Engaging God’s Mission: Good Works through Good Gifts (Spiritual Gifts)
Overview
God has given His people gifts to do the good works He has called us to
Spiritual gifts are to help us engage with the mission of God
We are all equipped with spiritual gifts
We are all equipped differently
Discovering your spiritual gifts is a great and worthwhile pursuit, but loving others is greater (1 Cor. 13)
Spiritual gifts are part of how God gifts us to be on mission for Him
Spiritual Gifts: Defined
A gift of grace from the Father that enables you to serve Him and thus play a vital role in His Mission to bless the world.
A special attribute given by God to every member of the church according to God’s grace for use for God’s glory and our joy
“A spiritual gift is any ability that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in any ministry in the church.” - Wayne Grudem
Spiritual Gifts: Discovery
Identifying gifts helps you and Redeeming Hope
The assessment helps you determine what S.H.A.P.E. do you have?
Spiritual Gifts
Heart
Abilities
Personality
Experience
Spiritual Gifts: Scriptural References
1 Corinthians 7:7
Romans 12:6-8
1 Corinthians 12:7-10
1 Corinthians 12:28
Ephesians 4:11-12
1 Peter 4:11
Spiritual Gifts: Defined
Apostle: “sent one”
“Pioneering new, innovative and mission-minded works.” – Alan Hiersch
Going where the Gospel is not seeded and laying the foundation of a new work for Jesus and His Church
Self-starters, innovators, seeing opportunities where others do not, developing and raising up leaders
Prophet: “one who makes known”
Speaking and communicating biblical truth clearly and boldly to those around us
Can see biblical truth and errors, can call others out
Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and above all that you may prophesy... the person who prophesies speaks to people for edification, encouragement, and consolation. (1 Cor. 14:1,3)
Evangelist: “teller of good news”
Unique gifts to connect with those who don’t know Jesus in such a way that they decide to follow Him
Often partnered with apostleship, but distinct in that it is not related to vision for a particular region or people, but actual conversations are evidence of a unique gift
Pastor: “shepherd, sheep-tender, one who shepherds a flock”
Synonymous with ‘elder’ or ‘overseer’
Protects, leads, goes before a local expression of church
Teacher:
Explains the truth of God’s word in relatable ways
Helps bring clarity to Scriptures and theological truths in such a way that results in increased knowledge'
Difference between teaching/preaching
teaching = focus is the depth of knowledge
preaching = focus is the application of knowledge
Miracles:
Demonstrations of the power of God in unique ways that defy natural laws and abilities
God using people to perform a supernatural act which goes beyond the normal laws of nature
Healing:
Demonstrations of the power of God in unique physical healings that defy natural laws and abilities
God using people to perform supernatural acts of healing of a sickness or malady, thus restoring the person to health, without the use of medicine
Helps/Service:
Ability to identify needs of a person or group of people
Ability to come alongside and meet the needs of a person or group of people
Examples: Food, Clothing, Transportation, Financial resources
Managing:
Ability to lead, administrate, and organize the vision of a specific ministry or event so that it proceeds smoothly and effectively
Working with people to help them get stuff done
Kinds of languages (tongues)
Ability to supernaturally speak, prophesy, or pray in a different language
the language is one that you have never studied or been taught before
Tongues were often given in the New Testament as a demonstration of the supernatural power of the gospel.
Interpretation of languages (tongues)
the supernatural ability to interpret the message of someone who has supernaturally spoken in a tongue
The Apostle Paul instructs that the gift of tongues should not be used in a church setting without the presence of someone who can interpret there as well.
Words of Wisdom/Knowledge'
Ability to help others apply wisdom or knowledge to a specific situation
Faith
Both a reality (Hear/Believe/Obey) that all believers possess and a unique gift
“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Ability to discern the will of God in complexity or conflict and subsequently trust and depend on Him
Distinguishing Between Spirits
Ability to distinguish whether something is of the Holy Spirit or demonic
this could also involve special insight into the type of demonic activity that is occurring in a situation
Exhortation
Ability to know how to listen and encourage other people in ways that are unique to their conflict or suffering
Giving
Both a command and a unique gift
Ability to generously and cheerfully give money, time and things to the church and/or others who are in need
Someone who derives a special joy from giving and seeks out opportunities to give
Leading
Ability to guide and direct the church’s vision through point responsibility for a ministry or an event
Ability to draw people around a cause
Difference between managers and leaders:
Leaders = create and communicate vision to people
Managers = organize vision and create steps to accomplish it
Mercy
Ability to listen and empathize with others
Often coupled with an evangelism gifting and is key to reaching those who don’t know Jesus
Celibacy
Ability to live permanently without a spouse
a life situation where a person is single and able to use their time and energy to pursue ministry unencumbered
Artistic Talent
Ability to create and communicate in unique ways using unique mediums
“The LORD said to Moses, "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft” (Exodus 31:1-5)
Other Things to Consider Regarding How to Use Your Spiritual Gifting (S.H.A.P.E.)
Heart
Spiritual gifts are God-given, but what are your passions?
How do you love to spend your time, energy, and money?
What brings you joy, life, and fulfillment?
Abilities
What are you skilled at?
What do you have professional or personal experience in?
Personality
How do you think and view the world?
Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
Experiences
What suffering or pain have you experienced that God wants to redeem for His glory, your joy, and the good of others around you?
What experiences did you have growing up that have shaped your life and ministry?