Text: Romans 12:4-8
OPEN:
We are engaged in a study designed to help each of us "unwrap our spiritual gifts." Keep in mind our Foundational Statement: “Ministering as a disciple of Christ calls for us to know our spiritual gifts because spiritual gifts are the basis for all ministry in the local church.” (Fowlkes)
Also, remember that there are three primary New Testament passages that deal with spiritual gifts:
Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 28; and Ephesians 4;11-16.
Another brief mention in 1 Peter 4:8-11.
"A spiritual gift is a unique capacity given by the Holy Spirit and given to every believer in Christ for ministry in a local church in order to cause the church to grow quantitatively (numerically), qualitatively (maturity), and organically (organizationally)."
A careful study of Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14, and Ephesians 4, substantiates this definition and reveals, with the introduction of spiritual gifts, complete provision has been made for all the needs of the church. The organization of the church, its government, extension, instruction, and corporate life, are all cared for by the Holy Spirit as he manifests his gifts through the members.
1) There is, in fact, no part of the church's work for which there is not a corresponding gift of the Spirit.
2) God gives to every church what is needed to fulfill His purposes for that place at that time.
We now move to listing and discussing individual gifts. The study of spiritual gifts may be handled in a variety of ways. One way would be to study each gift independently. Another would be to examine the list in Romans, then Corinthians, then Ephesians, then the other gifts. I have chosen to divide our study into three categories, and look at the gifts in relation to other gifts by category. Also, the question must be asked if the specific lists are exclusive or representative. I see them as representative.
Serving Gifts
Some gifts in the body of Christ are like our external organs. We see those who exercise these gifts. Among them would be the evangelist, pastor, teacher, missionary. There are other gifts in the body of Christ that are like our internal organs - seldom seen but vital.
1. Helps (1 Co 12:28; "forms of assistance" NRSV)
The gifts of "helps" and "service" are closely related gifts.
The Greek word for helps in 1 Co 12:28 means "being a support or help to those in need."
People with this gift tend to be people-oriented.
Their spiritual gift is to help others, often in a one-on-one situation.
People with this gift are often behind the scenes to release other workers in their spiritual ministries.
They are like Aaron and Hur who held up the hands of Moses (Ex 17:10-12).
Those with this gift find spiritual fulfillment in assisting others to better do their ministries.
2. Service (Rom 12:7; "ministry, in ministering" NRSV)
Service, instead of being a person-centered ministry, help meet the needs of the whole body.
The deacons in Acts 6 are a good example of the gift of serving. They used the resources available and found a solution that was best for all concerned.
Some organizations in the church have dedicated themselves to this type of ministry. This was the original intent for most men and women's groups.
3. Mercy (Rom 12:8; "the compassionate, in cheerfulness" NRSV)
The gift of mercy is a sensitivity to the feelings of others.
This gift enables one to feel with those in need.
These people render "unpleasant" service ungrudgingly.
a) Ministry to persons in time of death, illness.
b) Ministry to the poor, alcoholics, prostitutes.
Blessing comes to those ministered to; but the ones ministering also receive a blessing.
These are the ones who give a cup of cold water in Jesus' name.
4. Hospitality (1 Pe 4:9; "Be hospitable to one another without complaining" NRSV)
Rom 12:13, "Extend hospitality to strangers."
There are other exhortations in Scripture to be hospitable: Titus 1:8; 1 Tim 3:2; Heb 13:2.
Hospitality really refers to the love of strangers.
The one with this gift provides an open house and warm welcome to the visitor.
5. Giving (Rom 12:8; "the giver, in generosity" NRSV)
The role of giving for all Christians is the tithe. Those who tithe are simply doing their Christian duty.
The one with this gift not only gives the tithe, but goes beyond and does so joyfully.
a) God enables them to understand the material needs of others and to then meet those needs, doing so generously.
Often these people sacrifice personally in order to advance the cause of Christ.
a) They receive spiritual blessing in this way.
b) These are not always wealthy people, just ordinary people with ordinary incomes who love to give.
6. Faith & Prayer (1 Co 12:9; "to another faith by the same Spirit" NRSV)
Faith-gifted people, in a special way, are able to believe that God is adequate for a certain situation and to tap His resources.
These people have an extraordinary confidence in God's ability to meet the need.
Believing that God will do miracles in the face of natural impossibilities and he will accomplish this by divine intervention.
Prayer and faith go together.
a) Whoever has the gift of faith spends time in prayer.
b) The one who prays must have faith in God to do what is prayed for.
Those with the gift of prayer and faith frequently spend prolonged periods in prayer. When they are through it seems as if only moments have passed.
7. Leadership (Rom 12:8; "the leader, in diligence" NRSV)
The gift of leadership and administration are not necessarily one and the same.
People with this gift are the "idea people." They see where the group should go or what they should do.
The ones with the gift of leadership have the ability to preside, govern, and plan with wisdom, fairness, example, humility, confidence, ease, and efficiency.
a) They do not manipulate people but lead by example and people follow.
b) Simple test: Is anyone following?
8. Administration (1 Co 12:28; "forms of leadership" NRSV; "gifts of administration" NIV)
These know how to put into effect the ideas the leaders have developed.
a) They can organize and administer (keep it going).
b) They enjoy long hours in the office, overseeing the business matters, keeping everything moving smoothly.
9. Discernment of Spirits (1 Co 12:10; "to another the discernment of spirits" NRSV)
1 John 4:1 - this is part of the expectation of every believer.
The one with this gift can discern correct, true teaching from false and misleading teaching.
Discerners understand what people are thinking and feeling often without anything being said.
a) In other words, God allows them to see what is in the heart so that they may better minister to that individual.
These often prevent congregations from being swayed by false teaching.
10. Music
Music is another gift not specifically listed in the New Testament. But music itself is mentioned: 1 Co 14:26; Eph 5:19-20; Col 3:16.
God has gifted certain people to be able to sing or play an instrument so that others are helped in their walk with the Lord.
a) God gave David music ability and it ministered to King Saul and continues to bless us through the Psalms.
b) This gift results in blessing the hearts of believers; edification is the result.
c) Sinners are convicted and drawn to the Savior.
Music can be natural talent only. If it becomes a spiritual gift, it points people to Jesus.
a) Attention is drawn to Him rather than the musician.
CLOSE:
Let's end where we began:
There is, in fact, no part of the church's work for which there is not a corresponding gift of the Spirit.
God gives to every church what is needed to fulfill His purposes for that place at that time.
Two critical questions remain:
Do you know your gifts?
Are you using your gifts?
(Dr. Dane Fowlkes)
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