Concerning Spiritual Gifts

“These gifts help His people work well for Him. And then the church which is the body of Christ will be made strong.”                                                             Ephesians 4:12  (NLV)

Spiritual Gifts are mentioned in: Romans 12;  I Corinthians 12;  Ephesians 4;  I Peter 4

B.G.  The Corinthian church was beset with many problems and difficulties; among them arguing which were the more important gifts

Read: I Corinthians 12:1-31 

Definition:  Spiritual Gifts are divine abilities distributed by the Holy Spirit to every believer according to God’s design and grace for the common good of the body of Christ.  A spiritual gift is given by the Holy Spirit at conversion; a talent is something we’re born with.
Based on I Peter 4:11, two primary areas of distinction; 1) speaking gifts  2) serving.
A third would include the  sign gifts.     Chuck Swindoll

Speaking Gifts:  Word of wisdom, prophecy, evangelism, pastor-teacher, and teaching
Service Gifts:  Administration, exhortation, faith, giving, helps, serving, mercy
Sign Gifts:  Distinguishing of spirits, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation

I. v2,3 The Challenge
Galatians 5:25   now that we are believers, the Holy Spirit empowers and energizes us for ministry

II. v4-6  Diversity Of Gifts 
Philippians 2:13   we all have different kinds of gifts for different ways to serve.  Notice that the Trinity is involved with giving gifts
I Peter 2:9  we’re all ministers and saved in order to serve

Illustration:  at Sunday lunch someone drops a plate of food on the floor.  This is how people with different gifts would respond:
* Gift of prophecy; That’s what happens when you’re not careful
* Gift of service; Oh, let me help you clean it up
* Teaching; The reason  it fell was because it was too heavy on one side 
* Exhortation; Next time, maybe you could let someone else carry it 
*Giving; Here, you can have my dessert 
* Mercy; Don’t feel bad, it could have happened to anyone 
* Administration; Tim, would you get the sweeper, Bill, please help pick this up.  
   Meredith, could you get her another dessert please ?

III. v7-11  Identify Your Spiritual Gift 
I Corinthians 7:7 makes the same point

IV. v12-30  Implement Your Gift In Service 
I Peter 4:10   Until everyone implements their gifts, don’t expect the church to grow and mature in faith.  The gifts of the Spirit are not just to be admired and sought after- they are tools to be used !
II Timothy 1:6,7  allow the Holy Spirit to fan your gift in to a full flame