Unpacking the Gifts Continued

​To review, in August, I taught on the Gift of Tongues, then September and October, we looked at the Gift of Prophesy.  Then in November we looked at Discernment.   So now we will look at the list of gifts in both 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12.  

Remember, the gifts are for all of us and is received at birth, empowered by Holy Spirit at salvation and increased through use and continued fellowship with Holy Spirit.

We are the Temple, the Holy of Holies, the gifts and power flow through us.  When looking at the Holy Spirt, you can look at it like, If you drink a glass of water, it is in you.  That is like salvation.  But, if I jump in the ocean, that is spirit filled, then you are in it.
 
Romans 12 (NLT)
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
 
1 Corinthians 12
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
 
In both of these passages, Paul uses the analogy of a physical body being able to work in concert.  That is how we have to operate, with each of us utilizing our particular gifts to accomplish the purpose.  This is what grows the body of Christ.

As I said earlier, the gifts are given at birth, but are developed as we mature, and empowered when we are saved.  Then they are turbo charged when we ask Holy Spirit to fill us and help us.  That is a continual need, because we are human and our problems, issues, false beliefs, hurts, etc., can deplete us.

Keep in mind that these are supernatural gifts, and they will operate if we know Jesus or not.  But when we know him and allow Holy Spirit full access, then they will operate at a supernatural level.  But it’s a matter of what we are connected to spiritually, Holy Spirit or the enemy.  Remember, there are only 2 kingdoms.  The Kingdom of God or kingdom of darkness.  We can be saved, but not fully surrendered which will keep one foot or more in darkness.

Below I have 2 charts of each passage, listing the gift, the original Greek word, the definition, and finally how the gifts operate when you are walking fully in God's kingdom, and how they operate when you aren't.  Remember I said the gifts work whether you are saved or not, and if you are saved but not allowing Holy Spirit to operate through you, then those gifts may be operating through the Kingdom of darkness.  

For instance, when you have the gift of prophesy fully submitted to Holy Spirit, it is a blessing, but when it isn't, it can be a curse.  Speaking death and doom, or fear instead of faith.

One of the things that is unique is that often people don’t realize they operate in a specific gift because it is second nature.  And often they think everyone has that gift. 

My husband loves to serve.  If he sees a need, he jumps in and helps.  But sometimes I just stand frozen, not sure what to do.  Sometimes he gets a little frustrated when other’s don’t serve in the same way, because he thinks everyone sees the need.  

Sometimes, people will become prideful in their gifts.  They gain recognition from others and it feeds their flesh.  So Paul told us how to deal with that.

Let’s look at how we are to live, according to Paul.

Romans 12
9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.  
14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.  20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”  21 Don’t let evil conquer you but conquer evil by doing good.
 
Regardless of how gifted we are, this is how we need to live, act, behave and be.  This keeps us in line with Holy Spirit, keeps our peace and joy intact, and allows us to further hone our gift.  Those that get out of line, too prideful, arrogant, or just too big for their britches, do so because they don’t follow these guidelines.

Paul knew that some of these gifts would get more attention than others, but this instruction, keeps them all on the same playing field.  

Please take the time to ask the Lord to show you what gifts you operate in.  Then begin to study scripture about it, begin growing it, spending time in prayer about it, allowing Holy Spirit to perfect it and look at others you know and see if you recognize their gift.  Some are easy, other’s may not be so visible.  But whatever it is, honor it because they Holy Spirit's gift to us.