How Do We Pursue Spiritual Gifts?

Summary

Summary prepared by Acts 2:38 Life from the transcript below — the preacher’s words follow in full.

The categories of gifts — offices, service gifts, and the body

• The question posed (in the host's frame): in first Corinthians 14 1 (as cited in the frame), the apostle (as the frame names him) said that believers should pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts. Now, as believers of our persuasion (as the frame styles us), we believe that the gifts of the Spirit are active, in the church today. And the apostle said believers should want these gifts (as the frame has it). what advice do you have, for that audience member out there, who wants spiritual gifts to be active in their life — but they haven't seen that happen yet? Or maybe they haven't seen it, to the degree that they would like to see it, at this point. What would you say, to that person? The answer: to answer your question — let me refer you, for further study: I wrote a book called spiritual gifts. So: if you want an in-depth study, of spiritual gifts in the scripture — especially the supernatural spiritual gifts, of first Corinthians chapter 12 — then I encourage you to get my book spiritual gifts. When we talk about spiritual gifts, there are several different categories. In Ephesians 4, it talks about ministerial offices: certain people, who are called by God, as preachers, teachers, leaders of the church. They're God's gifts, to the church. Those are the ones who are called, to these special offices, or Ministries. These are the people, to whom the upci would give a ministerial credentials (as spoken). So that's not everyone. But then Romans 12 talks about what we can call the service gifts. It talks about: different people have different abilities. And they correspond to natural abilities. But of course, God created us. And no ability is strictly secular. All of our abilities come from God. And I do believe, in Romans 12, it gives examples: that everybody in the church has some role, in the body. In fact, Romans 12 uses the illustration, or the analogy, that the church is like a human body. There are different members, that have different functions. But all these members work together, for the good of the body. That analogy is also brought out, in more depth, in first Corinthians chapter 12. So, if you look at the list, in Romans 12: it talks about different people have a gift of speaking; a gift of leadership; a gift of generosity — they're blessed financially; a gift of showing mercy. And to some extent, all of us should: support the church; should witness; should be able to share our testimony; should be merciful, etc. But we recognize: some people are greatly used, have special abilities — which may be inherent in their personality, or in their upbringing, in their background. But they're enhanced, by being filled with the spirit. And so we can regard, in some sense: even our natural abilities, that come genetically, are from God. And our abilities that are enhanced, by being filled with the spirit — they certainly come from God. So Romans 12 indicates: every one of us should identify — what gifts and talents do we have? What makes us different, perhaps, from someone else? What can we contribute, in a way that someone else isn't as good at, or doesn't do as effectively? And so every one of us should think: I have some gifts, that already exist — based on my personality, my genetics, my upbringing, my education. And the work of God, in my life. The experiences of my life. What are those? And then I need to use them, and maximize them. So it's more of a discovering, what's already in your life.

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 14:1; Ephesians 4; Romans 12

The nine supernatural gifts — a word of wisdom, a word of knowledge

• But then, in first Corinthians 12, we have a list of nine Supernatural spiritual gifts. They go beyond natural abilities. And they are examples, of something God miraculously imparts. And there are examples, such as: the word of wisdom; word of knowledge. So, you know: every one of us can acquire wisdom, and knowledge, just on a human level. Even non-believers can acquire some level, of wisdom and knowledge. And then, in our spiritual life, every child of God should acquire spiritual wisdom, and spiritual knowledge. And but then: there are certain times of need, where God will intervene, with a miracle. And will give you wisdom, to deal with the situation — otherwise, you would have had no ability to deal with it. It's not all the wisdom of the world. Or all the wisdom of God. But it's a word of wisdom, for that specific need. Likewise, a word of knowledge is not all the knowledge in the world. Or all the knowledge in scripture. Or all of the knowledge, in God's mind. But: for you to accomplish a certain purpose, God's supernaturally reveals some knowledge, to you. So that's a word of knowledge. Those are Supernatural spiritual gifts.

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12-14; 1 Corinthians 12

Seek God, not the gifts — holiness and love first

• So, if we want to seek them: I think we have to focus, not first on those gifts. But focus first, on a healthy spiritual life. Spiritual disciplines. Daily life of prayer. Studying God's word. Going to church Faithfully. Having fellowship, with God's people. Hearing the preaching and teaching, of the word. Supporting their church, with tithes and offerings ('ties and offering', as heard). Sharing Our Testimony. All of these normal things. Bearing the fruit of the spirit. I think it's much more important to focus, on pursuing Holiness — which is commanded, in Hebrews 12 14 (as he cites it). Bearing the fruit of the spirit — Galatians 5 22-23 (as he cites it). And in fact, the text you talked about, in Corinth — first Corinthians 12-14 — it talks about the supernatural spiritual gifts. But right in the middle, chapter 13, it shows the priority of love. The most important thing is love. If you don't have love, all the spiritual gifts are useless. So I think what we should work on is: developing maturity, in our spiritual life. Being led by the spirit. Pursuing Holiness. Developing the fruit of the spirit. And then, in that context, then we can desire, to be used of God. Now, I believe that anybody that's filled with the spirit could potentially use any spiritual gift — as the need arises, and as God enables. Not everybody is going to have all the gifts. But you can be used repeatedly, in certain gifts. Because you learn to yield, and surrender, to them. And you have faith, for them. And once God has used you, it's much easier to recognize God's work, and have faith for it, and yield, and surrender, to that. But I think the focus, once again, is not on our personal ownership. But it's on: the spirit has all the gifts. So if there's a need, God will use you.

Scriptures: Hebrews 12:14; Galatians 5:22-23

The practical way — disciplines, prayer, and ministering to needs

• So, in a practical way: if you'd like to be used, in one or more of these Supernatural spiritual gifts, of first Corinthians 12 — or other miraculous signs and wonders, and miracles — if you have that desire, I would say: first of all, develop your spiritual disciplines. Develop spiritual fruit. You should not seek Supernatural spiritual gifts, in and of themselves. You should seek God. You should seek a relationship, with God. You should seek the priorities, of loving God, and loving people. Serving people. Ministering to people. That should be the priority. Because if you seek the gifts directly, for their own sake, there's a danger of pride. Second: so — you first of all just develop your overall spiritual life, and spiritual fruit. But then, second: you can make it a matter of prayer. If you haven't been used, in miraculous ways, then pray. And again: God has to impart this. So you don't need techniques, or special prayers. Or getting someone to, you know, impart something to you. That's not really what you should do. You should pray, and say: God, give me the Liberty, when the time comes. When the need arises, I want to be a vessel. I want to be used. Use me, according to your will. And just leave it up to God. Let God do it. Then third, I would say: find ways, to minister to people. Because the gifts will be used, when the need arises. And if your focus is on yourself, and developing gifts, it may never happen. But if your focus is on helping others, then, when the time comes — let's say someone is sick, and you're witnessing to them, and they have an urgent need — you can certainly — you can say: I'll pray for you, in my personal prayer life. I'll send my prayer — the prayer request — to the church. Or: if you come to my church, my pastor will pray for you. All that's great. But when the need is urgent, and personal, and direct, what you could say is: would it be okay, if I prayed for you, right now? And at that moment, God could heal that person. You could be used, to the gifts of healing. So in that example: it's based on the need. It's not based on your ego, or you're wanting it. But it's based on: there's a real need, of ministry. So God is going to impart this gift, to you, and use you — so you can help someone. So the more you're involved, in sharing your testimony, teaching Bible studies, trying to win souls, trying to disciple people, loving people, caring for people — the more likely it is, that there will be a genuine, urgent need, that a supernatural spiritual gift will address. And God will use you. Since you're the person there, since you're the person with the burden, since you're the visible conduit, and vessel — God will use you. So, if you really want to be used, in spiritual gifts: number one, focus on your personal spiritual life. Number two, seek God, in prayer. And number three, get out there, and Minister. And let the needs arise. And God will use you, as he wishes.

Scripture index: 1 Corinthians 14:1; Ephesians 4; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Hebrews 12:14; Galatians 5:22-23.