1 Corinthians Lesson 11

I Corinthians

Lesson 11

Spiritual Gifts

Hi Again, and welcome back to our study of the letter which Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, Greece. You surely recall that this was a young church with many problems and questions including the specific one which is addressed in Chapter 12 -- i.e., that they were ignorant about spiritual gifts.

Gifts? What gifts?, you ask. Well, that is what we will be studying in this lesson. And, you know what? Not only did they, the Christians (believers) in the Church of Corinth, have spiritual gifts, but so do we today ! Indeed ALL believers / Christians have a spiritual gift. So, this lesson has GREAT application to us also.

What kinds of spiritual gifts did they have? -- do we have? Where do they come from? What are they called? What is their purpose? And ... well, these are just a few of the things we are going to discover in this lesson. So, get out your pens, colored pencils, and markers and let's begin. This is going to be a very exciting and instructive lesson.

But, alas and alack -- let me warn you -- to fully understand this topic (subject) of spiritual gifts would require an entire series of lessons. So this lesson will be only an "Overview". Perhaps one day we can build on this overview and do an entire series of lessons on this topic. But, for now, we will just try to get the big picture on this subject.

Ok, with that said, let's begin by first reading what Paul said to these new Christians about Spiritual gifts. So let's read Chapter 12 (printed here for you or, as always, you can use your own Bible or version of your choice.) And, as you read, whenever you see a GIFT named -- underline, circle, or highlight it in RED (or use a color and /or symbol of your choice). (I will underline the first one for you, to help you get started).

1 Corinthians 12

1. Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.

2. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3. Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

4. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.

6. There are different kinds of working (ministries), but the same God works all of them in all men.

7. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8. To one there is given through the Spirit the message (word) of wisdom, to another the message (word) of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9. to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10. to another miraculous powers (miracles), to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines.

12. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

14. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18. But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19. If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20. As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22. On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23. and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24. while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25. so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

27. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30. Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret? 31. But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And now I will show you the most excellent way.

Ok, I see that you have finished. How many did you find? __________

Yes, you probably underlined, circled, or highlighted at least 17 words or phrases, a few of which were likely the same thing stated in a slightly different way, but let's say, for now, that Paul named at least 14-17 distinct spiritual gifts in this one passage alone. Now, hold that thought, because, believe it or not, this is not the only place where Spiritual gifts are mentioned in the Bible. There are 3 other places in the New Testament where Spiritual Gifts are mentioned.

So, for completeness, let's look at those 3 other references to Spiritual Gifts. They are found in Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. I will print them here for you (or you may use your Bible and version of choice) and, as you read these passages, as you did before, underline, circle, or highlight in RED each individually named Gift (or use the same color and symbol as before if you used something different.).

Romans 12:6-8

6. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8. if it is encouraging (exhortation), let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Ephesians 4:7-13

7. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8. This is why it says: "When He ascended on high, He led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." 9. (What does "He ascended" mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions ? 10. He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11. It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12. to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13. until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

1 Peter 4:10-11

10. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

OK, I see that you have finished again. Great!

But, I can also see you now, scratching your head and wondering and wondering about those verses in Ephesians 4 (specifically verses 8-10). Indeed you are ready to rush off on a "rabbit chase" to find out what they mean. So, let me just say that yes, those 3 verses do have a lot of important (and debatable) theology in them but we are NOT going to digress into those topics in this lesson or indeed in this course. So, just lay those thoughts and questions aside for now and let's continue with the topic at hand. And, for those of you doing this lesson in a group or Sunday School class or whatever, please do NOT "bug" your teacher or leader and start asking what those verses mean. You could spend days and weeks on those 3 verses alone, so please do not go off on a "rabbit chase". Save that for later -- MUCH later, if at all. Trust me. Stick with our topic of Spiritual gifts. For the purposes of this study, all that we want to get from this I Peter passage is the information directly relating to spiritual gifts.

So, with that said, forget the "rabbit chase" and let's continue.

Interestingly, did you notice that these gifts seem to be able to be placed into 2 Categories? Look again at the 1 Peter passage. There the two categories are specifically named. They are:

The 2 Main Categories of Spiritual Gifts are

Now, with those two categories in mind (i.e.. Speaking Gifts and Serving Gifts) and, looking now at all of the individual Spiritual Gifts that you have underlined or highlighted, make a list of the gifts in the space below. Use 2 columns, one for the Speaking Gifts and the second for the Serving Gifts. You will notice that some gifts have been named more than once or named using slightly different wording, so consolidate them. NOTE: The main purpose of this "assignment" is to get a general idea of how many different Spiritual Gifts there are. So, don't get all hung up on deciding which column a gift goes into as sometimes it may not be clear whether a gift is a speaking one or a serving one. Indeed, sometimes they could even be both. So, if you put a gift in the "wrong" column, no one is going to "grade you" so don't worry. Remember, this is only an "overview" lesson and without knowing more details about the gifts, knowing their specific category will not always be simple. (I will begin the list for you as an example of how to do this.)

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Speaking Gifts .......................................................Serving Gifts

..... Wisdom...............................................................................Faith

..... Knowledge

Great! I see that you have finished again. And that is quite a list, isn't it? Now, concerning how many you "found", people vary as to the total number, but if you listed somewhere between 12 and 24, you are "in the ballpark." I listed 21. But, if you got a few more or less, do not despair, for you and I might have not have looked at them in the same way. Indeed, scholars down through the ages have differed as to the exact number, but, if you saw somewhere between 12-24 different gifts, you are in "good company," for that is the usual number that most "Biblical scholars" find.

Ok, now we have a good idea of the number of Spiritual Gifts. That is a starting point. Now we want to find out more details such as what they are, who gets them, etc.

Let's begin with What they are! Look back at the verses you have just read and see if you can discover what Spiritual gifts are. Specifically,

In 1 Corinthians 12:7 spiritual gifts are said to be the ________________________________

In Romans 12:6 they are described as the ____________ given us.

In Ephesians 4:7 as ________________

1 Peter 4:10 describes them as being "God's _______________________________

Super! Now go back and put a GREEN circle around each these words or phrases in each of those verses so you can see the definition readily each time you read these passages. For example, in 1 Cor 12:7 you will circle the phrase "the manifestation of the Spirit" ,in Romans 12:6 "grace", in Eph 4:7 "grace" and in 1 Pet 4:10 "God's grace in its various forms".

Who or what is the "Spirit" that is referred to in these passages? Think about this and then circle the correct answer from the choices below:

1. an unreal or evil spook (ghost) such as in ghost stories

2. an idea or concept

3. the Holy Spirit of God (the Spirit of Jesus)

Fine, you say, I correctly understand that the Spirit that is being referred to here is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God and specifically the Spirit of Jesus Christ, who is the giver /bestower of all the Spiritual Gifts. But what exactly IS "GRACE", you ask. Good Question.

And, to answer that, we need to do a Word Study of the word, GRACE. But, don't panic. We will do this together. And it is not difficult. In fact, "word studies" are fun and very informative. (By the way, there is a FAQ on our web site which tells you in detail How to Use a Concordance. So if you want to do more word studies on your own, go to the web site, find the list of FAQs on the page with the LONG list of Bible Studies, print it out, follow the simple instructions, and you will be doing word studies on your own in no time.)

For those of you who have not done a word study before, the way to do this is to first find what the GREEK word for Grace in these verses is -- and then to find the definition of that greek word. Since most of you probably do not have the "tools" needed to do this, I will give you the Greek word and a brief definition. (But, if you have access to a Concordance and Greek dictionaries, feel free to use them to do this by yourself or to gain additional information and understanding.) As you read the information that I will give you about this word, Grace, underline or highlight in GREEN, facts or information which define or explain this word.

GRACE = CHARIS (Strongs # 5485)

First, looking in the Strongs Concordance, we find that in these particular passages the Greek word for GRACE, is CHARIS (Strongs # 5485), pronounced khar'-ece

Then looking at the brief definition of Charis in the Strongs Concordance, we discover that Grace is "from #5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)."

In the KJV version of the Bible, this Greek word, Charis, is translated variously as --"acceptable, benefit, favor, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy)."

Now, all of that may or may not be very "helpful" to you. It wasn't tooooo helpful to me, so I looked farther, specifically in Easton's Bible Dictionary under the topic of Grace. There I found that "Grace" (Charis) can be used in several ways and refers to various things including: "(1.) Of form or person (Prov. 1:9; 3:22; Ps. 45:2). (2.) Favor, kindness, friendship (Gen. 6:8; 18:3; 19:19; 2 Tim. 1:9). (3.) God's forgiving mercy (Rom. 11:6; Eph. 2:5). (4.) The gospel as distinguished from the law (John 1:17; Rom. 6:14; 1 Pet. 5:12). (5.) Gifts freely bestowed by God; as miracles, prophecy, tongues (Rom. 15:15; 1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 3:8). (6.) Christian virtues (2 Cor. 8:7; 2 Pet. 3:18). and (7.) The glory hereafter to be revealed (1 Pet. 1:13)." Obviously, of these 7 things, #5 is of most interest to us in this lesson concerning Spiritual Gifts.

Ok, now, based on what you just read about "Grace" (and there is much more that could be said about "grace", indeed, another series of lessons could be done on this one word alone, but this brief information will serve our purpose for now), in your own words, in the space below, write a brief sentence or summary statement which explains what grace is as it relates to spiritual gifts.

Wonderful!

Now, since you are doing so well, let's answer a few more questions based on what you have been reading.

What are Spiritual gifts? (1Cor 12:7) = _________________________________

Who gave / gives the Gifts? (Ephesians 4:7,11) = __________________________

To whom are they given? (Eph.4:7) = to ______________________

Why were they given (i.e.. what is their purpose)? (Ephes 4:12-13 , I Cor 12:7, I Peter 4:10-11, etc) = to

When are they given? You will need to (gasp) THINK about this as it doesn't come right out in these passages and say "when", but if you think about these gifts: what they are, their purpose, to whom they are given, and why, you should be able to figure out WHEN they are given.. Ok, "think" and then, when you have figured this out, write your answer in the space below:

........... Spiritual gifts are given at the time of the ___________ ________ of the Believer (Christian).

What is the minimum number each believer has? (1 Cor 12:7-11) __________________

What are we to "do" with our gifts? (see I Peter 4:10-11, Ephes 4:12-13, and other passages) List what we are to "do" with them in the space below:

Do all (Christians) have the same gift? (see Romans 12:6) .............YES.......... NO

Explain your answer in the space below:

Yes, you are correct if you said that Spiritual Gifts are manifestations of the (Holy) Spirit and are given to believers by Jesus through the Holy Spirit. They (a minimum of one but often more than one) are given to the new Christian (believer) at the time of their spiritual birth (i.e., at they time the person is "saved"). Indeed, you can think of spiritual gifts as birthday gift(s), given to believers when the believers (Christians) are "saved", "born again". And, no, not all believers have all the same gift as other believers. God gives specifically and individually to each person the gift or gifts which He knows that person will need for the various things He wants that person (and you and me) to do with them in the various ministries and services we will be doing with them for Him and for the church. So, someone will be given, for example, a teaching gift while his friend might be given the gift of administration.

And, while we are on the subject of "spiritual gifts" and the interesting fact (which you correctly figured out) that they are given to Christians (believers) at the believer's spiritual birthday --we are reminded that there is another "birthday" that every person in the world has. Let's think about this for there is a very important concept here.

A Christian actually has 2 birthdays. We have already noticed that the 2nd birthday was when they were "born again / saved". So, if that be true (and it is), then when is their 1st Birthday? = when they were _________ physically.

Yes, when you were born physically as a baby from your mother's womb, you were born "the first time". And you know what? When you were born physically as a baby, you were ALSO born with Birthday present(s) from God. God gave you TALENT(S) / ABILITIES.

In fact, God gives everyone TALENTS / ABILITIES at their physical birth (well, technically these are given when the individual is first conceived, because technically you are you at the time of conception and you don't have to wait to be "you" at birth. Indeed, at birth, you are almost 1 year old already. In fact, in the past, in some cultures, a person's age was reckoned from their time of conception instead of their time of physical birth. But that is another topic for another time, too. So we will not go off on this "rabbit chase" either, as important is it is, but must also save that for another time. Sigh.)

Anyway, these talents / abilities are also "birthday presents" so to speak. To some are given the birthday gift talent to play the piano, or to sing, or to be handy with tools, or to be an artist, etc. There are oodles of talents / abilities that newborn babies have which will, with time (i.e., as they "grow up") manifest themselves as the child begins to discover and develop them. Of course, we don't emerge from the womb playing the piano, but, with time, the child with that "talent" will discover it and begin to use it and develop it, perhaps even becoming a concert pianist. Another child will discover that he or she has the ability to be a sculptor, or an artist, or is skilled with his or her hands and becomes a surgeon or a carpenter or dentist or ... well you get the idea. God is so gracious that he gives EVERYONE special talents / abilities.

But TALENTS are NOT Spiritual Gifts!

Talents are given to everyone (as a "birthday present" from God) at their physical Birth, their FIRST Birth.

Spiritual gifts are "birthday presents" which are given ONLY to _____________ at the time of their SECOND birth, their _______________ birth!

Yes, you are correct! Spiritual gifts are "birthday presents" which are given ONLY to Christians / believers at the time of their SECOND birth, their spiritual birth, the time when they are "born again"/ "saved".

Just as we may not know what our Physical Talents are until we are "older" and have begun to develop our talents, in the same way, often Christians are NOT aware of what their Spiritual Gift(s) are until they begin to grow from being a "baby Christian" into a more mature Christian. Then, they begin to notice that they (and you and I) are doing certain things as we serve and worship God and really enjoy doing these things and find that it is "natural" and "comfortable" to do these things (such as teaching, administration, helps, service, witnessing, etc).

Indeed, this is one of the ways that a Christian / Believer discovers what their Spiritual Gift(s) is / are. Just as a person discovers their "talents" by noticing what they do and like to do (paint, play a musical instrument, excel in sports, handy with tools, etc.), in the same way Christians can discover their Spiritual Gifts.

So, if you are wondering what your Spiritual Gift(s) is / are, think about what you just naturally "do" in God's service. Do you teach a Sunday School class and find that people tell you that they are learning a lot by being in your class? Then you probably have the Spiritual gift of teaching. Do you like to help others and reach out to those in need? Then you may have the Spiritual gift of service or helps. Do you find that you are able to help people with problems and help them find solutions to various difficulties? Then you may have the spiritual gift of encouraging (exhortation) and / or the gift of mercy.

Many of you who are doing this Bible study already know what your Spiritual gift(s) are. But, to many of you, this may be a new concept. You may not have known about Spiritual gifts before now. This may be all new to you. But, whether you knew you had a spiritual gift or not, you are likely exercising it and just didn't "know" its name.

Look again at the list you made of the Spiritual gifts and as you read the list, ask yourself, could I have this gift? Think about what you are "doing" at church or at work or elsewhere, where you might be "exercising" your gift. Are you teaching a sunday school class? (= teaching) Are you singing in the choir (= encouraging /exhortation). Do you keep the roll and records for the SS class (administration). Are you the president of your SS class (Leadership). You get the idea. You are likely already doing things and finding that you are comfortable and enjoying doing what you are doing. But, other things are just not "your cup of tea." If, for example, you do not like to set tables or serve at pot luck suppers or do kitchen duty at such events (service and helps), then this is likely NOT your gift. And, if you don't feel comfortable when you are speaking before a group, then likely you do NOT have a speaking gift.

There are tests which you can take which will help you discover your specific Spiritual Gifts. Ask around at your church. There will be someone who likely knows of such tests and can let you take one. Or you will find them in various books or articles which explain Spiritual gifts in more detail. Find one and take it. You will find it most instructive. You will also likely discover that you are already doing whatever your gift(s) turn out to be. You just didn't know its "name".

If we ever get around to writing a course on Spiritual gifts, we will likely include such a test. But, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that to be written. Get one of those tests from "elsewhere", take it, and put a "name" to the Gifts that God has given you. You will be thrilled to discover your Spiritual Gifts and you will have a whole new freedom in what you do and don't do, in the positions you "accept" and decline (based on what your spiritual gift(s) are), and you will no longer have to feel "guilty" that you didn't want to do something or didn't enjoy doing various things whereas you were really excited and happy to do other forms of service for God! It is very liberating to know what your Spiritual Gifts are and to begin to let the Lord use them for His glory and purposes!

Yes, I wish we could delve into all of this further. But, remember, this is only an OVERVIEW type of lesson. We just wanted to discover that there ARE such things as Spiritual Gifts, what they are, their names, where they come from, their purpose, who has them, etc. And, indeed, those things we HAVE done in this introductory overview type lesson.

So, let this be just the beginning of what you learn about Spiritual Gifts and YOUR specific gift(s) which Jesus has given you through His Holy Spirit.

Ask the Lord to show you what your gift(s) are. Thank Him for them. Then begin to use them for His purposes and Glory as He leads, guides, and directs you into the various ministries and service that He has planned especially for you to do with the specific gifts He has provided you for those activities.

Paul did not want the Corinthians to be ignorant about spiritual gifts. And we don't need to be ignorant either! Indeed, Paul was telling the Corinthians (and us) that there are different kinds of gifts and different kinds of service with these gifts. There will also be different kinds of working (ministries) which God will direct us into -- BUT in all of these gifts, services, and ministries, God is the One Who is is the giver, the guider, the director, and the producer of the results. And, most importantly, we must always remember that these gifts are NOT for our own glory or aggrandizement, but for God's glory and purposes!

God has a plan for the life of every Believer and He gives us specific spiritual gifts to enable us to fulfill that plan. Find out what your gifts are and begin to use them for His glory and purpose! It is an awesome thing to be able to be a part of what God is doing here and now through the birthday presents He has given us --- both sets of presents --- the talents and abilities given to us at our Physical birth AND the Spiritual Gifts given to us at the time of our Spiritual Birth. All are graciously given to us by a Loving God ! We can do no less than to "present our lives a living sacrifice" and use all of these for HIS Glory and purposes !

In the closing minutes of this lesson, spend some time with God the Father, thanking Him for your many Birthday presents (your spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities) and asking Him what He wants you to "do" with them. Then, "do" what He tells you to "do".

See 'ya in the next lesson.

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