Biblical Lists: Spiritual Gifts

Theme for this week: Important lists in the Bible

The third list in this series: The Spiritual Gifts to the Church

Spiritual Gifts were especially important to the church in its early days. Such a gift is given to the church, through individual members, enabling the church to fulfill its mission in the world.

These gifts are listed in various places in the Bible. Some list 16 gifts, others 18, and still others, 21. It seems to me that the gifts were probably recognized and acknowledged at the times when they were needed. Perhaps there is no definite number of gifts; the number may still be a work in progress because the Holy Spirit enjoys tremendous freedom in doing His work.

Whereas “The Fruit of the Spirit” describes the attributes of a person, “The Gifts of the Spirit” describes the deeds accomplished by people with spiritual gifts.

Here is an example of the list of spiritual gifts you may find in your studies:

Administration – The young pastor today learns quickly that administration is vital to the ministries of the church. Whenever two or more people are involved in a ministry, there must be organization, and this calls for someone (or several someones) to administer the tasks.

Being an apostle – The word, “apostle,” means “one sent with a message,” which is a generic description. The meaning in the early church, however, was more specific and describes each of the twelve men who were always with Jesus during His ministry.

Discernment – The gift of discernment was administered in the early church as a way of determining if a person’s claim to a spiritual gift was genuine.

Evangelism – Persons with this gift had strong abilities to share the gospel message with potential believers.

Exhortation – Certain spiritually strong individuals in the church possessed the ability to encourage those who needed a boost to exercise their gifts.

Faith – Some gifted people in the church found believing God’s promises to be a strong attribute in their lives.

Giving – Generosity in sharing ones self and possessions seems to come naturally to gifted, giving people.

Healing – No doubt this gift existed in the church, but was possessed by few.

Helps– People with this gift are always helping others and convincing people in the church to join them in this ministry.

Hospitality – In an age where there were no cafes, cafeterias, delis, hotels, etc. it was incumbent to show hospitality to others, especially strangers. Some were exceptionally adept at this.

Knowledge – Usually this gift is described as “word of knowledge.” The person with this gift is enabled by the Holy Spirit to explain the meaning of Christian ideals.

Leadership – The gift of leadership is possessed by those we identify today as “born leaders.” This ability cannot be hidden and is soon recognized by others in the church.

Mercy – Some people are naturally inclined to show mercy and this is a gift from the Holy Spirit to the church through certain leaders.

Prophecy – Prophecy can be “forthtelling” as well as “foretelling.” Some in the church are recognized as prophets because they possess that gift.

Serving – We all know people in today’s churches who possess they gift. They are the people who are always finding ways to serve their fellows.

Speaking in tongues – A reflection of Pentecost when Believers spoke other languages to spread the gospel. It is a bonafide gift of the Spirit, but should be acompanied by someone who has the gift of interpretation.

Teaching – The skill to teach from the Bible and communicate it effectively for the understanding and spiritual growth of others.

Wisdom – Wisdom differs from Knowledge in that it seems to be an innate ability to know what to do when it’s decision time in the church.

There are 18 gifts in this list, which is one of several such lists you may find as you research this study. You probably are thinking of people in your church who have one or more of these gifts.

If you study your own church today no doubt you will come to understand that every member is gifted in some way to strengthen the church for its work of being a witness for the Lord — from its own community to the ends of the earth. You may spot a gifted person who has one of the gifts listed above, and you may also discover people within your church who are gifted in ways only hinted at or never mentioned in the Bible. The church is a dynamic organization, always adjusting to new circumstances in the world. The world of 100 A.D. was quite different from the world of 2022 A.D. The Holy Spirit is gifting people within the churches to move forward in witnessing to this world today. Some gifts remain the same; others have surfaced in response to the needs of our own times.

Let us not forget that Paul observed that some gifts would cease or pass away. He offered a “more excellent way” as he discussed spiritual gifts. And that way is the way of love. He said Faith, Hope and Love endure, and the greatest of the three is Love, which means that Love is greater than anything, including spiritual gifts.

LOYALTY TO CHRIST
Words, Elijah T. Cassel
Music, Flora H. Cassel
1894

From over hill and plain
There comes the signal strain,
’Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
Its music rolls along,
The hills take up the song,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.

Refrain:
“On to victory! On to victory!”
Cries our great Commander, “On!”
We’ll move at His command,
We’ll soon possess the land,
Through loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.

O hear, ye brave, the sound
That moves the earth around,
’Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
Arise to dare and do,
Ring out the watchword true,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Refrain

Come, join our loyal throng,
We’ll rout the giant wrong,
’Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
Where Satan’s banners float
We’ll send the bugle note,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Refrain

The strength of youth we lay
At Jesus’ feet today,
’Tis loyalty, loyalty, loyalty to Christ;
His Gospel we’ll proclaim
Throughout the world’s domain,
Of loyalty, loyalty, yes, loyalty to Christ.
Refrain