But to each one of us, grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” Ephesians 4:7,8 (NKJV)
The Bible cannot be read a chapter in isolation to have a complete picture. The gospels, for example, gave us a complete picture of Christ than just reading each one in isolation. Studying the spiritual gifts must be taken in their full context to get a complete picture.
The key chapters are Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4. However, the whole scripture is littered with the manifestation of spiritual gifts. Our salvation is a gift. Grace is a gift. Life is a gift.
In the Old Testament, the most prominent was the office of the Prophets and the gift of prophecy. There were others as well, like visions, dreams, leadership etc. We learnt about the diversity of gifts more explicitly in the New Testament. Yeshua manifested all the spiritual gifts, and we learned from him. Everything Elohim does has a reason. Therefore, knowing what He did during the Old Testament helps us understand the New Testament and our times.
The purpose of spiritual gifts for this dispensation is to edify the Ekklesia (body of Christ) and equip the saints for the work on ministry (Ephesians 4:12,13). And what is the work of ministry? The ministry of reconciliation. To preach the gospel and make disciples of nations, then the end will come.
In context: 2 Corinthians 5: 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”
Anything we do that is not preaching the gospel to make disciples of nations is self-aggrandisement, and an insult to the grace we have been given.
Gifts are also for the functioning of the body of Yeshua; Romans 12: 4 - 8
“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:4-8 NKJV
These gifts are essential for the functioning of the body/church/ekklesia. To manifest these gifts, we need a measure of faith. We all have a measure of this grace. No one is left without a gift.
The spiritual gifts
The Seal Measure is when the root/primary spiritual gift is imparted to define the new believer’s spiritual identity! On the day the sinner is sealed into or joined to the Body of Yeshua, Jesus, His root spiritual gift is also imparted. This gift – which may be evident or dormant – defines their spiritual identity. It is also known as basic or general service gifts, used as a primary ministry, without struggle (Global School of Ministry teaching).
Prophecy – This is the ability to prophesy and, in the process, be used by Holy Spirit to edify, exhort and comfort the saints. This is the spiritual capacity to be a vessel through which Elohim brings forth His counsel to His people, just when He wants. This is not the office of a prophet, but a gift needed by that office and calling. The best examples are old testament prophets, and prophets in the new testament –they reveal the mind of Yeshua for the work of the Kingdom, not for personal divination.
God can use any child of His to release a word of prophecy. Anyone can prophesy. It is Elohim who will bring it to pass or not. “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit, even on servants—men and women alike. (Joel 2:28,29 NKJV)
This is also confirmed in Acts 2:15,16 – ‘These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that.16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel.’
Ministry/Service – This is the ability to serve others joyfully with the right Spirit. This gift is the root of successful ministry as a deacon/deaconess, usher, hospitality, and most activities in the local congregation that require a commitment to service. Other areas of service could be using skills, experiences to serve, e.g. technology, singing, writing, researching etc., for the work of the Kingdom. No one can say there is no place they can serve. If you are not yet sure what your specific gift area for ministry is, start in this ministry of service. Whatever abilities you know you have, use them for the work of the Kingdom. For example, if you like writing, help with the church bulletin or newsletter. If you like cooking, help in hospitality or protocol. Your specific spiritual gifts will show when you serve.
Teaching – This is the spiritual ability to receive a more profound revelation of both the Spirit and letter of the Word and use the same to teach others and instruct them in righteousness. Teachers have this deep hunger and thirst to dig deep and broader, to understand what, why, how and when. They will link from genesis to revelation. They see the dots and the connection. They do not stay on the surface but go deep. They take the Word precept upon precept. Teachers are essential for grounding the saints in the Word, not just to call for salvation but to grow them into maturity.
Exhortation – This is the spiritual ability to encourage and stir up the Spirit of brethren. The gift cause saints to be the best they can ever be. Unfortunately, the fleshly application of this gift has led to the dominance of motivational speaking, which replaces sound biblical principles with psychological tools of success.
Barnabas (son of encouragement) was an exhorter. He was an encourager to Apostle Paul. Barnabas did not judge him for what he did before his conversion, instead, he supported him with the saints in Jerusalem. His heart of easy forgiveness got him and Paul to fight over Mark. Barnabas was also trustworthy, dependable, entrusted with the collections of the saints in Antioch. We might know some people who exhibit this gift; from the first time you meet them, they encourage, support and comfort you.
Giving/Generosity – This is the ability to cheerfully share and distribute finances and materials with other brethren and humans who need the same. Those with this gift are givers. Although they might not even be materially rich, they give whatever they have when they see a need.
Leadership – Ability to lead the people of Elohim to fulfil the purpose of the mission to which all of them are called. Apostle Peter is an example of this gifting. Even when Jesus was alive, we could see that leadership ability – selected by Jesus as the leader, first to act and not afraid of responsibility. Leadership is not necessarily about those with titles or positions. We also read about the leadership of Priscilla and Aquila.
Mercy/ Compassion – Ability to empathise with those who are grieving or suffering pain. It is not about having money or material goods to throw around but rather, a special heart inclination to bear the burdens of those who undergo suffering. Those who have compassion will do well when organised in teams to offer support to bereaved people in the community or engage in hospital visitations and care of the homeless and those on the margins of society. This gift is necessary for application by Christian students who are called to such professions as medicine, nursing and provision of care.
Those with this gift are humble, compassionate, slow to anger. They are concerned about the needy – widows, orphans, the materially poor. They are the first to offer help, go visiting.
Everyone has a gift they can use for the work of the Kingdom and to serve the Ekklesia. When people are operating in their area of gifts, they are joyful, they do it without being compelled or coerced and they do it excellently. Rather we should pray consistently for the full measure and manifestation of these gifts in the Ekklesia.
Did you recognise any of these gifts that are stirred in you? If not, start praying today for the revelation of the Holy Spirit. However, you must have a relationship first with Yeshua Christ Jesus.
To be continued.
PrayerfortheWeek
Almighty Father, thank you for the gift of my life. May we stir up our spiritual gifts and use them for the glory of Yeshua Christ Jesus. Amen
If you accept Jesus or turn back to him, please get in touch. I am so excited! You give me hope and joy and are my proud reward and crown when I stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns. Yes, you are our pride and joy (1Thessalonians 2:19-20 NLT).
Inbox me, email me, just get in touch. I want to join you in prayers every day
My email is info@adeolaakintoye.com
I pray that this inspires you to reflect on your relationship with Elohim and be determined to be more and do more for Him each day.
#AdeolaAkintoye©
#ajourneytospiritualmaturity2021
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