Spirit-Filled Spirituality: part 4

Spirit-Filled Spirituality: The Gifts of the Spirit

1. Diversity and Unity in the Body of Christ

We are God’s Family

Romans 8:14-17 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Galatians 4:4-7 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

Ephesians 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,

We are God’s Holy temple

Ephesians 2:20-22 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

1 Peter 2:4-5 As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him-- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

We are the Body of Christ

Romans 12:4-5 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Ephesians 1:22-23 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Colossians 2:19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

 2. The Nature and Purpose of Spiritual Gifts (Grk: charismata from charis/ grace)

Every Christian has one or more gifts

1 Corinthians 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

Many believers have received more than one gift

Spiritual Gifts may be given at conversion, but lie dormant

Spiritual Gifts can be abused and or neglected

Spiritual Gifts are not the same as the gift of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Spiritual Gifts are not the same as the fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

FRUIT IS ETERNAL, GIFTS ARE TEMPORAL

1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

Spiritual Gifts are not the same as natural talents

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

All Christians are called to a ministry, though not all to an office

Ephesians 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.

Some Spiritual Gifts are more useful in local churches than others because they result in edification of the body 

1 Corinthians 12:31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
1 Corinthians 14:5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

Charismata = grace gifts, and are sovreignly given

1 Corinthians 4:2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

Spiritual Gifts are God’s equipment for effective service and edification of the body

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

High mobilization of Spiritual Gifts was the key to the rapid multiplication of the church in the New Testament

Romans 1:11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong--
Ephesians 4:12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up