LESSON TWO: The Spiritual Gifts
The Spiritual Gift of Administration
The word administration as translated from the Greek word kubernesis means to guide, or steer, to be the helmsman and literally means ‘to’ (ad) ‘minister’. Those with the spiritual gift of administration have the ability to turn God-given vision into reality.
Gifted administrators have strong interpersonal and communication skills. They are able to direct, manage, supervise, train, motivate and advise others. Administrators find it easy to explain and answer procedural questions. They know when and how to delegate. Those with the gift of administration are able to produce clear, objective guidelines for outcomes, to oversee and produce or secure necessary reports on projects that are large in scope.
A great story of a leader who lacked the gift of administration is found I the thirteenth chapter of Exodus. In verses 13-26 we find Moses taking on multiple roles in order to make rulings on the behalf of the Israelites. Seeing what was going on, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, (a gifted administrator) instructs Moses to delegate some of the responsibilities to others. Jethro easily recognized that that Moses would become worn out and ineffective if he continued to handle everything on his own. He outlined a plan for Moses that involved selecting capable men, and training them to carry out specific duties.
If you find that you enjoy preparing agendas and reports, take great satisfaction in a well-run organization, are often chosen to lead a group or committee, or can lead others through the process of making good decisions, you may have the gift of administration.
The Spiritual Gift of Apostleship
The meaning of word apostle is taken from the Greek word apostolos which means “”a sent one, and is also translated as a messenger. Therefore, apostle is defined is a messenger or an ambassador. In addition, an apostle is a personal representative of one from whom he receives his mission. An apostle represents the interest of others and often delivers a message to others on the behalf of the one who commissioned them.
An apostle of a church would be an individual that has been sent by a particular church to represent the church's mission and/or to deliver its message. Paul speaks of Epaphroditus as an apostle of the church at Philippi: "Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants" (Philippians 2:25). The scripture identifies Epaphroditus as their apostle in that he represented the church at Philippi to the apostle Paul.
There is a distinction that must be made between an apostle of Christ and those who have the gift of apostleship today. Following the ascension of Christ, the calling and gift of apostleship belonged only to a few. An apostle of Christ was appointed by the Lord himself. Christ to men. Scripture reveals that there were specific qualifications one must have had to have been an apostle of Christ: 1) must be able to have physically seen the risen Christ 2) had the ability to perform miracles 3) the words of the New Testament were the word of God.
In today’s church, the individual with the gift of apostleship is not an apostle but has the unique abilities of an apostle. They are called to provide leadership for a number of pastors and churches. They are responsible for the continual spiritual development of these churches. In the church of the Nazarene, an example would be our District Superintendents and General Superintendents or others who provide leadership over a number of ministries. It’s important to note that no where in scripture do we read that God intended for one person to be in authority over a church body. One who is in authority over a church or entire denomination is to be under the authority of a board of overseers and that board is to give God complete authority.
While the Greek word for the spiritual gift of missionary is the same as that for apostle, the gift of missionary is to cross-cultural ministries. The spiritual gift of apostle gift is for the purpose of overseeing the expansion of the Church in a given area, regardless of the ethnic culture.
The Spiritual Gift of Craftsmanship
Those who have the spiritual gift of craftsmanship use their artistic, creative and construction abilities to benefit other believers and to glorify God. In the twenty-fifth chapter of Exodus we read of God’s instruction to Moses to have the Israelites to build a sanctuary. God tells him to “make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” In Exodus 31: 1-11, the Lord told Moses about a man named Bezalel whom he had prepared for ministry by giving him wisdom, knowledge and all manner of workmanship. Bezalel was able to work in gold, silver, and bronze. He was able to cut gemstones and to carve wood. God told Moses that He had appointed Oholiab of the tribe of Dan to help him and had given skills to all the craftsmen to make everything that He had commanded (Exodus 31:6).
In Chronicles II 34: 9-13, we read that the temple was in need of repairs while under Josiah’s reign. Money was given to carpenters and builders to purchase the stone and timber they needed for repairing the building that the kings of Judah had failed to maintain.
The many ways that skilled craftsman can contribute to various ministries is too numerous to list. A beautiful example of a ministry that utilizes spiritually gifted craftswomen. In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo gave birth to the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Compassionate women crochet, knit, or quilt a shawl for hospice patients, the elderly, and others who need comforted during difficult times. The shawl maker prays for the recipient during the time they work on the shawl. They desire that God’s love be felt as the recipients wrap themselves in the prayer shawl. The following poem was written by Janet Bristow (1998, Copyright, 2004).
"Shawls ... made for centuries universal and embracing,
symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God.
They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace,
mother, hug, shelter and beautify.
Those who have received these shawls have been
uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles…”
The Spiritual Gift of Discernment
To discern, is to be able to detect without the use of vision, that is, to use the other human senses to recognize and discriminate. In the spiritual realm, discernment is necessary for the recognition of spiritual truth. The gift of discernment, as spoken of in I Cor. 12:10 is the supernatural ability to distinguish between truth and error. Those with the gift of discernment can distinquish between what is of God and what is of Satan. There are many instances in which evil appears good or wrong appears right. Those with the gift of discernment are invaluable to the body of believers as they are used of God to keep them from being misled.
Christ’s disciples wanted to get rid of a woman who followed after Christ, begging him to cast a devil out of her daughter (Matt. 15:23). Their lack of discernment is brought to light when Jesus used this opportunity to correct their lack of understanding.
Friends or associates may try to convince you of an interpretation of scripture that is incorrect. If you need discernment and lack the gift, find someone who is gifted in discernment with whom you can discuss your situation and know that they will be able to help you to determine the truth.
It is not uncommon for Christians to be asked to give money to individuals who claim they need food, medicine or other such necessities. For many it is difficult to believe that someone ask for money for something other than what they stated. However, many have given to someone who is on a street corner begging for money for food and to find out later that the money they gave was used for alcohol or drugs. An individual with the gift of discernment has a supernatural ability to recognize a “phony.”
The Spiritual Gift of Encouragement
Webster defines encourage as “to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.” Encouragers are easy to recognize. You may have observed some at your last Adult Bible Study Fellowship wiener roast. They were those who hovered over the tiny embers that glowed underneath a pile of branches, dry leaves and assorted pieces of wood. They would nudge, re-arrange and finally fan and fan the tiny embers until a fire ignited into flames. The rest of the group would have allowed the fire to die, but the encouragers never lost sight of the fire. They would continue to poke at it, add more wood, and work to keep the fire alive and ready for roasting marshmallows. Timothy used a similar metaphor when he spoke of fanning into flame the gift of God when speaking of the faith that lived in the believers.
Those who have the gift of encouragement sense in those who are struggling, the need for a compliment, a gift, a book, a card or letter. You may remember from the fourth chapter of Phillipians that when Paul was imprisoned in Rome he received a visit from a friend at Philippi. Epaphroditus delivered money from the Phillipians to Paul. Paul describes Epaphroditius as “my brother, the one who ministered to my wants.” When writing of his gratitude to the Phillipians he described the receiving of their gift as an “odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. Encouragers anticipate and provide what is needed without being asked.
Let’s look for a moment at the individual who is the opposite of the encourager, those who discourage others. In today’s language, these individuals are described as “negative.” They have in their repertoire a long list of why new ideas won’t work. Their comments are always filled with negativity, their stories are filled with pain and suffering. They are frightened by the sun or anything else that might bring about a feeling of joyous expectancy. If you have had the misfortune of being the company of someone who offers nothing but discouragement you understand and appreciate why God give the spiritual gift of encouragement for the benefit of the body of believers.
The Spiritual Gift of Evangelism
Evangelism is the ability to spread the good news of Jesus Christ’s redemptive story to non-Christians in a way they encourages them to become believers. Our English word, evangelist is a transliteration of the Greek word, eulangelistes and is made up of two parts, a base word and a prefix. The prefix, eu means “well or good.” The remainder of the word comes from Greek word angelos which is translated into English as “messenger.” The English translation of eulangelistes becomes “a messenger of the good news.”
Jesus’ evangelized Nicodemus when he told him that “everyone who believes in the son of God would be saved and have eternal life” (John 3:16). Paul, in his letter to the Romans wrote "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved" (Rom.10:9-10). According to scripture evangelists are called by God to equip others to develop their spiritual gifts (Eph. 4:11, 12).
All Christians have been commanded by Christ to take the good news of the gospel to every nation. However, there are those who have a special, God-given ability to evangelize. It’s likely that most Americans think of Billy Graham. Rev. Graham has been quoted, “My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ.” Rev, Graham has preached the gospel to nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries. Many more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts.
The Spiritual Gift of Exhortation
To have the gift of exhortation is to have the ability to appropriately communicate words of challenge or rebuke within the context of encouragement. When an individual or the body of believers (the church) takes on practices or behaviors that go against scriptural teaching, there is a need for them to be brought into correction. A person with the spiritual gift of exhortation is to be able to speak to believers what they need to hear with regard to being a follower of Christ.
Although spiritual gifts were not dispensed until the time of Christ’s ascension, we can often identify the characteristics of the spiritual gifts in those we read about in the Old Testament. The prophet Samuel rebuked the Israelites when they turned from God. When the people wanted a King, he cautioned them and spoke plainly about how a King would treat them. Samuel rebuked Saul when he offered a sacrifice instead of waiting as he had been instructed. He also called Saul to account when he disobeyed God’s command to destroy the Amalekites. Samuel never spoke to spite, never spoke out of his own authority and always spoke the truth. Samuel had the interest of others in mind and not his own.
Today, here is a great need for exhorters. Living in the “information age” makes it easy to have access to vast amounts of spiritual teaching, some of which is not in alignment with Biblical teaching. Exhorters have the ability to illuminate truth against false teaching. To use the spiritual gift of exhortation requires a disciplined prayer life. The words that are spoken must be those that God desires.
A pastor told a story about a man in his church who would frequently come to him after he had preached his Sunday morning sermon with comments that began with, “because I have the gift of exhortation I need tell you. . . . . .” He would go on to criticize not only the sermon but the pastor. The pastor was able to take the comments in stride knowing that the individual was not exercising the gift of exhortation but falsely claiming the gift as a way of justifying his desire to criticize and demonstrate what he believed was his superior understanding of the scriptures. If you have the gift of exhortation you will always provide counsel in a way that helps others to feel helped, valued and healed. Those with the gift of exhortation will never leave others feeling wounded or devalued.
The Spiritual Gift of Faith
To have faith is to have a firm belief in something for which there is no proof. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Paul is talking about things not readily seen with the eye, or invisible as well as things in the future. All Christians have faith in God. It is by faith that we are saved from our sins. However, those with the spiritual gift of faith have an unusual or exceptional measure of trust in the power of the Holy Spirit.
While faith is a gift of God to every believer, there is a faith spoken of in the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians that speaks of faith so great as to remove mountains. Jesus spoke to the disciples about faith in the seventeenth chapter of Matthew when they asked why they were unable to cast out a demon. He said to them, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
George Mueller, the Prussian-born English evangelist and philanthropist is remembered as a man of faith and prayer. Among his accomplishments was the founding of orphanages in Bristol and the Scriptural Knowledge Institution at Home and Abroad. A story is told of Mueller’s outstanding faith. When traveling aboard a ship, a deep fog engulfed the vessel. Mueller prayed with the captain of the ship for the fog to be lifted. The captain described Mueller’s prayer as on that would be prayed by a child. The captain prayed after Mueller had offered his prayer. Mueller is quoted as saying to the captain, “In the first place, you don’t believe God will do it, and in the second place, He has already done it.” When the captain looked out the window, the fog had dissipated. A person who has the spiritual gift of faith, often witnesses miracles.
The Spiritual Gift of Giving
You may know individuals who resent requests for money by the church. They feel “put upon” or coerced into giving. Some church members tithe as instructed in the Bible and ignore the teaching in the third chapter of Malachi which states that holding back your tithes and offerings is robbing God.
By contrast, the spiritually gifted giver can’t seem to give enough. They are always looking for needs that they can help with by giving of their resources. Those with the spiritual gift of giving aren’t looking to keep all the money they can but wish to give to God for the purpose of furthering his kingdom. They don’t give out of their abundance but give sacrificially.
We read of a spiritual gifted giver in Mark 12: 41-44. Jesus observes a widow who gave all the money she had to the temple treasury. Christ calls the attention of the disciples to what the woman had done saying to them, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything- all she had to live on.
An account of the life of Archbishop Thomas Becket’s is written by Gervase of Canterbury, a monk who knew Becket personally. Thomas Becket was born into a family of middle class. As a youth he was described as “rich in every grace.” It was said that he showed compassion to the poor and needy without exception. After being appointed archbishop of Canterbury, Becket lived very modestly. He was well known for his generous hospitality. Thomas Becket became known as “the father of the poor and the comforter of the sorrowful.” Gervase describes Becket’s modest lifestyle: “As if to instruct the faith and conversation of the beholders by his own example, he kept his hands clean from all gifts, and entirely banished from his house the filth of avarice.”
Those with the spiritual gift of giving put others first. They are disciplined and demonstrate self-restraint. The motivation of those who have the spiritual gift of giving is pure and selfless.
The Spiritual Gift of Healing
The third chapter of Acts opens with the story of a lame man who lay at the gate of the temple where he would beg for money from those who entered the temple. The man was healed when Peter spoke the words, “”in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” In the ninth chapter of Acts Aeneas a paralytic was healed when Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.” Many were saved after witnessing the healing.
The spiritual gift of healing is referred to in Corinthians 12: 9, 28. Those who have the spiritual gift of healing are individuals who have a strong belief in God’s ability to heal and have a strong desire to see people healed of physical and psychological diseases. When they learn of someone in need of healing, they seek out these individuals and pray for God’s healing.
It is important to understand that just as was told in the Biblical accounts, it was God and is God alone who does the healing. We should also pay special attention to the purpose of the healing. Each time an individual was healed, sinners accepted Christ, and God was edified. God has not promised that everyone who asks or prays for healing will be healed. God, in His sovereignty determines who will be healed.
The Spiritual Gift of Helps
The important role of the gift of helps is spoken of in the fifteenth chapter of Mark. Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James the younger, Joses, and Salome are identified as women who followed Christ and cared for his needs (Mark 15: 41). In the sixteenth chapter of Romans, Paul instructed believers to help Phoebe, a believer, in any way that she needed. The gift of helps, as we see from these scriptures is given for the purpose of equipping believers to support the ministries of other Christians.
Those who have the gift of helps might best be described as “behind the scenes people.” It is easy to recognize the ministry of those who are out in front, the evangelist, the vocalist, the teacher or ministry director, and just as easy to overlook those who minister by supporting the work of spiritual leaders. Making telephone calls, sending out mailings, finding and scheduling facilities, and raising finances are examples of tasks that are necessary to launch an evangelistic crusade. It takes the hands of many helpers to complete these tasks. Making copies, ordering Bible study materials and filling out attendance records are but a few of the many “helping” responsibilities that are necessary in order for a teacher to have an enjoyable, orderly and meaningful Bible Study Fellowship class.
The Bible instructs followers of Christ to help those in need. Spiritually gifted helpers have a high sense of the need of others for a helping hand. The need doesn’t need to be pointed out to them. Nor do they procrastinate in helping because “someone else will do it.” Helpers see beyond what is apparent and respond with expediency.
The Spiritual Gift of Hospitality
Romans 12:13 defines hospitality as providing for others. In the sixteenth chapter of Romans Paul expresses appreciation for his host Gaius. Hebrews 13:1-2 reads, “Let brotherly love continue followed by the admonishment to remember to entertain strangers. In the fourth chapter of I Peter, Christians are instructed to be hospitable without complaint. We can determine from these scriptures that hospitality is to be demonstrated in the lives of all believers. However, from the account of Lydia’s conversion in the sixteenth chapter of Acts, we learn that she received the spiritual gift of hospitality after she accepted Christ. It is likely that Lydia already possessed a “naturalness: for hospitality based on her success as a business woman. After becoming a Christian, she used her gift to provide for the physical comfort of the missionaries, Paul, Silas and Timothy.
You may be able to think of individuals, couples or families that you recognize have the gift of hospitality. When you stay at the home of someone who has the spiritual gift of hospitality, you find yourself regretting when it will be time for you to leave. On the reverse side, you may have stayed in a home or been invited for a meal in which you felt uncomfortable, maybe even intrusive. You quickly picked up on the awareness that you were to be careful not to do anything that might displease your host. When hospitality is lacking there is often the inability to enjoy yourself; you may even feel very ill at ease.
In the Life Application Study Bible, the commentary for Romans 12: 13 makes the distinction between Christian hospitality and social entertaining. Entertainment is said to focus on the host. Hospitality focuses on the guests. Their needs are given primary importance. Entertainment often involves intense preparation. To exercise the spiritual gift of hospitality is spontaneous. Christians with the spiritual gift of hospitality make others feel welcome and part of the group in their homes, workplaces and churches.
The Spiritual Gift of Intercession
Those who have the spiritual gift of intercession are enabled by the Holy Spirit to pray for extended periods of time. Their prayers result in the building of the Kingdom in change in the lives of others. Prayer happens on a regular basis. Spiritually gifted intercessors pray with a certainty that their prayers are heard and that answers will come. The spiritual gift of intercession empowers Christians to pray faithfully for others and to recognize God’s answer to their prayers.
We see the importance of intercession in the ministry of Paul as we read where he regularly prayed for the churches he established. The apostle Timothy also taught the importance of prayer in the lives of believers. In the Old Testament, Hannah prayed for a son. The scriptures tell us that she expected God to look on her, to remember her and to answer her prayer. (I Sam. 1:10). She conceived and gave birth to a son (I Sam. 10:20).
Carol is a spiritually gifted intercessor. When she is in a group and a need for prayer for someone is made known, Carol doesn’t wait until she gets home to pray. She calls the group to prayer right then. Prayer just seems to flow out of her. Carol believes the words of Christ, “whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”(Matt 21:22)She doesn’t pray out of a sense of Christian duty, but out of passion and desire for God’s intervention. On many days, Carol prays for long, extended periods of time without a concern for anything else. When Carol gets to heaven, she will most likely walk over to the Lord, and say, “can we continue our conversation?”
The Spiritual Gift of Mercy
I Thessalonians 5:14 instructs believers to warn the idle, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, and to be patient toward all men. We find here three components of mercy. The first is that to show mercy is to warn, to look out of the safety and well-being of others. In a physical sense that would be to provide food, shelter and protection. In a psychological and emotional sense, it means to compensate for the weaknesses of others who don’t have the ability to solve the complex situations of life on their own.
The second component is to give comfort. When a church member suffers a loss, or has a need, the individual with the gift of mercy is the one who stands beside them and comforts them. A third component is patience. While patience is a personality characteristic it is also one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we know that all Christians are to demonstrate patience and long-suffering. According to God’s word, Christians are to extend mercy to others just as God extended His mercy to all mankind when He sent His son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins that we might be saved.
Those who have the gift of mercy are able to provide all of the components of mercy: warning, comfort and patience without hesitation or self concern. They demonstrate endurance in their ability to continue to show mercy when others without the gift of mercy would likely give up or move on to other concerns. There is a consistent desire to provide relief for the hurts, pain and suffering of others.
Mercy and helps differ in that mercy is directed toward people and reflects love. The spiritual gift of helps is directed to those in Christian service for the purpose of freeing them from responsibilities that prevent them from being able to focus on their primary ministry. Extending mercy often involves relieving pain and suffering, providing emotional support for the lonely, or taking up the social causes that oppress people.
The Spiritual Gift of Missionary
Individuals with the gift of missionary, minister to others in cultures other than their own. In the first chapter book of Acts, we learn of Christ’s great commission to believers (Acts 1:8). His words instruct believers to be his witnesses to “the ends of the earth.” In the eight chapter of Acts 8:4, Philip went to Samaria and preached the gospel (Acts 8:4) and in the second verse of the thirteenth chapter, the leaders of church at Antioch were instructed by the Holy Spirit to send Saul and Barnabus to Cyprus to proclaim the gospel. Christ told Paul to go and preach to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). Paul speaks of the need for the gospel to be preached to non-believers in the tenth chapter of Roman. He asked, how can people pray in the name of Jesus when they don’t know him? How can a non-believer become a believer if they never hear the gospel? How can they hear the gospel if no one comes to preach it to them? How can a preacher take the gospel to those who have never heard the gospel unless they he or she is sent?
The great missionary, David Livingston received his call to be a missionary to the people of Africa when he heard a sermon by Robert Moffatt, a missionary. Moffatt spoke of Africa’s perishing millions. Livingston tells that the following words from Moffatt’s message grabbed him and would not let him go:
“I have sometimes seen, in the morning sun, the smoke of a thousand villages where no missionary has ever been."
A grief for the African people, lost, without Christ, overcame him. Livingston made a decision to go to Africa. He would go to the thousand villages, where no missionary had been before and preach the gospel. Nazarene missionary Harmon Schmelzenbach also served as a missionary in Africa from 1907 through 1929. He and his wife Lulu lived and worked in Swaziland during that time. Many Africans came to know Christ through the preaching of Harmon Schmelzenbach. He was responsible for building many churches, (often with his own money), training preachers and providing housing for them.
Nazarene Missions International reports that the largest number of people who have not heard the gospel live in places across northern Africa and Asia. This rectangular area has been called by Luis Bush, a Christian mission strategist, The 10/40 Window. The name is used because it lies across Africa and Asia from 10 degrees latitude north of the equator, to 40 degrees latitude north of the equator. World evangelism statistics show that of the 55 least evangelized countries, 97% of their population lives within The 10/40 Window . There is a tremendous need for who God has equipped with the gift of missionary to respond to the call to reach the lost.
The Spiritual Gift of Music
It is God’s desire for music to be used in corporate worship. It is written in the book of Ephesians: “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.” (Ephesians 5:15-21). Singing to the Lord is spoken of in First Chronicles were we read that those who were trained in singing to the Lord, with their relatives, all who were skillful was 288 (1 Chronicles 25:7).
An individual who is spiritually gifted in music desires to call attention to Christ, the Word of God, to the righteous praise of God, and to the need of the sinner to repent. Those with the spiritual gift of music often look for others with the gift of music to find ways that they can together, serve the body of Christ with their musical ability. One’s musical talent can become a spiritual gift when it is consecrated to God and used for His purposes.
There is a distinct difference between having musical talent and having the spiritual gift of music. If talented, but not spiritually gifted in music, the individual often seeks to showcase their ability and chooses the music they perform for the purpose of gaining recognition of their talent. As mentioned above, the desire of those with the spiritual gift music is to edify God and to teach others the Word of God through music and to call unbelievers to repentance. Paul wrote that those who use their musical abilities for the purpose of receiving praise for their ability are no more edifying to the church than noisy clanging symbols (I Corinthians 13: 1).
Some with the spiritual gift of music compose music. The lyrics of music that is used in worship should be examined and studied for correct doctrinal content. Lyrics, even though pleasant to hear or sing, should not be used for the sake of appeal. Music can be a source of false teaching, inappropriate praise, and giving God unbiblical attributes. There is a need for spiritually gifted musicians who will be responsible in the use of music in a worship service.
The Spiritual Gift of Pastor/Shepherd
Pastor and biblical expositor Ray Stedman compares the role of pastor to that of the human circulatory system as both function to cleanse and feed the members of the body. Being a pastor involves the instruction, discipline, personal counseling, prayer protection from false teaching and dispensing of the sacraments to a body of believers.
I Peter 5:1-4 reads: “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed. Be Shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
To be a pastor is to follow the example of Christ, the great shepherd. In the Life Application Study Bible notes, the following characteristics are listed for good shepherds: 1) the feed their flock, 2) the tend to the weak and sick, 3) the search for the lost sheep, 4) they rule with love, 5) the gather and protect the sheep, 6) the give of their best to the sheep. By contrast bad shepherds 1) feed themselves, 2) worry about their own health, 3) rule with force and cruelty, 6) abandon and scatter their sheep, and 7) keep the best for themselves.
The Spiritual Gift of Prophecy
In the New Testament we read of a man, Agabus, who had the gift of prophecy. He predicted that there would be a great famine throughout the entire Roman world which came to pass in the time of Claudius Caesar (Acts 11:28). The purpose of prophecy is to provide insight, warning, correction and encouragement. To have the spiritual gift of prophecy is to understand all mysteries and to have knowledge with regard to the future.
In the fortieth chapter of Ezekiel, the prophet is given a message from God for the specific purpose of presenting it to the people. The main task of the prophet was to urge the people to follow God and to communicate God’s laws and plans to them. Because the prophet’s message is God inspired, it is authentic and reliable.
Peter, as a prophet of God, preached to the Jews who had not recognized Jesus as the Messiah that that should repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. He told them they would then receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The scripture goes on to tell us that he warned and pleaded with them (Acts 2:37-40).
Stephen, in his speech to the Sanhedrin asked of them, “was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute?” Throughout the Bible, prophets were killed because the people didn’t want to hear their message. The crowd became so incensed by Stephen’s words of rebuke that they stoned him to death (Acts 7:57-58).
Prophecy is essential in the life of the today’s church. To hear the prophetic word of God is to receive encouragement and guidance. “It is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4: 29).
The Spiritual Gift of Service
In Acts 6: 1-7, we read where the need for providing meals for the widows was being neglected. The disciples made it clear their time was to be spent in prayer and preaching the word of God. They instructed the believers to find seven responsible men who could take charge of this important ministry. A new ministry was birthed that was a service to the widows.
To distinguish between the spiritual gifts of helps and service, you might think of a person who heads up the provision of a Thanksgiving meal for the homeless. He/She puts everything in place for providing the service. The person with the spiritual gift of helps recognizes that the person providing the service is going to need assistance in getting all the tasks completed and volunteers to “help” bring the task to completion.
The Spiritual Gift of Teaching
The spiritual gift of teaching comes from the Greek word didaskalos. Those with the spiritual gift of teaching have the ability to understand the truth of God’s word and explain, or teach it to believers so that they can apply it to their daily lives. The spiritual gift of teaching differs from a talent for secular teaching in that it is for the purpose of communicating biblical truth. Those who sit under the teaching of a spiritually gifted teacher will be motivated to live a godly life in obedience with God’s word.
Two spiritually gifted teachers are named in the New Testament. Both Apollos and the apostle Paul had the spiritual gift of teaching. In the eighteenth chapter of Acts, Apollos is described as a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the scriptures who taught with great fervor and accuracy. The believers who sat under his teaching are said to have been greatly helped.
The spiritually gifted teacher offers systematic instruction (II Tim.2:2) and loves those he instructs (Eph. 4:11). Within the church there are opportunities for teaching Bible study classes for all ages as well as topics for growth and maturity in one’s faith. Outside the church, there is a need for spiritually gifted teachers in seminaries, colleges and community based faith organizations. Parents who have the spiritual gift of teaching are able to give instruction to their children that will help them to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and to continue to grow in their understanding of the scriptures.
Another form of teaching that is a value in the Christian community is that of mentoring. Older Christian men and women who have a heart for communicating the teaching of Christ can mentor younger men and women.
Scholar, linguist, and missionary, William Carey is an example of an individual with the gift of tongues. By his teenage years, Carey could read the Bible in six languages. In his early thirty’s he chose to use his gift to teach others about Christ and became a missionary to India. In 1787 he completed a translation of the New Testament into the Bengali language. He later became a professor of Oriental languages at Fort William in Calcutta. Carey also became a publisher. In 1808 his publishing house printed the New Testament in Sanskrit. This translation has served as the key for all subsequent translations. Carey’s publishing house is responsible for printing the Bible in 40 languages and dialects.
The Spiritual Gift of Wisdom
To have the spiritual gift of wisdom is to have spiritual understanding that can only come from God. When one has the spiritual gift of wisdom they are able to discern how God’s will can be accomplished in a given situation. Those with the spiritual gift of wisdom have an understanding of truth that is hidden to others. Applying God-given knowledge is exercising wisdom. To have the spiritual gift of wisdom is to have spiritual intuition that is utilized in problem solving. Wisdom involves having a sense of divine direction that is imparted by the Holy Spirit.
King Solomon was given the gift of wisdom by God when he prayed for wisdom. The Bible tells us that all of the kings of the earth came to hear his wisdom. Solomon wrote in the book of Proverbs that if you teach a wise man, he becomes wiser (Proverbs 9:9) and that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 9:10) David wrote in the book of Psalms that the wise man is able to provide an answer to those who don’t believe in or trust in the word of God (Psa.119: 42).
King Nebuchadnezzar recognized the wisdom and understanding of the prophet Daniel. When the king spoke of Daniel he said he was ten times wiser than all of the magicians and astrologers in his kingdom. Throughout the story of Daniel’s life we read of a knowledge and understanding of individuals and events that could have only come about through divine intervention. This type of wisdom is a gift which cannot be gained through study or experience. Spiritual wisdom is seeing life from God's perspective.
The Bible teaches that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Prov. 1:7) Moses taught the Israelites that obedience to God’s laws demonstrated wisdom and understanding. The gift of prophesy often accompanies the gift of wisdom. There is a paradox between Godly wisdom and earthly wisdom. In the first chapter of I Corinthians we read: “Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.”
We are warned of relying on our own wisdom rather than seeking the wisdom of God. Ezekiel prophesied that Tyre, Sidon and Egypt would fall because the prince of Tyrus relied and gloried in his own wisdom and abilities. (Exe. 28: 1-7)
The Spiritual Gift of Leadership
Do you recall the popular movie, White Christmas? The story begins with a war scene in which the two principle characters are soldiers, fighting on a battlefield in World War II on Christmas Eve. In civilian life the two lead characters were professional singers. They had decided to put on a show for the enlisted men. During one of songs, the General of the troop comes on the scene. The music is shut down and we can tell the men are sure the General is displeased. But then we get a glimpse of the man underneath the General’s uniform. After a few stern words about the duty of soldiers, his words are soft and gentle when he tells the men to “carry on.”
Later in the movie, the singers arrive at an Inn in Vermont with two female singers who have been hired to perform at the Inn. When the two men recognize the owner of the Inn as their General from years ago, they are so taken back that they revert to being soldiers and salute him. We later learn that the General is in serious financial trouble as no one is coming to stay at the Inn due to a lack of snow.
There is an emotional moment when the two former soldiers discuss the General’s current predicament of near financial ruin and the United States Army that has no need for a retired General. One of the men recollects, “We ate, then he ate; we slept then he slept.”
We gain further insight into the General’s character from lyrics in a song that was sang on Christmas Eve on a makeshift stage out on the battlefield all those years ago: “we’ll follow the old man wherever he wants to go.” We hear those same lyrics again when the General’s entire troop comes to the Inn for Christmas Eve as a surprise to the man they had trusted with their lives. The General was a real leader, a gifted leader. How do we know? Because, the words in the song were true, his men would follow him wherever he wanted to go.
The Bible provides an understanding of what it means to be a spiritual leader. The following characteristics are identified as essential for leadership. Spiritually gifted leaders are:
both goal-oriented and people-oriented
bold
not easily intimidated
fearless
courageous in the face of opposition
always seeking God’s direction
diligent and faithful to carry out God’s instructions
quick to take action
appointed and called by God
wise, fair, and impartial
persistent even when no one wants to follow
able to delegate responsibilities to others and trusts them to complete the assigned task
In addition to those characteristics the Bible has some other things to say about leaders. Some of the greatest leaders in Bible history were ones that had spent years in preparation for leadership. In the Old Testament we read how Joshua served as Moses’ personal assistant for forty years before succeeding Moses as the leader of Israel. A leader needs to know and understand the people that he will be leading. That kind of knowledge and understanding often takes years to develop and may come from many years of life experience.
Another characteristic of Godly, spiritual leaders is that they have the ability to lead by example. They don’t expect others to do what they can’t or wouldn’t do themselves. Great leaders are willing to share the recognition for a job well done. They want their followers to feel strong and capable. Therefore, they look for places for others to serve that utilizes their spiritual gifts and abilities.
Most likely, you have witnessed or experienced poor leadership. When leaders ignore the wellbeing of their followers, the followers usually rebel or escape. Sadly, it is not uncommon to learn of a leader who has abused their place of authority. Throughout history, there have been leaders who masked their self-serving interests with concern for social injustices and promises of freedom for those who would follow them. A spiritual leader must be a person of character.
To be a leader is to be a servant. Some leaders find it hard to serve those who are under their authority. In John 13:12 we read that the disciples were to go into the world to serve God, serve each other, and serve all those to whom they presented the message of salvation.
It’s important to note that leadership is not a position. It is an ability. You may have experienced serving on a committee that had an appointed leader who had no ability to lead. However, someone else in the group had all the abilities and characteristics of leadership. Who was it that the group followed? Not the appointed leader, but the leader who could lead.
All of the principles that have been discussed can be applied to leadership in the home as well as in groups. When parents and spouses as leaders have character, integrity, and constant, loving concern for the wellbeing of the family, it is likely that the leadership they provide will be followed without resentment or rebellion.
It is true that leadership skills can be learned and cultivated. However, the spiritual gift of leadership requires a calling by God and is received from the Holy Spirit. The spiritually gifted leader is one who leads others for the accomplishment of God’s plan and purpose.
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