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.