Nature and Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

· GOD'S DESIGN FOR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

· Benefits of the Gifts

· Developing your Spiritual gifts

· Abuse of the Gifts

v Questions for Personal Application

Introduction

Every Christian has a contribution to make to the body of Christ. Our ministries are dependent on the spiritual gifts that we receive. God has given each person a different gift so that there is no schism in the body of Christ. Therefore, important to exercise our spiritual gifts in the church community to nurture and edify the church body. Essentially, the gift of the Spirit helps to develop our spiritual formation. A new organism was created on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended. All those who have received the gift of eternal life consist of this organism. Romans 8: 14-17, Galatians 4: 4-7, and Ephesians 2:19, describe this organism as a spiritual household or family, - The organism is also called a living stone (1 Peter 2: 4-5 and a holy temple (Ephesians 2:20-22).[1]This new creation, however, is frequently referred to as the Body of Christ (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27; Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18; 2:19).

Christians who are geographically located - localized believers and Christians who are universal are all one. Jesus Christ is the head and ruler of this body (Ephesians 1:22). There is much growth in quantity and quality when believers actively use their spiritual gifts. Every part of the body is dependent on each other to survive and for its well-being. Each member of the body is important. No one is useless.

No believer can survive relationally in a vacuum. The believer will lack spiritual vitality. In the same way, no organ can survive on its own. Each member needs the gifts of each other as the Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to each member of the body; therefore, it is safe to say that no single member possesses all spiritual gifts.[2]

[1]Boa, Conformed to his image, 301. [2] Ibid., 302.

I. THE NATURE AND PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Charismata is the Greek word that is mostly used to define spiritual gifts. It is a word that is related to the (grace) (charis) of God. The gifts of the Spirit are an integral part of our spiritual formation. Jesus has given varying gifts to men so that there is no schism in the body of Christ. Therefore, every Christian has a contribution to make that is rather unique in the body of Christ.

II. GOD'S DESIGN FOR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

At the time of regeneration, God gave spiritual gifts. Some Christians are able to discover their spiritual gifts through various processes in life. Believers can be very gifted but spiritually immature, as shown by the Corinthians church. Once a gift is given, it can be neglected or abused. There is a difference between spiritual gifts and the gifts of the Spirit. For instance, all believers receive the gifts of the Spirit (John 14: 16; Acts 2:38); therefore, every member of the Christian faith should be able to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit that releases these gifts. On the other hand, the gifts of the Spirit are given to each believer according to the desire of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:11).

Another key note to understand is that the fruit of the Spirit is not the same as spiritual gifts. Spiritual fruit is produced from the inside: Spiritual gifts are imparted from the outside. Fruit refers to Christ-like character or the character of Christ, while gift refers to Christian service.

Recognize special gifts as they differ from natural talents. Natural talent is given from birth. Special gifts belong to believers. In some cases, the gifts and natural ability coincide. However, divine gits have a divinely infused quality.

All Christians are given a ministry, but not all Christians are given an office such as pastor, evangelist, teacher, deacon, etc. Gifts are given by God for the edification of the body of Christ, not for self-promotion.[1]

III. Benefits of the Gifts

God has given each member of the church spiritual gifts. Therefore it is essential that you develop these gifts. Here are three basic reasons why the gifts are desirable:

(1) Having a sense of satisfaction. You will be satisfied to know that you are using the gift that God has bestowed upon you. Knowing that you are using your gifts with your unique and indispensable ministry, you are accomplishing what you have been called to do in the body of Christ.[2] You will feel like you have fulfilled your purpose for being on earth. You will understand and learn to value the gift as you realize that God made you competent to produce something for eternity. There will be a sense of fulfillment within you and joy when you are serving others, knowing that the Holy Spirit is working in you and through you, as you make yourself available.[3]

(2) For the edification of others: never forget that the primary purpose for the spiritual gift is ecclesiastical (for the church). They meant to build up as well as to purify the body of Christ.[4] The body of Christ will enter into maturity as I release and serve others with my spiritual gift (Ephesians 4:12-16). If you do not use your spiritual gifts, then your brothers and sisters will be neglected and deprived of the unique ministry that only you can bring into their lives.[5]

(3) For the glorification of God: Ultimately, the purpose of your spiritual gift is to bring God glory, according to 1 Peter 4:10-11. It is a calling from the three persons of the Godhead, such as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which is a very high calling. The Father receives glory when you use your gifts in conjunction with love, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and in the name and Lordship of Jesus Christ. God will be glorified.[6]

IV. Developing Your Spiritual Gifts

When a spiritual gift is discovered, it needs to be developed in three ways:

Ø By Practice: Spiritual gifts can be developed by practice. Look for ways in which you can use your spiritual gifts and pursue these activities. If the gift is not practiced regularly, they will die. The best way to develop your spiritual gift is through small group ministries or home Bible study. Consider starting one in your church or joining one.

Ø By Wise Counsel: Allow other believers to evaluate your ministry.

Ø By education: Take advantage of educational materials that can help your development, such as books, classes, and tapes that will help you improve your gifted abilities.[7]

V. MUCH DEBATE OVER THE GIFTS

There is a distinction between Spirit-centered believers and those that are word centered. This is due to the controversy over the gifts the Holy Spirit gave, such as healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues. Spirit-centered believers believed that gifts are still necessary to the body of Christ and are still at work today, while Word-centered believers believed that God ceased the giving out of gifts. They argued that once the canon was closed, the gifts were no longer given. They build a case for the cessation of gifts by using 1 Corinthians 13: 8-10 as well as Hebrews 2:3-4. They imply that signs and wonders ceased from the second generation of Christians. The phrase that Paul made, "When Paul made the statement when the perfect comes" (1 Corinthians 13:10), he referred to the Second Coming of Christ rather than the completion canon of scriptures.[8]

v Questions for Personal Application

Ø What gift or a combination of gifts do you believe you have been given?

Ø If this is not so clear in your opinion, then prayerfully apply the six suggestions for you to discover your spiritual gifts. Further, you can seek to have them developed through education, exercise, and evaluation.

Ø Which dangers of abuse are you most concerned about?

Ø Which direction for the use did you consider most important?

Ø What is your opinion on the gift debate?

Ø Have you experienced both sides of the debate?

Bibliography

Boa, Kenneth. Conformed to His Image: Biblical, Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation, Revised Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020.

[1] Boa, Conformed to His Image, 304. [2] Boa, Conformed to his image, 301. [3] Ibid. [4] Ibid., 306. [5] Ibid. [6] Ibid. [7] Boa, Conformed to his image, 313. [8] Ibid., 306.