Basic Christianity 105

Spiritual Gifts Awareness

Now That You Are a Christian

What Are Spiritual Gifts

Paul wrote: "Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I DO NOT WANT YOU TO BE IGNORANT" (I Corinthians 12:1KJV). The Greek word used by Paul here for "spiritual gifts" is "pneumatikon," which literally means "spirituals." "Spirituals" were gifts and abilities given to Christians by the Lord and energized by the Holy Spirit. The Greek word generally translated as "Spiritual Gifts" is "charismata" (the singular is "charisma"). The root word, "charis," is the Greek word for "grace." Thus, "Spiritual Gifts" are "grace gifts" or "grace endowments" that Christians receive from God in the form of "Skills," "Abilities," and "Talents" through which God desires to channel His energy and power as a means of strengthening the Body and bringing glory to His Name!

Are Spiritual Gifts for Today?

The Bible says much about our walk with the Lord after being saved. John tells us that Jesus did the works that God showed Him to do (John 5:20). Then John tells us that Jesus wants us to do these things as well (John 14:12).  

John 5:20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these so that you will be amazed.
John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.

Jesus moved in Spiritual Gifts. God wants us to move in Spiritual gifts as well.

Ephesians 4:8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”

1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

1 Corinthians 12:11 All these [Spiritual Gifts] are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

1 Corinthians 12:31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet, I will show you the most excellent way.

1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:39-40 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Paul reminds us that God wants us to know about Spiritual Gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:1 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.

Why Does God Give Spiritual Gifts?

For works of service and to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).

1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

Ephesians 4: 11-13 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his 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.

Your God-given Gifts are yours until you go to heaven.

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Romans 11:29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.

1 Corinthians 12:31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.