Monica Hill concludes her series with a final article on the spiritual ‘manifestations’ of 1 Corinthians 12.

This article is part of a series. Click here to access the archive.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12)

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers” (1 Corinthians 12:9-10)

We are coming to the close of these thumbnail studies of each of the manifestations of the Spirit, which fit, in a special way, into the whole series of spiritual gifts that Paul lists as being available to us. We want to stress that discussions on, and insights gained from, these issues are all on-going – these studies are not the final word on the matter!

Furthermore, just knowing about the gifts is not sufficient – they need to be part of the whole raison d’etre of the faith, for each one of us. All of the gifts operate for the common good, to build up the Body of Christ. They operate only in the unity of the Spirit from whom they come. Before we consider the final three manifestations listed in 1 Corinthians 12, therefore, we will dwell for a moment on this theme.

Many Gifts, One Spirit

1 Corinthians 12 stresses the importance of the unity of the Holy Spirit. That unity is emphasised in Paul’s presentation –

• “no-one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord’, except by the Holy Spirit”;
  
• “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” (vv3-6).
  

1 Corinthians 12:8-10 stresses that all the manifestations are given either through the Spirit or by means of the same Spirit. Verse 11 draws it together: “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines”.

This stress on the unity of the one Spirit from whom they all come surely must have some connection with the mistakes that were being made in the Corinthian church. Today, we are tempted, just as they were, to focus on the gifts or ‘manifestations’ rather than the source of the gifts. We often omit to give thanks where they are due and we fail to give God all the glory.

We should not take and use these gifts as a right, thus making ourselves important. Also we should not compare our own gift with that of others and feel that what we have is somehow of lesser value. This could lead to neglecting the gift that is given to us for the sake of false humility.

Paul emphasised the Holy Spirit as the one source of all these gifts – the Corinthian church were obviously tempted to focus more on the gifts than on the source.

A careful reading of 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 where Paul speaks about unity and diversity in the Body shows the value of all the spiritual gifts for the Church today. It also stresses that none are, or should be, of greater significance than the others.

I always read the last few verses (from verse 29) as a challenge to be aware of the uniqueness of each person’s gift and to agree with Paul that the answer to each of the questions is a resounding ‘no’. But we also need to agree that we should desire the greater gifts of “faith, hope and love”, while recognising that “the greatest of these is love” as declared in the beautiful love poem of 1 Corinthians 13.

Faith is for All

When we come to study the final three manifestations we can see how much they depend on each other – but we can also become rather confused as to the status of ‘faith’, being included as a manifestation which comes and goes as the Spirit wills and is not given to all!

Surely faith is believing and trusting in God and acting on this belief? “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6). Surely faith is the cornerstone of being a Christian? We all need to have the ‘living faith’ that saves us and links us firmly and securely to our Father God. So what does Paul mean by including faith as a spiritual manifestation?

Faith as a Manifestation

Although it is presumed that we all have a measure of faith, there is also a special gift of faith which is exercised in persistent prayer and intercession. This involves is a strong confidence in, and dependence upon, God, in the context of a conviction of what God will accomplish through us. This comes when you know you have received a word from the Lord so that you can pray with absolute confidence that what you’re asking is within his will.

The ‘faith’ spoken of in this context is a special kind of faith that Jesus spoke about when questioned over the withered fig tree: “Jesus answered ‘I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him’” (Mark 11:22).

The disciples were rebuked when they failed to heal a boy with a demon spirit, with the reason given as: “Because you have little faith. I tell you the truth if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you’” (see also Luke 17:6).

All believers must have a measure of faith, but there is also a special gift of faith which involves a strong conviction of what God will accomplish through us, that comes through persistent prayer.

Paul refers to this again in 1 Corinthians 13:2 as believing in God’s promises and having God’s faith in us - that is the “faith that can move mountains”, and this kind of faith is inextricably linked with the manifestations of ‘healing’ and ‘miraculous powers’.

No manifestation can operate without faith, but these two in particular cannot operate separately without this special kind of faith. James also spoke of this kind of faith in connection with healing: “the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up” and also mentioned the faith that Elijah needed to pray for both drought and rain (James 5:13-18). Paul prayed that the Ephesians will know God more intimately and experience “his incomparably great power for us who believe. The power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead” (Eph 1:18-19).

This special kind of faith enables us to do all that the Father wills - as long as we remember that it is a gift from God, and not a human skill. It is always the Holy Spirit who gives to God’s people the power to pray in faith and it is always God’s will for which they are given the faith to pray.

Hebrews 11 is a wonderful chapter giving examples of those throughout history who had this visionary kind of faith and who put their complete dependence on God.

Gifts of Healing

Note that ‘gifts of healing’ is in the plural in the Greek (χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων) [carismata himatone] and can mean different kinds of healing (Matt 10:1). This may not just mean physical healing but can also mean healing of relationships, or of psychological, emotional or spiritual needs. This is a ‘manifestation’ and not an appointment to a regular ministry of healing (1 Cor 12:30). Those who receive it should not be counted as official or regular workers of miracles. Even Peter, Paul and Philip in Samaria, whose healings are recorded in Acts, were not known as divine healers.

There are also those who receive training as doctors and nurses to care and heal in a worldly sense, but this manifestation is not that natural, human skill. Of course, the gifts of the Holy Spirit can be used alongside these human skills, so there can be continuing development of the entire field of Christian healing. God can bless them both as they are needed – and the manifestations can be spectacular when human help is no longer available.

‘Gifts of healing’ are plural – they do not just include physical healing but can also mean healing of relationships, or of psychological, emotional or spiritual needs.

Gifts of healing should be spontaneous among believers as and when the Spirit leads and wills, and these gifts do not depend only on the faith of those receiving the manifestation – Jesus often rejoiced that “Your faith has made you whole” (Luke 17:19; Mark 5:34; Luke 8:48; Mark 10:52). It is faith in Christ that cures people as Jesus reminded the onlookers following the healing of the crippled beggar: “It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see” (Acts 3:16).

James 5:13-16 gives specific instructions on praying and the use of oil. The ‘sick’ here means literally those ‘without strength’, needing the restoration of full health. The role of the elders was to build up the Body, healing all those needing support that they might be enabled to fulfil their ministry as fellow heirs with Christ (Rom 8:11-17).

Miraculous Powers

Gifts of healing can often be seen as miracles in themselves and Acts often uses the term ‘miracles’ (dynameis) to denote bodily healing and the casting out of evil spirits (Acts 8:6 -7 and 19:11-12). Healings were described as “signs and great miracles” (Acts 8:13) and “extraordinary miracles” (Acts 19:11).

But the working of miracles (literally the energising of powers – i.e. God’s powers) also refers to works of special and extraordinary power of God’s almightiness, such as those of Jesus when he turned the water into wine, walked on water or raised Lazarus from the dead. Those manifesting miraculous powers were promised that they would receive the power to “pick up snakes with their hands and when they drink deadly poison it will not hurt them at all” (Mark 16:19).

This is a very special manifestation given as and when the Spirit wills – and not one we can claim or manipulate. It is listed as one of the marks of an apostle in 2 Corinthians 12:12 but the whole story of Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24), his conversion and baptism followed by his desire to purchase special privileges, is a salutary lesson.

A ‘Final’ Word

When we look at developing the spiritual gifts - whether natural gifts, ministries or these ‘manifestations’ - to allow us to become the kind of people that God wants us to be, we see that it is all for a purpose: so that we can be both his witnesses and his ambassadors to others around us.

We should always remember that the gifts are given to enable us to serve others and not for self-aggrandisement! It is good for us to remember this when we recognise how gracious our Father is to send his Holy Spirit to help us, advise us and guide us into all truth, as well as to fill us with his grace.

Monica Hill looks at the spiritual gift of showing mercy.

This article is part of a series – click here for previous instalments.

We come to the last of those spiritual gifts which are listed in Romans 12. At first glance the phrase ‘showing mercy’ can give the impression that this gift is about ‘good works’, but it is much more than that. Performing acts of mercy means being prepared to help those who are undeserving. In many cases, sentence has already been passed on the recipient - they have been pronounced ‘guilty’ and should, by human judgment, serve out that sentence.

There are over 150 mentions of asking for mercy in the Bible, well over half of them in the Old Testament where the Israelites called upon the Lord for his help - for his mercy when they had gone astray.

Asking for Mercy

When we ask someone for mercy there is usually already an acceptance that we are not living up to their expectations, whether we understand or agree with these or not. In most cases, for mercy to be effective some acknowledgement is required by the recipient of their need for it - a contrite heart is required.

When we come to being judged by the Lord, Christians and Jews have assurance that he will hear us when we ask him to remember mercy (“Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love” (Ps 25:6)). This also gives fresh understanding to Habakkuk’s prayer “in wrath remember mercy” (Hab 3:2).

When we ask someone for mercy there is usually already an acceptance that we are not living up to their expectations.

We often say or sing the lovely prayer Kyrié Eléison – “Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy” and in the General Confession we say “And grant us thy salvation” in response to the minister’s call “O Lord, show thy mercy upon us”. When we plead “Lord have mercy” we are already aware that we have fallen short of our Father’s expectations: we recognise our own failings and resolve to do better next time, if we are given another chance. We know that the Lord is eager to forgive us when we say we are sorry and we believe that he will grant us mercy in the next life if not in this.

Note the significance of Jesus’ response on the cross to the criminal who repented: “today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:40-43). It is also noteworthy that this was only reported by Luke, who had the doctor’s gift of compassion. We value this example of the care and compassion set by our Father; and those with this gift have an eagerness to follow his example.

How Does Someone with This Gift Behave?

In the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matt 5:7) is one of the Beatitudes. It is granted following a close walk with the Lord as the spiritual gifts he has given us come into fulfilment. It is one of the characteristics that mature believers are encouraged to embrace.

This, though, needs a very special approach by someone with this gift – so that the actions are not seen as condemnatory, but as gracious and supportive of those who may often seem to deserve what is happening to them. A strong degree of godliness is needed to be able to exercise this gift, as there should be no vestige of judgment. Neither are there any conditions that the recipient needs to fulfil – the giver gives freely and performs acts of mercy willingly and lovingly. They are aware of the problems but see and accept that there is a need for care and support.

The Lord is eager to forgive us when we say we are sorry and we believe that he will grant us mercy in the next life if not in this.

Some people have a natural gift for being open and forgiving of others and are able to use this gift effectively. Acts of mercy need to have a genuine cheerfulness or joyful eagerness – they should not just be performed as a duty. Those with this gift will also show a real love for and empathy with others. They will not perform acts of mercy just as good acts for the wrong reason.

Transformation of the Natural Gift

It is very appropriate that mercy is the final gift to be listed in Romans, as it can be all-embracing. It is noted that all the gifts in Romans can be seen as starting as a natural attribute which God can make into a more beautiful spiritual gift. All natural gifts can be strengthened by allowing the Holy Spirit to take control.

Some people are born with a natural caring ability for others in whatever situation or condition they are in – whether it is their own fault or the source is unknown. But with the addition of the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, they can become even more effective.

What are Acts of Mercy?

The dictionary defines acts of mercy as “compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency; a disposition to be kind and forgiving: a heart full of mercy; alleviation of distress; relief”.

In the Catholic catechism the works of mercy are “charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbour in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead”.

What do you see as acts of mercy? How will you exercise this gift with or without the aid of the Holy Spirit?

If you have any other comments on ‘acts of mercy’ as a spiritual gift, please do add them.

Monica Hill looks at the spiritual gift of 'encouragement' - a gift which not only lifts others up and builds up the Body of Christ, but also blesses those who give it.

'...if it is encouraging, let him encourage...'

Like all the gifts listed in Romans 12, encouragement is given to build up the Body of Christ and cannot be used in isolation from other people. The gifts that follow in this list ("contributing, leadership and mercy"), although they can be used in a natural way, all need the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to reach their fulfilment.

We need to be exercising these no longer in "the pattern of the world, but by the renewing of your mind" (Rom 12:2), so that we can see things God's way and embrace Kingdom values rather than worldly ones.

Biblical Examples

There are plenty of biblical stories of encouragement. God instructed Moses in Deuteronomy 1:28: "commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see."

David encouraged Joab in 2 Samuel 11:25, by sending a message: "Say this to Joab: 'Don't let this upset you; the sword devours one as well as another. Press the attack against the city and destroy it.' Say this to encourage Joab."

In 2 Samuel 19:7, Joab exhorted David: "Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now."

God desired to encourage Job (16:5): "But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief."

In the New Testament, "Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers." (Acts 15:32). Paul obviously saw this gift of encouraging in Tychicus as he sent him to both the Ephesians (6:22) and the Colossians (4:8), and he also sent Timothy to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 3:2). Paul was always encouraging the body of believers in Thessalonica to build each other up (1 Thess 4:18, 5:11, 5:14; 2 Thess 2:17).

The writer of Hebrews advocated "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" (3:13). This is emphasised even more in 10:25: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching".

Jesus is the ultimate example as he encouraged and built up the most unlikely of people. Without his encouragement during his time on earth and the support of the Holy Spirit following Pentecost, Peter and a number of other disciples would have stayed fishermen and Matthew remained a tax collector, rather than leading a worldwide movement as strong advocates of the Gospel.

Paul would also have remained a persecutor of the church rather than the missionary to the Gentiles. Jesus saw the potential in individuals and both taught and encouraged them to live their lives to the full with a real purpose. He continues to encourage those who are weak, believing in them and trusting them. He sets standards and rebukes where necessary, as well as encouraging, and he is calling upon us to do likewise.

Jesus sees the potential in individuals and both teaches and encourages them to live their lives to the full, with a real purpose.

Responsibilities of Leaders

Paul's instructions in 2 Timothy (4:2) were "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction". Teaching is seen as primarily encouraging and rebuking – "to encourage others by sound doctrine and to refute those who oppose it" (Titus 1:9, 2:15) and self-control is also to be encouraged!

So What About Us?

Never underestimate the value of words of encouragement that you can give to others. It shows that you understand where they are and what they need to hear – especially when they are feeling low and misunderstood. It shows you are giving your support and will give them confidence to go forward; it can build them up, uplift and inspire them to believe that they can do something and that they have the potential to make a success of the life that God has given them.

Never underestimate the value of words of encouragement that you can give others.

From my own experience, I have seen the change it makes in an obese child who had given up on physical exercise to be encouraged to try something new and finding they could do it; or the confidence it gives to make the child no-one wants on their team, captain for the day. Each child began to believe in themselves with this encouragement and grew towards the potential which was latent. If a word or small act like these give encouragement, how much more can we help change the world if we have this gift and practise it wisely?

Finally

Isaiah 1:17 tells us to "learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow".

We all know that we need encouragement at various stages in our life – especially when we feel low or depressed. Our Lord hears "the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry" (Psa 10:17).

God is a very present help in our own times of need. We need the reassurance that God remains the same - faithful, loving and powerful - through changes big and small.

Ask God to give you this gift of encouragement and exercise it daily: encourage others and be encouraged.

If you have any other comments on 'encouragement' as a spiritual gift, please do add them below.

References

1 Quote selection from here.

In this series on the Spiritual Gifts taught by Paul and listed in the New Testament, Monica Hill continues to examine each of the gifts listed in Romans 12.

Serving is not only named here as a natural gift, but is also one of the two methods, Speaking and Serving (Spiritual Gifts III), emphasised in 1 Peter 4 as the way and manner in which ALL the gifts are to be used.

Usually when Paul mentions a specific gift in more than one of the lists, it is there each time for a specific reason and meaning. 'Serving' is a good description of all the gifts in this particular listing and the fact that it is singled out and placed second seems to elevate its importance – perhaps acknowledging that it can so often be taken for granted or even demeaned. It is true that in the natural order of things, the servant does not have the same status as the one being served - this deliberate reversal accentuates it and should make us take more notice of it in our own lives.

Turning Values Upside Down

Jesus came to challenge and invert worldly concepts, showing how Christians should replace worldly values with Kingdom values. Luke even records Jesus' response to the dispute on greatness arising during the Last Supper: "I am among you as one who serves" (22:27). In the discourse following the request of John and James for preferential treatment, Mark records: "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (10:42-45)

Isaiah's four 'Suffering Servant' passages, culminating in Isaiah 53, were a prophetic forerunner of not only the role of Israel but also of the Messiah, fulfilled in the coming of Jesus.

Jesus was always emphasising the servant nature of his relationship, whether it was with washing the disciple's feet, eating with the lowliest, elevating the poor or putting down those who thought too highly of themselves. Thus he taught his disciples by example that this was the way in which they too needed to behave toward each other.
He would also emphasise that serving the Lord was to be their priority, and that since serving others was a way in which they could do this, they should serve willingly and fervently. "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people" (Eph 6:7) or "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord" (Rom 12:11).

Slaves – Servants - Friends

The New Testament emphasises that servants are not to be treated as slaves: it is not right that anyone who is serving should feel that they are enslaved. They are to serve not as slaves but as sons: "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts...So you are no longer a slave, but a son and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir". (Gal 4:6-7).

In the Kingdom of God, worldly values are turned upside-down. We are to become servants of all, just as Jesus was, but we are not to serve as slaves- rather as sons."

Also when we serve and obey Jesus' commands, we become his friends: "You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business Instead I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from the Father I have made known to you" (John 15:14-15).

The Value of the Team

The serving capacity is one of the most important and vital roles in any team – without this co-operation, 'One Man Bands' proliferate. Even those who have the gift of leadership need not necessarily lead on every occasion, but must be sensitive to the skills and insights needed in each circumstance. When others are leading, they need to be mutually supportive.

An observation from nature is helpful here: when geese fly long distances they change leadership regularly (and so do cyclists in long road races). Those who lead also need to be able to support.

Priority in Serving

In Numbers 18:21 the serving role was recognised: "I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting." Their time of serving was acknowledged and rewarded. The decision of the apostles in Acts 6 "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables" is often misunderstood, as the seven Greek-speaking apostles had a much greater understanding of service and led the missionary movement to the Gentiles.

It is recognised that "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other" (Matt 6:24). Christians should want to serve the Lord and this should develop into a natural expectation to serve others. Joshua gave the people an option:

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (Josh 24:15)

'Other masters' can be material things like money – or even putting yourself and your own needs first. When you do the latter, "such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people" (Rom 16:18).

A Word of Warning

In today's world the service industry is a prominent sector – and is often thought of as the 'serving' section of society. But servicing is not necessarily serving! It rather depends on your motivation and mindset when carrying it out. If God and others are not ahead of your own needs you have things in the wrong order!

If you have any comments on 'serving' as a spiritual gift, please do post them below.

"If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith" (Romans 12:6)

In this series on Spiritual Gifts listed in the New Testament, Monica Hill turns from her overview of the various gifts to looking at each of the Gifts listed in Romans 12 in turn.
The first of the gifts mentioned in Romans 12 – prophecy - is mentioned in three of the lists given by Paul - Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. Although they all have the same definition of prophecy, there is a distinction between each of them.

In Romans 12, prophecy is one of the natural gifts and is often equated with a good speaker who is able to expound the word of God so that others can understand it and benefit from it. Although this can be an intellectual exercise it is different from the Ministry of the Prophet (Ephesians 4) and the Manifestation (1 Cor 12) and is easily recognised when it 'has an anointing'.

The Romans passage wisely adds the condition that turns good speaking into prophetic proclamation: "in accordance with your faith". This gives the glory to God and follows up the invocation "do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you" (12:3).

There is the lovely story in Acts 24 of this potential gift recognised in Apollos by Aquila and Priscilla:

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures...He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. (Acts 24:24-26)

Apollos became one of the 'anointed preachers' who could draw great crowds to hear the Gospel.

Defining Prophecy

In order to find the biblical definition of prophecy we have to go right back to the time of Moses. In Exodus 3, Moses argues with God after receiving the command to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt. In the following chapter he pleads that he is not eloquent and asks God to send someone else.

God then makes a special arrangement whereby God would speak to Moses, Moses would speak to Aaron, and Aaron would speak to the people. "It will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him" (Ex 4:16). This gives us the definition of a prophet as the mouthpiece of God.

In Exodus, we find the definition of a prophet as the mouthpiece of God."

Exercising the Gift

Moses said "Would that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!" (Num 11:29). This appears straightforward, but we need to put this desire of Moses into context. During the 40 years of Israel's travel through the wilderness, life was not easy and on this occasion the people had become very rebellious and were blaming Moses for bringing them out of Egypt.

When Moses complained to the Lord that he could not cope, the Lord rebuked him saying "Is the Lord's arm too short? [The Amplified Version reads "do you think the Lord's ability and power is thwarted and inadequate?"] Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you."

Moses was told to bring together 70 of the elders of Israel into the 'Tent of Meeting' where worship took place. God said:

I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone (Num 11:17).

When the Spirit came upon them they prophesied, or as the Amplified version says "they sounded forth the praises of God and declared His will". Another interesting point is that the two men who had stayed in the camp also prophesied. Although this seemed outrageous to Joshua, Moses replied "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!"

Being able to celebrate the Lord's presence with others who have also caught the vision and are really sounding forth praises of God and declaring his will is a wonderful, exhilarating experience for all concerned. This is the outpouring of the Spirit foretold in Joel 2 which was fulfilled at Pentecost:

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

The Acts version of the record from Pentecost adds the last four words to Joel's prophecy, "and they shall prophesy" to emphasise their importance. This means that every believer, baptised in the Spirit, is potentially able to prophesy. This is true of men and women, young and old, rich and poor.

Every believer, baptised in the Spirit, is potentially able to prophesy."

Old Testament Prophets

Today we often think of the prophetic gift as being relevant more to the Old Testament when the role of the prophets was greatly revered. They were individuals who were so in tune with God that they understood and knew what God wanted to say to his people. This has provided the basis of the teaching in the New Testament.

The task of the Prophets then (both those whose words have been recorded as well as those who we only know their names) was to bring the word of the Lord which was living in them to the nation. God used them to reveal his nature and purposes so that Israel would understand the God who had established a covenant relationship with them through their forefathers thus preparing them to be "a light unto the Gentiles"; a role which was eventually personified in Messiah Jesus.

New Testament Prophets

The prophetic role today is still to bring knowledge and understanding and to reveal the nature and purposes of God through the church to the world. Moses' words "I wish that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!" is carried out most effectively when it creates a mature body of believers who can relate their faith to everyday life.

In this way they can present a united front to the world with a powerful spirit-filled anointing upon their works of service, which glorifies Jesus and causes multitudes to want to know him and find that their lives are transformed by God.

In a response to reader comments on her previous article on spiritual gifts, this week Monica Hill looks at the two 'methods' from 1 Peter, which underpin all the other gifts: speaking and serving.

In this series we will be looking at all the gifts in turn, but we will start with the passage that is often ignored in studies – that is the passage in 1 Peter, which we have described as 'methods' applicable to all the gifts rather than specific gifts.

Serving and speaking

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves he should do it with the strength God provides so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever. Amen" (1 Peter 4:10-11).

When the above passage in 1 Peter was written, the believers in the early church were already being put under pressure from those Jews who were not believers - and also to a certain extent from the Roman authorities. To speak out at that time, particularly of you did not have a special gifting, could lead to even more persecution, but setting an example in your lives by showing God's unfailing love and living out your faith in service could be of equal value in witnessing. The letters from Peter are two of the latest books to gain a place in our Bible and can have special relevance for believers today - especially when they too are under pressure.

The emphasis in verse 10 is clearly being laid on the serving nature of the gifts. It is recognised that although some of the many gifts being exercised will require the believers to speak out, this is not necessary for every gift. In today's world, being able to express yourself and your feelings in words is an obvious advantage and, through the work of the Holy Spirit, God can put the right words in our mouths when we place our trust in him. However, there are many passages which show that the tongue can be deceptive- and many others that show that deeds can speak louder than words. So if speaking is not your gift, do not despair.

Whether speaking or doing, every gift God gives should be used in a serving capacity- that is, to benefit others and reflect God's amazing grace."

If you can express yourself well, you are to be commended if you use this gift to extol the words of God and to help others understand more of who God is, whilst not thinking of yourself as more important than those who do not find it so easy.

But it IS absolutely necessary for all the gifts to be used in a 'serving' capacity - and they should always reflect God's grace. This grace is described as the free and unmerited favour of God. In fact if we look carefully at the other references to gifts we find that the serving nature is reflected in them all.

Ministry roles

In Ephesians 4:12 we find that the prime purpose of the ministry roles given to individuals is to prepare God's people for works of service. Those who have these ministry gifts are often placed in leadership in our churches and they have a responsibility for equipping and supporting others on the front line. They are in effect a supporting ministry and can be regarded as 'a gift of serving' in themselves.

Manifestations

The manifestations listed in 1 Corinthians 12 each reflect a different spiritual gift. Rightly exercised, they are all different kinds of service and should be exercised for the common good. This is important for building up the body and contributing to the health and unity of the whole church.

Natural gifts

It is easy to see how the seven more 'natural gifts' listed in Romans 12 have a serving capacity – eg 'teaching', 'encouraging', 'contributing to the needs of others', 'showing mercy'. But in verse 7 we find 'serving' is also listed as a specific attribute - if your gift is serving it can have a wide range of applications as the need arises. Those with this gift will also have the ability to discern where the need is greatest and what is needed to be done. They must make a special effort to serve well.

Ministry roles, manifestations and natural gifts are all purposed to serve God's kingdom by building up his people- including the specific gift of serving, which has broad application as the need arises."

Servanthood

We cannot live a fulfilling Christian life without embracing an attitude of servanthood. Jesus gave us the ultimate example of what being a servant to others means - whatever our role in life. When his disciples were debating who would be the greatest, Jesus reminded them that "I am among you as one who serves" (Luke 22:27) and he washed his disciples' feet to set an example to us all of the way we should serve one another.

In John 12:26 we read "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me." We are cleansed so that we can "serve the living God" (Heb 9:14). As followers of Jesus, we must follow his example and aim to have a servant heart.

Serving for the right reasons

Serving must be undertaken with willingness and for the right reasons. Elders and leaders are to care for those who have been entrusted to them, "serving as overseers not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be, not greedy for money, but eager to serve" (1 Pet 5:2)

Slavery was common in those days and also in times nearer our own. Jesus even told us "...and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt 20:27-28).

Whatever our position in life, and however other people treat us, we are encouraged to serve willingly- as it is the Lord we are serving."

We must always remember, when we are serving others, that it is the Lord we are serving (Col 3:24). And in everything we do, it should be done as for the Lord. The slaves in New Testament times, and many of the new believers came from that class of people who could not change their worldly standing. So they were encouraged to respect their masters "so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered" (1 Tim 6:1). If they had believing masters, they were "to serve them even better" (6:2). Paul also said "We serve God whether people honour us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us." (2 Cor 6:8).

What should our attitude be to serving?

Paul's teaching was "Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically" (Rom 12:11). In Galatians 5:13 he tells us "to serve one another in love". This is the primary message in John's letters. He continually pleads with the believers to love one another, and he reminds them that in so doing they were reflecting the love and care of the Father. He says "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1).

A final word from Paul

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but it is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the Gospel" (2 Cor 9:12).

Monica Hill begins a new series on the spiritual gifts.

An Overview of the Biblical Gifts

The New Testament gives four different lists of what are commonly known as 'Gifts of the Spirit'.

1. The Nine Manifestations, in 1 Corinthians 12:

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 another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another 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. (vv7-10)

2. The Seven Natural Talents found in Romans 12:

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if 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. (vv6-8)

3. The Five Roles or Ministries found in Ephesians 4:

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until 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. (vv11-13).

4. The Two Methods found in 1 Peter 4:

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. (vv 10-11)

Differences?

These listings each have a different emphasis. The Spiritual Manifestations are not really gifts as possessions. They are not permanently owned by any individual, but rather given for a specific purpose when they are needed. They can come through any believer who is listening to God.

The Natural Talents are gifts we are born with – but they can become Spiritual Gifts if they are handled rightly. The Roles have a specific purpose to build up the body of believers, both to sustain them and to help them grow and exercise their ministries with others. The Methods relate to, and underpin, all the gifts.

Some gifts are given for a particular purpose and moment- others develop over a lifetime. Some are natural talents, whilst others are supernaturally given. Some are given as ministries to specific individuals, whilst many more are available to all believers."

Repetition?

In the four lists above 'prophecy' appears in three - but this is not repetition, as each mention has a different emphasis. The Manifestation of prophecy is the prophetic word given by God to an individual for a specific situation, the Natural Gift of prophecy is the natural gift of oratory including the ability to perceive the relevance of Biblical texts so that they can be proclaimed with understanding to others.

Since the coming of Christ and the Great Commission, the church has become the prophet to the world, so the Ministry of prophecy (to which only some individuals are called) is now to alert and guide the church to carry out its prophetic task and to ensure that it does not deviate from scripture. Similarly, having the Natural gift of teaching is not identical with the Ministry of a Teacher.

What About Today?

These gifts were given to the Early Church, but it is a misconception to say that they are no longer valid today. We will unpack the biblical references and evidence of how they can operate today in future instalments of this series.

1. The Spiritual Manifestations are still a new phenomenon to many and in recent years their use has been expanded - sometimes rather inappropriately.
2. The Natural Gifts have been largely accepted in the church (and society) for many years and although they are much more understandable, they also need to be unpacked. I was brought up to believe and accept these gifts as the basis of both the church and a good society. In most societies they are still valued today - though the Giver is often forgotten.
3. The Roles or Ministries should be present in every church. Although many churches highlight the Pastor / Teacher role in their leadership, all the Ministries are needed and have a rightful place.
4. The Two Methods need to be re-emphasised today. Peter highlighted them at the time of the persecution of the Early Church and they helped them at that time. Today they can help us bring everything into a right perspective.

It is a common misconception that the spiritual gifts are no longer valid today. In this series we will unpack the evidence to the contrary, and look at God's intention for the best use of his wonderful gifts."

Are there any other Gifts?

It is unlikely that the Gifts listed in the New Testament are the only ones given to us by the Holy Spirit. For example, martyrdom and self-sacrifice figured largely in the Early Church as a gift of God, enabling many to come through victoriously in a time of persecution. Another example is the gift of music, which many use in the Lord's service.
Gifts and the Body of Christ

God gives all believers gifts which will enable them to grow stronger in their faith BUT it is not expected that any believer will have all the gifts - this is where the body comes in. We need each other and belong to each other: as the gifts are given for the building up of the Body, they cannot be used in isolation. A single stick on its own can be easily broken but many sticks bound together are much more difficult to break - and a bundle of sticks can also be much more effective in standing firm.

Always bear in mind that the Spiritual Gifts are given to build up the Body - not to divide it. The body is built up so that it can go beyond itself and be a witness in the neighbourhood or social group - and in the world. It should be a witness to God's love and desire that all will come to know him and honour and serve him.

Spiritual gifts are given to build up the Body of Christ- not to divide it. Often individuals can best discover, develop and use their giftings in a small group setting."

Discovering and Affirming Gifts

Small groups are helpful in discovering and affirming gifts. There is a strength and solidarity in a small group which is not there for an individual on his or her own. In these groups, the Scriptures can be studied together so that all can contribute to a common understanding. Believers can be affirmed and supported, and gifts can be used with each other and in outreach.

Small groups can also be vital places where believers help each other recognise where they are gifted, and where they are not! Remember that if other members of your group cannot recognise the gift God has given you (without you telling them you have it!), you may be 'thinking too highly of yourself' and may need to think again on how you are using the gifts God has given you.

This series will develop in many ways as we look in more detail at each of the gifts from a Biblical standpoint and how they can be used today.

Please do comment from your own experience.

Background to the series

In the 1980s, Prophecy Today was at the forefront of the fresh wave of spiritual growth and neo-Pentecostalism sweeping the nation. It researched and promoted the modern day usage of the gifts of the Spirit from a Biblical standpoint, producing many mini-books which still have value today.

This researching and production of resources has carried on since then and Issachar Ministries has built up a 'Resourcing for Prayer' network which explores these issues from the perspective of prayer groups. Some of that material will be made more widely available in this series.

Please feel free to comment on these articles and add from your own perspective.