The Gifts Of The Spirit enhanced clarity concerning nature and purposes of gifts of the Spirit appreciation of the benefits of the spiritual gifts improving a grasp on discovering and developing our gifts knowledge of use and abuse of the gifts of the Spirit

Unity in Diversity Like this puzzle of the world, many varied pieces make up a coherent whole. The Body of Christ is like that. We are diverse yet cohesive in Christ. The biblical concept of koinonia or fellowship communicates the fact that isolation leads to atrophy. Every believer must be connected to enjoy spiritual vitality. The Spirit has sovereignly distributed spiritual gifts to every member so that nothing takes place apart from mutual ministry and dependence.

The Nature and Purpose of Spiritual Gifts The Greek word most frequently used for spiritual gifts is charismata, a word that relates to the grace of God. Because the work of God can be accomplished only by the power of God, a spiritual gift is the endowment by the Holy Spirit of a special ability to every member of the body of Christ for the edification of others.

12 principles that relate to God’s design for spiritual gifts every Christian has one or more many believers have received more than one spiritual gifts may be given at the moment of regeneration but they may lie undiscovered and dormant for a long period of time spiritual gifts can be abused and neglected spiritual gifts are not the same as the gift of the Spirit spiritual gifts are not the same as the fruit of the Spirit

12 principles that relate to God’s design for spiritual gifts spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents all Christians are called to ministry some spiritual gifts result in greater edification of the body grace gifts are sovereignly given and undeserved. There is no place for boasting gifts are God’s spiritual equipment for service and edification high mobilization of spiritual gifts was the key to rapid multiplication of the New Testament Church

Benefits of God’s Gifts You will be satisfied Others will be edified God will be glorified Different notes and parts all combining to make a masterpiece of symphonic sound!

To name a few gifts: Prophecy Service Teaching Exhortation Giving Leadership Mercy Wisdom Knowledge Faith Healing Miracles Discerning spirits tongues interpretation of tongues Apostleship Administration Helps Evangelism Pastoring Celibacy Martyrdom Hospitality Voluntary Poverty Intercession

Discovering Your Gifts 6 Suggestions Asking Awareness Aspiration Activity Ability Affirmation

Developing Your Gifts By exercise By evaluation By education Directions for Use: Remember that the Holy Spirit is the true dynamic behind the gifts Gifts function best in the sphere of love Concentrate your energy on productive areas Do not avoid common ministries commanded for all believers

Information taken from Ken Boa’s Conformed to His Image. Chapter 9 and developed for a class at Richmont University. Boa’s book is invaluable in the field of spiritual formation.