SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Text: Romans 12:5-8, I Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30, Ephesians 4:11, I Peter 4:9-11

-You have a spiritual gift if you are saved. (I Pet. 4:10) This is not talent or ability but a gift given by the Lord for you to use to serve him. A God given ability to serve the church effectively.  As you go about discovering your gift keep in mind a few important things:

1. Examine your desires -If God gifts you in a certain way you will have a desire to exercise that gift.

2. Examine the evidence - What is the thing you can do and others recognize in you that special ability.

3. Examine the opportunities - What need are you able, desire and are capable of meeting. How have you been used of the Lord in the past?

The emphasis in the N. T. is that yes every Christian has a spiritual gift, that gift is to be used to benefit the body, the church. The focus is service not discovery. The question is not what is my spiritual specialty? But rather where can I best serve ?"

Two categories of gifts - Temporary or sign gifts and Permanent gifts

Temporary gifts or sign gifts:

Prophecy, Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Gifts of healing, Miracles, Tongues or languages, Interpretation of tongues, Apostles and Prophets (All of these were important until the scriptures were complete. Once complete these ceased to be necessary and are no longer in use.)

Permanent gifts:

These are necessary and useful today for the building up of Christ's church.

Teaching - I Cor. 12:28, Rom. 12:7, Eph. 4:11 To communicate and translate truth from the scriptures to others.

Exhortation - Rom. 12:8 encourage others or ignite enthusiasm in for the Lords work.

Giving - Rom. 12:8 give freely and joyfully. Cheerfulness and liberality mark this gift.

Ruling/ Leadership - Rom. 12:8 those who can lead and direct others

Mercy - Rom. 12:8 acts of compassion, aid to the hurting, sensitive to the needs of others

Faith - 1 Cor. 12:9 to trust God and encourage others too in face of insurmountable odds.

Discernment -I Cor. 12:10 see through a thing, to discern real from false. Pastor/ Teacher - Eph. 4:11 Shepherd of the church who also teaches

Helps/ Service -I Cor. 12:28, Rom. 12:7 helpers who recognize and meet practical needs, those who are content to work behind the scenes.

Governments/ Administration -I Cor. 12:28 organizers, put things in order so that the work of the ministry functions properly and smoothly.

Evangelists/ Missionary - Eph.4:11 Those who work tirelessly and effectively to bring people to Christ.

Home work: Read over the scriptures that have to do with the spiritual gifts. Pray and ask God to show you your gift or gifts. Identify and exercise that gift for the good of the church and the glory of God.