Articles: What Are the Spiritual Gifts?

1. Temporary gifts-

     A. SIGN GIFTS- (Establish the work, foundational gifts)

          1. Miracles-

* An extraordinary event worked by God through human agents that can't be explained by natural forces.
* To authenticate the human instrument God has chosen to declare a specific revelation to those who witnessed the miracle. The purpose was to present a spiritual truth.

           2. Tongues-

* The supernatural ability to speak in a known language you have not learned.
* Given to Israel as a sign of Judgment that there was now a transition from the old to the new covenant. Also, to help get the gospel out of Jerusalem.

          3. Healings-

* Someone with this gift would be able to heal as Jesus and the Apostles did.
* We believe in faith healing (James 5:13-15) but not faith healers.

          4. Office of Apostle and Prophet-

2. Permanent gifts-

      A. SPEAKING GIFTS- (Expound the Word)

           1. Prophecy- (I Cor 14:3).

* Prophet would foretell while prophecy would forth-tell.
* Preaching to edify, encourage, and comfort (I Cor 14:3; I Tim 4:13).
* More exhortation and motivational.
* Confronts sin and false teaching.
* Decisive, opinionated, and outspoken.

          2. Teaching- (I Cor 12:28).

* It is the ability to explain and apply God's Word.
* One has a deep desire to impart God's truths to the hearers.
* Loves to dig into God's Word.

      B. SERVING GIFTS- (Expand the Work)

          1. Faith- (I Cor 12:9).

* Some have a special gift to trust God for the extraordinary things.
* The heroes of faith of Hebrews 11
* It is unshakeable conviction in the face of impossible odds.

          2. Knowledge- (I Cor 12:8).

* The understanding of truth.
* The special ability to discover the full meaning of a text or context.

          3. Wisdom- (I Cor 12:8).

* The ability to apply scripture to ones life.
* The ability to understand God's will and obey it.

          4. Discerning of spirits- (I Cor 12:10).

* Ability to determine true and false teachers and teachings.
* Able to detect counterfeit teachings and deceptions.

          5. Mercy- (Rom 12:8b).

* Can identify with the pain of another believer.
* Compassionate love that acts

          6. Exhortation- (Rom 12:8).

* Ability to come alongside another and comfort, encourage, exhort, warn, and admonish.
* Uses the Word of God to correct a wrong behavior or belief.
* Able to sense needs in the body.

          7. Giving- (Rom 12:8).

* Ministry of providing material goods or meeting the temporal needs of others.
* Does not relate to how much we possess.
* Give behind the scenes without fanfare.

          8. Administration or leading- (Rom 12:8).

* One who can steer, guide, or direct, a helms man.
* Lead with diligence and zeal.

          9. Ministry or helps- (Rom 12:7; I Co 12:28).

* To serve, to wait upon, to render assistance.
* Likes to meet practical needs allowing others to use their gifts.
* Greatest ability is availability.

Spiritual Gift Survey