LESSON 1 Spiritual Gifts

I Corinthians 12:1-3 Don’t be unaware concerning spiritual gifts “Spirituals”: pneumatikos – has the idea of invisibility and power Before they were saved, the Corinthians were idol worshipers Paul warned them about those who would “sound” spiritual by what they said No believer would say, “Jesus is accursed” Don’t be led astray as you were with idols

I Corinthians 12:4-6 There are varieties of three things: gifts, ministries, and effects “Gifts” – charisma; a gift of grace, a spiritual endowment “Varieties” – Diairesis: distinction or variety. Used only in I Cor. 12:4-6 in regard to the gifts, services and results of energies or operations Different spiritual gifts Different-varieties of ministries Different “effects” – energema. The results of the energy of God in the believer

I Corinthians 12:7-11 “Manifestation” – phanerosis; a making visible or observable The SAME Spirit gives to different believers the different gifts ALL believers are not given the same gift but ALL believers have the manifestation of the Spirit “Works” – energeo; active, efficient. Working in a situation which brings it from one stage (point) to the next, like an electrical current energizing a wire, bringing it to a shining light bulb. (Zod)

I Corinthians 12:7-11 “Distributing” – diaireo. To separate, divide “Individually” – idios, as pertaining to a private person, not the public. (Zod) Believers are NOT all gifted alike, nor can they do anything to be given certain gifts.

I Corinthians 12:12-17 All believers are NOT alike in gifting, service and effects for the body of Christ. Verses refer to the spiritual body of Christ When the Spirit indwells, at salvation, the believer receives his gift(s) The distinction between Jew and Greek, slaves or free was what was causing division in the church; they were living lives of separation.

I Corinthians 12:18-27 God designed the differences Since all believers are not gifted the same, we need each other REVIEW: All believers are NOT gifted the same The Spirit, not the believer, decides the gift Gifts are given at salvation Believers need others with different gifts No believer has all of the spiritual gifts

I Corinthian 12:25 “Unseemly” – askemon; unpresentable. Some gifts are “out front” and others are behind the scenes but both are necessary. “Division” – schisma; a split or a gap. The exact opposite of unity The Corinthian church had immature believers as evidenced in 1:10-12 and 3:1-3 Immaturity comes when a person only holds to a particular teacher and is divisive with those who don’t follow that teacher.

I Corinthians 12:28-31 God stated an order of the gifts in verse 28 Remember: God decides who gets each gift “Desire” – zeloo; a plural verb commanding the whole church, not just individuals, to be zealous This does NOT tell an individual to desire a certain gift Apostles, prophets, and teachers all have to do with giving out the Word of God which is the basis by which the body of believers live and grow.