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Experiencing God as Holy Spirit
God gives every believer spiritual gifts. They are abilities which the Holy Spirit gives, for various kinds of serving. |
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Why?1 Corinthians 12:7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Ephesians 4:12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built What do these verses suggest is the purpose of spiritual gifts? Spiritual gifts are tools for use in our service for God. They are not primarily for our personal benefit or satisfaction.
Who decides who gets what?1 Corinthians 12:4-6 & 114There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
What does this say about how spiritual gifts are doled out? It is God who decides, and everyone receives a gift or gifts.
Different, but important1 Corinthians 12:12,14, and 2112The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" What does this say about the importance of every Christian, and the value of our differences?
Gifts and MinistriesAt any one time, any Christian may be given a particular gift to use. e.g. if someone is ill, a gift of healing may be given to the Christian who visits, even if they don't usually exercise that gift.We will each of us have a basic gift that we regularly and easily exercise, and this forms the basis of our personal ministry (the way we consistently serve). e.g. a person with pastoral gifts will find themselves getting alongside people to help and encourage them; a person with a gift of helping will find themselves consistently backing up others in vital ministry.
What are the gifts?Romans 12:6-86We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving , let him serve; if it is teaching , let him teach; 8if it is encouraging , let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others , let him give generously; if it is leadership , let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy , let him do it cheerfully. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom , to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers , to another prophecy , to another distinguishing between spirits , to another speaking in different kinds of tongues , and to still another the interpretation of tongues . Ephesians 4:11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Peter 4:9-11 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. There are a number of spiritual gifts mentioned here. The lists do not necessarily include every spiritual gift possible, but these are the main New Testament examples. There is clearly some overlap between passages.
Some brief explanations:
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