be a better christian.

Context, context, context. Beginning at the beginning. There are four major passages that deal with the spiritual gifts; Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4. In all four of these references, the spiritual gifts are couched in the context of the body of Christ and the critical components of unity and love for the gifts to maintain their value. There seems to be a trend in contemporary culture when dealing with this topic to begin by listing the spiritual gifts and explaining them and then either launching into how to help people discover their own gifts (which helps explain why entering “spiritual gift tests” into Google retrieves 1,610,000 responses), or how to get people to engage their gifts in the church for the sake of the ministry. As valid as these goals are, it seems that they might be tinged with the perspective of one very dominating cultural worldview which places a lot of emphasis on individualism and performing tasks. This led the authors to feel and almost desperate need to understand the gifts in the context of the Word.

Below is the passage exactly how it is written in Scripture, but put into outline form. It is recommended that you read the verses first, get the gist of the story for yourself, and then go back and consider what is written in the boxes:

I. Paul Addresses the Corinthian’s Abuses of the Lord’s Supper

1. In the following directives I have no praises for you
1. For your meetings do more harm than good

1. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church
1. there are divisions among you
2. and to some extent, I believe it
1. no doubt there have to be differences among you

2. to show which of you have God’s approval

2. When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat

1. for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else
1. one remains hungry
2. another gets drunk
1. Don’t you have home to eat and drink in?
2. Or do you despise the work of God?
3. and humiliate those who have nothing?
2. What shall I say to you?
1. Shall I praise you?
2. Certainly not!

1. For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you.
2. The Lord Jesus on the night He was betrayed
1. Took bread

1. And when He had given thanks
2. He broke it and said,
1. This is my body
2. Which is for you
3. Do this in remembrance of me
2. In the same way, after supper
1. He took the cup, saying
1. This is the cup of the new covenant in my blood
2. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.

3. For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

2. Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord
1. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
1. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.
1. that is why many of you are weak and sick
2. and a number of you have fallen asleep
3. But if we judged ourselves

1. We would not come under judgment
1. when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined
2. so that we will not be condemned with the world
2. So then, my brothers, when you come to eat
1. Wait for each other.
1. if anyone is hungry, he should eat at home
2. so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.
2. And when I come I will give further directions

II. Paul Addresses Corinthian Questions About the Spiritual Gifts by putting them in the Context of the Body of

Christ and the Superiority of Love.

A. Now about the spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant

4. You know that when you were pagans
1. Somehow or other you were influenced and lead astray to mute idols
1. Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit

of God says, “Jesus be cursed,”

2. And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.
5. There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit
6. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

1. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom
2. To another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit

3. to another faith by the same Spirit
4. to another gifts of healing by one Spirit
5. to another prophecy
6. to another distinguishing between spirits
7. to another speaking in different kinds of tongues
8. and to still another the interpretation of tongues
2. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit

3. And he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

7. The body is a unit
1. Though it is made of many parts
2. And though all its parts are many
3. They form one body.

4. So it is with Christ
1. For we were all baptized by one Spirit
2. into one body
1. whether Jews or Greeks,
2. slave or free

3. and we were all given the one Spirit to drink

5. Now the body is not made up of one part but of many
1. If the foot should say,
1. “because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,”
2. it would not for that reason cease to be a part of the body.
2. And if the ear should say,
1. “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,”
2. it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.
1. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?
2. If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

3. But in fact God has arranged the parts of the body
1. Every one of them
2. Just as he wanted them to be.
1. If they were all one part, where would the body be?

2. As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
4. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!”

5. And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”

1. On the contrary
1. Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
2. And the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.

3. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment.

2. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it
1. So that there should be no division in the body
2. But that parts should have equal concern for each other
1. if one part suffers, every parts suffers with it;

2. if one part is honored, every part rejoices in with it.
6. Now you are the body of Christ
1. each of you is a part of it.

2. And in the church God appointed
1. First of all apostles,

2. Second prophets,
3. Third teachers,
4. Then worker of miracles,
5. Also those having gifts of healing,
6. Those that help others,
7. Those with gifts of administration,
8. And those speaking in different tongues.

1. Are all apostles? Are all teachers?
2. Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healings?
3. Do all speak in tongues, do all interpret?

3. But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

2. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
1. If I speak in the tongues of men and angels

1. But have not love
2. I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal
2. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge
3. And if I have faith that can move mountains
1. But have not love
2. I am nothing.
4. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames
1. But have not love,

2. I gain nothing.

5. Love is Patient,
6. Love is kind,
1. It does not envy,
2. It is does not boast,
3. it is not proud.
1. it is not rude,
2. it is not self-seeking,
3. it is not easily angered,
4. it keeps no record of wrongs.
7. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
8. It always
1. protects,
2. always trusts
3. always hopes,
4. always perseveres.

9. Love never fails
1. But where there are prophesies, they will cease;

2. Where there are tongues, they will be stilled;
3. Where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
1. for we know in part
2. and prophesy in part
4. but when perfection comes
5. the imperfect disappears
1. When I was a child,

1. I talked like a child
2. I thought like a child,
3. I reasoned like a child.
2. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
6. Now we see but a poor reflection in the mirror; then we shall see face to face.
7. Now I know in part; then I shall be know fully, even as I am fully known.

10. And now in these three remain
1. Faith
2. Hope
3. And love
4. But the greatest of these is love.
1. follow the way of love
2. and eagerly desire the spiritual gifts

1. especially the gift of prophecy
1. for anyone who speaks in tongues
1. does not speak to men
2. but to God
1. indeed, no one understands him

2. he utters mysteries with his spirit
2. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men
1. for their strengthening
2. encouragement
3. and comfort
3. He who speaks in a tongues edifies himself
4. But he who prophesies edifies the church.
1. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues
2. but I would rather have you prophesy.
1. He who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues
2. Unless he interprets
3. So that the church may be edified.

Themes that Shouldn’t Be Separated From the Teaching of Spiritual Gifts

While it is clear that Paul values what the gifts bring to the body of Christ, in the context of these passages it is amply demonstrated that he felt they had to be taught very carefully for them to be applied appropriately, with a great emphasis on; the work of God in the gifts, the unity of the body, humility towards other members of the body, and importance of the prevailing power of love over and above the gifts themselves. The exercising of the gifts without these considerations has the danger of being worse than nothing because of their ability to provoke division and selfish behavior, destroying the very purpose of the gift, which is to unify and build up the body. Similar concerns were addressed in the three other major references to the spiritual gifts in the New Testament; Romans 12, 1 Peter 4, and Ephesians 4.

Love. The importance of love in I Corinthians 13 had already been demonstrated in chapter 11 and 12. When in chapter 11 the Corinthians acted on obedience by taking the Lord’s Supper, it meant worse than nothing because it was done without love for other members of the body. Likewise, in chapter 12, Paul elaborates about how the whole reason for the Spirit to give gifts is to build up and unite the body of Christ. If someone is exercising that gift for self- aggrandizement, or if some members are being marginalized because they don’t express more spectacular or impressive gifts, then the very purpose of the gifts themselves is being undermined by individual selfishness. “Love is an addition to, not a substitute for the spiritual gifts…Unfortunately, Paul’s readers [the Corinthians] had made these two courses contradictory by their own behavior. Their preferences for spiritual gifts had become so strong that they missed the weightier responsibilities of Christian living” (Thomas p 43). Paul also admonishes the Romans about this immediately after exhorting them to allow their members to express their gifts. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” Romans 12:9-10b. And Peter, who certainly understood the power of love in the face of sin says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (I Peter 4:8).

Humility. Part of the expression of love has to be a sense of humility among church members towards one another. “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Romans 12:3). “Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10b). In Ephesians, Paul implores them to, “Be completely humble and gentle, bearing with one another in love (Eph. 4:2). Likewise, Peter writes, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…” (1 Peter 4:10a).

Unity. The importance of unity is reiterated in Romans and implied in Ephesians and 1 Peter. “Just as each of us had one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us” (Romans 12:4 and 5). As Robert L. Thomas writes, “The body stands together or it falls. Separated the members are spiritual invalids, but together they grow and mature” (v.). It is hard how to see how this can be overemphasized in a culture where we are so driven to produce in independent achievement.

The Gifts as a Work of God. “But to each one of us grace has been give as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: ‘When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to man.’…It was he who gave some to be apostles, some as prophets…” (Ephesians 4:7, 8, and 11a).

Another idea that is less emphasized in I Corinthians 12 (though it is emphasized elsewhere in the book) but in the other three passages a call to holiness prefaces the discussion of the gifts. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1-2a). “As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin” (I Peter 4:1). Attempting to use the spiritual gifts without the pursuit of righteousness and a rejection of the ways of this world is inappropriate before the living God. Peter goes on to say that the pagans will think Christians are strange for not taking part in their orgies, drunkenness, idolatry, etc., but offers the expression of the spiritual gifts in hospitality, love, service, etc., as the holy alternative to their former way of life (1 Peter 4:3-11).

The ultimate benefit of the body of Christ operating together in love through the spiritual gifts can be found in Ephesians 4:14-16; “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown hear and there by every wind of teaching and by cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow into him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grow and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

The Royal Priesthood

Under the new covenant, there is a new emphasis on the importance and work of every member of the faith as those who have been chosen by God and in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. Each member, upon conversion to Christ, receives the Holy Spirit and their spiritual gifting, and each must be held up with honor (Thomas p 3). Therefore, in 1 Corinthians 11, when the Lord’s Supper is done in a way that marginalizes certain members of the church, it is seen as a violation of the New Covenant. They had broken the law of love. “Chrysostom: Why does Paul mention that the cup is that of the new covenant? Because there was also a cup of the old covenant, which contained the libations and the blood of animals. For after sacrificing, the priests used to catch the blood in a chalice and bowl and then pour it out. But now, instead of the blood of beasts, Christ has introduced his own blood” (Oden 113). The pouring out of the Spirit on each believer, a new era was introduced into how God’s family would operate. Each member bears a portion of the priesthood, a role to play with a special gift given by the Spirit. This was alluded to in the Old Testament;

“’By one Spirit have we all been baptized into one body.’ Including himself along with his readers, Paul by this statement marks the divine action whereby all Christians at the moment of conversion become part of Christ’s body…[it] looks at the spiritual act that is well known in both Old and New Testament traditions. It has roots as far back as the words of Moses in Numbers 11:29: ‘Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!’ The prophet Isaiah likewise looked forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit ‘to be poured upon us from on high.’ (Isa. 32:15)” (Thomas p. 21).

Thomas also refers to Joel 2:28-29 as a shadow of what is to come. Paul demonstrates this idea of the body as a priesthood by exhorting the Romans to see their very lives as the sacrifice at the altar. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship” Romans 12:1. The practical act dieing to ourselves and our old, natural ways and choosing to eagerly pursue the spiritual gifts for a new life in Him in love for others and the edification of the Body is the sacrifice of faith in the new covenant.

Ramifications

Believers are not supposed to clinically live out their gifts as individuals on a mission to serve, to exhort, to act on a spiritual gifting. That kind of expression actually renders the gift useless. It is clear that understanding of how to express a gifting must take into consideration the other people in the immediate situation with an eye to edify them. An essential part of our using of the gifts has to be born out of a real love, which means as we express the gift that the Spirit has determined to give us, we must;

• consider others as invaluable members of the body in whose personal life I have a personal stake
• conscientiously give special honor to the less honorable, covering the unpresentable parts with special modesty
• consider that when someone else suffers a personal blow, it is personal for for everyone
• if someone else succeeds, it can legitimately consider the success of everyone else as well. (Think about prayer warriors at home rejoicing over the victories that their missionaries have overseas and feeling part of it, but on a body wide level. The maintenance guy at the church genuinely feels the victory of a baptism of a new believer.) Members should not only be able to be happy for them, but to spontaneously rejoice in their blessings. If this is not the response, members have something in them that undercuts our contribution to the body and need grapple over it with God.

This is a tremendous blow to individualism. If we really believe that each member’s contribution, then the more elevated roles such as pastor will have less pressure, but less of the reflected glory of the church’s success will be directed towards one individual and the whole body will feel ownership and truly rejoice together in a sense of being part of a great blessing and calling. If this concept was more effectively communicated and understood, it seems that parishioners might be more motivated to step up because they would feel the honor and fellowship of being a part of the greater whole. Demonstrating honor to all the roles and consistently communicating their value would elevate each role and make many members feel more willing to accept their gift when it isn’t one that is generally treated with as much respect as the elder board or the teacher. Spiritual gifts test are helpful in helping people think through and clarify their own gifts, but one wonders if the Church wasn’t doing a better job communicating the value of each role and demonstrating that honor and protection to those who are faithful in them in a consistent, visible way, if people wouldn’t be stepping up more actively because they intuitively know what they have to offer. Is the issue that people don’t know themselves, or that churches do not follow the Biblical manner of the priesthood of Christ? A pastor that is constantly expressing gratitude and amazement at the lesser roles might find many more of his congregants pursuing those roles. The relevancy, truth, quality, or meaning, or worth of our spiritual gifts is hinged upon whether we, as a body, are operating in love.

Spiritual Gifts

While various opinions exist concerning the manifestation and enumeration of certain gifts, what is agreed upon is the existence of various gifts within the body of believers. Every believer receives a gift from God for the benefit of the entire church (1 Peter 4:10- 11). When the Spirit of God comes to reside in the Believer that individual is given a spiritual gift. The aim of spiritual gifts is the edification of the church and ‘that in everything God might be glorified through Jesus Christ.’ (1 Peter 4:11). In a letter to the Corinthian church Paul describes how different individuals exemplify various gifts, but all have a gift. “Each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that” (1 Corinthians 7:7b). A table is listed below with key passages that list various spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:4-14	1 Corinthians 12:27-30	Romans 12:6-8	Ephesians 4:11
Wisdom Knowledge Faith Healing Miraculous Powers Prophecy Distinguish Spirits Speak in Tongues Interpret Tongues	Apostles Prophets Teachers Miracle Workers Healing Service/Helps Administration Speak in Tongues	Prophecy Serving Teaching Encouraging Contributing/Giving Leadership Mercy	Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors Teachers

Sign Gifts (Temporary)

Apostleship

Prophecy

Miracles

Healing

Wisdom

Word of Knowledge

Distinguishing Spirits

Tongues

Interpretation of Tongues

Permanent Gifts

Evangelist. All Christians are responsible for evangelism, but some are particularly gifted and driven to spread the Gospel for the salvation of the lost. Examples of this can be seen in the concern Paul expresses in Romans 1:14-16, II Timothy 1:6 and 4:5, or in the life of Phillip in Acts (Howard, 158).

Pastors are often portrayed as shepherds of the flock. “the gift of pastor is to function in and with the local assemblies of believers” (Howard, 160). It usually involves, and is closely related to, the gift of teaching (see below). Examples of this are Christ’s exhortation to Peter to feed His sheep in John 21:15-17, or in Acts 20:28 (Howard 16).

Teacher. All believers are called to teach, but a special gift is given to some. The Greek verb means, “the importation of information in order to develop talent and potential. The stress is intellectual…the knowledge which the teacher had and the insight which the student gained” (Howard 163).

Serving. Service is making oneself available to provide hospitality, to act in times of crisis, famine, to care as one family to the wider body of believers. The Greek word used for service is the same word from which the word for deacon was derived (Howard 183).

Exhortation. This term is used a hundred and forty times in the New Testament. It means; “to beseech, to comfort, to exhort” (Howard 166). It is related to pastoral and teaching gifts, in fact when the terms for preaching or teaching are used, it normally implies exhortation. Some examples of in Scripture are the ministry of John the Baptist, see Paul in I Thess. 2:2-3. Many with this gift appear to die young. Other examples are; Hebrews 3:13, II Tim. 4:2, and Titus 1:9 and 2:15 (Howard 168).

Giving or Liberality. The Greek word for this gift can mean, “to share or give part of,” “private benevolence as in Ephesians 4:28,” or “giving of money and other material possessions” (Howard 187). Apparently, the giving of time or emotional energy should be seen as hospitality or mercy. The gift of giving is focused on material generosity.

Leadership/ruling The Greek word means, “To stand before” (Howard 176). It is used in extra Biblical texts to describe a landlord, the head of a guild, or a guard and can be described as “maintaining good works” (Howard 176-177). See Titus 3:5 and 3:17 for examples of this gift.

Mercy. Examples of the gift of mercy can be found in Romans 11:32, Philippians 2:27, and Hebrews 4:16. According to Howard, “…at the heart is the emotion that is aroused by contanct with an affliction that comes undeservedly on someone else…[it is] and expression of love…[and a]direct, personal ministry to those in need” (Howard 184).

Faith. Clearly, faith is something required of all Christ followers. It is “…a conviction of the reality of the truths and facts which God has revealed; a conviction rising solely upon the testimony of God. This conviction involves the assent and the submission of the entire person-intellect, emotion, will” (Howard 189). Apparently, some are especially gifted a greater degree or magnification of this.

Cessationist

This view emphasizes the end of miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit. These ‘miraculous gifts’ are usually identified as tongues, prophecy, and healing. Cessationists assert these miraculous gifts manifested themselves after Pentecost (Acts 2) to aid in the establishment of the first century church. They ceased to exist at the death of the last apostle. The basis for this claim is found in Ephesians 2:20 which describe the apostles and prophets as the foundation of the church. The ‘foundational’ gifts were only needed during the time the church’s foundation was established and thus passed away with the death of the last apostle. Holloman splits the gifts into two categories: Temporary and permanent (Holloman, 515). Hebrews 2:3-4 is commonly used by a cessationist to affirm the end of certain spiritual gifts after the apostolic age.

For if the message spoken by angels was bidning, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:3-4

Salvation was confirmed by those who had seen the works of Jesus and God testified to this truth through ‘signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.” Once scripture was available in written form the necessity for sign gifts ended. ‘Sola Scriptura,’ or scripture alone, is a concept which dominates protestant theology. Cessationists argue no new information from God is needed since the Canon has been closed and scripture alone should be followed.

Non-Cessationists would point claim no biblical evidence exists for the removal of certain gifts. However, in his book John Stott explains differently in his book, “Baptism and Fullness.” One example Stott expounds upon is the idea of prophets. Within some schools today it can be determined that one has the gift of prophecy. Turn the TV on to certain stations late in the evening and evidence seems to attest to the existence of prophets. However, Stott examines how the word prophet is used throughout the bible. In the Old Testament a prophet proclaimed revelation directly from God (Ex. 4:12, 7:1, 2, Je 1:4-9; 23:26, 18, 22, 28). The OT used the word ‘prophet’ to mean God’s self-revelation. Within the context of this meaning this revelation was completed in Christ and the witness of the Apostles. The Canon has been closed and God’s revelation has been made full. The foundation of the church was laid upon the teachings of the prophets and the apostles (recorded within scripture). This foundation cannot be laid twice or continually. Stott’s fear is against those within the church blatantly stating: “I have a word from the Lord,” or ‘Thus sayeth the Lord.” This type of prophecy ended with the mystery which made itself known. Stott warns against prophetic ministries which claim to foresee future events. Personally he has observed many unfulfilled prophecies, and labels these ministries as ‘disillusioned’ and ‘dishonest.’ A few may claim the gift of prophecy simply defines the ability to teach or encourage in a more direct way. Stott doesn’t deny this could be a gift, but he urges individuals to simply call this something other than, ‘prophecy’ because biblically the term prophecy does not refer to this, but strictly to divine revelation from God (Stott, 10).

Continuationism

In contrast to cessationists, Continuists believe miraculous gifts, such as prophecy and speaking in tongues, continued past the foundational basis of the church established by the Apostles.

In his book, “Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow,” Peter Wagner describes the exponential growth of the ‘charismatic’ movement within the past century. Fifty years ago few books existed concerning the movement and power of the Holy Spirit, but now a variety of books on this subject exist. Prior to WWII the movement remained on the outside of mainline Churches, but since 1970 has grown increasingly popular as people witness the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Jack Deere, once a strong advocate amongst cessationist scholars, published a book, Surprised by the Power of the of the Spirit, which sketches his conversion from opponent of sign gifts to proponent. Throughout his book Deere argues the main reason individuals do not believe in sign gifts is because they haven’t experienced this personally in their lives.

Deere asserts that prophecy indeed does edify other Believers today and cites various examples in his book as evidence. Because prophecy, speaking in tongues, and miracles do strengthen the body of Believers today, then these gifts did not end with the death of the apostles. In Chapter 10 of his book, Deere also emphasizes the command found in 1 Corinthians 14:39 which states speaking in tongues should not be forbidden. Deere’s point is made stronger as he points to scripture in which the Apostle Paul urges others to strive towards certain gifts, and to value the gift of tongues (1 Cor 14:5, 14:8). Stott would accuse Deere of taking passages out of context. Deere examines 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 and concludes gifts will not cease until Christ returns. “You do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed” (1 Cor 1:7). This text is stated to demonstrate how Christians will use all gifts until Christ returns. Within the analogy of the body, Deere states that not identifying or recognizing certain gifts will cause the body to be unhealthy as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Deere’s main emphasis is upon others lack of personal experience with the so-called, ‘sign’ gifts. Those who are cessationists hide behind the text because they are unable and scared to believe in the power of the Holy Spirit. Because Deere once was a cessationist himself, his arguments are compelling and give interesting insight into the debate of the role of sign gifts within the church.

Identifying Spiritual Gifts

Another issue which arises within different circles is the necessity of knowing your specific spiritual gift. While most church leaders will acknowledge the importance of spiritual gifts within the body Believers, what is debated is how important it is for the individual to understand their specific gift. Pastor John Piper of Bethlehem Baptist Church in St. Paul and Rick Warren of Saddleback urge people to not worry about the inability to label their specific gift, but simply to serve and see where their strengths lie. Piper urges us to not get hung up on the question, ‘what is our spiritual gift?’ but to ask ourselves, ‘are we doing what we can do strengthen the faith of the people around us?’ Erik Rees, pastor at Saddleback Church, confirms Pipers claim testifying his witness of people discovering their gifts as they minister to others. “Just start serving, experimenting with different ministries, and then you’ll discover your gifts. Until you’re actually involved in serving, you’re not going to know what you’re good at” (Reese 36). Peter Wagner is on the other side of asserting the necessity to label our gift so individuals can identify where they best fit within the context of the church. Wagner asserts if you discover and develop your gift ‘you will become a better Christian and better able to allow God to make your life count for Him” (Wagner, 41). What is agreed upon is the possession of a spiritual gift by anyone indwelt with the Holy Spirit.

A Few Different Methods

One tool to help decipher ones spiritual gift is the S.H.A.P.E. model advocated by Rick Warren of Saddleback Church. Within his book, Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren outlines five different aspects of ones personal development (corresponding to each letter of ‘SHAPE’) which includes ones spiritual gift as a component of God’s purpose for an individual life. Erik Rees wrote a follow-up book entitled S.H.A.P.E. which explores this methodology in depth. On page 24 of his book Rees describes each letter of the acrostic:

• Spiritual gifts - A set of special abilities that God has given you to share his love and serve others.
• Heart – The special passions God has given you so that you can glorify him on earth.
• Abilities – The set of talents that God gave you when you were born, which he also want you to use to make an impact for him.
• Personality – The special way God wired you to navigate life and fulfille your unique Kingdom Purpose.
• Experiences – Those parts of your past, both positive and painful, which God intends to use in great ways.

Fusing together these varying character aspects serve as vital clues to God’s specific purpose for an individual’s life. Certain aspects of this model are unquestionably helpful in understanding the complex interaction of human personality and spiritual gifting. Warrens emphasizes the uniqueness of every individual and he urges everyone to embrace the different aspects found within the various components of our character as we become the people God intended when he created us. Rees encourages the reader to believe the promise found in Philippians 1:6: “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” It is interesting to note that within this model recognition of spiritual gifts is merely one component of identifying ones role within the body of Christ.

Gift Tests

Other means can be used to determine ones gifting. Various tests online or through local churches are available to help guide one in determining their specific gifts. Peter Wagner has a test available in a test booklet or online format which consists of 135 statements. For each statement the individual is to mark how applicable the situation is to their life. After completing the questionnaire points are added together to compile a list of top gifts. Wagner stresses the top four or five gifts emerging at the end of the exam may or may not be your gift, but through interacting with others in the body of Christ one can become more certain of their gifts. The test is a means to begin narrowing down the options. Wagner has twenty-eight different gifts listed. No differentiation between ‘sign’ or temporary gifts and permanent. The most recent gift, leading worship, was added in 2005. Wagner explains worship has changed dramatically in the past decade which is reason to add the gift of leading worship.

Warnings

Examination of various spiritual gifts and attempts to discover ones personal gift is a helpful component in clarification of ones place within the context of a local church. However, it is important to note a few problematical areas highlighted in various books pertaining specifically to spiritual gifts.

A common warning is against the urge to compare as depicted in 1 Corinthians 12:21-22: “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’ On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.” Typically gifts of higher visibility are seen as more desirable. One with the gift of teaching will be more visible than those organizing an event for kids or someone who makes sure the facility remains well kept. Guilt could overwhelm a person as they witness another individual win several people to Christ while this element lacks in their life. Rees warns against this type of comparison in his book as it causes one to feel as if their gift is unimportant. This results in missed opportunities to be used by God.

Another warning is against self-deception. Occasionally individuals can believe they have a gift when they actually do not. In his book Erik Rees quotes John Maxwell: “If you think you are a leader, but no one is following you – you are just taking a walk” (Rees, 49). This self-deception pitfall can be avoided as one seeks to understand and identify their gifts within a community context. Others can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Gift-projection is an adverse affect warned against by both Wagner and Rees. Gift-projection occurs as an individual assumes others to possess similar gifts. Rees develops this concept as he describes his frustration and subsequent resentment of others inability to remain organize. He realized his need to encourage others in who God made them to be and not what they were lacking. Wagner expounds upon the idea of gift-projection slightly differently. He examines biographies of famed Christians of old whom God worked through in powerful ways. Wagner describes the guilt he often felt after reading these biographies because of the overwhelming feeling he would never live such a life for God. Completely frustrated Wagner eventually ceased reading these works to avoid the adverse emotions which resulted after biographies of Godly men and women. Wagner pinpoints his negative emotions upon the lack of attention given to spiritual gifts possessed by these saintly people of God. Wagner would assert that our churches are full of tremendously overworked and guilt filled people as they attempt to live a life which God did not intend.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a substantial agreement exists concerning the importance of spiritual gifts in the edification of the church to the glory of God (1 Peter 4:11). When one serves outside their gifting frustration and exhaustion surface followed quickly by guilt, but this same individual may flourish when their service area align with gifting. Individuals should feel free and be urged to operate within their specific gifts as described by Paul in his letter to the Romans:

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:4-8.

How ought a church actively pursue drawing out the gifts in the individual members of their church for the edification of the body? How is this aspect of the life of the body to be encouraged in a way that calls the body to long to know how the Spirit as called them to serve and lift up their brothers and sisters in fellowship? There is a real danger, as Paul was directly addressing, of creating an atmosphere of narcissism and self seeking. As church leadership disciples their members, should the topic be introduced as, “Find out what your spiritual gifts are because God can really use you, here is how your personal light can shine,” or is there a way to express it that helps them to position themselves rightly before the Lord? Saying, “You are precious as a chosen child of God, (Eph. 1) and because of this you have great worth, and because you are a part of His body, He will give you the honor of a role and responsibility in the building up of the body, and the gifts to do it well.” Perhaps part of this would include honoring the members of the body who faithfully, silently serve in all capacities to show value of each role and give them their proper place of recognition. Demonstrating open appreciation and thereby living out the principles of 1 Corinthians 12:14-26 regarding how to honor all members and their gifts is an important step.