“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” – 1 Cor. 12:4-6 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
We continue our study of the Holy Spirit this week on “The Eleven Permanent Gifts.” We have studied so far, His personality, names and emblems, His ministries; and His ministry concerning the spiritual gifts.
Please enjoy and pass it on!
THE ELEVEN PERMANENT GIFTS
(1) THE GIFT OF WISDOM
“To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit.” – 1 Cor. 12:18. If the definition of the gift of knowledge is correct, then the gift of wisdom would refer to that supernatural ability to rightfully apply and spiritually employ that information gathered through the gift of knowledge.
(2) THE GIFT OF THE DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
“To another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretations of tongues.” – 1 Cor. 12:10. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1
This gift is the supernatural ability to distinguish between demonic, human, and divine spirits in another person. Both Peter and Paul possessed this gift.
(3) THE GIFT GIVING
“If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” – Romans 12:8
This is the supernatural ability to accumulate and give large amounts of one’s finances to the glory of God. In the book of Acts members of three local churches apparently possessed this gift.
- The Jerusalem Church: – “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No-one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas which means Son of Encouragement, sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” – Acts 4:32-37
- The Galatian Church: – “What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.” – Galatians 4:15
- The Philippian Church: – “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you have no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want, I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” – Philippians 4:10-18
A pre-Pentecost foreshadowing of this gift is seen in the account of the widow’s mite. – “As He looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. I tell you the truth,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” – Luke 21:1-4
(4) THE GIFT OF EXHORTATION
“If it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” – Romans 12:8. “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” – Prov. 25:11
Several New Testament individuals had this gift:
- Barnabas – “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” – Acts 11:22-24
- Judas – not Iscariot and Silas – “Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers” – Acts 15:32
- A believer referred to as “yoke-fellow” – “Yes, and I ask you, loyal yoke-fellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” – 4:3.
- Paul – ” So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.” – 2 Cor. 9:5. “Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. – Acts 14:22. “ For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, – 1 Thess. 2:11
- Peter – “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed”- 1 Peter 5:1
- “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”- Jude 3
(5) THE GIFT OF MINISTERING
The supernatural ability to render practical help in both physical and spiritual matters.
“if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;” – Romans 12:7. ”And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.” – 1 Cor. 12:28
This gift is called the gift of helps in 1 Cor. 12:28. How sorely churches today. There seems to be and colorful evangelists, but where are the helpers?
- Dorcas had this gift : – “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” – Acts 9:36-39
Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.”
- Phoebe had this gift: –“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.” – 16:1-2
To be continued!
Stay blessed!
Source: Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible
All Scriptures are from the New International Version.
