In Section #6 we briefly talked about humans being made in the image of God. One aspect of being his icon (God's image) is that we have been given some management or stewardship responsibilities by God. That is, he has put us in charge of overseeing some of his world and his work in the world.
It all still belongs to him for he is the creator. But we, his special representatives, are to oversee it all on his behalf. That is, we have become agents or representatives of God. He lets us manage and oversee the creation. We are to be the stewards of the world on his behalf.
God made the fish, the sea, the birds, the sky, and the animals, according to Genesis 1:1-25.
In verses 26-27 we read,
TIME
Our lives consist of minutes. No two people have been given the same exact number of minutes to live on earth but we are to use whatever time has been entrusted to us for the glory of God. Whether we live in a culture which is highly time conscious (people live rigidly by the clock) or one which is barely time conscious (people don't know or care about clocks) isn't the issue. The point is that we live our minutes in light of eternity and for God's purposes.
This doesn't mean that we can't have fun or relax. But it means that even when we have fun and relax we are doing so with God's agenda in mind.
The concept of sabbath -- ceasing from work one day each week in order to rest and worship God -- is a part of time management. We find one application of the sabbath concept in the words of the prophet Isaiah:
Treasure means wealth. Not all of us have wealth in the form of money. Some of our wealth might be in the form of land or possessions.
Whether we have little treasure or lots of wealth, the idea is that we use it with God's kingdom -- his agenda -- in mind.
The most obvious way that we use wealth is in our giving. In the Old Testament the concept of the tithe is reinforced throughout. A tithe is 10%. We give back to the Lord in the form of an offering of the first 10% of whatever we receive in wages. The tithe reminds us to trust the Lord for everything and that all we have is actually his anyway.
In verses 26-27 we read,
"Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.'In Genesis 1:28 the people are again given responsibilities.
So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
"Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” (Genesis 1:28, NLT)The idea that we are given management responsibilities over creation is called stewardship. In addition to be responsible for the safekeeping of the environment we often talk about stewardship in terms of time, treasure, and talent. We have each been entrusted with time, treasure, and talent, which we manage on behalf of God.
TIME
Our lives consist of minutes. No two people have been given the same exact number of minutes to live on earth but we are to use whatever time has been entrusted to us for the glory of God. Whether we live in a culture which is highly time conscious (people live rigidly by the clock) or one which is barely time conscious (people don't know or care about clocks) isn't the issue. The point is that we live our minutes in light of eternity and for God's purposes.
"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time..." (Ephesians 5:16, NASB)Are you living with the awareness that God has entrusted time to you, to be used for him?
This doesn't mean that we can't have fun or relax. But it means that even when we have fun and relax we are doing so with God's agenda in mind.
The concept of sabbath -- ceasing from work one day each week in order to rest and worship God -- is a part of time management. We find one application of the sabbath concept in the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. Then the Lord will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the Lord, have spoken!” ~ Isaiah 58:13-14 (NLT)TREASURE
Treasure means wealth. Not all of us have wealth in the form of money. Some of our wealth might be in the form of land or possessions.
Whether we have little treasure or lots of wealth, the idea is that we use it with God's kingdom -- his agenda -- in mind.
The most obvious way that we use wealth is in our giving. In the Old Testament the concept of the tithe is reinforced throughout. A tithe is 10%. We give back to the Lord in the form of an offering of the first 10% of whatever we receive in wages. The tithe reminds us to trust the Lord for everything and that all we have is actually his anyway.
In the New Testament there is not much mention of the tithe. But it seems to be an idea running in the background. The emphasis in the New Testament is on extreme or radical sacrifice in giving. For example, in Luke 21 Jesus commends the widow who gives all and trusts the Lord for her life.
While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.Many Christians have decided that giving shouldn't be treated so much as an obligation (even though there is an obligatory aspect to it) but as a discipline -- a practice that trains us to trust God. And it is a joyous discipline in which we are to excel.
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” ~ Luke 21:1-4 (NLT)
- "...I want you to excel also in the gracious act of giving. ~ 2 Corinthians 8:7, NLT)
- "...for God loves a person who gives cheerfully." ~ 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)
In our family the practice is that we give the first 10% of all we earn back to the Lord's work through our church. That is the starting point for our giving. Then we give to other needs and causes as we have resources to do so. I don't say this to tell you how to give but to suggest that this is one way it can be done. We are not rich but we like giving. We get pleasure when we are involved in the distribution of God's resources to his various projects in the world. And God always provides so that we have never lacked in anything we need. To the contrary, the more we give the more God seems to entrust to us.
We give because we want to bless but it turns out that we're always blessed so we can give some more. That is a side benefit of being stewards of treasure.
TALENT
Talent refers to abilities or giftedness. We each have some very natural abilities that come with our cultural and genetic make-up. (I am not very athletic but I am good at growing plants. That's been true my whole life.) We also seem to have some special Holy Spirit-enabled, Christ-given abilities which God has assigned to each person. (I am not a very good counselor but I can teach, preach, and lead.) Sometimes these are called spiritual gifts.
- "…he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ…" ~ Ephesians 4:7 (NLT)
- "Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ." ~ Ephesians 4:11-12
- "God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen." ~ 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT)
There is currently a scholarly discussion underway(1) as to whether the gifts in those lists are special abilities or the special ministries that Christians have been given. In function it does not make a whole lot of difference. The point is that God has given each person something to do to. And we are stewards of the talents and tasks related to those assignments.
In the past, when I taught about spiritual gifts, I have had students go through a gifts assessment test to help them determine which gifts they might have. And you are welcome to do that if you are interested.(2) But I found that the assessment tests are often very culture-bound and limited. Also, Westerners are given to rigid definitions and job descriptions -- something that are not inherent in the biblical gift lists.
These days I’m more inclined to encourage an organic approach. Here are some things you can do. If they are helpful use them. If not, don’t. Try something else.
1. Look at the spiritual gift lists(3) so that you are familiar with the concept. A gift is something that you seem to be better at than other things.
For example, we are all called to have faith. But there are some people who seem to have an extra measure of faith. They help us trust God for really big things. Likewise with giving. We are all called to give but God has given some people an extra ability to give. These people consistently give gifts, financial and otherwise, way beyond what might be considered possible.
2. Talk about spiritual gifts with your Christian friends and elders. Encourage one another. If you see something that your friend is good at, encourage that friend to excel in that area. For example, if your friend is really good at teaching the Bible tell her how God is using her teaching. She may not see it herself. People often need someone to tell them about their gifts.
3. If there is an area of ministry that looks interesting – something that grabs your heart – try it out. You won’t be good at everything you try but it is good to try out new and different things of interest. Don’t worry about failing. Failure is a part of learning. It means that you are growing.
4. Ask God to open doors for you to serve him.
You, as the icon of God, have been given responsibilities by God. And the spiritually formed person recognizes that God has entrusted to him or her various gifts and responsibilities -- time, treasure, and talent.
SECTION #27 NOTES
(1) See for example What Are Spiritual Gifts?: Rethinking the Conventional View by Kenneth Berding (Grand Rapids, MI, Kregel Publications, 2006).
(2) An assessment tools can be found online at www.kodachrome.org/spiritgift
(3) Below is a very fine list of spiritual gifts and definitions from www.kodachrome.org/spiritgift/refer.htm. I disagree with a few of the definitions but that is the nature of these lists. It is best to not be overly dogmatic or rigid about the definitions. Use the list as a general guideline.
Administration (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to steer the body toward the accomplishment of God-given goals and directives by planning, organizing, and supervising others.
The divine enablement to understand what makes an organization function and the special ability to plan and execute procedures that accomplish the goals of the ministry.
People with this gift:
- develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals
- assist ministries to become more effective and efficient
- create order out of organizational chaos
- manage or coordinate a variety of responsibilities to accomplish a task
- organize people, tasks, or events.
1 Corinthians 12:28-31
Luke 14:28-30
Apostle (Leadership Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to exercise general leadership or oversight over a number of churches with an authority in spiritual matters, which is readily recognized. In the strict sense this gift was confined to the twelve apostles. The New Testament does, however, give this title to a number of others, e.g. Romans 16:7 and Acts 14:14 . It is the gift whereby the Spirit appoints certain Christians to lead, inspire, and develop the churches of God by the proclamation and the teaching of true doctrine.
The divine ability to start and oversee the development of new churches or ministry structures.
People with this gift:
- pioneer and establish new ministries or churches
- adapt to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware
- desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries
- have responsibilities to oversee ministries or groups of churches
- demonstrate authority and vision for the mission of the church.
Ephesians 4:11-16
2 Corinthians 12:12
Matthew 10:1-8
Acts 2:42-44
Celibacy - The special ability God gives to some to voluntarily remain single without regret and with the ability to maintain control over sexual impulses so as to serve the Lord without distraction.
Celibacy is a state totally opposed to all of the biological, social, and emotional needs built into man or woman by God. Only God is able to overrule instincts and by grace control them so that a person can remain unmarried.
Being unmarried is not necessarily the same as having this gift. Those who have this gift remain single because they feel they can serve the Lord better that way.
People with this gift:
- remain single so as to be able to devote themselves completely to ministry
- have other gifts that they are able to use more effectively because they are celibate.
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Matthew 19:10-12
Craftsmanship / Artist - The gift that gives the believer the skill to create artistic expressions that produce a spiritual response of strength and inspiration. Skilled Craft - the gift that enables a believer to create, build, maintain, or repair items used within the church.
The divine enablement to creatively design and/or construct items to be used for ministry or the divine enablement to communicate God's truth through a variety of art forms.
People with this gift:
- work with wood, cloth, paint, metal, glass, and other raw materials
- make things which increase the effectiveness of other's ministries
- design and build tangible items and resources for ministry use
- work with different kinds of tools and are skilled with their hands
- use the arts to communicate God's truth
- develop and use artistic skills such as drama, writing, art, music, dance, etc.
- use variety and creativity to captivate people and cause them to consider Christ's message
- challenge people's perspective of God through various forms of the arts
- demonstrate fresh ways to express the Lord's ministry and message.
Exodus 31:1-11
Exodus 35:30-35
Discernment / Distinguishing of Spirits - The special ability God gives to some to know with assurance whether certain behavior or teaching is from God, Satan, human error, or human power.
The divine enablement to distinguish between truth and error, to discern the spirits, differentiating between good and evil, right and wrong.
People with this gift:
- distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure
- identify deception in others with accuracy and appropriateness
- determine whether a word attributed to God is authentic
- recognize inconsistencies in a teaching, prophetic message, or interpretation
- are able to sense the presence of evil.
1 John 4:1-6
1 Corinthians 2:9-16
2 Chronicles 2:12
Psalms 119:125
Proverbs 3:21
1 Kings 3:9
Hebrews 5:14
Encouragement (Speaking Gift) - The special ability God gives some to offer comfort, words of encouragement, hope, and reassurance to discouraged, weak, or troubled Christians in such a way that they are consoled.
People with this gift:
- come to the side of those who are discouraged to reassure them and give them hope
- emphasize God's promises and confidence in his will.
Romans 12:6-8
Titus 1:9
Acts 11:23-24
Acts 14:21-22
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
Evangelism / Evangelist - The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the Gospel of salvation effectively so that people respond to the promises of Christ through conversion to Christianity.
The divine enablement to effectively communicate the gospel to unbelievers so they respond in faith and move toward discipleship.
People with this gift:
- communicate the message of Christ with clarity and conviction
- seek out opportunities to talk to unbelievers about spiritual matters
- challenge unbelievers to faith and to become fully devoted followers of Christ
- adapt their presentation of the gospel to connect with the individual's needs
- seek opportunities to build relationships with unbelievers.
Matthew 28:16-20
Acts 2:36-40
Acts 8:5-6
Acts 14:21
Acts 8:26-40
2 Timothy 4:5
Exhortation (Speaking Gift) - The special ability God gives some to help strengthen weak, faltering, and fainthearted Christians in such a way that they are motivated to be all God wants them to be.
The ability to help others reach their full potential by means of encouraging, challenging, comforting, and guiding.
The divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith.
People with this gift:
- come to the side of those who are weak in spirit to strengthen them challenge or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God
- urge others to action by applying Biblical truth
- offers advise, an outline for a solution, or a program for progress
- motivates others to grow.
1 Timothy 5:1-2
Hebrews 3:13 (King James Version)
Hebrews 13:22
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (King James version)
Faith
Faith - The special conviction God gives to some to be firmly persuaded of God's power and promises to accomplish His will and purpose and to display such a confidence in Him and His Word that circumstances and obstacles do not shake that conviction.
The divine enablement to act on God's promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God's ability to fulfill his purposes.
People with this gift:
- believe the promises of God and inspire others to do the same
- act in complete confidence of God's ability to overcome obstacles
- demonstrate an attitude of trust in God's will and his promises
- advance the cause of Christ because they go forward when others will not
- ask God for what is needed and trust him for his provision.
Mark 5:25-34
Acts 27:21-25
Hebrews 11
Romans 4:18-21
Giving (Serving Gift) - The gift that enables a believer to recognize God's blessings and to respond to those blessings by generously, sacrificially, and cheerfully giving of one's resources (time, talent, and treasure) without thought of return.
The divine enablement to contribute money and resources to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality. People with this gift do not ask, "How much money do I need to give to God?" but "How much money do I need to live on?"
People with this gift:
- manage their finances and limit their lifestyle in order to give as much of their resources as possible
- support the work of ministry with sacrificial gifts to advance the Kingdom
- meet tangible needs that enable spiritual growth to occur
- provide resources, generously and cheerfully, trusting God for His provision
- may have a special ability to make money so that they may use it to further God's work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
2 Corinthians 8:2-5
Mark 12:41-44
Matthew 6:3-4
Healing
Healing (Sign Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to serve as a human instrument through whom it pleases Him to cure illness and restore health (physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually) apart from the use of natural means.
The divine enablement to be God's means for restoring people to wholeness.
People with this gift:
- demonstrate the power of God
- bring restoration to the sick and diseased
- authenticate a message from God through healing
- use it as an opportunity to communicate a Biblical truth and to see God glorified
- pray, touch, or speak words that miraculously bring healing to one's body.
1 Corinthians 12:28-31
Acts 3:1-10
Acts 14:8-10
James 5:14-16
Luke 9:1-2
Helps / Serving
Helps / Serving (Serving Gift) - The gift that enables a believer to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God's work is fulfilled. The special ability God gives to some to serve the church in a supporting roll or to invest their talents in the life and ministry of other members of the body enabling them to increase their effectiveness.
The divine enablement to accomplish practical and necessary tasks which free-up, support, and meet the needs of others.
People with this gift:
- serve behind the scenes whenever needed to support the gifts and ministries of others (without having to be asked)
- see the tangible and practical things to be done and enjoy doing them
- sense God's purpose and pleasure in meeting every day responsibilities
- attach spiritual value to practical service
- enjoy knowing that they are freeing up others to do what God has called them to do.
- would rather do a job than find someone else to do it.
Romans 16:1-2
Acts 9:36
Mark 15:40-41
Galatians 6:2
Romans 12:6-8
1 Peter 4:11
Philippians 2:19-23
Luke 22:24-27
John 13:14
Hospitality (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to provide an open home and warm welcome to those in need of food, lodging, and fellowship. It involves a readiness to invite strangers to your home (or church) for the sake of the Gospel.
The divine enablement to care for people by providing fellowship, food, and shelter.
People with this gift:
- provide an environment where people feel valued and cared for
- meet new people and help them to feel welcomed
- create a safe and comfortable setting where relationships can develop
- seek ways to connect people together into meaningful relationships
- set people at ease in unfamiliar surroundings.
Romans 12:9-13
Acts 16:14-15
Luke 10:38
Hebrews 13:1-2
Intercession / Prayer (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian.
The divine enablement to consistently pray on behalf of and for others, seeing frequent and specific results.
People with this gift:
- feel compelled to earnestly pray on behalf of someone or some cause
- have a daily awareness of the spiritual battles being waged and pray
- are convinced God moves in direct response to prayer
- pray in response to the leading of the spirit, whether they understand it or not
- exercise authority and power for the protection of others and the equipping of them to serve.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
1 Kings 13:6
Luke 11:1-10
Matthew 6:6-15
Mark 11:22-25
James 5:14-16
Colossians 4:12-13
1 Thessalonians 3:10
Knowledge (Speaking Gift) - The special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to understand in an exceptional way the great truths of God's Word and to make them relevant to specific situations in the church. Also, the desire to seek out and learn as much about the Bible as possible through gathering much information and the analysis of that data.
The divine enablement to bring truth to the body through a revelation or Biblical insight.
People with this gift:
- receive truth which enables them to better serve the body
- search the scriptures for insight, understanding, and truth
- gain knowledge which at times was not attained by natural means
- have an unusual insight or understanding that serves the church
- organize information for teaching and practical use.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
2 Chronicles 1:7-12
Colossians 2:2-3
2 Corinthians 11:6
Daniel 2:20-21
Proverbs 2:6
Proverbs 9:10
Psalms 119:66
Jeremiah 3:15
Leadership (Serving Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to set goals in accordance with God's purpose and to communicate these goals to others in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish these goals for the glory of God.
The divine enablement to cast vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God.
People with this gift:
- provide direction for God's people or ministry
- motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities
- present the "big picture" for others to see
- model the values of the ministry
- take responsibility and establish goals.
Romans 12:6-8
Hebrews 13:7
Hebrews 13:17
Mercy / Compassion (Serving Gift) - The special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to feel exceptional empathy and compassion for those who are suffering (physically, mentally, or emotionally) so as to feel genuine sympathy for their misery, speaking words of compassion, but more so caring for them with acts of love that help alleviate their distress.
The divine enablement to cheerfully and practically help those who are suffering or are in need by putting compassion into action.
People with this gift:
- focus upon alleviating the sources of pain or discomfort in suffering people
- address the needs of the lonely and forgotten
- express love, grace, and dignity to those facing hardships and crisis
- serve in difficult or unsightly circumstances and do so cheerfully
- concern themselves with individual or social issues that oppress people.
Luke 7:12-15
Luke 10:30-37
Matthew 20:29-34
Matthew 25:34-40
Mark 9:41
Matthew 5:7
Miracles (Sign Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to serve as a human intermediary through whom He pleases to perform acts of supernatural power that are recognized by others to have altered the ordinary course of nature and authenticated the divine commission.
People with this gift:
- speak God's truth and may have it authenticated by an accompanying miracle
- express confidence in God's faithfulness and ability to manifest Christ's presence
- bring the ministry and message of Jesus Christ with power
- claim God to be the source of miracles and glorify the Lord
- represent Christ and through this gift, point people to a relationship with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:28-31
Mark 16:17-18
Acts 9:36-42
Acts 20:9-12
Hebrews 2:4
Romans 15:17-19
Acts 8:13
Acts 19:11-12
Missionary (Leadership Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in another culture.
Those with this gift find it easy or exciting to adjust to a different culture or community. Missionaries find great joy working with minorities, people of other countries, or those with other distinct cultural differences. Those with this gift have a stronger-than-average desire to be a part of the fulfillment of the Great Commission around the world.
People with this gift:
- have an intense spirit of unease at the thought of all the unsaved people in the world
- adapt themselves and core Biblical principles to different surroundings by being culturally sensitive and aware
- have the ability to reach out people groups of a different ethnicity, language, or cultural background
- can establish meaningful relationships with people of other nationalities or cultures
- desire to minister to unreached people in other communities or countries.
Mark 16:15
Acts 1:8
Acts 13:2-5
Acts 22:21
Romans 10:14-15
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Music - The gift that gives a believer the capability to present personal witness and inspiration to others through instrumental music, singing, or dancing.
The special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to praise God through music in such a way as to enhance the worship experience of other believers. It gives the believer the desire and capability to express personal faith and provide inspiration and comfort through the playing of a musical instrument, singing, or dancing. The spiritual aspect of the gift is revealed as the gift bearer gives witness to love and praise for the Lord, and thus glorifies God. Those listening or watching become inspired to feel the presence and majesty of God when music, song, or dance uplifts their soul in a manner that brings them closer to their Lord.
People with this gift:
- sing or play a musical instrument quite well, and enjoy it
- have special joy singing praises to God, either alone or with other people
- feel secure in the fact that their musical ability will be of benefit to other people with whom they come in contact
- can use their musical ability to help and inspire others to worship God
- see that their singing or instrument playing is a spiritual encouragement for others.
1 Corinthians 14:26
Psalm 33:1-3
Psalm 96:1-2
Psalm 100:1-2
Psalm 149:3
Psalm 150:1-6
Colossians 3:16
2 Chronicles 5:12-13
2 Samuel 6:14-15
Pastor / Shepherd - The special ability God gives to some to assume a long-term personal responsibility for leadership and the spiritual care, protection, guidance, and feeding (teaching) of a group of believers.
The divine enablement to nurture, care for, and guide people toward on-going spiritual maturity and becoming like Christ.
People with this gift:
- take responsibility to nurture the whole person in their walk with God
- provide guidance and oversight to a group of God's people
- model with their life what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus
- establish trust and confidence through long-term relationships
- lead and protect those within their span of care.
Acts 20:28
Ephesians 4:11-15
1 Timothy 3:1-7
2 Timothy 4:1-2
1 Timothy 4:11-16
1 Peter 5:1-4
Poverty (voluntary) - The special ability God gives to some to purposely live an impoverished lifestyle to serve and aid others with their material resources.
The special ability that God gives to some members of the body of Christ to renounce material comfort and luxury and adopt a personal lifestyle equivalent to those living at the poverty level in a given society in order to serve God more effectively.
People with this gift:
- will often choose to live among people who are considered poverty-stricken
- live at a poverty level although they have the means to live at a higher standard
- choose this lifestyle in order to minister more effectively to people through identification.
2 Corinthians 8:9
Acts 2:44-45
Acts 4:32-35
Prophet / Prophecy (Special Gift) - The special ability God gives to some to proclaim the Word of God with clarity and to apply it fearlessly with a view to the strengthening, encouragement, and comfort of believers and the convincing of unbelievers. The special gift whereby the Spirit empowers certain Christians to interpret and apply God's revelation in a given situation.
The divine enablement to reveal truth and proclaim it in a timely and relevant manner for understanding, correction, repentance, or edification. There may be immediate or future implications.
People with this gift:
- expose sin or deception in others for the purpose of reconciliation
- speak a timely word from God causing conviction, repentance, and edification
- see truth that others often fail to see and challenge them to respond
- warn of God's immediate or future judgment if there is no repentance
- understand God's heart and mind through experiences He takes them through.
Romans 12:6-8
Ephesians 4:11-13
1 Corinthians 12:28-31
Deuteronomy 18:18-22
1 Corinthians 14:1-5
1 Corinthians 14:24-25
1 Corinthians 14:30-33
1 Corinthians 14:37-40
Teaching / Teacher - The special ability God gives to some to explain the truths of the Word of God clearly and to apply them effectively so that those taught understand and learn. To instruct others in the Bible in a logical and systematic way so as to communicate pertinent information for true understanding and growth.
The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the word of God causing greater Christ-likeness in the lives of listeners.
People with this gift:
- communicate Biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the word
- challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of scripture
- focus on changing lives by helping others understand the Bible better
- give attention to detail and accuracy
- prepare through extended times of study and reflection.
Romans 12:6-8
1 Corinthians 12:28-31
Hebrews 5:12-14
Acts 18:24-28
Tongues (interpreting) - The special ability God gives to some translate the message of one who speaks in tongues.
If a tongue is spoken without an interpretation, the speaker is edified. If the tongue is interpreted, it is for the edification of the body.
People with this gift:
- express with an interpretation a word by the Spirit which edifies the Body
- enable the gift of tongues to build up the church by interpreting God's message for the people.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
1 Corinthians 12:28-31
1 Corinthians 14:1-40
Tongues (speaking) - The special ability God gives to some to speak prayer or praise in a language they have never learned or to communicate a message from God to His people. The special ability God gives to some to speak in a language not previously learned so unbelievers can hear God's message in their own language.
If a tongue is spoken without an interpretation, the speaker is edified. If the tongue is interpreted, it is for the edification of the body.
People with this gift:
- may receive a spontaneous message from God which is made known to His body through the gift of interpretation
- communicate a message given by God for the church (if there is someone to interpret)
- speak in a language they have never learned and do not understand
- worship the Lord with unknown words too deep for the mind to comprehend
- experience an intimacy with God which inspires them to serve and edify others
- speak in tongues as a private prayer language
- when used in a group setting, an interpretation must take place, or else the one speaking the tongue should remain silent.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
1 Corinthians 12:28-31
1 Corinthians 14:1-40
Acts 2:1-12
Acts 10:44-46
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 16:17
Romans 8:26-27
1 Corinthians 13:1
Wisdom (Speaking Gift) - The gift that allows the believer to sort through opinions, facts, and thoughts in order to determine what solution would be best for the individual believer or the community of believers. The ability to apply knowledge to life in such a way as to make spiritual truths quite relevant and practical in proper decision making and daily life situations.
The special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the body of Christ.
People with this gift:
- focus on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take
- receive an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the body
- provide divinely given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion
- hear the Spirit provide direction for God's best in a given situation
- apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
James 3:13-18
2 Chronicles 1:7-11
Acts 6:3-10
1 Corinthians 2:6-13
James 1:5-8
1 Kings 3:16-28
Writing - the gift that gives a believer the ability to express truth in a written form; a form that can edify, instruct and strengthen the community of believers.
The special God-given ability to formulate thoughts and ideas into meaningful written forms so that the reader will find courage, guidance, knowledge, or edification through the words shared with them.
The Bible was written by people with this gift.
People with this gift:
- may write stories, sermons, devotions, histories, prayers, songs, or poetry to be used to build up the body of Christ
- may be inspired by the Holy Spirit in what they write
- may teach God's word to others through what they write
- may use writing to express other gifts
- may be better at expressing their thoughts in written form than in verbal form.
1 John 2:1
1 John 2:12-14
1 Timothy 3:14-15
Jude 1:3
SECTION #27 ASSIGNMENT
1. Explain in your own words the difference between how someone who is trying to follow Christ and someone who is not trying to follow Christ is going to think of and deal with time. (up to 10 points possible)
2. Pick out from the list three spiritual gifts that you think you might have. Explain why you think you might have each of those gifts. How are you currently using each of the gifts or how might you go about using those gifts. What might you need to do to better use those gifts or prepare to use them? (If you think that none of the gifts apply to you pick three that are interesting to you and try to answer the questions using those gifts.) (up to 30 points possible)
Again, email your answers to me at bboydston@piu.edu. Write your answers in the email itself -- or if you use a word processor, copy and paste the answers into the email. Make sure that your name, the name which you used to register for this class, appears at the top of the work.
I will respond to you as soon as possible. Do not wait for a response from me before you start working on your next assignment.
