03/19/2024
THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
In 1 Corinthians 12:1 we see that the church was still ignorant of the gifts of the Spirit. This was a church that prophesied and spoke in tongues but yet lacked knowledge and understanding on the gifts. That is the case in many churches today also. We need a proper understanding of the gifts in-order to fully function in them so that we can bear maximum fruit for God’s glory.
Before we go into detail on the gifts of the Spirit, we will lay a proper foundation from scripture that will help us understand how to activate and operate in the gifts God’s way.
1) They are gifts.
In 1 Corinthians 12:4; the Spirit’s endowments are referred to as gifts (charismaton’). This is so important that we understand its significance. It means it is free and cannot be earned. It cannot be earned by fasting or spiritual indulgences. They can help prepare us to receive the free gifts that the Spirit gives us or help with better operating in them, but we can never earn the gifts. This truth is very significant as also are other truths in this same light. We are saved by grace; our callings are the grace of God and everything we receive from God is by His grace. Grace meaning -unmerited favor. This should leave no room for pride as we receive everything freely in God’s kingdom.
Does that mean we should not be dedicated or fast and pray and seek God? Yes, we have to because they can help us better receive and function in the gifts and callings God has endowed on us freely. Without those disciplines we may never know our gifting or calling or function properly in them, but the bottom line is we can never earn the gifts or calling. There are no special people before God; all His children are special. Those who are disciplined are the ones who better display how special they are before God.
2) Desire after the gifts.
1 Corinthians 14:1 asks us to desire after spiritual gifts, especially to prophecy. It is in the context of following the way of love. So, more effort must be given to having and displaying God’s love but, at the same time we can desire and ask God for the gifts of the Spirit. Today, priorities are changed, and more focus is on gifts rather than love and that is why we see divisions and envy and hatred and unforgiveness abounding in the church and among leaders. 1 Corinthians 13 is very clear, regardless of what gift I may have and how much I grow in them, if I do not have love, it amounts to nothing. Nevertheless, we need to desire and pursue our desires for spiritual gifts.
3) The Spirit distributes according to His will.
1 Corinthians 12: 11 says that the Spirit distributes the gifts according to His will. Combining this truth with the one before, we can ask God for all the nine gifts, but it’s the Spirit who distributes the gifts according to His will and not ours. One can’t presumptively say that they can impart gifts. Gifts are imparted under the sole guidance of the Spirit and not on the whims and fancies of men. It is His will and not ours. He knows what gifts are best needed by us to fulfill our calling in everyday life and ministry and He gives the appropriate gifts accordingly.
4) Faith – The need to step out and grow in faith.
Once we know we have the gifts, we have to be willing to step out in faith. It is where we learn and grow in the giftings God has placed on our lives. Not stepping out will lead to the gift being dormant and unused. While stepping out, we need to be in a place of vulnerability, accepting our mistakes and seeking to learn and that is how we grow into maturity.
In Romans 12:6 we see Paul exhorting the believers to prophesy according to the measure of their faith. While Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, it is our responsibility to grow in that faith. Whether I minister to a few or thousands or prophesy to an individual or nations depends on how far I’ve grown in the faith. The same applies to other gifts also. The gifts are complete and perfect and according to the level of my faith, I can access and operate in them.
5) Gifts are for the profit of the body.
The gifts of the Spirit are given so that everyone in the body can be edified and blessed by it (1 Corinthians 12:7). In a group of believers, there will always be certainly areas of lack and, in-order to fulfill them, God distributes gifts amongst them equally. So that the body as a whole is edified and built together. You might be gifted in a certain area but lack in another and that lack could be fulfilled by a fellow believer who would need your gifting. It is God’s wisdom to ordain things that way. It’s not about me building myself and ministry with my gifting; it is out of a heart of compassion looking, for people in need in order to serve them.
6) SERVE WITH YOUR GIFTS.
The earlier point brings us to an important necessary truth as there are a lot of bad examples today. We serve with our gifts and not boss around with them. Jesus Himself came to serve and that should be our attitude if we have a particular gifting. A servant’s heart of humility towards God and men is important if we are to please God in this.
7) CHARACTER MORE IMPORTANT THAN GIFTING.
Matthew 7:21 to 23 talks about a group of people who operated in the gifts but led lawless lives. Jesus tells them, I do not know you in the end. Note: HE does not say you do not know me, but rather, I do not know you. These people knew Jesus and therefore performed miracles, but they didn’t allow the Lord to sanctify and purify them (know them). Holiness and purity are a must as without which no man shall see the Lord.
