Understanding Spiritual Gifts: Divine Endowments for the Church
Summary
In our exploration of spiritual gifts, it's crucial to distinguish them from natural talents. Spiritual gifts are unique endowments given directly by the Holy Spirit, distinct from our inherent abilities. They are not merely enhancements of natural talents but are entirely new and special, bestowed upon us by divine grace. These gifts, known as charismata, are sovereignly distributed by the Holy Spirit, who decides who receives them, what they are, and when they are given. This sovereignty underscores the importance of recognizing that each Christian is endowed with a specific gift, contributing to the body of Christ in a unique way.
The diversity of gifts reflects their varying values and functions within the church. Some gifts may seem more prominent, while others appear less significant, yet all are essential for the church's health and function. Importantly, all gifts must be exercised in love, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is the measure of true spirituality, not the possession of gifts. A person may have remarkable gifts yet lack spiritual maturity, highlighting the need for love as the guiding principle in using these gifts.
Furthermore, it's essential to understand that not all gifts are permanent. Some, like apostleship and prophecy, were foundational and specific to the early church. These gifts served to establish the church and authenticate the apostles' authority. However, this does not preclude the occurrence of miracles or divine interventions today. God remains sovereign and can perform miracles at any time, though the specific gifts of miracles and healing, as seen in the apostolic era, may not be present in the same way.
Finally, the notion of a universal gift that every Christian must possess is unscriptural. The Holy Spirit distributes gifts as He wills, and no single gift is a prerequisite for spiritual fullness. This understanding calls for humility and openness to the Spirit's leading, avoiding dogmatism and embracing the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Spiritual Gifts vs. Natural Talents: Spiritual gifts are distinct from natural talents, given directly by the Holy Spirit, not as enhancements of our natural abilities but as entirely new endowments for serving the church. [00:13]
- Sovereignty of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes gifts, deciding who receives them, what they are, and when they are given. This emphasizes the unique role each Christian plays in the body of Christ. [02:30]
- Diversity and Value of Gifts: Gifts differ in value and function, yet all are essential for the church's health. Some may seem more prominent, but every gift is necessary for the body to function effectively. [06:43]
- Love as the Guiding Principle: All gifts must be exercised in love, as love is the true measure of spirituality. A person may have remarkable gifts yet lack spiritual maturity, highlighting the need for love in using these gifts. [08:58]
- Temporary and Permanent Gifts: Some gifts, like apostleship and prophecy, were foundational and specific to the early church. However, this does not preclude the occurrence of miracles today, as God remains sovereign and can perform miracles at any time. [26:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Distinguishing Spiritual Gifts
- [00:31] - Natural vs. Spiritual Gifts
- [01:21] - Definition of Spiritual Gifts
- [02:12] - Sovereignty in Gift Distribution
- [03:58] - The Holy Spirit's Sovereignty
- [04:45] - Every Christian Has a Gift
- [06:43] - Diversity and Value of Gifts
- [08:58] - Love and Spiritual Gifts
- [11:23] - No Universal Gift Requirement
- [12:57] - Are Gifts for All Times?
- [14:25] - Scriptural Insights on Gifts
- [21:14] - Historical Disappearance of Gifts
- [24:02] - Miracles Beyond Apostolic Era
- [26:14] - Temporary vs. Permanent Gifts
- [37:12] - Permanent Gifts Today
- [38:43] - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
- [41:41] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding Spiritual Gifts
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
2. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
3. Ephesians 2:19-20
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, how does the Holy Spirit distribute spiritual gifts among believers? What does this suggest about the nature of these gifts? [02:30]
2. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, what is emphasized as more important than possessing spiritual gifts? How does this align with the sermon’s message about love? [08:58]
3. How does Ephesians 2:19-20 describe the role of apostles and prophets in the foundation of the church? What does this imply about the permanence of certain gifts? [15:00]
4. What distinction does the sermon make between spiritual gifts and natural talents? How are spiritual gifts described as unique? [00:13]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit in distributing gifts affect the way Christians should view their own gifts and those of others? [03:58]
2. Why might the sermon suggest that some gifts were temporary and specific to the early church? How does this understanding impact the way we view miracles today? [26:14]
3. In what ways does the sermon highlight the importance of love in the exercise of spiritual gifts? How does this relate to spiritual maturity? [09:15]
4. How does the sermon address the misconception of a universal gift that every Christian must possess? What does this teach about the diversity of gifts within the church? [11:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual gifts. How can you use them to serve your church community more effectively? Are there ways you can seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in this process? [03:58]
2. Consider a time when you may have valued a particular gift over others. How can you cultivate a mindset that appreciates the diversity and value of all gifts within the church? [06:43]
3. How can you ensure that love is the guiding principle in the use of your spiritual gifts? Are there specific relationships or situations where you need to focus on this more? [09:15]
4. Have you ever felt pressured to exhibit a certain spiritual gift to prove your faith? How can you embrace the unique gifts the Holy Spirit has given you without comparing yourself to others? [11:23]
5. Think about a situation where you witnessed or experienced a miraculous event. How did it impact your faith? How can you remain open to the possibility of divine interventions today? [24:19]
6. How can you encourage others in your church to discover and use their spiritual gifts? What role can you play in fostering an environment that values each person’s contribution? [05:38]
7. Identify one way you can grow in love as you exercise your spiritual gifts this week. What specific action can you take to demonstrate love in your interactions with others? [09:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Gifts as Divine Endowments
Spiritual gifts are distinct from natural talents, given directly by the Holy Spirit as entirely new endowments for serving the church. Unlike natural talents, which are inherent abilities, spiritual gifts are unique and sovereignly distributed by the Holy Spirit. These gifts, known as charismata, are not enhancements of our natural abilities but are entirely new and special, bestowed upon us by divine grace. Each Christian is endowed with a specific gift, contributing to the body of Christ in a unique way. This understanding calls for a recognition of the unique role each believer plays in the church, emphasizing the importance of using these gifts for the edification of the community. [00:13]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 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."
Reflection: Identify a spiritual gift you believe you have received. How can you use this gift to serve someone in your church community this week?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Sovereign Distribution
The Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes spiritual gifts, deciding who receives them, what they are, and when they are given. This sovereignty underscores the unique role each Christian plays in the body of Christ. It is not for us to choose our gifts, but to humbly accept and develop them as the Spirit leads. This understanding calls for humility and openness to the Spirit's leading, avoiding dogmatism and embracing the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ. Recognizing the Spirit's sovereignty helps us appreciate the diversity and unity within the church, as each member contributes uniquely to its mission. [02:30]
1 Corinthians 12:11 (ESV): "All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt led by the Holy Spirit to use a particular gift. How did you respond, and what was the outcome?
Day 3: The Essential Diversity of Gifts
Gifts differ in value and function, yet all are essential for the church's health. Some may seem more prominent, but every gift is necessary for the body to function effectively. The diversity of gifts reflects their varying values and functions within the church. This diversity is not a cause for division but a reason for unity, as each gift complements the others. Understanding this helps us to value every member's contribution, no matter how small it may seem, and to work together for the common good of the church. [06:43]
Romans 12:4-6 (ESV): "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them."
Reflection: Consider a gift you have observed in someone else that you may have overlooked or undervalued. How can you encourage and support them in using their gift?
Day 4: Love as the Foundation of Spiritual Gifts
All gifts must be exercised in love, as love is the true measure of spirituality. A person may have remarkable gifts yet lack spiritual maturity, highlighting the need for love in using these gifts. Love is the guiding principle that ensures our gifts are used for the benefit of others and the glory of God. Without love, even the most extraordinary gifts are meaningless. This calls us to examine our motives and ensure that love is at the heart of all we do, especially in the exercise of our spiritual gifts. [08:58]
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (ESV): "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
Reflection: Think of a way you can show love to someone in your church this week, using your spiritual gift. What practical steps can you take to ensure love is the foundation of your actions?
Day 5: The Temporality and Permanence of Gifts
Some gifts, like apostleship and prophecy, were foundational and specific to the early church. However, this does not preclude the occurrence of miracles today, as God remains sovereign and can perform miracles at any time. Understanding the temporality and permanence of certain gifts helps us to appreciate the historical context of the early church while remaining open to the Spirit's work today. It reminds us that while some gifts may no longer be present in the same way, God's power and presence are still active in the world. [26:14]
Hebrews 2:3-4 (ESV): "It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life where you have witnessed or experienced what you believe to be a miracle. How did it impact your faith and understanding of God's sovereignty?
Quotes
The spiritual gift which any one of us may possess is something entirely different from that it is a gift that is given directly to us by the Holy Spirit. Now that's the first point to hold in our minds, therefore, that it is something separate from and distinct from natural gifts. [00:00:28]
The sovereignty of the spirit in the giving of these gifts is emphasized very clearly in this chapter. Listen to verse 11 for instance: but all these worketh at one and the selfsame spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. It is he who decides and not us. [00:02:39]
The principle then I say is that the holy spirit is absolutely Sovereign in this matter and he decides. It's brought out clearly in verse 11 but the very term which is used beginning say at verse 7 and going on enforces the same point. [00:03:58]
Every single Christian is given some particular gift. Indeed, it seems to me that the analogy which the Apostle uses in this chapter concerning the nature of the church, this Perfect Analogy of the human frame, the body of necessity carries this idea that there is a special function and a special gift to every single member of the Christian Church. [00:05:25]
The gifts that are given differ in value. Now there again let me quote you some verses: verses 14 and 15 for the body is not one member, he says, but many. And then you've got it still more explicitly in verse 28: and God has said some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers. [00:06:38]
All gifts or any gifts must always be used in love. Now that's the great message of the 13th chapter, isn't it? Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have no charity, I am become as sounding brass or as a tinkling symbol. [00:08:58]
You should never estimate or judge a man's spirituality solely in terms of the gifts that he possesses. These two things do not always run parallel. A man may have a remarkable gift and yet he may be failing in certain respects so that you can't always equate these things. [00:09:32]
There is no gift which are concerning which you have a right to say or to postulate that a Christian must possess it if he has the Holy Spirit. Now that's rather an involved way of putting it. Let me put it in another way. [00:11:23]
The Apostles and Prophets are the foundation which surely and clearly suggests that they are not to be repeated but that they were special men at the beginning and the foundation and the origin of the Christian Church who are not to be repeated. [00:15:00]
The gifts did disappear after the apostles. Now you can read the evidence for yourselves. You will find a number of books dispute that, but if you trace back to the source, you will find that it really can be established. [00:21:14]
The gift of Miracles is withdrawn. Clearly, throughout the history of the church, Miracles have taken place and have been performed from time to time. And to say that these particular gifts which are dealt with here were for the apostolic period only in no sense denies the possibility of a miracle at any time or at any moment. [00:24:02]
God can work a miracle whenever he likes and wherever he likes, and he can answer prayer in an unusual manner whenever he chooses to do so. So let us be clear about that in our minds. To say that the gifts were only for that period is not to deny the possibility of Miracles now. [00:26:14]
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