What is a “spiritual gift?” Some churches talk about these, others never mention them, and some talk about them all the time. Few issues have garnered more controversy in the Church than gifts of the Spirit. But what are they?
Bruce Bugbee offers a definition of “what” for spiritual gifts as “Specially endowed abilities that help [Christians] do the work of ministry enthusiastically and effectively.” (Discover Your Spiritual Gifts the Network Way) Paul Stevens adds to this definition the “who” as the source and the “who” as the recipients by stating, “God the Holy Spirit graciously bestows his own presence and power on ordinary followers of Jesus for loving service to others, for the common good.”(Spiritual Gifts) Ken Hemphill provides the “how” and “where.” “Spiritual Gifts are God-given means whereby we may serve God through our physical bodies. Spiritual gifts are the individualized expression of God’s grace for the empowering of every believer to actively and significantly participate in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.” (Mirror, Mirror on the Wall) The working definition may be: a spiritual gift is the result of a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that empowers every Christian to edify the Church through a distinct role.
Churches have confused spiritual gifts with other gifts of God. Through the means of common grace, all people have the potential to excel in certain areas. As one grows, he develops areas of interest, with the potential to master particular skills. These are called abilities, skills, or talents. These are not dependent solely upon the work of the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual gifts are a result of spiritual birth. Spiritual gifts are often mirrored by natural talents. There are non-Christians who are leaders, philanthropists, servants, great teachers, powerful speakers, counselors, and show mercy. These are skills and abilities that can be attained through diligence and external factors. However, the gifting that God provides at the moment of salvation is a work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit instantly imparts a gift which is directly useful for the edification of the church. A Spirit-gifted teacher will teach with instant fulfillment and effectiveness. This does not negate the benefit formal training. It means the active force by which he teaches is supernatural.
Through spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit of God works like the hand in a glove. We are the glove, when we submit ourselves to the work of the Spirit and the will of God. When our desire is to please and glorify our Lord, the Spirit directs and guides each move we make. This is the life God has called every believer to live. The gifts are simply the tools God chooses to use to display His glory and edify other believers.
In this series, we are looking at the critical need to rediscover spiritual gifts and their purpose in the Church. Post to follow include:
1. What are spiritual gifts?
2. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts?
3. Who has spiritual gifts?
4. Insights from 1 Corinthians 12.
5. Insights from Romans 12
6. Insights from Ephesians 4
7. A Quick Guide to Gift Discovery
8. How to teach on Spiritual Gifts
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