Well I have stalled long enough on this topic since introducing it here I haven’t yet said what I believe on the topic, so here is my shot.
Spiritual gifts are defiantly apart of the New Testament Church. There are many references to the use of these gifts. But here is the thing; do these apply now? Are they for us today? How should we go about these gifts? What are the gifts?
There have been arguments about the use of Spiritual gifts since the appearance of the Charismatics way back about 100 years ago. One of the arguments is for the cessation of the gifts. Some believe that the gifts expressed in the New Testament were only for the Apostolic era. Therefore the Church should not expect manifestations of the gifts today! One lecturer at my college is in this boat. But where do i stand on it?
I do not agree with the argument that the gifts have stopped. Firstly because I cannot find evidence for the gifts to cease, also the range in gifts (which i will come to) and the way in which they are talked about dont give any indication for a cessation in the manifestation of the New Testament gifts. Secondly there is alot of evidence to the current manifestation of gifts. In many places around the world there are reports of healings, prophecy, and other gifts. I have seen some, and heard of some from very reliable sources. The gifts still occur!
Another argument is on the types of gifts. There is so much speculation and hypothesis to be done on some. There is also alot fo defining yet to be agreed upon as to what these gifts are, for example what is prophecy? is it predicting the future or the revelation of God’s word?
There are many types of gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12-14 there are lists of SOME of the gifts. In Galatians 5 we have another list of SOME of the gifts. Truth is there is not a complete list of gifts. But what is evident is that there is the giving of gifts to bring glory to God and to help the Gospel to spread.
Which leads me to talk about how we should use these gifts. My only criticism of some churches is that they overemphasize the gifts, making ministries out of them. Trying to empower people with them and so denying the work of God in people’s lives but to enforce ‘gifts’ onto people. This doesnt allow God to gift the person but it means people are forcing others to show signs of a gift. In effect trying to imitate the real gifts. BAD FORM!!! What I see clearly is that God gives the gifts so that people can use them in an orderly manner within the Church or within the world but all to the glory of God.
So to sum up:
Dan, do you think you have a spiritual gift and if so what is it and how has it affected your life?
By: Chris D on November 3, 2009
at 3:13 pm
Hey Chris,
Great question. I have always recognised that God has gifted me to teach others. This lead me to minister to youth, when this seemed to work well it confirmed my recognition, then I decided to allow God to further use this gift he gave me so i went to college.
I have questions as to whether God has given me gifts for a certain period of time, to do certain things.
Also I wonder if ‘care’ is a gift, I often form a strong big brother bond (that is i really care for the person to the point of feeling like a big brother) with who ever I am ministering to (i.e. caring for, teaching, praying for, etc.).
If you dont mind me asking, what about you? Do you think you have a spiritual gift and if so what is it and how has it affected your life?
By: Dan Presland on November 3, 2009
at 3:27 pm
I also would say I have been given a talent for teaching. But I do wonder about the “spiritual” nature of this as a gift though, because by mental effort and training the gift is developed and refined. Should we only regard spiritual gifts as those of the spirit, as in being mystical / non-physical? Can spiritual gifts be developed or just received spiritually?
In other words the spiritual gifts of healing, tongue speaking, interpretation and prophecy seemmuch more spiritual than a talent for teaching.
After re-reading 1 Cor 12:7-10 I believe I have been the given the gift of the message of wisdom.
By: Chris D on November 4, 2009
at 8:35 pm
Hey Chris,
Sorry i wont be able to answer your question on the mystical/non-physical because i dont think i could do it satisfactorily. But here is a stab. It is spiritual by nature of the Spirit, but is is also a manifestation of the Spirit which could mean many things. So there is silence in the definate area of interpretation/description of the nature of the gifts. But i think God still develops and enables us to use them and learn how to better use them to serve. This makes sense from the basis of Paul’s teaching in 1 Cor 12-14. As the gifts are for serving the Church (14:5, 6, 12).
I dont think gifts of healing, tongues, interpretation and prophecy are more spiritual. As Paul says each person has received a gift (1 Cor 1:7), these gifts are manifestations and dont have a correlation to a persons spiritual level (to use a strained description), but the point seems to be that God supplies these gifts to be used for the body of Christ (to build it up). There does seem to be a list in priority of gifts in the Church in 12:28, and 29-30 but this is not extensive (cf. Rom 12:3-8; Eph 4:9, 8, 12; 1 Pet 4:10-11).
Does this help? Please ask me any questions you still might have, and i will try to answer.
By: Dan Presland on November 14, 2009
at 12:10 pm
Chris, i have been trying to find an answer for you on your question, but I dont have alot of time to give a satisfactory answer. So from what i understand at the moment, i plan on coming back to this later, Spiritual gifts are not defined for us in an easy to understand passage. I cannot at the moment comment on the mystical/non-physical. But i do believe they can be developed, for example look at 1 Samuel 3 it took a little development and wisdom to recognise the gift and then practice in it. I know this is an Old Testament example, but there isnt alot expressed in the Bible to give an extensive and clear answer. But i will try and find a better answer soon.
Praise God for your gift, may God bless you and help you in using your gift to bring praise and glory to the Lord Jesus.
By: Dan Presland on November 10, 2009
at 12:31 pm
Prophecy is also mentioned in the Old Testament. Joel 2:28 states, and afterward I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons & daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams. Your younger men will see visions.
In the NT check out 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 and 1 Corinthians 13:2.
By: robind333 on February 27, 2011
at 1:29 pm
Hi Robind333 Sorry I am a bit unclear on your comment, as to if you agree or disagree or adding something or correcting something.
As to the two quotes i am not sure what you are implying. Could you please explain?
Thanks
By: Dan Presland on March 1, 2011
at 2:20 pm