Our living God Pt 8: Spiritual gifts
1Corinthians 12:4-11 4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
The topic of spiritual gifts is a touchy subject in some believing communities, often because those communities believe spiritual gifts had a specific purpose applicable only for the Apostolic era. This belief system holds that spiritual gifts were given specifically to the Apostle for the purpose of introducing the Kingdom of God to the world, and that their application ended with the death of John, the last surviving apostle. This is not the belief of other communities of the church though, as these communities believe spiritual gifts are an active, present, and expending force of the Holy Spirit used to help the Kingdom expand into an ever-darkening modern world.
Kinds of gifts
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. These gifts are diverse in nature and serve different functions within the Christian community. They can be broadly categorized into several types, including motivational gifts, ministry gifts, and manifestation gifts.
Motivational Gifts are foundational and reflect what motivates a person to serve God and others. These include gifts such as prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy (Romans 12:6-8). Each believer may find a natural inclination toward one or more of these areas, shaping their approach to ministry and service.
Ministry Gifts are roles or offices within the church designed to equip and lead the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 mentions apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These gifts are focused on leadership, guidance, and the dissemination of spiritual knowledge and wisdom to foster growth among believers.
Manifestation Gifts are supernatural demonstrations of the Holy Spirit's power. They include words of wisdom, words of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. These gifts often serve as signs to both believers and non-believers, showcasing the active presence of God.
The diversity of spiritual gifts highlights the multifaceted nature of the church. Just as the human body has many parts with different functions, the body of Christ comprises individuals with unique gifts, each contributing to the whole.
The same Lord
While this discussion might seem head-focused or too analytical, remember one thing: All gifts come from God. Remember also that the Holy Spirit distributes the gifts, the Lord Jesus oversees the various ministries, and God the Father empowers the workings. Recognizing that all spiritual gifts come from the same Lord fosters humility and mutual respect among believers. No gift is superior to another, and each is vital for the health and growth of the church. This understanding combats pride and division, encouraging believers to celebrate and support the diverse expressions of God's grace within the community. Moreover, the acknowledgment of the same Lord reinforces the idea that spiritual gifts are not personal achievements or badges of honor. They are divine endowments meant to glorify God and serve others. This perspective shifts the focus from individual recognition to collective edification and the advancement of God's kingdom.
The manifestation of the Spirit
Spiritual gifts are tangible manifestations of the Holy Spirit's presence and activity within the church. The term "manifestation" implies a visible or evident display of the Spirit's work through believers. These manifestations serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they edify and build up the church. For example, prophetic words can provide guidance and encouragement, while gifts of healing bring comfort and restoration. Secondly, they bear witness to the reality of God's power and presence, both within the church and in the broader world. Miraculous signs and wonders often accompany the preaching of the gospel, validating the message and drawing people to faith.
The manifestation of the Spirit also highlights the dynamic and interactive nature of the Christian faith. Believers are not passive recipients of God's grace; they are active participants in His work. Spiritual gifts enable Christians to minister effectively, demonstrating God's love and truth in practical, transformative ways.
Importantly, the manifestation of the Spirit is not confined to extraordinary or public displays. It can also be seen in the quiet, consistent exercise of gifts like teaching, hospitality, and mercy. The Spirit's work is as evident in a compassionate act of service as it is in a miraculous healing. This broad understanding encourages believers to value all expressions of the Spirit's activity, recognizing that each contributes to the vitality of the church.
For the common good
The ultimate purpose of spiritual gifts is the common good. Paul emphasizes this, reminding believers that their gifts are not for personal gain but for the benefit of the entire community. This principle is foundational to the biblical understanding of spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts promote unity and interdependence within the body of Christ. Just as each part of the human body has a specific function that contributes to the well-being of the whole, each believer's gift is essential for the church's health and mission. No one person possesses all the gifts, which means that collaboration and mutual support are necessary. Since all are necessary, none should be ignored.
Spiritual gifts are instruments of love. 1 Corinthians 13, often called the "love chapter," follows Paul's discussion of spiritual gifts, highlighting that love is the greatest virtue and the proper context for using gifts. Without love, even the most spectacular gifts are meaningless. Love ensures that gifts are exercised with humility, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve others.
Spiritual gifts also equip the church to fulfill its mission in the world. They enable effective evangelism, discipleship, and service, demonstrating God's power and love to a watching world. Whether through preaching, acts of mercy, or supernatural signs, spiritual gifts make the gospel tangible and accessible. Spiritual gifts are diverse and dynamic expressions of the Holy Spirit's work within the church. They originate from the same Lord, manifest the Spirit's presence, and are given for the common good. By embracing and exercising their gifts with humility and love, believers contribute to the growth, unity, and mission of the body of Christ.
What about me?
All of this is interesting, you may think, but what does it have to do with me. I have a friend who laments that he doesn’t speak in tongues, but who has never tried to speak in tongues for fear of looking foolish. Spiritual gifts don’t just pop up; like everything else they must be developed, nurtured, and practiced. The upshot of this is that every believer has a spiritual gift, even if it hasn’t manifested yet. This means, believer, that you have a gift, even if you don’t know what it is. Is there a gift you are curious about? Maybe that’s the one.
Spend some time with it, try it out on your best friend, talk about it with him or her. Your gift will come.