THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST
















PURPOSE OF CLASS

1. To give information on Gifts.
2. To become aware of Gifts.
3. To list the Gifts.
4. A vehicle of revelation (I Corinthians 2:10-12)

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

A. What is a Spiritual Gift?
1. A Spiritual Gift is not a natural talent. (I Corinthians 2:14a) (Jn. 3:6)
2. It is a supernatural ability given to a Christian by the Holy Ghost for Christian by the Holy Ghost for Christian service and edification. (Romans 12:6-8)

B. Why do we need Spiritual Gifts?
1. We are called to perform a spiritual duty that cannot be done with just talents or 5 senses. (II Cor 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-12)
2. We are called to a preordained work. (Ephesians 2:10)

C. Who has the Gifts?
1. Every Christian has at least one Gift. (I Corinthians 12:7)
2. Each Gift is dependent on the other. (Romans 12:4,5; I Corinthians 12:18-22)

D. When are the Gifts given?
1. Gifts are given right at conversion. (Acts 9:20)
2. Gifts revealed as we grow. (Isaiah 28:9-10, Romans 12:1-2)

E. Where are the Gifts used?
1. The Gifts are used anywhere. (Ephesians 4:11,12)
2. The Gifts are used under any circumstances (Acts 28:7-8)

WHAT IS PURPOSE OF THE GIFTS?

1. To reach unsaved for Christ. (Jn. 20:21, Matt. 28:19-20)
2. To edify the Saints. (I Peter 4:10, Eph. 4:11-16)
 
IMPORTANT POINTS

1. SPIRITUAL GIFTS CLEARLY LISTED IN SCRIPTURE.
(I Corinthians 12:1-11; Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4:11,12)

2. SPIRITUAL GIFTS WORK BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST.
(I Corinthians 12:6; Acts 8:18-21)

3. WE DO NOT ASK FOR CERTAIN GIFTS; WE FIND OUT WHAT THE LORD HAS ALREADY GIVEN TO US.
(I Corinthians 12:11, 18)

4. GIFTS ARE NOT TAKEN AWAY IF NOT USED, BUT WE ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE (Romans 11:29; Romans 14:12)

5. SATAN CAN DUPLICATE WITH COUTERFEIT LOOK-A-LIKES. (Acts 13:6; Mark 13:22)

6. ANOTHER SAINT MIGHT SEE YOUR GIFT IN YOU BEFORE YOU DO; STILL YOU ASK THE LORD. (I Corinthians 2:10, Acts 15:36-41)

7. IN EXERCISING YOUR GIFT, YOU WILL HAVE A STRONG DESIRE TO DO SO AND GREAT JOY WHEN EXERCISING IT, DESPITE CIRCUMSTANCES. (Acts 13:47-52)

8. SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE NOT A MEASURE OF A CHRISTIAN'S SPIRITUALITY.
(I Corinthians 1:4-7)

9. GOD'S WILL FOR YOUR MINISTRY BEGINS TO UNFOLD WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR GIFT. (Romans 12:3-8)

10. GIFTS HAVE NOT CEASED. (I Corinthians 13:8-10)

THE SPEAKING GIFTS

1. THE GIFT OF APOSTLESHIP - One sent forth with a message.
a) Officially ended with the death of the 12 apostles.
b) Because of strict qualifications of apostles, there are no apostles today.
c) Qualifications for apostleship:
I. With JESUS from the start (Acts 1:21, 22)
II. Personal call from JESUS wile in the flesh (Luke 6:13)
III. Witnessed His resurrection (John 20:19)
IV. Laid doctrinal foundation for the CHURCH (Ephesians 2:20)
V. Their places already established to sit in judgement of the 12 tribes of Israel (Luke 22:29,30)
d) JESUS prayed before selecting the apostles; no mention of any others after (Luke 6:13-16; John 17:20-23)

2. THE GIFT OF PROPHECY - Preaching (forthtelling, foretelling)
a) Forthtelling involves wait GOD has done, is doing.
b) Foretelling involves what GOD will do (future).
I. Whether forthtelling or foretelling, all must come from the WORD OF GOD (Revelation 22:18-19)
II. Fortune telling, readers, mediums, star gazers, astrologers are of Satan and an abomination in the sight of GOD. (Deuteronomy 18:9-14) (This also includes psychics)
c) Women given the Gift of prophecy (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:17, 18; Acts 21:8, 9)
d) Women told not to speak (questions, comments) but never told not to prophesy (I Corinthians 11:5; I Corinthians 14:34)

3. THE GIFT OF EVANGELISM - Proclaiming the good News
a) More grace and love involved with Evangelism.
I. Three thousand saved at Pentecost (Acts 2:22-37)
II. Paul's sermon on Mars Hill (Acts 17:22-34)
b) Even without that particular Gift, all Christians are to do the work of an evangelist (II Timothy 4:4, 5)

4. THE GIFT OF PASTORING - To shepherd a local congregation
a) Christians are sheep when it comes to spiritual matters.
I. Sheep are inept and unequipped.
II. Christians are inept and unaware because of sin.
III. The Pastor is an undershepherd behind Christ.(Acts 20:28, I Peter 5:1-4)

a) A guide
b) A leader
c) A Teacher
d) Full of concern and compassion
e) Patient, but stern when necessary
f) A protector against the adversary
b) Must be more than a hireling (John 10:12, 13)
c) Too many preachers try to be pastors without the Spirit given ability (Jeremiah 3:15)
d) Judgement against Pastors who misuse God's people
e) Looks at Pastors the same now as in the Old Testament (Malachi 3:6a; Acts 20:28)
f) A good Pastor loves like the Good Shepherd (John 10:11)

5. THE GIFT OF TEACHING - The SPIRIT given ability to explain GOD'S WORD clearly.
a) The Gift of teaching is not the talent of teaching (Romans 12:5-7) (I Cor. 2:9-15)
I. Talent would be school teacher.
II. Gift would be JESUS on Emmaus road (Luke 24:27)
b) Functions:
I. To unveil CHRIST (John 5:39)
II. To instruct new believers (Acts 11:26)
III. To future instruct mature believers (II Timothy 3:14)
IV. Able to instruct at student's level (I Corinthians 3:1, 2)
V. To edify the CHURCH (Ephesians 4:13; Acts 11:22-26)
c) Cults are diligent in their teaching
I. Persistent in their lies (Titus 3:10-11, II John 7-11)
II. Perverted in their thinking (II Peter 2:1-3)
d) In the Christian community, not enough emphasis on teaching results in a weak CHURCH.

6. THE GIFT OF EXHORTATION - THE SPIRIT given ability to console and strengthen through the WORK OF GOD.
(Romans 12:6-8a)

a) Barnabas had Gift of exhortation (Acts 11:23, 24)
b) Aquila and Priscilla encouraged Apollos (Acts 18:24-28)
c) We should exhort one another (Hebrews 10:24-25, I Thes. 4:1)

7. THE GIFT OF WORD OF KNOWLEDGE - THE SPIRIT given ability to speak a work of knowledge.
a) Example of practical situations
I. Concerning casting out demons (Acts 19:13-16)
II. Concerning marriage (II Corinthians 6:14a)
III. Concerning attitude toward job (Romans 12:11)
b) Example of personal life (John 4:16, Acts 21:10-11)
c) Storehouse of knowledge (Col. 2:3)

8. THE GIFT OF WORD OF WISDOM - THE SPIRIT given ability to apply knowledge right.
a) Examples of application of knowledge.
I. Stephen before the Jewish leaders (Acts 6:9-10)
II. Book of Proverbs is a wisdom book, also Job.
b) Knowledge is no good unless it is applied.
I. GOD used wisdom in creation (Proverbs 3:19-20)
II. Wisdom keeps us out of trouble (Proverbs 2:6-12)

THE SERVING GIFTS

1. THE GIFT OF HELPS - THE SPIRIT given ability to assist, lend a hand wherever needed.
a) Scripture abundant with verses on helping one another.
b) Paul needed help and was glad to have it. (Romans 16:1-16)
c) Those who exercise this Gift out of love are well spoken of.(I Corinthians 16:14-16)
d) Unseen but not unrewarded (Mark 9:41)

2. THE GIFT OF SHOWING MERCY - THE SPIRIT given ability to sympathize and empathize with people who are overlooked.
a) Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
b) Widow of Nain. (Luke 7:11-17)

3. THE GIFT OF GIVING - THE SPIRIT given ability to give of your material substance.
a) Giving of Tithe is not Gift of Giving.
I. Tithe required of all Christians (Malachi 3:7-10; II Corinthians 9:7)
II. Tithe was before the law (Genesis 14:20; 28:22)
b) There is no hidden motive with the Gift of Giving (Romans 12:8)
c) Not limited to just money (Acts 2:44, 45)
d) Not limited to Well-to-do (II Corinthians 8:1-9)
I. Widow and two mites (Mark 12:43, 44)
II. Macedonian churches (II Corinthians 8:1-9)
e) There is joy in giving because you are fulfilling your purpose. (I Corinthians 8:2)

4. THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT - THE SPIRIT given ability to discriminate between good and evil.
a) All Christians have certain amount of discernment through GOD'S WORD. (I John 4:1-4)
b) Gift of Discernment sees through deception (Acts 16:16-18)
c) Gift of Discernment very important in the early CHURCH. (II Peter 2:1)
d) Used now to protect CHURCH from Satan's subtle deception. (II Corinthians 11:12-15)

5. THE GIFT OF GOVERNMENT - THE SPIRIT given ability to smooth the Operation of the local church; to preside over. (also called Ruling)
a) Leadership was necessary in the early CHURCH
I. Elders appointed at Ephesus. (Acts 20:17)
II. Titus at Crete (Titus 1:5)
b) Continues, necessary in the modern CHURCH.
I. Used to preside at meetings (Acts 15)
II. Help in the handling of discipline (I Thessalonians 5:11,12)
III. Useful on boards and panels
c) All ruling to be made in accordance with WORD OF GOD. (proverbs 3:5, 6)

6. THE GIFT OF FAITH - THE SPIRIT given ability to believe GOD no matter what.
a) More than saving faith (Matthew 17:20)
I. Abraham (Genesis 22:1-14)
II. Noah (Genesis 6:11-22)
III. Joshua at Jericho (Joshua 6:10-16)
b) Believe GOD in spite of (Romans 4:19-21)
c) Has a strengthening effect on others (Romans 1:11, 12)
d) Also one of the Fruit of the SPIRIT (Galations 5:22)
e) Impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6)

7. THE GIFT OF HOSPITALITY - THE SPIRIT given ability to open your home for Lodging.
a) All Christians are to exhibit hospitality (I Peter 4:8, 9)
b) Have wisdom in being hospitable (Matthew 10:16)
c) Hospitality evident in early CHURCH
I. Peter after raising Dorcas (Acts 9:36-43)
II. Paul and Silas with Philippians Jailer (Acts 16:25-34)
III. Evident now when churches visit from out-of-town.

THE SIGN GIFTS

1. THE GIFTS OF HEALING - THE SPIRIT given ability to heal sickness whether physical, emotional or spiritual.
a) Examples of healing
I. JESUS
II. Peter (Acts 3:6-8)
III. Phillip (Acts 8:6,7)
IV. Paul (Acts 14:8-10)
b) Cautions about healing
I. Everyone will not be healed. (I Timothy 5:23; II Timothy 4:20; II Corinthians 12:7-9)
II. Does not depend solely on sick person's faith. (John 9:1-3)
III. Does not account for all healing (Acts 8:9-11; Philippians 2:25-27, I Tim. 5:23)
IV. Healing can be a process (Mark 8:22-26)
c) Can operate only as the HOLY GHOST wills at any given time.
d) Not as prevalent now because CHURCH has already been established.

2. THE GIFT OF MIRACLES - THE SPIRIT given ability to perform acts contrary to nature.
a) The Gift of Miracles is not the same as a miracle happening.
I. Gift of Miracles - GOD using a person as an instrument (Acts 13:11; John 2:7-11, II Kings 4:32-36)
II. Miracle - GOD acting without human instrument
a)  Salvation
b) Jonah from fish
b) Used to authenticate commission of early apostles and Old Testament saints.
I. Elijah and the prophets of Baal (I Kings 18:36-39)
II. Apostles in the early CHURCH (II Corinthians 12:12)
c) Centered around crucial periods.
I. Moses and Joshua
II. Elija and Elisha
III. Christ and the Apostles

3. THE GIFT OF TONGUES - THE SPIRIT given ability to speak in a language unlearned by the speaker.
a) Unknown heavenly language (I Corinthians 14:2)
b) Known earthly language (Acts 2; Acts 10:44-48)
c) Important Points about the gift of Tongues.
I. Tongues IS NOT a sign of baptism of the Holy Ghost (I Corinthians 12:13)
II. Tongues IS NOT a sign of filling of the Holy Ghost (Ephesians 5:18-25)
III. Tongues IS NOT the way to sanctification and Christian growth (Ephesians 5:25-26, John 8:31, 17:17)
IV. Tongues IS NOT a sign of spirituality (Corinthian church; I Corinthian 1:4-7, 3:1-2)
V. Tongues IS NOT a sign of salvation (Acts 8:36-40; 16:14,15)
VI. Tongues should be spoken only with an interpreter present (I Corinthians 14:28a)
VII. Tongues counterfeited by Satan (Zulus, mediums, Muslims, Hindus, Mormons, etc.)
d) HOLY GHOST came at specific time for specific reasons
I. To empower the CHURCH (Acts 2:1-11)
II. A witness to the Jewish Christians about Samaritans (Acts 8:14-17)
III. A witness to the Jewish Christians about Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48)
IV. A witness to those disciples about the unity of believers in Christ because of the reality of the HOLY GHOST. (Acts 19:1-7)
e) Tongues has a distinct purpose (I Corinthian 14:22-25)

4. THE GIFT OF INTERPRETATION - THE SPIRIT given ability to interpret Gift of Tongues.
a) Audible (I Corinthians 14:5, 13)
b) Inaudible (I Corinthians 2:12, 13)

KEYS IN KNOWING YOUR GIFT

1. Continuity
2. Constraint
3. Ease of effort
4. Joy
5. Benefit of Blessings
6. Present Your body

CONCLUSION

In your gifts you can fulfill the calling our LORD has placed on you. (Ephesians 2:10)

Rev. George W. Daniels, Senior Pastos
FIRST
BAPTIST CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH
OF CHICAGO
Evangelism
  • Deacon/Deaconess Ministry
  • Women's Ministry
  • Street Ministry
  • Mission 1 & 2
  • Commisioned by Christ
Outreach Ministries
  • Leslie's Place


Family Care
  • Youth Ministries
  • Y-Focus Ministry
  • Marriage Ministry

Christian Education
Spiritual Gifts Ministry
WHAT IS (ARE) YOUR SUPERNATURAL GIFT(S) OF GRACE?

The Lord wants to reveal your gift or gifts to you. This class can help you understand what the Lord has given to you. It is imperative that you know your spirtual gift, so if you are unaware of your gift, plan to be part of this class.

Romans 12: 6-8 - Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
EPHESIANS 4:11
  • Apostleship
  • Prophecy
  • Evangelism
  • Pastoring
  • Teaching
I CORINTHIANS 12:8-10
  • Word of Wisdom
  • Word of knowledge
  • Faith
  • Healing
  • Miracles
  • Prophecy
  • Discernment
  • Tongues
  • Interpretation
  • Apostleship
  • Teaching
  • Ministration (helps)
  • Government (ruling)
ROMANS 12:3-8:
  • Prophecy
  • Ministering
  • Teaching
  • Exhorting
  • Giving
  • Government (ruling)
  • Showing Mercy