1 Corinthians 12
states that spiritual gifts are given to God's people by the Holy Spirit for "the
common good." Verse 11 says the gifts are given according to God's
sovereign will, "as he determines." Eph. 4:12 tells us these gifts
are given to prepare God's people for service and for building up the body of Christ.
The
term "spiritual gifts" comes from the Greek words charismata (gifts)
and pneumatika
(spirits). They are the plural forms of charisma,
meaning "expression of grace," and pneumatikon
meaning "expression of Spirit."
While
there are different kinds of gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4), generally speaking,
spiritual gifts are God-given graces (special abilities, offices, or
manifestations) meant for works of service, to benefit and build up the body of
Christ as a whole.
1. THE MINISTRY GIFTS
The ministry gifts serve to reveal the
plan of God. They are characteristic of a full-time office or calling, rather
than a gift that can function in and through any believer. A good way to
remember the ministry gifts is through the five finger analogy:
- Apostle:
An
apostle establishes and builds churches; he's a church planter. An apostle
may function in many or all of the ministry gifts. He is the "thumb" the
strongest of all of the fingers, able to touch every finger.
- Prophet: Prophet in the
Greek means to "forthtell" in the sense of speaking for
another. A prophet functions as God's mouthpiece, speaking forth God's
Word. The prophet is the "index
finger" or pointer finger. He points to the future and
points out sin.
- Evangelist: An evangelist
is called to be a witness for Jesus Christ. He works for the local church
to bring people into the body of Christ where they can be discipled. He
may evangelize through various means which includes music, drama,
preaching, and other creative ways. He is the "middle finger" the tallest one who
stands out in the crowd. Evangelists draw a lot of attention, but they are
called to serve the local body.
- Pastor: The pastor is
the shepherd of the people. A true shepherd lays down his life for the
sheep. The pastor is the "ring
finger" He is married to the church; called to stay,
oversee, nurture and guide.
- Teacher: The teacher
and the pastor are often a shared office, but not always. The teacher lays
the foundation and is concerned with detail and accuracy. He delights in
research to validate truth. The teacher is the "pinky finger." Though seemingly small
and insignificant, he is designed specifically for digging into tight,
dark places, shining a light and picking apart the Word of truth.
2. THE MANIFESTATION
GIFTS
The manifestation gifts serve to reveal
the power of God. These gifts are supernatural or spiritual in nature. They can
be further subdivided into three groups: utterance, power, and revelation.
- Utterance: These gifts say
something.
- Power: These gifts do
something.
- Revelation: These gifts reveal
something.
3. UTTERANCE GIFTS
- Prophecy - This is the
"forth-telling" of the inspired Word of God primarily to the
church, for the purpose of confirming the written Word and building up the
entire body. The message is usually one of edification, exhortation or
consolation, although it can declare God's will in a particular
circumstance, and in rare cases, predict future events.
- Speaking
in Tongues:
This is a supernatural utterance in an unlearned language which is interpreted
so that the entire body will be edified. Tongues may also be a sign to
unbelievers. Learn more about speaking in tongues.
- Interpretation
of Tongues:
This is a supernatural interpretation of a message in tongues, translated
into the known language so that the hearers (the entire body) will be
edified.
4. POWER GIFTS
- Faith: This is not
the faith that is measured to every believer, nor is it "saying
faith". This is special, supernatural faith given by the Spirit to
receive miracles or to believe God for miracles.
- Healing: This is
supernatural healing, beyond natural means, given by the Spirit.
- Miracles: This is the
supernatural suspension of the natural laws or an intervention by the Holy
Spirit into the laws of nature.
5. REVELATION GIFTS
- Word
of Wisdom:
This is supernatural knowledge applied in a godly or correct way. One
commentary describes it as "insight into doctrinal truth."
- Word
of Knowledge:
This is supernatural knowledge of facts and information that can only be
revealed by God for the purpose of applying doctrinal truth.
- Discerning
of Spirits:
This is the supernatural ability to distinguish between spirits such as
good and evil, truthful or deceiving, prophetic versus satanic.
Title : REVELATION AND MANIFESTATION OF MINISTRY GIFTS FOR SUSTAINABLE CHURCH GROWTH (Part 2)
Description : 1 Corinthians 12 states that spiritual gifts are given to God's people by the Holy Spirit for "the common good."...