16 Days of Spiritual Gifts

The topic of spiritual gifts is something I sometimes get frustrated with, due to the lack of understanding most people have. Although the responsibility of teaching people and equipping them lies in the hands of the church leaders (Ephesians 4:11-12).

So here is my plan: Over the next 16 days, starting tomorrow (7/19/09), I will address what each spiritual gift is, where we can find it in scripture, and what they look like when utilized in the Church. Today will count as Day 0 and I will explain how and when we get spiritual gifts, what they are for, and the difference between spiritual gifts and natural talents.

How and when do we get spiritual gifts?

When we trust in Jesus Christ that he died for our sins and arose 3 days later we are saved. We are then sealed w/ the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).

What are spiritual gifts for?

Spiritual Gifts are for the edification of the body (the Church)! They are not positions in a church (although those are layed out in scripture), they are not to be used for our glory, and they are not to be kept caged up inside. They are for God's glory and the encouragement of the church (1 Cor. 12:7, 11; Eph. 4:12).

What is the difference between spiritual gifts and natural talents?

Natural Talents Spiritual Gifts

1. Source: From God, through parents From God, independent of parents

2. Possessed: From birth From conversion

3. Purpose: To benefit mankind on natural level To benefit mankind on spiritual level

4. Process: Must be recognized, developed, Must be recognized, developed, exercised

exercised

5. Function: Should be dedicated by believers Should be used to God's glory

to God for His use and glory

Hopefully that is clear. Remember these things, especially that gifts should be used as encouragement to the body, as I describe each gift over the next couple weeks. I love you all and here is the days I will go over each gift. Please feel free to ask questions if things are confusing.

Date Gift

7/19 Faith

7/20 Mercy

7/21 Giving

7/22 Speaking in Tongues

7/23 Interpretation of Tongus

7/24 Leading/Administrating

7/25 Healing

7/26 Miracles

7/27 Exhorting

7/28 Serving

7/29 Teaching/ Shepherding

7/30 Utterance of Wisdom

7/31 Ability to distinguish between spirits (Holy Spirit and demons).

8/1 Prophecy

8/2 Apostleship

8/3 Evangelism