2. The gifts of the Spirit

3. Gift vs. gifts We already looked at the gift of the SpiritWe already looked at the gift of the Spirit –Something brought for all believers of all times –A blessing of God on the repentant –Eternal life / salvation Some passages indicate the Spirit also brought gifts that were given out on an individual basis (1 Cor 12:7-11)Some passages indicate the Spirit also brought gifts that were given out on an individual basis (1 Cor 12:7-11) –We look at those gifts in this lesson

4. Questions What were the spiritual gifts?What were the spiritual gifts? How were spiritual gifts imparted?How were spiritual gifts imparted? What was the purpose of the gifts?What was the purpose of the gifts? How long were the gifts to last?How long were the gifts to last?

5. What were the spiritual gifts? revelation – reveal new truths from God - 1 Cor 2:6-10revelation – reveal new truths from God - 1 Cor 2:6-10 knowledge - ability to speak truths already revealed, e.g., 1 Co 14:6knowledge - ability to speak truths already revealed, e.g., 1 Co 14:6 prophecy - in this context, inspired disclosure of the future, e.g., Ac 11:27-28; 21:11prophecy - in this context, inspired disclosure of the future, e.g., Ac 11:27-28; 21:11 faith - not saving faith, but faith to perform miracles, cf. 1 Co 13:2; Mk 11:23faith - not saving faith, but faith to perform miracles, cf. 1 Co 13:2; Mk 11:23 healing - ability to heal all kinds of sickness, cf. Mt 10:1healing - ability to heal all kinds of sickness, cf. Mt 10:1 working of miracles - miracles of extraordinary power, e.g., Ac 19:11working of miracles - miracles of extraordinary power, e.g., Ac 19:11 discerning of spirits - ability to tell whether another speaks from the Spirit, or from some other human or demonic source, cf. 1 Co 14:29; 1 Ti 4:1; 1 Jn 4:1discerning of spirits - ability to tell whether another speaks from the Spirit, or from some other human or demonic source, cf. 1 Co 14:29; 1 Ti 4:1; 1 Jn 4:1 tongues - speaking in various languages, e.g., Ac 2:4-11; 1 Co 14:18tongues - speaking in various languages, e.g., Ac 2:4-11; 1 Co 14:18 interpretation - interpreting languages, e.g., 1 Co 14:27interpretation - interpreting languages, e.g., 1 Co 14:27

6. What were the spiritual gifts? “Manifestations of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor 12:7)“Manifestations of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Cor 12:7) –Manifest – obvious, visible, known –Of the Spirit – Showing the presence and activity of the Spirit –For the common good – not for personal or private use or benefit

7. What the spiritual gifts were NOT Not a sign of spiritual maturity or righteousnessNot a sign of spiritual maturity or righteousness –1 Cor 1:4-7 – Corinthians had many gifts –1 Cor 3:1-4 – Yet were not spiritual Not a guarantee of proper worshipNot a guarantee of proper worship –1 Cor 14:23-32 Gifts had to be controlled and used properlyGifts had to be controlled and used properly

8. How were spiritual gifts imparted? Directly from the SpiritDirectly from the Spirit –Only for 2 groups –The apostles, Acts 2:1-4 To herald in the coming of salvationTo herald in the coming of salvation –The household of Cornelius, Acts 10:44-46 To announce salvation had come to the GentilesTo announce salvation had come to the Gentiles

9. How were spiritual gifts imparted? From laying on of the apostles’ handsFrom laying on of the apostles’ hands –E.g., the Samaritans – Acts 8:14-19 –E.g., the Ephesians – Acts 19:6 –E.g., the Romans – Rom. 1:11 –E.g., Timothy – 2 Tim. 1:6 No other means of passing on spiritual gifts is found in or implied by scriptureNo other means of passing on spiritual gifts is found in or implied by scripture

10. What was the purpose of the gifts? MAIN Some REVEALED God’s word, 1 Cor 14:Some REVEALED God’s word, 1 Cor 14: Others CONFIRMED the word, Heb 2:3-4Others CONFIRMED the word, Heb 2:3-4OTHER Some CONVINCED unbelievers, 1 Cor 14:22Some CONVINCED unbelievers, 1 Cor 14:22 Others EDIFIED believers, 1 Cor 14:3Others EDIFIED believers, 1 Cor 14:3 None were to confirm one’s own salvation or righteousness, or to benefit one’s self (1 Cor 12:7)None were to confirm one’s own salvation or righteousness, or to benefit one’s self (1 Cor 12:7)

11. How long were the gifts to last? They were to cease – 1 Cor 13:8They were to cease – 1 Cor 13:8 –Three gifts mentioned, but stand for all Prophecy – gifts of revelationProphecy – gifts of revelation Knowledge – gifts of edificationKnowledge – gifts of edification Tongues – gifts of confirmation and convincing unbelieversTongues – gifts of confirmation and convincing unbelievers

12. When the perfect comes – 1 Cor 13:9-10 What is “the perfect”?What is “the perfect”? –Contrasted with partial knowledge and prophecy –Perfect – means complete, entire, finished –Contrast illustrated 1 Cor 13:11-12 Infancy vs. maturityInfancy vs. maturity Vague image vs. clear imageVague image vs. clear image –Contrast with what remains Faith, hope, and loveFaith, hope, and love

13. What is “the perfect”? Not the second comingNot the second coming –Faith, hope and love remain when the gifts cease –But faith and hope will cease when Christ returns (2 Cor 5:7, Rom 8:24-25) Only logical answer is complete revelation of God’s wordOnly logical answer is complete revelation of God’s word –Fulfills the main purpose of the gifts –Other purposes could be better fulfilled through the completed revelation

14. Conclusion The gifts were manifestations of God’s working power.The gifts were manifestations of God’s working power. The gifts were not passed along for all generations.The gifts were not passed along for all generations. The gifts were to confirm the revealed words until the revelation was completedThe gifts were to confirm the revealed words until the revelation was completed