A Consideration of Spiritual Gifts
June 29, 2008
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class
West Broad Church of Christ
June 29, 2008
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
Introduction:
Reading the New Testament assures us that God placed spiritual gifts in his church. However, a curious question arises as we engage in the consideration of giftedness: are all the gifts mentioned in the New Testament still operating in the church today? In other words, what gifts exist in the contemporary church? How do we know?
I. New Testament Gifts
There are several listings/references of spiritual gifts in the New Testament.
· 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28-31;
· Ephesians 4:11;
· 1 Peter 4:10-11
Several gifts are mentioned. But exactly what are these gifts?
· Administration (1 Cor. 12:28);
· Apostleship. (Eph. 4:7, 11);
· Discernment (1 Cor. 12:7, 10);
· Encouragement/Counseling ( 12:6, 8);Rom.
· Evangelism (Eph. 4:7-11);
· Faith (1 Cor. 12:7, 9);
· Giving ( 12:6, 8);Rom.
· Healing (1 Cor. 12:7, 9);
· Helps (1 Cor. 12:28);
· Hospitality (1 Pet. 4:9-10);
· Knowledge (1 Cor. 12:7-8);
· Leadership ( 12:6, 8);Rom.
· Mercy ( 12:6, 8);Rom.
· Miracles (1 Cor. 12:7-8, 10);
· Pastoring/Shepherding (Eph. 4:7, 11);
· Prophecy (Eph. 4:7, 11);
· Teaching ( 12:6-7);Rom.
· Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues (1 Cor. 12:7, 10);
· Wisdom (1 Cor. 12:7-8)
Assessment and Conclusion:
We have reviewed an extensive list of spiritual gifts – but which are in force today?
n The analogy of the body;
n Considering the useful and the necessary;
n An exercise in priorities
It seems that the gifts most needed are those that will help the church share Jesus and expand his kingdom. Question: What does this mean to you as a member of the ChurchBroadWest of Christ?
