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The Gift is the Holy SpiritTHREE DIFFERENT GIFTINGSThere are 9 spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, and 5 ministry gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11, and 7 motivational gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8. However it is a little misleading to think in terms of spiritual gifts as something separate from the one gift of the Holy Ghost through whom all gifts have their source. It is the Holy Spirit who does, ordain, or endow our abilities to be used by Him. We are capable of being used by Him in anything if He so needs, but have particular gifts that we are specifically intended to use. This article briefly outlines all of these gifts. Each gift is hyperlinked for easier reference. The motivational gifts are given in more detail elsewhere. Paul outlines these 3 broad categories -motivational, ministry & spiritual - in the beginning of 1 Corinthians 12. Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.(1 Cor 12:1 KJV) Clearly we are to understand the gifts so that we may benefit the body of Christ. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (1 Cor 12:4 KJV) The diversities of gifts referred to here are the Motivational Gifts of Romans 12:6-8. These gifts are given to us at birth and are our natural tendencies to do. They are used by believers and pagans alike. Knowing your natural gifts makes it easier to serve the body of Christ. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. (1 Cor 12:5 KJV) The differences of administrations referred to here are the Ministry Functions described in Ephesians 4:11. These functions are that are gifted and matured. These functions are for equipping the saints for maturity in Christ. Later, through selfish ambition, these functions became paid offices. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.(1 Cor 12:6 KJV) The diversities of operations referred to here are the Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit moving through believers demonstrating the power of God to the body of Christ and to the lost in evangelism to confirm His Word. These are the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (1 Cor 12:7 KJV) To think this is the extent of the gifs is to limit the Holy Spirit. These are the main gifts commonly reported. However, as said in the beginning, the gift is the Holy Ghost, and those gifts we are born with were determined and given by God. All of these are always to benefit the body of Christ, and society. FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE GIFTS(From CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICE Jerry Stettheimer, D. Min. April 2002) Spiritual laws. There are certain laws of God that control the gifts:
• You reap what you sow;
• The measure you use will be the measure you get; • To the person who has still more will be given; • To him who has not (to him who uses it not), then that which he has will be taken away. As the gift is used, it increases in intensity and effectiveness; it seems to glow brighter and brighter and blesses others in the process because as Jesus said, the measure you give will be the measure you get. In contrast when the gift is put aside and left unused, it tends to wither away. When this happens, discovering a person’s specific gift becomes more difficult. Significant others. We may also be influenced by leaders or ministers whom we listen to on a regular basis. For example, in one congregation, a very large number indicated high levels of the prophet gift. After checking, those who administered the test discovered that the minister of the congregation was a very strong prophet. He influenced the members of the congregation to the extent that they themselves were picking up some of the characteristics of the prophet. Sin. The type of sin and general areas of weakness seem to have a strong correlation with the foundational characteristics for that specific gift. Put simply, the closer one walks with the Lord, the more intense the positive traits. The farther one is away from the Lord’s presence, the greater the amount of sin in one’s life, and the weaker these traits will appear. The Motivational GiftsReturn to Intro
The Motivational Gifts are temperaments that people are born with, and are characteristics of their personality. There are 4 verbal gifts. These are people who tend to be very good at talking with others and have the ability to lead through communication with others. These are: Prophet, Teacher, Exhorter & Administrator. There are 3 non-verbal gifts: Servants, Givers & Mercy. For further information on the Motivational Gifts.
ProphecyReturn to Motivational Gifts topThe prophetic temperament is not the same as the function of a Prophet, neither is it the same as speaking prophetically. It is the personality of the prophet who sees right and wrong in life. In the Old Testament the prophet was judgmental. 17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? 18 And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim. (I King 18:17-18< KJV) In the New Testament the prophet is motivated by the love of Christ. Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: (2 Cor 10:1 KJV)
Church Function: Few congregations still have
the office of the prophet. More commonly the
prophetic temperament is seen in the pulpit as a
Pastor, or in Sunday School as
Teacher, or on a Church Board as an
Administrator, but can be experienced by fellow members of the body as the fellowship allows the Spirit to lead. Serving [Ministry]Return to Motivational Gifts top It is the temperament of wanting to help and meet needs that are not being met. Those with the gift of service will volunteer before being asked and do the extra work that no one asked for. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (Acts 6:2-3 KJV)
Church Function: Servants are commonly seen as
Deacons, Ushers, Hospitality Greeters,
Cooks, and Craftsmen that meet needs
in the church. TeachingReturn to Motivational Gifts topTeachers love to study and do research. Teachers also love to share knowledge and to explain things. As Christians they love to study the Bible and understand biblical truths. Teaching is not the same as preaching. Teaching brings understanding, preaching brings exhortation to action. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11 KJV)
Church Function:Teachers are in
the pulpit, Sunday School class, and in many other
positions of leadership. It is the disposition of exhorters to stand beside those in need and bring comfort, counsel and encouragement so they feel helped. Exhorters do not condemn and are sensitive to the feelings of others. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. (Acts 11:23-24 KJV)
Church Function: Apostles,
Missionaries, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers
and Counselors need the gift of exhortation.
It is the natural tendency of givers to offer their material blessings for the work of the church with exceptional willingness, cheerfulness and liberality. 1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. (2 Cor 8:1-5 KJV)
Church Function: If the church has a
Benevolence Office. This gift works well in
association with other offices. Missions,
Hospitality, etc, can use one motivated in giving
to spur others to give.
It is the natural talent of a leader to understand the goals of a given segment of the Church's ministry and to direct that area effectively, keeping the Church on course, and to guard against ungodly influences. 17 And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. ... 21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: 22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. (Exod 18:17, 21-22 KJV)
Church Function: Board of
Directors, Pastor, Sunday School
Director and any other program that needs
directing. Apostles and Missionaries in
laying foundation for church. It is tendency of some to feel exceptional empathy and compassion for those who are suffering so that they devote large amounts of time and energy to alleviate it. 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. ...... 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.(Luke 10:30, 33-34 KJV)
Church Function: Hospital
ministries, prison ministries, homeless ministries,
orphanages, etc. All should have mercy as
Christ has for us, but those with special empathy
tend to be in para-church ministries. Ministry FunctionsReturn to Intro
The structure and organization of the church has been shared by God with man. What God has given us is an organism. We are grafted into the living vine of Jesus Christ. We have been given certain liberties in organizing ourselves. The organism of the body of Christ is natural, the organization of the body of Christ is artificial. The artificial organization should effectively serve the natural organism. The functions of minsisty is organic. The office of ministry is artificial. God always ministers to the body organically by the function of ministries. The artificial organization is also used by God when it stays close to the organic function of ministry. The church of Jesus Christ began with the apostolic ministry first established by the Lord who sent them out to preach the gospel. Traveling apostles were followed by traveling prophets, evangelists, and teachers. There were so many that believers needed guidance in how to deal with them as congregations in homes were to established. Consequently the epistles were written and other non-canonical books such as the Didachae or the Teachings of the Twelve on how to recognize and care for genuine ministers of Christ. Bishoprics for the first 3 centuries were not official, but recognized unofficially as the their fruit proved their maturity. Servants, or deacons, were quickly acknowledge (Acts 6:1-6) but were not paid for their service. Only when Emperor Constantine called himself a Christian and commanded the entire Roman Empire to be Christian did the official hierarchy begin. The Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox governments were established and institutionalized. But God still organically ministered to His people. These people in and out of the institutions, whom they later canonized as "saints." The Reformation of the 16th century Europe saw a drastic restructuring of church government as believers departed from the Catholic Church. John Calvin in Switzerland was a leader in the new church government, which combined the state with the church. John Knox of Scotland gave the presbyters power in the local church, whereas George Fox of Quaker fame almost had no government as he tried to allow Christ to move through all believers. From the Reformation the Pastoral system of church government began to emerge as small congregations multiplied in distant lands. Biblical precepts are adhered to as much as the system allows. Regrettably, the system has built factors that hinder and diminish the organic life of Christ in His body. Return to Ministry Functions top.It is believed by many that the apostolic ministry ended with the first century church. This is the doctrine of the Catholic church that replaced it with Apostolic Succession of the Popes. It is commonly believed that to be an apostle, one had to have had a direct contact with Jesus when He was in the flesh. Paul is counted as an apostle because of his experience on the road to Damascus. However, the Bible indicates that many others were regarded as apostles who were not listed with the 12 the Jesus worked with. For example, Andronicus and Junia are called apostles by Paul (Rom. 16:7). The word "apostle" in Greek is apostoloV apostolos which means "one sent out, as an ambassador of Christ". This is why missionaries today are modern apostles. It is the call of God to lead, inspire and develop new church families of God by bringing the Living Spirit of God to their hearts and the proclamation and the teaching of true doctrine. Apostles combine the functions of Evangelists, Teachers & Pastors in their work. Apostles minister to the body of Christ (local church) and have the capacity to reach a second culture or second community. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: (Rom 15:20 KJV)
Motivational Gifts: Exhorter, minister,
prophecy, administrator The function of the prophet is one of holding leadership accountable to God's Word, and will speak the Word of the Lord to both the congregation and the leadership staff. Consequently, the prophet has to remain objective and somewhat detached in order not to be influenced by men, and to be devoted wholly to God. The New Testament prophet is not judgmental, but is motivated by the spirit of love. Prophets should have the motivational gifts of prophecy, and the spiritual gifts. Old Testament Spirit: Accountability And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. (I King 17:1 KJV) New Testament Spirit: Restoration 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. (Luke 9:54-56 KJV)
Motivational Gifts: Exhorter,
administrator, & teaching All are called to share the Gospel to unbelievers, but Evangelists are called of God to build up the body of Christ with new believers, and to lead the body in evangelism outreaches. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. ......35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.(Acts 8:29-31, 35 KJV)
Motivational Gifts: Minister, exhorter,
teacher Many are in the office of the pastor, but not many are pastors. A pastor is one who genuinely cares about the welfare of the people, and sees to their growth in Christ. Pastoral care can come from those in an office, but usually the function of the pastor is experienced by fellow mature believers who know your life and are involved in your life. 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.(1 Pet 5:2-3 KJV)
Motivational Gifts: Mercy, teaching and
administration. Teachers are called of God to communicate the truths of God's Word so that others can apply the Word to their lives. A good teacher will always lead students to knowing Christ personally, and use scripture as the guide for testing the spirits. 15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. (1 Cor 4:15 KJV)
Motivational Gifts: Teaching and
exhortation. These gifts are neither ones that a person is born with nor do they come automatically at salvation. They are the operations of the Holy Spirit within a person, and only occur on two conditions. 1) a born again believer has asked the Lord to baptize him in the Holy Ghost, and 2) the believer acts on the gifts when prompted by the Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit are specifically for the Ministry of God's Word to build up people and to bring glory to God and his Word. Jesus prohibited the apostles from ministering until they had received the power from on high. Neither did Jesus begin his public ministry until he was baptized in the Spirit. Certain spiritual gifts of the Holy Ghost operate more frequently in people with certain motivational gifts, and who are working in certain offices of church ministry.
Natural wisdom is gleaned through life's experience. The Word of Wisdom is an insight on how to deal with a situation that comes directly from the Lord. There are times when you have to ask God for the wisdom as according to James. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. (James 1:5-6 KJV) There are other times when it is given to you by the Lord unasked, but greatly appreciated.
Motivational gifts: Prophecy, teacher,
exhorter Like wisdom, there is natural knowledge gained by experience and study, and there is a supernatural knowledge that comes from Lord. A Word of Knowledge is when the Spirit tells you something about someone else that you would otherwise not have any other awareness of it. Such was the case with Peter with Ananias and Sapphira. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? (Acts 5:3 KJV)
Motivational gifts: Prophecy,
administration, ministry There is also a natural faith and the supernatural gift of faith given by the Holy Ghost. This is given at a time when the faith is most needed. It is also experienced when one "prays through" and one knows for certain that God has heard your prayer. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. (Acts 6:8 KJV)
Motivational gifts: Giving,
administration, Healing can be natural or instantaneous by the power of God, or, even a combination of both depending on the recipient's faith. 1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.(Luke 9:1-2 KJV)
Motivational gifts: Mercy,
ministry All supernatural acts of the Holy Ghost are miraculous, but the gift of miracles refers to a creative miracle. For example, a man with out an eye in his eye socket gets a new eye, or even can see through the socket with out the eye. 41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. 42 And they did all eat, and were filled. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. 44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. (Mark 6:41-44 KJV)
Motivational gifts: Prophecy,
exhortation, mercy It is not necessary to be a prophet to prophesize. A prophecy comes forth when one senses that the Lord intends to speak. Sometimes one knows some of the prophecy before speaking, but most of the time it comes forth as one speaks. But it is necessary to begin speaking. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (1 Cor 14:31 KJV)
Motivational gifts: Prophecy,
exhortation, teacher It is the special gift whereby the Spirit certain Christians to know with assurance whether some behavior is of God or of Satan. It is also the awareness of the fruit of satanic influence, such as homosexuality. 16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. (Acts 16:16-18 KJV)
Motivational gifts: Prophecy, giving,
administration Speaking in tongues is a prayer language of faith. Evangelicals are confused between speaking in tongues and prophesying in tongues. They are two different operations of the Holy Spirit. The prayer language can be spoken anytime and anywhere, and is used by the Lord for intercession and edification of the believer. A prophecy in tongues is the sense that the Lord wants to speak and it comes out as tongues. A prophecy in tongues is meant for interpretation. The prayer language is not, although it is fruitful to ask God for interpretation in one's own prayer language. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. (1 Cor 14:2 KJV)
Motivational gifts: Prophecy,
exhortation, teachers,
administrators The interpretation of tongues acts the same way as uttering a prophecy. It is given by faith when one senses the Lord moving upon the interpreter. An interpretation is not a translation. An interpretation is the point given. Even translators do not translate literally since it cannot always translate. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (1 Cor 14:5 KJV)
Motivational gifts: Prophecy,
exhortation, |
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