salvation from our sins (Matt 1:21) will be complete (Rom 8:28-30).
1 comments:
Thanks for the post. The lists of spiritual gifts are helpful. It seems that the spiritual gifts can be divided into two groups - those that involve vocations, and require skill and training to exercise; and those that do not involve vocations, and that do not require skill or training. I find that interesting. It is also very encouraging - even if the Lord doesn't give us a day job that involves a church ministry, He still gives us gifts to serve and build up the church. And those gifts are every bit as important as the others.
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