Brief Teaching on the Gifts of the Spirit

Entire books have been written on this topic. But let’s bring out the essentials.

Let’s begin.

I.. Brief Teaching on the Gifts

A.. Fruit of the Spirit as the foundation

Character over gifting.

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23)

When we minister, we are the trees (or plants) that people will judge. What will they find?

¹⁵“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. ¹⁶By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matt. 7:15-20)

Fruit or good character and behavior in the minister (you and me) is how people are to judge all ministry. Let’s pray we bear good fruit. This is one reason why the Prayer and Prophecy Protocols have been written.

To begin a series on the fruit of the Spirit, begin the series here: 1 Fruit of the Spirit: Love

B.. All gifts come from the Father of lights.

¹⁷Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (Jas. 1:17)

This means two things: (1) The Father is the source of every gift. We do not own them or manufacture them, but we can use them, as God gives us grace and power. (2) That verse also means there are many gifts not listed in certain passages, like singing (Ps. 96:1-2, Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16), playing musical instruments (1 Chron. 15:16, Ps. 150:3-5), and skilled craftsmanship (Exod. 31:1-6 and 35:30-35, 2 Chron. 2:7, Prov. 22:29).

C.. Ministry gifts

Some interpreters call the next ones “office gifts.” They describe ministry roles.

1.. Residential gifts

These gifts are more or less “residential” in us. That is, God deposits them in us, and so they reside in us. We can grow in and improve them, like being more effective teachers or pastors or evangelists or administrators or singing or playing musical instruments or craftsmanship.

Ephesians 4:7 says Christ gave gifts to his people (not just men):

⁷But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. ⁸This is why it^[a] says:

“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.” (Eph. 4:7, quoting Ps. 68:18)

Paul now lists them here:

¹¹So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, (Eph. 4:11)

Some scholars of Greek say “the pastors and teachers” should read “teaching pastors.” But it is okay to separate them (see 1 Cor. 12:28-29).

2. Purpose clause and a time marker

There is a purpose clause and time marker in the next verses. Why are those ministry gifts given? How long will those ministry gifts last?

¹²to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Eph. 4:12-13)

And so they are given to equip believers to do works of service. And they will last until we all reach unity and become mature. This has not happened yet, so those gifts are for us today.

3.. Warning about apostles today

They are missionaries (“sent ones”) who break brand new ground, like Paul and Barnabas did in Acts 13-14. They are not sedentary pastors or those who oversee church networks. (These overseers are called administrators; see 1 Cor. 12:28). Sadly, numerous false apostles have arisen today (2 Cor. 11:12-15, Rev. 2:2).

Please search in the search bar 10 Apostleship and 11 Two Genuine Apostles, for more information.

D.. Manifestation gifts

1.. Situational or occasional gifts

They do not reside in us, but they are manifested as the Spirit distributes them. That is, the Spirit gives them when the immediate occasion or situation or need arises.

Let’s quote the Scriptures:

⁷Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,^[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.^[b] ¹¹All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Cor. 12:7-11)

The gifts are said to be “manifestations.” This word comes from the Greek noun phanērōsis (pronounced fah-nay-roh-seess). In this context it does not connote permanence, so the recipient of the gift (the person) cannot claim it as his own, but the Spirit manifests the gift, and then it subsides until another need arises.

However, let’s look at some possible exceptions or complications.

2.. Tongues: residential or situational?

One exception seems to be tongues. This gift can reside in the believer who can exercise it at will. But the Spirit may prompt someone to exercise it at a time when the need arises. But be sure an interpreter is there (1 Cor. 14:27-28). Therefore this gift is both residential and situational.

3.. Prophets and prophecy: residential or situational?

Prophecy may be a gift that one does not improve by practice, except a few particulars, like speaking clearly or avoiding King James English. Prophecy may be a manifestation.

On the other hand, it may take up residence in someone. In 1 Corinthians 12, “prophet” is used three times, and in 1 Corinthians 14, “prophet” is also used four times. It is logical to assume that prophets exercise prophecy regularly.

So either interpretation of this gift (prophecy) and ministry role (prophet) is legitimate; it can be residential or situational.

Example: I don’t (yet) consider myself a prophet, but a few times over the past fifty years the manifestation of prophecy has happened in me, so I have spoken prophetically. But I cannot claim it resides in me permanently. For me, it’s situational, a manifestation.

4.. Word of wisdom and word of knowledge

The context of 1 Corinthians 11:7-11 says they are manifestations of knowledge and wisdom that the Spirit distributes. And the one who exercises those gifts does not have prior wisdom or knowledge of a situation when the Spirit prompts him or her.to exercise them.

In the context of 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, word of wisdom and word of knowledge are situational or occasional, as the need arises. They are manifestations of the Spirit.

Please note, however, that some Bible teachers say that those two gifts are residential. You can become wiser and more knowledgeable with study. They base their conclusion on the nearby Isthmian Games, where professional speakers competed by showing their wisdom and knowledge in their speeches. No doubt Scripture everywhere tells us to acquire more wisdom and knowledge. Those who teach this idea call the manifestations of wisdom and knowledge, as I define them, prophecy.

Let’s not quarrel with these teachers. But the immediate textual context tips the scales towards the two gifts being situational and not residential.

5.. Purpose of the manifestation gifts

1 Corinthians 12:7 says the gifts are for the “common benefit.” “Common” means for everyone, not a special few. And “benefit” means it is better for everyone and brings things or persons together in unity and blessing. It is good for everyone.

6. Source of the manifestation gifts

The source of the gifts is the Trinity:

⁴There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. ⁵There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God [Father] at work. (1 Cor. 12:4-6)

The Spirit distributes them. The Lord Jesus unifies all servants who operate in the gifts. And God the Father oversees and is at work in them.

E.. Attitude

Gifts are not purposed to puff us up.

³ For by the grace given me, I tell each one of you not to think above what he ought to think, but to think according to what is reasonable, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. (Rom. 12:3)

Don’t go above yourself, but think what is reasonable, as God has distributed a certain measure of faith to you. So faith and reason (thinking with good sense) work together. This strikes a blow against hyper-charismatic practices.

F.. We are members of one body

Paul goes on to teach briefly about working together as a body.

⁴For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Rom. 12:4-5)

He develops this body metaphor more thoroughly in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26. Christ is the head, and we follow him. This teaching about Christ’s body shows us we are a team, working together in unity, under his headship . No solo pilots or Lone Rangers.

G.. Other gifts

Then Paul goes on to list other gifts, as follows:

⁶We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; ⁷if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Rom. 12:6-8)

These gifts, except maybe prophecy, are residential. They come from God and take up residence in you. You can get better at them, with more and more use. Please find people who need encouragement and mercy and teaching and serving and financial needs for your giving and leadership.

See 1 Peter 4:10-11 for other gifts.

Please begin a series by clicking Gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 and 12:28 and Gifts of the Spirit in Romans 12:6-8 and Women, Men, and Five Ministry Gifts in Ephesians 4:11

H.. Guidelines for predictive and personal prophecies

Here are seven ways:

Is The Prophecy Biblical?
What Is the Source Of The Prophecy? (Human or Satanic?)
Can The Prophecy Even Be Tested? (Too vague?)
Test All Things in Community
What Is the Doctrine Of The Prophet?
What Is the Character Of The Prophet?
What Is the Track Record of The Prophet? (Series of true or false prophecies)

Source: Review of “7 Simple Ways to Test Prophecy” by Joshua Lewis of Remnant Radio

Further, someone going on YouTube and writing on his blog or posting on Facebook shows an untethered, unchurched, independent prophet in the first place. Bad news. Heading for trouble, eventually. I urge people not to obey or put much confidence in this independent prophet, until he can prove that he belongs to a Christian community who regularly judge his prophecies.

I.. Evaluating prophecies is necessary.

Prophetic persons can speak two or three in sequential order, and others can weigh or judge what they say (1 Cor. 14:29).

And these verses are important:

²⁰Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹but test them all; hold on to what is good, ²²reject every kind of evil. (1 Thess. 5:20-22)

The church should judge the prophecies. There doesn’t need to be a “team of prophets only” to judge them. This is too much self-interest and self-protection. It’s a potentially dangerous clique. Don’t pastors and other church leaders get to judge the prophecies? Of course they do. They would be derelict in their care for the church if they did not.

II.. Reflections

A.. Be bold and go for it.

Don’t waste God’s gifts to you. Step out in ministry. In the Parable of the Talents (or Bags of Gold), a master gave his servants bags of gold: Five to one servant, two to another servant, one to a third servant. The servants with five and two doubled their bags. The master said to them: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ The servant with one bag buried it, and the master judged him for his unwarranted fear and laziness (Matt. 25:14-30).

Your gifts and callings must not lie dormant, unused. Don’t bury it. Please reach out to hurting people during ministry time at church and the JBH Rallies.

B.. Love

In between two major chapters on the gifts of the Spirit is a chapter on love:

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ⁸Love never fails. (1 Cor 13:4-8a)

C.. Service

Serve God first, people second

1.. Serve God first

This next verse is about household servants (slaves), but we can still learn from Paul’s instructions to them:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Col. 3:23):

Work for God first.

Our spiritual fervor is directed towards God.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord (Rom. 12:11)

2. Serve people second

Don’t lord it over them, but serve them, just as the Son of Man did.

²⁵Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ²⁶Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— ²⁸just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:25-28)

If you serve God second and people first, then you will get confused. You won’t be able to discern what God’s will is. People, not God, will dictate what your life should be.

D.. Humility

Watch out for selfish ambition or vain (empty) conceit, but look to the needs of others.

³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Phil. 2:3-4)

Be humble towards one another:

⁵In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5, quoting Prov. 3:34))

The way up is down, and the way down is up. The first shall be last, and the last first (Matt. 19:30, 20:16, Mark 10:31, Luke 13:30). Let God exalt you.

⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:6)

E.. Purity + Power → More Power and Purity

The arrow means “leads to.”

After David’s sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, he prays:

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Ps. 51:10)

Ministry team members should live in a state of repentance. Be quick to repent in your daily life.

Next, we shall see God in the future, but let’s pray we will see him work now.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God. (Matt. 5:8)

To be pure, remain in God’s word. Saturate your mind with it.

⁹How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.
¹⁰I seek you with all my heart;
    do not let me stray from your commands.
¹¹I have hidden your word in my heart
    that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:9-11)

Paul lists his trials and attitudes, connecting purity and the power of the Spirit:

⁴Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; ⁶in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; ⁷in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; (2 Cor. 6:4-7, emphasis added)

F.. Live the crucified life.

Luke 9:23 was spoken right after he predicted his own suffering, rejection, crucifixion, and resurrection.

²³Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

He is the Lord, not us. He sits on the throne of our lives, and we climb down from it. Dying to self daily also means to crucify our sins, vices, foolishness, bad past, shortsightedness, and stubbornness (etc.). You don’t surrender to the devil, people, circumstances or whims. You surrender only to Jesus. Trust that he has a resurrection for you, that is, small victories, daily.

If you want to hear from God more clearly, live the crucified life, every day.

G.. Pray

Don’t be anxious about ministry or anything else in life.

⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Pray that the Lord will send you (us) out into the harvest field.

³⁵Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matt. 9:35-38)

Ministry team members should stay in a constant state of prayer.

¹⁷pray continually (1 Thess. 5:17)

You may have to fast some meals to deepen your walk with God and life in the Spirit, but the overseers will leave this practice between you and God. Yet the overseers may call for a group fast, and following it is still between you and God. They must not compel or coerce it. No pressure.

Yes, enjoy your life, but keep your mind on Christ and heavenly things.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Col. 3:1-3)

Verse 3 talks about the crucified life. Now Christ is your life (v. 4). Life in Christ is the key to all training and discipleship and just plain walking with him in your daily life.

H.. Remember

God alone, through his Son and by the Holy Spirit, works the gifts. Not your words. Not your commands. Not your rebukes. Not your strong personality. Not your yelling. God alone. Always give the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all the glory. And the Father and the Holy Spirit will honor and glorify the Son. Give him honor and glory too.

Gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 and 12:28

Gifts of the Spirit in Romans 12:6-8

Women, Men, and Five Ministry Gifts in Ephesians 4:11

1. Gifts of the Spirit in Early Church Fathers

2. Healing and Deliverance in Early Church Fathers

3. Prophecies, Visions, and Hearing from God in Early Church Fathers

Review of “7 Simple Ways to Test Prophecy” by Joshua Lewis of Remnant Radio

Dreams and Visions: How to Interpret Them

2 Miracles: Warning! Discernment Needed!

ARTICLES IN THE SERIES ON GIFTS

1. Gifts of Spirit: Word of Wisdom

2. Gifts of the Spirit: Word of Knowledge