Lesson #17. Identifying and Using Spiritual Gifts

KEY TRUTH: This study examines the New Testament teaching on spiritual gifts to help each person identify their own spiritual gift and how to use it to benefit the body of Christ.

I. Understanding what the New Testament teaches about spiritual gifts.

1. EVERY CHRISTIAN BELIEVER HAS BEEN GIVEN A SPIRITUAL GIFT TO SERVE CHRIST: Many Christians have little idea what their spiritual gift is. The apostle Peter was in no doubt that everyone has been given at least one gift with which to serve Christ and the church – 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever (1 Pet.4:10-11).

   We are responsible to use these gifts to support one another so God may be glorified in the world through His church.

2. ALL THE GIFTS ENERGISE US TO CONTRIBUTE IN TWO MAIN WAYS THROUGH THE BODY OF CHRIST: Peter categorizes all these spiritual gifts under SPEAKING or SERVING. Most of us will tend to favour using gifts that major on either SPEAKING or SERVING (see 1 Pet.4:10-11).
3. GOD GAVE LEADERSHIP GIFTS TO BE USED TO EQUIP THE BODY OF CHRIST: Paul shared a crucial insight on why God gave spiritual gifts to leaders when he wrote –– 11 And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ … (Eph.4:11-13). Paul includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These leaders are gifted to equip and build up others in their service for the Lord. By including the evangelist in the leadership team, Paul underscores that the growth of the body is not just spiritual but also numerical.
4. THE CHURCH REQUIRES GIFTED LEADERS TO TRAIN UP AND DIRECT THE LORD’S WORK: What Paul teaches the Corinthian Church on spiritual gifts is given in the context of problems and division caused by them placing some gifts above another. He argues that everyone’s gift is needed and important (see 1 Cor.12:14-26). Nevertheless, he does give priority to leadership gifts – 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret (tongues)? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts (1 Cor.12:27-31 c.f. Acts 20:28-32).
5. THE EPISTLES REFER TO SPIRITUAL GIFTS DIFFERENTLY AS MOTIVATIONS, SERVICE, AND ACTIVITIES: Confusion is created by failure to discern the different ways the New Testament writers refer to spiritual gifts. Paul explains it in the following way – 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord. 6 And there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (1 Cor.12:4-7). These have sometimes been alliterated as …
   1. Varieties of MOTIVATIONS or gifts – as in Rom.12:4-8 & 1 Pet.4:20-21. These identify the basic thrust of expressing individual giftedness.
   2. Varieties of MINISTRIES or service – as in 1 Cor.12:28-30 & Eph.4:11. These identify the leaders God provides to develop the gifts and service in a church.
   3. Varieties of MANIFESTATIONS or activities – 1 Cor.12:8-10, 28-30; 14:1-40. These identify the way spiritual gifts are expressed practically in individual members.
6. SOME GIFTS BECAME LESS COMMON ONCE THE GOSPEL WAS ESTABLISHED:
   Many commentators trace the different way the New Testament gifts are used …
   1. SIGN Gifts to ESTABLISH the Body of Christ (see 2 Cor.12:11-13; Heb.2:1-4).
   2. SUPPORT Gifts to EQUIP the Body of Christ (see Eph.4:11-13).
   3. SERVICE Gifts to ENCOURAGE the Body of Christ (see 1 Cor.12:7, 11; Eph.4:15 & 16)
7. CERTAIN SPIRITUAL GIFTS ACCOMPANIED THE INITIAL SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL: Even within the pages of the New Testament it is recorded that the sign gifts were used to open doors to preach the gospel (e.g. Acts 3:1-10 c.f. Acts 3:11-26 etc.). Once the gospel was established, Paul who had healed extensively did not bring healing to his co-workers or himself (see Acts 19:11-12 c.f. Gal.4:13-15; 2 Cor.12:7-10; Phil.2:26-27; 1 Tim.5:23; 2 Tim.4:20). Healing was not an end in itself but was associated with the spread of the gospel.

   SIGN GIFTS TODAY: There is evidence that similar sign gifts are associated in places today where the gospel is introduced to a new culture or people group. Some of our own missionaries have testified to extraordinary miracles and healings that accompanied the spread of the gospel. There is a danger that those who believe certain gifts ceased (i.e. cessationists) place a limit upon what God in His sovereign grace bestows as He did in the past to establish the church.

8. SPIRITUAL GIFTS DO NOT SEEM TO BE CONFINED TO THOSE GIVEN IN THE NEW TESTAMENT: After God rescued the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, He instructed Moses to build a tent wherein His presence would accompany the Israelites on their travels (see Exo.25:8 & 22). God provided Moses with craftsmen, Bezalel from the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab from the tribe of Dan, to help with the construction of the tabernacle (see Exo.31:1-11). David also appointed members from among the Levites to make instrument and write inspired songs that contributed to the spiritual life of the Israelites (see 1 Chron.25:1-9). None of these are mentioned among the gifts in the New Testament but required a special gifting from God. Projecting these insights to the modern technology of our world it is probable that many have been endowed with technical gifts to serve the church.
9. AWARENESS OF THE FREQUENCY AND PLACE WHERE GIFTS ARE DEALT WITH: It is helpful to notice which gifts appear more than once in the Paul’s epistles. For instance, prophecy is mentioned in each of the five lists, and he argues that prophecy is crucial to the church (see 1 Cor.14:1-40). The gift of teaching is mentioned in four of the five lists and in all three epistles. When apostleship appears, it is always listed first. In the three lists in which the gift of tongues is mentioned (see I Cor.12), tongues always appear last along with the accompanying gift of interpretation of tongues. Further, the ‘signs’ gifts, such as tongues, healing, and miracles, are mentioned only in 1 Corinthians and are found nowhere else in the epistles. Gifts are dealt with in Romans and Ephesians as teaching whereas in 1 Corinthians all the instructions are given to deal with abuses in the church.
10. SOME ARE CONFUSED ABOUT THE GIFT OF TONGUES AND IT’S INTERPRETATION: There are two the New Testament books that refer to tongues: Acts and 1 Corinthians.
    1. ALL THE TONGUE SPEAKING RECORDED IN ACTS WERE REAL LANGUAGES: These tongues or languages covered sixteen languages spoken by dispersed Jews (i.e. the diaspora) who had returned to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2:9-11).
    2. THE TONGUES WERE THE REAL LANGUAGES OF DISPERSED JEWS RETURNING FOR THE FEAST OF PENTECOST: The tongues (Greek: glossa – Acts 2:4) is described as each one hearing them speak (Greek: laleo – Acts 2:6) in their own language (Greek: dialektos – Acts 2:6) … to which we were born (Acts 2:8) … we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God (Acts 2:11).
    3. THE GENTILE TONGUE SPEAKING WAS THE SAME PHENOMEN AS THAT WITNESSED ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST: When the Gentiles Roman centurion, Cornelius and his household received the gift of the Holy Spirit it was evidenced by – speaking with tongues and extolling God (Acts 10:45-46). But were they known languages? When Peter reported to the Jerusalem apostles and brethren what had happened (see Acts 11:1), he reported that what the Gentiles experienced was the same as what had happened at Pentecost – … the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning (Acts 11:15). They spoke in real languages.
    4. THE TONGUE SPEAKING ADDRESSED BY PAUL AT CORINTH MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PHENOMENON AT PENTECOST:

       a. TWO KINDS OF TONGUE SPEAKING? It would be a glaring omission for the Holy Spirit not to explain that there are actually two different kinds of tongue speaking: real languages and a repetitious non-language. 1 Corinthians 14 should be explained in terms of real languages.
       b. TONGUES OF ANGELS? When Paul speaks about the ‘tongues of angels’ (1 Cor.13:1) or ‘speaking to God in mysteries’ (1 Cor.14:2) this must be understood as hyperbole since there is not a single instance of an angel speaking in anything but a known language.
       c. REPETITIOUS NON-LANGUAGES? Paul addresses spiritual pride and excesses in great detail in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. What he writes in verses 1-19 is summed up as – … I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also (1 Cor.14:15). Paul is dismissive of repetitious non-languages and advocates edifying others in public ministry. In the latter part of the chapter from verses 20-40 Paul sums up his instruction as – … When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up (1 Cor.14:26). Paul opposed public worship where there was no interpretation of the language.
       d. BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT? The claim that tongue speaking is the sign of ‘the baptism in the Spirit’ for everyone contradicts 1 Cor.12:29-30 – 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. Every question is preceded by ‘NOT’ (Greek: ‘me’ pronounced may) i.e. Not all are apostles … not all speak in tongues etc.
       e. SIGNS OF THE SPIRIT? Jesus promised – 4 And while staying with them He ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, “you heard from Me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:4-5). That promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost accompanied with – 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:2-4). The giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was accompanied by various signs including a ‘mighty rushing wind,’ ‘tongues of fire,’ and supernatural speaking in foreign languages. These signs were not repeated when 3,000 were saved or with subsequently converts. Peter makes it clear it did not happen again until he preached the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 11:15). Neither do we have the wind and fire signs reported in connection with tongues.
       f. BECOMING LIKE JESUS? Every born again believer is baptized by the Holy Spirit – 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit (1 Cor.12:13). In fact, Paul wrote – 9 … Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him (Rom.8:9). The evidence that we are born again of the Spirit and we belong to Christ is the evidence that we are becoming more like Jesus (see Rom.8:9). We are urged to ‘rightly handle the Word of truth’ (2 Tim.2:15).

II. Identifying what motivates each person to exercise their spiritual gift

1. ROMANS DESCRIBES THE MOTIVATION BEHIND EVERYONE’S SPIRITUAL GIFT: It is generally agreed that Romans is the most logical explanation of the gospel. This flows on to what Paul teaches about spiritual gifts and seems to cover all that is taught about spiritual gifts – 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Identifies (Rom.12:4-8).
2. EXAMINING HOW EACH OF THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS DIFFER FROM ONE ANOTHER: By examining each word describing the spiritual gifts can provide us with the best way to identify our own motivation to serve the Lord …
   1. Preacher (Greek: propheteia) i.e. Those that speak forth God’s Word. Preaching better describes the word than prophet because the canon of Scripture has been completed (see 2 Pet.1:20-21; Rev.22:18-19).
      = A passion to proclaim well-prepared messages through preaching and writing that convicts people of their sin, calls for righteous living, and warns of judgment to come.
   2. Server (Greek: diakonia) i.e. Those most comfortable with providing practical support.
      = A passion to provide practical assistance to meet the needs of others. Practical care that helps build bridges to reach the unsaved.
   3. Teacher (Greek: didasko) i.e. Those who provide a rational explanation of God’s truth.
      = A passion to deliver in-depth Bible truths with a special emphasis to give a clear understanding of theology and Bible truth.
   4. Counsellor (Greek: paraklesis) i.e. Those that counsel, shepherd, and comfort others.
      = A passion to counsel, encourage, and comfort others by challenging them to apply biblical principles to their daily living.
   5. Giver (Greek: metadidomi) i.e. Those that express their love by giving generously.
      = A passion to plan and give generous financial support to ministries of the local church and its evangelistic mission beyond.
   6. Organizer (Greek: proistemi) i.e. Those that contribute to God’s work by leading and involving others in serving Christ.
      = A passion to organize ministry activities and working with others to achieve the team’s goals in an orderly manner.
   7. Mercy-giver (Greek: prostatis) i.e. Those most comfortable in providing a listening ear.
      = A passion to express concern and comfort by giving emotional support for the feelings of others in their time of need.
      Many have the gifts of mercy. There has always been a great need for the exercise of this gift.
      
3. EXERCISING OUR GOD-GIVEN GIFT DOES NOT EXEMPT US FROM PARTICIPATING IN OTHER MINISTRIES: Knowing your spiritual gift should not be an excuse to restrict your ministry. We are called to contribute to ALL the ministries above even though it may not be the way we are wired to serve. The New Testament challenges ALL members to contribute to ALL ministries …

III. Ways in which we can recognize and identify our God-given spiritual gift(s)

1. BEGIN BY OFFERING YOUR SERVICES IN SUPPORTING THE LOCAL CHURCH: After explaining our new standing in Christ, Paul continues – I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship (Rom.12:1). That is the best starting point for discovering your spiritual gift.
2. TAKE UP WHATEVER SERVICE YOU FEEL ABLE AND COMFORTABLE TO PERFORM: Barnabas is an example of a willing servant of the Lord. He gave generously (see Acts 4:36-37), defended Paul as a young convert (see Acts 9:26-27), supported the church planting at Antioch (see Acts 11:22-24); recruited Paul to help establish the church at Antioch (see Acts 11:25-26); and joined with Paul on his first missionary journey (see Acts 13:2-4). Be willing to get involved in ministry.
3. KEEP YOUR PERSONAL AND FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES IN BALANCE: Pray about whatever you commit to. Ensure that you do not neglect your relationship with the Lord and your other God-given responsibilities.
4. RECOGNISE THE AREAS OF MINISTRY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT: Your gifts usually align with your passions. In the range of ministries in your local church, some service will attract your attention. This gives a good clue to the area the Lord has given you a spiritual gift.
5. WE ARE MORE EFFICIENT WHEN OPERATING IN OUR AREA OF GIFTEDNESS: You will be more attracted to some areas of ministry than others. When you have a spiritual gift in an area of ministry, you will generally find it much easier to perform.
6. YOU CANNOT DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS UNLESS YOU DO MINISTRY: Like any other part of your body, if you don’t exercise it, your ability to use your body part will deteriorate. It is also true that you cannot discover your gift unless you do ministry.

IV. GROUP DISCUSSION:

1. What have you discovered about spiritual gifts that was hidden from you before?
2. How have you by-passed the blessings the Lord planned for you when He gave you a spiritual gift?
3. What is the next step to developing your usefulness in the body of Christ?
4. Do you need further help in identifying or developing your spiritual gift?

ILLUSTRATION OF MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS TO HELP YOU IDENTIFY YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT …