We read in I Corinthians 12:4-11 "Now there are diversities if gifts , but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh by the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.
As we study spiritual gifts, we will break them down into three categories. This will aid us in understanding them and the place they serve in ministry.
- Motivational gifts: the driving force or passion that causes us to relate to others in a certain manner or behave in a particular way in accordance to our life experiences and our revelation of Gods character and word working in our lives.
- Ministerial gifts: these are the gifts the Spirit of the Lord has divided among men and given to the Body of Christ for the establishing, edifying and building up of the saints.
- Manifestation gifts: These are also known as "Power gifts." These are different expressions or acts of the Holy Spirit that often exhibit miracles, healing and other tangible or visible demonstrations of the Lord.
We have been given the gifts we have by the grace of God to serve others in love. Remember, God IS love and his gifts work by his Spirit, who IS the Spirit of love. We see in the above scripture reference that that gifts are given to us in order to profit withal, everyone. The Holy Spirit has been given to us freely. The gifts that accompany him have also been given freely to us. Love gives and is not selfish. Let's look at another scripture verse.
I Corinthians chapter 13:1-13
1-3 Though I speak with tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4-7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
7-10 But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away; For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is done in part will be done away.
11-13 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Let's note that the greatest of these is love, and love never fails. God is love, and God never fails! In I Corinthians chapter 13 verses 4-7 we can see the attributes of our Lord. We can expect the Holy Spirit working in our lives to inspire us to do no less. The gifts work by love. The gifts are to benefit the whole. We each have been given a special part to play in the body of Christ. No one gift does it all. We are not islands unto ourselves. A matter of fact it is exciting to see the different gifts in operation. When we rightfully discern the body of Christ and see certain gifts in others, we get an idea of their differences and better understand the gift given to us and where we fit in.
In Romans 12:3-11 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly then you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance to the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully; Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
I Corinthians chapter 13:1-13
1-3 Though I speak with tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
4-7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
7-10 But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away; For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is done in part will be done away.
11-13 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Let's note that the greatest of these is love, and love never fails. God is love, and God never fails! In I Corinthians chapter 13 verses 4-7 we can see the attributes of our Lord. We can expect the Holy Spirit working in our lives to inspire us to do no less. The gifts work by love. The gifts are to benefit the whole. We each have been given a special part to play in the body of Christ. No one gift does it all. We are not islands unto ourselves. A matter of fact it is exciting to see the different gifts in operation. When we rightfully discern the body of Christ and see certain gifts in others, we get an idea of their differences and better understand the gift given to us and where we fit in.
In Romans 12:3-11 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly then you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance to the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully; Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
MOTIVATIONAL GIFTS
May the peace of God keep your minds and hearts in Christ Jesus.
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some information in this article was taken from iblp.org. The Institute in Basic Life Principles.
- Prophecy - a person with the motivational gift of prophecy applies the Word of God to a situation so that sin is exposed and relationships are restored. He or she has a strong sense of right and wrong and speaks out against compromise and evil.
Life Principle to Apply: It is especially important for a prophet the principle of responsibility and maintain a clear conscience. This discipline equips the prophet to speak boldly with love.
- Serving - a person with the motivational gift of serving is driven to demonstrate love by meeting practical needs. The server available to see a project through to the end and enjoys doing physical labor.
Life Principle to Apply: A server needs to diligently apply the principle of authority. As he/she honors the directions and wishes of authority figures, the server is better equipped to maintain proper priorities in time management and is often protected from individuals who might take advantage of his/her eagerness to help with physical needs.
- Teaching - a person with the motivational gift of teaching is passionate about discovering and validating truth. A teacher is particularly concerned with the accuracy of information, especially church doctrine, and is also gifted with research abilities.
Life Principle to Apply: A teacher should faithfully apply the principle of success and invest time in meditation on scripture. The discipline of meditation helps the teacher stay focused on the truth of Gods word instead of the strength of his/her own mind.
- Exhorting - a person with the motivational gift of exhortation wants to see believers grow to spiritual maturity. An exhorter is an encourager at heart and is often involved in the ministries of counseling, teaching, and discipling.
Life Principle to Apply: It is essential for the exhorter to understand the principle of God's design and to except God's design in his/her own life. An understanding of this principle establishes a firm foundation for understanding and accepting the sovereignty of God, which is the key to the exhorter's ministry.
- Giving - a person with the motivational gift of giving wants to use and give financial resources wisely in order to meet the needs of others. A giver is usually good at finding the best buy, noticing overlooked needs, and maintaining a budget.
Life Principle to Apply: A giver must learn to wisely apply the principle of ownership. When a giver understands that all things belong to God and should be used to bring glory to Him, he/she is ready is ready to share resources as God directs him/her to give.
- Organizing - a person with the motivational gift of organization is able to accomplish tasks and solve problems analysis and delegation. An organizer often discerns the talents and abilities of others and knows how those individuals can best serve within a given ministry or on a particular project.
Life Principle to Apply: A person with the gift of organization needs to understand the principle of suffering. Trusting God to use the tests and trials of life to develop his/her character and strengthen his/her faith helps an organizer to respond to unexpected events events with patience and wisdom and increases his/her sensitivity to the needs of others.
- Mercy - a person with the motivational gift of mercy is sensitive to the emotional and spiritual needs of others. A mercy-giver is drawn to people in need and seeks to demonstrate compassion, understanding, and love to them.
Life Principle to Apply: It is important for a mercy-motivated person to apply the principle of moral freedom. An understanding of this principle will protect the mercy-giver from developing improper relationships or giving false impressions to those to whom they minister.
May the peace of God keep your minds and hearts in Christ Jesus.
If this message has been a blessing to you please share it with someone!
some information in this article was taken from iblp.org. The Institute in Basic Life Principles.
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