This weeks notes ~ January 16, 2022
In 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Paul writes about various spiritual gifts that can be received through the Holy Spirit. Each member of the Church is to contribute to the body (Church) of Christ. Apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, and spiritual gifts are all part of God’s Church.
Spiritual gifts in the Bible are abilities, often termed “charismatic gifts”, the word of knowledge, increased faith, the gifts of healing, the gift of miracles, prophecy, the discernment of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues.
Spiritual gifts are something every believer is given when they receive the gift of salvation. Just as the gift of salvation is by grace through faith, so are the spiritual gifts. Our God is so generous. He is constantly giving us things. It’s His grace at work in our lives.
“Christ has generously divided out his gifts to us.” (Ephesians 4:7 CEV)
There are three kinds of spiritual gifts. These gifts are not something we possess; they are God’s supernatural ability showing up in our lives in various ways. The Bible calls it a manifestation. There are ministry gifts, manifestation gifts, and motivational gifts. All believers take part in these gifts in various ways.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NIV)
Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Ministry – The ministry gifts are the way God works with what believers do to serve others and meet their needs. It’s how we minister or ad-minister the love, grace, and truth of God to others. To administer is to apply and bring into use. “And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.” (1 Corinthians 12:5 KJV)
The Bible provides a list of these ministering gifts and their purpose. Many refer to them as the 5-fold ministry. Not everyone is called to the ministry but 1 Corinthians 12:28 adds a gift for helping. God graciously empowers us all to help one another by His Spirit. These are:
Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors Teachers Helpers
Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Manifestation – Manifestation gifts are the ones people tend to sensationalize and therefore disqualify themselves from enjoying. In 1 Corinthians 12:7, it says God gives to each of us, not just some. This means everyone.
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to others gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to others 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. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”(1 Corinthians 12:7-11, emphasis mine)
This supernatural demonstration of the Holy Spirit’s power is to serve others as well as minister to ourselves. It’s commonly thought these gifts are only to minister to others but that’s limiting the grace of God. The Spirit can give you a message of wisdom when you ask for one in your life just as easily as He can give one to you to deliver to someone else. Let the Holy Spirit minister to you also.
These manifestation gifts are how God works through us bringing joy and fruitfulness in every one of our lives.
A message of wisdom
A message of knowledge
Faith
Gifts of healing
Miraculous powers
Prophecy
Distinguishing between spirits
Speaking in different kinds of tongues
The interpretation of tongues
Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Motivational The motivational gifts are how the Spirit of Grace moves through us motivating our words and actions. It’s a filter we’re given for our perspective shaping how we relate to and serve others.
Prophesying
Serving
Teaching
Encouraging
Giving
Leading
Showing Mercy
Join us Sunday as we explore Spiritual Gifts, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.
“I don’t know how, but I know WHO!”
Grace and Peace, Pastor Nelda
Dr. Nelda Barrett Murraine is Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Kennedale 229 W 4th St. – PO Box 146 Kennedale, TX 76060
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