1 Cor. 12:1-11 & others

NOOMA

The best gift ever

A Great GiftPractical – I can use this!Necessary – I need this!

Desirable – I’ve been wanting one!Valuable – I couldn’t afford this!Perfect – It’s my size and color!

Thoughtful – Thanks!

A Gifting God• The Spirit is generous and is

constantly gifting good things to His sons and daughters. (Jas 1:17-18)– Gifting is totally in harmony with

His deity– His indwelling presence would be

gift enough, but He insists on giving us more

– His gifts are always the best!

Spirit GiftingR

om 1

2 • The giver is unspecified

• Basic functions performed in the church are the gifts to individuals

Eph

4 • The giver is the risen, ascended Christ

• Various persons in select offices are gifts to the church 1C

or 1

2, 1

4 • The giver is the Spirit

• Special abilities are the gifts to individuals

“Spiritual” Giftspnuematikos – spiritual things• emphasizing their spiritual nature and

origination• therefore, not natural abilities but Spiritual

abilities (1Cor 12:11)charisma – a grace gift• emphasizing the nature of the receipt• therefore, not naturally developed but Spirit

bestowed (1Cor 12:4; Rom 12:3, 6)

Gifts for Us1. a spiritual gift to an individual

is God’s enablement for personal spiritual service (1Cor 12:11)– a temporary sign gift to

substantiate or corroborate a message that has been given (1Cor 14:22)

– a permanent gift to function within the body as an active, healthy part (Eph 4:15)

“It is not clear whether the gifts are endowments from birth,

special enablements received at some later point, or a

combination of the two.”--Millard J Erickson

“Since none of the four lists includes all of the gifts found in the other lists, it is quite conceivable that collectively

they do not exhaust all possible gifts of the Spirit.” --Millard J Erickson

Gifts for Us2. a spiritual gift to the church is

a person uniquely equipped for the church’s edification and maturation (Eph 4:11-13)– given by the risen, ascended

Savior to validate and empower our ministry

– not to be used for personal, isolated satisfaction (1Cor 14:4-5, 12)

Acts 2

ONEwith

MANY

Gifts for Us• The Spirit-given gifts are not…

– specific ministries or places of service

– offices or positions – age group specific – simply natural talents

• The Spirit-given gifts are the tools necessary to serve Him and the Body of Christ.

Conclusions• Every child of God has some

spiritual gift (1Cor 12:7, Eph 4:7-8; 1 Pet 4:10)

• No child of God has all of the spiritual gifts (1Cor 12:14-21)

• No spiritual gift is given universally (1Cor 12:28-30)

• Conspicuousness is not an indication of importance (1Cor 12:14-25)

Applications• Live a Spirit-filled life (Eph 4:1-

2; 1Cor 3:16, 6:19-20, 10:31; Rom 12:1-2)

• Use your gift(s) to edify others in the Body

Applications• Use your gift(s) to edify others

in the Body– Discover your Spirit-given gifts

• Discovery using an “inventory” may be helpful, but not necessary

• Discovery within the context of the local church is best

• Investigate within a variety of ministry opportunities (ie, be an active member)

Applications• Use your gift(s) to edify others

in the Body– Develop other skills that utilize

the gift(s) that you have been given

– Appreciate and cheerfully receive ministry from brothers – you need them!

Applications• Live a Spirit-filled life (Eph 4:1-

2; 1Cor 3:16, 6:19-20, 10:31; Rom 12:1-2)

• Use your gift(s) to edify others in the Body

• Give glory to God for the gift(s) He has given to you

Applications• Give glory to God for the

gift(s) He has given to you– Not coveting another (1Cor 12:22-

26)– Not asking for another (1Cor 12:11)