During his life on earth, Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit to do ministry.
Jesus said that one day Christians would do even greater ministry than he did (John 14:12).
While this does not mean that Christians are greater than Jesus, it does mean that Christians who are also gifted and empowered by the Holy Spirit can minister to more people than Jesus did because there are billions of Christians today spread across the earth.
Therefore, as we begin our study of spiritual gifts, it is paramount that we first see that our personal ministry is the continuation of Jesus’ ministry.
Or, to summarize, the gifts of God are dispensed through the Spirit of God so that the church of God can minister like the Son of God.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS SERVE THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS
“You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:2-3)
The entire point of ministry and spiritual gifts is to reveal the lordship of Jesus Christ as God over all people and things. Therefore, if someone says they are a Christian or want to do ministry but they do not affirm the lordship of Jesus Christ, they do not have the Holy Spirit. The primary evidence of a person having the Holy Spirit is their love and submission to Jesus.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE GIVEN BY THE TRINITY
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
Here we see that the entire Trinity is involved in gifting the church for ministry.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS EXIST TO BENEFIT THE WHOLE CHURCH
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Whatever someone’s gift, the purpose of the gift is to build up and benefit the entire church, not just edify the individual using the gift.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE APPOINTED BY GOD
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:11 )
Spiritual gifts are given by God’s choice; we cannot choose our gift. So anyone who is unhappy about how God has designed them is, in effect, complaining about God not giving them the gift they wanted. This is like a spoiled kid unwrapping a present only to complain about it.
Sadly, it seems ignorance about spiritual gifts persists in our day. It is important to clarify some of the most debated aspects of the spiritual gifts.
Every gift must be cultivated so that we are most effective in our ministry service.
Spiritual gifts are discussed and listed in the following New Testament passages: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 12:28; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:11. As the lists are not identical, there may be more gifts than these but what follows is a basic description of the major gifts listed in these passages:
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF WISDOM
The gift of wisdom is the ability to have insight into people and situations that is not obvious to the average person, combined with an understanding of what to do and how to do it. It is the ability to not only see, but also apply the principles of God’s Word to the practical matters of life by the “Spirit of wisdom” (Eph. 1:17).
People with the Gift of Wisdom have an ability to synthesize biblical truth and apply it to people’s lives so that they make good choices and avoid foolish mistakes. These people today function well as coaches, counselors, and consultants.
Do You Have This Gift?
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE
The word of knowledge is the ability to research, remember, and make effective use of a variety of information on a number of diverse subjects.
People with the Gift of Knowledge love to study, love to learn, and are not content with a surface-level knowledge of topics. They are compelled to conduct thorough research and compile their findings so that others can benefit from their long hours of focused study. People with this spiritual gift love God with all their mind (Mark 12:29-30). And these people tend to like footnotes.
Do You Have This Gift?
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF FAITH
The gift of faith is the ability to envision what needs to be done and to trust God to accomplish it even though it seems impossible to most people.
People with the Gift of Faith trust God in difficult, even impossible situations when others are ready to give up. These people are often visionaries who dream big dreams, pray big prayers, and attempt big things for Jesus. These people tend to be optimistic, hopeful, persevering, change-oriented, and future- focused. These people also tend to be very convincing about the truth of Scripture because they themselves are so convinced of the truth and power of God and his Word.
Do You Have This Gift?
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF HEALING
The gift of healing is the ability to call on God to heal the sick through supernatural means for the purpose of revealing God.
People with the Gift of Healing trust that God can heal the sick and pray in faith for the physical restoration of those in need. These people see healing as a sign that God uses to reveal his power to people so that many will come to believe in Jesus. People with this gift do not see someone healed every time they ask God, since healing is something that God alone decides to do (e.g., Gal. 4:13-14; Phil. 2:27; 1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20).
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF PASTOR/SHEPHERD
In one sense, pastoring is the office reserved for those men who meet the biblical criteria (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). In another sense, there is a pastoral gift also commonly known as shepherding or biblical counseling that God gives to people in the church beyond the pastors/elders. These people protect, guide, counsel, and disciple other people.
The person with a pastoral gifting has a love for people that compels them to meet with people to care for them and guide them with biblical instruction. People with this gift find great joy in seeing people mature in their faith and overcome besetting sin and discouragement.
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF MIRACLES
The gift of miracles is the ability to call on God to do supernatural acts that reveal his power. People with the gift of miracles see God show up in extraordinary ways, from daily little events to major public displays. Examples from the Bible include demons being cast out of people, nature obeying God’s authority, and the dead being raised. Obviously, these sorts of things are uncommon and do not happen regularly—otherwise they would not be viewed as miraculous. People with this gift do not chase signs and wonders, but they do expect signs and wonders to follow God’s people who follow Jesus.
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF DISCERNMENT
The spiritual gift of discernment is the ability to quickly perceive whether such things as people, events, or beliefs are from God or Satan. People with the gift of discernment know that Satan and his demons disguise themselves as holy (1 Cor. 11:14-15). They also know that Satan empowers counterfeit miracles (Ex. 7:11-22; 8:7; Matt. 7:21-23; 2 Tim. 3:8) to deceive people (2 Thess. 2:9), and that he empowers false teachers (2 Pet. 2:1), false prophets (Matt. 7:15), false apostles (2 Cor. 11:13), and false doctrines (1 Tim. 1:3; 6:3).
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF APOSTLESHIP
The gift, not the office, of apostleship applies to such people as Barnabas (Acts 14:3-4, 14), Apollos and Sosthenes (1 Corinthians 4:6-9), Andronicus and Junias (Romans 16:7), James (Galatians 1:19), and Silas and Timothy (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:6). They, like apostles today, were gifted individuals sent out to move from place to place in order to begin and establish local churches (Acts 13:3-4).
This gift also includes the capacity to minister cross-culturally (Acts 10:34-35; Ephesians 3:7-8). Today, church planters and missionaries are operating out of their gift of apostleship as well as those Christian leaders God raises up to lead and influence multiple churches and pastors. People with the Gift of Apostleship often have a number of gifts, such as evangelism, teaching, leadership, faith, and exhortation and are motivated by difficult new tasks.
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF TEACHING
The gift of teaching is the God-given ability to understand and communicate biblical truth in a clear and relevant manner so that there is understanding and application.
People with the Gift of Teaching enjoy Learning, researching, communicating, and illustrating truth of Scripture. These people enjoy studying and learning new information, and find great joy in sharing it with others. The format of teaching varies from one-on- one discipleship to formal classes, informal Bible studies, large groups, and preaching.
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF HELPS/SERVICE
The gift of helps/service is the ability to joyfully work alongside another and help that person complete the task God has given them. People with this gift generally prefer to work behind the scenes. They also tend to find joy in helping alleviate the burdens and responsibilities of others. This gift is usually accompanied with an attitude of humility and sacrifice, as well as an ability to perceive the needs of others.
People with the Gift of Helps/Service tend to demonstrate a servant attitude, loyalty, attention to detail, and responsiveness to the initiatives of others. They function well in positions of detail and assistant leadership.
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF ADMINISTRATION
The gift of administration is the God-given ability to give direction and make decisions on behalf of others that result in efficient operation and accomplishment of goals. Administration includes the ability to organize people, things, information, finances, etc. Often the mark of an administrator is the ability to accomplish things in a “fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians14:40).
People with the Gift of Administration have a keen eye for detail. They may also possess the natural talents of organization, observing and using details, problem solving, and reasoning.
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF EVANGELISM
The gift of evangelism is the ability and desire to boldly and clearly communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ so that non-Christians can become Christians.
People with the Gift of Evangelism often care passionately about lost people and have a strong desire to see them meet Jesus. They feel compassion for the lost and seek to earnestly understand their questions and doubts so that they can provide a compelling answer. An evangelist often prefers being with people in the culture rather than hanging out with Christians in the church.
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT
The gift of encouragement (also called the gift of exhortation) involves motivating, encouraging, and consoling others so they mature in their walk with Jesus.
People with the Gift of Encouragement have an unusual sensitivity for and are attracted to those who are discouraged or struggling. As a result, people tend to pursue them for healing words, gracious truth, and compassionate counsel. These people also tend to have a high degree of patience and optimism.
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF GIVING
The gift of giving is the ability to give money and other forms of wealth joyfully, wisely, and generously to meet the needs of others and help support ministries.
People with the Gift of Giving genuinely view their treasures, talents, and time as on loan from God and not their own. They are often moved to meet the physical needs of others. They enjoy giving of themselves and what they have. Even if they do not possess the resources to help, they earnestly pray for those needs to be met.
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF LEADERSHIP
The spiritual gift of leadership is found in people who have a clear, significant vision from God and are able to communicate it publicly or privately in such a way that they influence others to pursue that vision.
People with the Gift of Leadership tend to gravitate toward the “point position” in a ministry. Others tend to have trust and confidence in their abilities. They best serve others by leading them. They tend to operate with a strong sense of destiny.
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF MERCY
The gift of mercy is the capacity to feel and express unusual compassion and sympathy for those in difficult or crisis situations and provide them with the necessary help and support to see them through tough times.
People with the Gift of Mercy have the ability to “walk in another’s shoes” and to feel the pain and burdens they carry. They desire to make a difference in the lives of hurting people without being judgmental. They may have a difficult time evaluating the intentions of others and at times appear naïve.
Do You Have This Gift?
THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF HOSPITALITY
The spiritual gift of hospitality is the ability to welcome strangers and entertain guests, often in your home, with great joy and kindness so that they become friends. Hospitality is supposed to include one’s family (1 Tim. 5:8), friends (Prov. 27:10), Christians (Gal. 6:10), and strangers who may not be Christians (Lev. 19:34).
People with the Gift of Hospitality tend to have an “open home” where others are welcome to visit. This gift is often combined with the natural talents of interior design, cooking, and event planning. Importantly, hospitality is NOT to be extended to false teachers and the like, who are a danger (2 John 10-11).
Do You Have This Gift?
This article is found at TheResurgence.com
Mark Driscoll is the co-founder and preaching pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. He also co-founded the Acts 29 Network.
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