What are the spiritual gifts?
Spiritual gifts are the source of much controversy and confusion among believers. This is a sad comment, since these gifts are meant to be thank God for building the church.
Even today, as in the early church, the misuse and misunderstanding of spiritual gifts can bring division into the church. This resource tries to avoid controversy and simply explore what the Bible says about spiritual gifts.
Identify and define spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 12 states that spiritual gifts are given to the people of God by the Holy Spirit for "the common good". Verse 11 says that gifts are given according to the sovereign will of God "as he determines". Ephesians 4:12 tells us that these gifts are given to prepare the people of God for the service and construction of the body of Christ.
The term "spiritual gifts" comes from the Greek words charismata (gifts) and pneumatika (spirits). They are the plural forms of charisma, which means "expression of grace", and pneumatikon which means "expression of the Spirit".
While there are different types of gifts (1 Corinthians 12: 4), in general, spiritual gifts are graces given by God (special abilities, offices or demonstrations) designed for works of service, to benefit and build up the body of Christ as a whole.
Although there are many differences between the denominations, most Bible scholars classify spiritual gifts into three categories: ministry gifts, manifestation gifts, and motivational gifts.
The gifts of the ministry
The ministry gifts serve to reveal God's plan. They are characteristic of a full-time office or call, rather than a gift that can function in and through any believer. A good way to remember ministry gifts is through the five-finger analogy:
Apostle: an apostle founds and builds churches; is a church planter. An apostle can function in many or all of the gifts of the ministry. It is the "thumb", the strongest of all fingers, capable of touching each finger.
Prophet - The prophet in Greek means "to tell" in the sense of speaking for another. A prophet functions as the spokesman for God by saying the Word of God. The prophet is the "index finger" or index finger. Indicates the future and indicates sin.
Evangelist - An evangelist is called to testify of Jesus Christ. He works for the local church to bring people into the body of Christ where they can be discipled. He can evangelize through music, drama, preaching and other creative ways. It is the "middle finger", the tallest one that stands out from the crowd. Evangelists attract a lot of attention, but are called to serve the local body.
Shepherd - The shepherd is the shepherd of the people. A true shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The shepherd is the "ring finger". He is married to the church; called to stay, supervise, feed and guide.
Teacher - The teacher and the pastor are often a shared office, but not always. The teacher lays the foundation and cares about the details and accuracy. He delights in research to validate the truth. The teacher is the "little finger". Although apparently small and insignificant, it is specifically designed to dig in narrow, dark places, illuminating a light and separating the Word of truth.
The gifts of the event
The gifts of manifestation serve to reveal the power of God. These gifts are supernatural or spiritual in nature. They can be further divided into three groups: expression, power and revelation.
Expression - These gifts say something.
Power - These gifts do something.
Revelation: these gifts reveal something.
Gifts of words
Prophecy - This is the "revelation" of the inspired Word of God primarily to the church, in order to confirm the written Word and build the whole body. The message is usually of edification, exhortation or consolation, although it can declare the will of God in a particular circumstance and, in rare cases, foresee future events.
Speaking in tongues - This is a supernatural expression in an unlearned language that is interpreted so that the whole body is built up. Languages can also be a sign for unbelievers. Learn more about speaking in tongues.
Interpretation of languages - This is a supernatural interpretation of a message in tongues, translated into the known language so that listeners (the whole body) are built up.
Gifts of power
Faith - This is not the measured faith for every believer, nor is it "the saving faith". This is a special supernatural faith given by the Spirit to receive miracles or believe in God by miracles.
Healing - This is the supernatural healing, beyond the natural means, given by the Spirit.
Miracles - This is the supernatural suspension of natural laws or an intervention of the Holy Spirit in the laws of nature.
Revelation gifts
Word of wisdom - This is supernatural knowledge applied in a divine or correct way. One comment describes it as "intuition of doctrinal truth".
Word of knowledge - This is supernatural knowledge of facts and information that can only be revealed by God for the purpose of applying doctrinal truth.
Discernment of spirits - This is the supernatural ability to distinguish between spirits like good and evil, sincere or deceptive, prophetic against satanic