SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRITUAL GIFTS (from 1 Corinthians 12. See full discussion of each gift there online)
There are several lists of spiritual gifts in the NT (cf. Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Pet. 4:10-11). The lists are not the same, nor is the order of gifts the same. They are representative samples, not definitive lists. Some of the gifts function in gathered worship, but others focus outside corporate worship meetings. There is no hierarchy of gifts. All are given by the Spirit for the health and growth of the Body of Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7; 12:7,11).
The emphasis which Paul places on spiritual giftedness is surprising, but he says little about how one finds or identifies his/her gift. I am reluctant to affirm many of the "spiritual gift tests" that have been developed in our day. They test only for the gifts listed in the NT. Many of the gifts listed are not clearly defined (i.e., the gifts of leadership in Eph. 4:11). The most helpful guide I have found in this area is the IVP booklet entitled Affirming the Will of God by Paul Little. The same Christian wisdom that helps us find God's will also helps us identify our effective gift for ministry (every believer is a called, gifted, full time minister!)
It is far more important that as believers we know the ultimate gift we have been given (i.e., a salvation, cf. 1 Cor. 12:11), but also that all believers are called, gifted, ministers (cf. Eph. 4:12).
One may have more than one gift and the gifts may change through time and need of the body. Before non-charismatics use 1 Cor. 14:34 too much, please read verse 39! We must always be careful of our denominational and experiential biases!
For a detailed discussion of each individual gift, see my exegetical notes free online in 1 Corinthians 12 at www.freebiblecommentary.org
SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS AND THE SPIRIT
SPECIAL TOPIC: SPEAKING IN TONGUES
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