These gifts are NOT an office, or a SKILL Set
The GIFTS of the Holy Spirit cannot be taught by others–they are GIFTS, and the Holy Spirit is the teacher who energizes these gifts for the service to our Lord Jesus Christ. What can be taught is where those gifts are needed in the community of believers. There could be some ideas from others experiences on how to cultivate the gift(s); the gifts themselves cannot be taught or learned in a classroom.
These gifts are embedded within the scriptures and their use can be seen in gospels and the book of Acts.
Romans 1:11 — “For I long to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gifts, to strengthen and establish you. That is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”
Romans 12:6-8 — Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: [He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith; [He whose gift is] practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who teaches, to his teaching; He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness.
1 Corinthians 12:1-3 — “Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments (gifts) given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however, you were led off [whether by impulse or habit]. Therefore, I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is [my] Lord,” except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:11-12 — And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the assembly, congregation, church).
The parts that have bold text in each of the verses listed are what should be paid attention to. We do not give anyone any gift listed in the scriptures, and we do not teach how to use those gifts. Everything is given to each by the grace of God based on the faith each has. As we are told in Romans 12:3 — “For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service].”
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and prosper you in all He would appoint you to accomplish.
Mike Kovach
August 2021
All Scripture verses taken from The Amplified Bible. (1987). (Ro 12:6–8). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
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