Spiritual Gifts and Ministries

“And to some, his gift was that they should be apostles, to some, prophets, to come evangelists, to some pastors and teachers; so that the saints together make a unity in the work of service, building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12, 13)

Preview

The risen Christ gathered His disciples around Him. Just before He went home to His Father, He gave them their job description. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

Two words need to be noted: all and every. Impossible for such a small group of believers! Jesus well knew their inability to accomplish the task by themselves. So He promised them the solution. “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you” (Acts 1:8).

And when the power came, the results were staggering! On the very day they received the gift of the Holy Spirit, they baptized 3,000 believers (Acts 2:41).

A short time before His death, Christ told a beautiful parable of a man traveling to a far country, who gave each of His servant’s special gifts. Jesus was that Man, leaving for heaven. In the story He assured them that each would receive gifts they needed according to their ability—gifts of power to enable them to witness to the glory of God (see Matthew 25:14-30).

Points to ponder

1. When Jesus ascended on high, why did He give special gifts to His followers on earth?

Ephesians 4:7, 8

Christ knew that the disciples could not carry out the divine mission of the church without special power and gifts that only the Holy Spirit could give. So the gifts were given for... (Ephesians 4:12).

Fortunately, men and women do not choose their own spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit, who understands us much better than we do ourselves, distributes different gifts to believers according to their interests, abilities, and willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit. But, like the Corinthian Christians, we bicker like small children about which gifts are the most important. Though the gifts differ, they all

come from... (1 Corinthians 12:6).

Because the gifts are given for the church, not the individual, no one can consider them their private property. Likewise, because the Holy Spirit gives the gifts, believers should not be proud of their many gifts or feel inferior if they have fewer or more humble gifts.

2. How does Paul illustrate the harmony, balance, and unity that are seen in the diversity of gifts?

1 Corinthians 12:12

The apostle compares the church to the body. As the body has many members, so does the church. Each member is different, just as is each part of the body. Each member is given a separate gift and function, just as is each part of the body. Just as all parts of the body must function together, so should all believers.

3. As the body suffers when any part is hurt or missing, so, when a member of the church suffers, how should the entire church act?

1 Corinthians 12:25, 26

All parts of the body must work together for health and harmony. The same is true with Christ’s children. If Christ abides in the lives of Christians, they will not quarrel with one another. Love will help us to bear with the differences in our midst. If we are having problems with others, we may know that self needs to be crucified. He whom Christ makes free is free indeed. We are not complete in Christ unless we love one another as Christ has loved us.

4. Which spiritual gift is greater than all the other gifts?

1 Corinthians 12:31; 13:13

Love is a fruit of the Spirit. List as many aspects of God’s self-sacrificing love as possible (Galatians 5:22, 23):

Nuts & Bolts

(This is a Questions and Statements section condensing the SDA Believe chapter Spiritual Gifts and Ministries. Make sure you read the chapter first.)

1. The Holy Spirit gives varying gifts to different individuals.

Romans 12:1-10, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 4:1-16 and 1 Peter 4:9-11 describe or refer to twenty-seven spiritual gifts. The Bible does not give specific details about a spiritual gift. It illustrates how these gifts function. Please read these Scriptures. Then study the gifts in the following table and mark the ones you think the Holy Spirit has given you. The degree to which you put your spiritual gifts to work for the Lord depends on your commitment to discipleship and your response to the Lord’s call. Your spiritual gifts may or may not match your natural, inherited talents.

Prophecy Wisdom Apostle Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7); Teaching Knowledge Prophet Martyrdom (1 Corinthians 13:3); Service Faith Evangelist Hospitality (1 Peter 4:9); Giving Healing Pastor Exorcism (Acts 8:5-8); Leadership Miracles Teacher Intercessory prayer (Acts 12:12); Mercy Discerning of spirits Missionary (Romans 11:13); Exhortation Tongues; Encouragement Interpretation Voluntary poverty (1 Corinthians 13:3); Helps Administration.

No doubt you have recognized that you have more than one spiritual gift. The source of your gift is God’s grace. Ask Him to keep you humble and use your gifts to His glory.

2. The more gifts God has given you, the greater is your spiritual influence. Therefore, the greater should be your dependence upon God.

1 Peter 4:10

Ephesians 4:2, 3

3. To enable the church to grow in unity and to nurture the believers, God has given to many the support gifts.

From the list that follows, circle the ones God has given you to use to bless others: Helps, compassion, intercession, mercy, exhortation, giving, hospitality, service.

4. God needs those who can instruct others in the teachings of the Bible to confirm their faith in God.

Circle the teaching gifts God has given you: Teaching, knowledge, wisdom, pastoring (or shepherding).

5. A growing church needs leaders.

Circle the ones that apply to you: Leadership, apostleship, administration, faith.

6. The primary job of the church is to win souls—to witness to the world.

God has given this task to every Christian. Circle those you can use to the glory of God: Evangelism, discernment, being a missionary at home or abroad, tongues, interpretation of tongues.

7. The sign or power gifts are not as common as the other gifts. Again, God chooses whom He can entrust with these gifts.

Circle those that you may have: Prophecy, miracles, healing, spiritual warfare, martyrdom, voluntary poverty, celibacy.

8. The church that utilizes its spiritual gifts will grow both in number and spirituality.

Ephesians 4:12, 13

9. Sometimes the Spirit uses a person’s natural gifts to do God’s bidding. What changes a person’s natural gifts to spiritual gifts?

John 3:7

10. Name ways whereby you can discover your spiritual gifts.

a. Pray for the baptism of the Spirit. (John 3:5)

b. Study the Scriptures. (2 Timothy 2:15)

c. Be open to providential guidance. (Philippians 2:13)

d. Confirmation from other church members. (Proverbs 24:6)

Words to Remember

• Agape: Greek word for self-sacrificing, outgoing, giving, and compassionate love. Similar to the love God shows toward us.

• Divisiveness: Division, discord, and dissension.

• Maturity: Steady growth in all things.

• Stability: Firmness, steadfastness. “Be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14, 15).

• Atrophy: Wasting away. Unused, spiritual gifts will decrease in their effectiveness.

The Difference Between

• Diversity and uniformity: God gives a variety of gifts. If all were alike—uniform—there would be no variation, but a dull sameness. God’s plan is to use all gifts to blend together in building the church.

• Clergy and laity: Ministers and pastors are the clergy, church members are laity.

I Truly Believe

What is your response to the following statements? Check the appropriate boxes that reflect your decisions.

My Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank You for the Holy Spirit, who chooses what gifts I can use best to the glory of God, enabling me to be a faithful steward. Keep me humble, teachable, and appreciative of those who differ from me. Grant me the wisdom to abide in Christ and fully discover my gifts.

I pray this in the precious name of Jesus.

Amen.