InstaStudy

A Study on Spiritual Gifts

An exploration of the nature, purpose, and operation of spiritual gifts within the body of believers, emphasizing their divine source and the importance of love in their exercise.

1. The Divine Source of Spiritual Gifts

1.1 The One Giver of All Gifts

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; James 1:17
  • All spiritual gifts originate from the same Lord, who is the one God.
  • Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights.
  • The Spirit is the manifestation of the one God working through believers.

1.2 The Spirit of Jesus Christ

Verses: Romans 8:9-11; John 14:16-18; Acts 2:38-39
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus Christ dwelling within believers.
  • Receiving the Spirit means receiving the presence and power of Jesus.
  • The promise of the Spirit is for all who repent, are baptized in Jesus' name, and believe.

1.3 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
  • This experience empowers believers for effective ministry and witness.
  • It is a distinct spiritual endowment available to all who believe.

1.4 The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

Verses: 1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 1:8
  • Gifts are given to build up and strengthen the body of believers.
  • They equip the saints for the work of ministry and spiritual growth.
  • Gifts empower believers to be effective witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world.

1.5 Unity in the Body of Christ

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:3-6; Romans 12:4-5
  • Diverse gifts work together harmoniously for the common good of the church.
  • The Holy Spirit unites believers into one body under one Lord.
  • There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.

1.6 Evangelism and Witness

Verses: Mark 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 14:24-25; Hebrews 2:3-4
  • Signs and wonders accompany those who believe, confirming the preached Word.
  • Unbelievers can be convicted and drawn to God through the manifestation of gifts.
  • God bears witness to His message with signs, wonders, and diverse miracles.

1.7 Categories and Manifestations of Gifts

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11
  • The Bible outlines various categories of spiritual gifts, including revelation, power, and utterance.
  • These gifts are diverse but all operate through the same Spirit.
  • They are distributed according to the will of the Lord for the benefit of the church.

1.8 Gifts of Revelation

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:8 (Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits)
  • The Word of Wisdom provides divine insight into God's will and purpose.
  • The Word of Knowledge reveals facts or truths supernaturally.
  • Discerning of Spirits enables the ability to distinguish between spiritual influences.

1.9 Gifts of Power

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:9-10 (Faith, Gifts of Healing, Working of Miracles)
  • The gift of faith is a supernatural ability to believe God for the impossible.
  • Gifts of healing bring divine restoration to the sick and afflicted.
  • The working of miracles demonstrates God's power beyond natural laws.

1.10 Gifts of Utterance

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:10 (Prophecy, Diverse Kinds of Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues); 1 Corinthians 14:3-5
  • Prophecy is speaking by divine inspiration for edification, exhortation, and comfort.
  • Diverse kinds of tongues involve speaking in languages unknown to the speaker.
  • Interpretation of tongues provides the meaning of a message spoken in tongues for the assembly.

1.11 Exercising Spiritual Gifts

Verses: Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 1 Corinthians 14:40
  • Believers are to exercise their gifts according to the measure of faith given to them.
  • God is not the author of confusion, but of peace and order.
  • All things should be done decently and in order within the church assembly.

1.12 Operating in Faith and Humility

Verses: Hebrews 11:6; 1 Peter 5:5-6; Romans 12:3
  • Without faith, it is impossible to please God and activate spiritual gifts.
  • Believers should submit to one another and humble themselves under God's mighty hand.
  • Each person should think soberly, according to the measure of faith God has distributed.

1.13 Order and Decorum in the Assembly

Verses: 1 Corinthians 14:26-32; 1 Timothy 2:11-12
  • When believers gather, all things should be done for edification.
  • Prophets should speak one by one, and others should weigh what is said.
  • The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, ensuring order.

1.14 Love: The More Excellent Way

Verses: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Colossians 3:14; 1 Corinthians 14:1
  • Spiritual gifts, no matter how powerful, are meaningless without love.
  • Love is the bond of perfection, uniting all virtues and gifts.
  • Believers are encouraged to eagerly desire spiritual gifts, but above all, to pursue love.

1.15 The Enduring Nature of Love

Verses: 1 Corinthians 13:8-10; 1 John 4:7-8
  • Prophecies, tongues, and knowledge will cease, but love never fails.
  • Love is eternal and will remain when temporary gifts pass away.
  • God is love, and those who live in love live in God.

1.16 Love as the Foundation for Gifts

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 13:10; 1 Corinthians 16:14
  • The fruit of the Spirit, including love, is essential for the proper exercise of gifts.
  • Love fulfills the law and ensures that gifts are used constructively.
  • All things done in the church should be done with love.