We will use Corinthians 12 as a backdrop to this study, along with Ephesians 4:11-12. In order to see the difference between ministry gifts and spiritual gifts, let us look at the nine spiirtual gifts, or the gifts of the Spirit. Paul lists them in the first part of this chapter, 1Cor. 12:8-10 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 TOUGUES; to another the INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES. Paul said by the Holy Spirit at Corinth, " Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. I certainly do not believe He wants the church today to be ignorant concerning spiritual gifts. There is however, a gross ignorance that does exist concerning these things. Paul goes on to lists nine manifestations, they are divided into three groups
Three revelation gifts:
The word of wisdom
The word of Knowledge
The discerning of spirit
The three power gifts:
Spiritual gifts that do something
The gift of Faith
The working of miracles
The gifts of healings
Three utterance or inspirational gifts
Spirital gifts that say something:
Prophecy Divers kind of tongues
Interpretation of tongues
Very often these gifts work together, as tongues and interpretation work together. These gifts are listed in the order of their importance. Of the three groups of revelation, the word of wisdom is the best gift because it brings supernatural revelation of the plan and purpose of God. Of the three gifts of power, the gift of Faith is the best gift because it is the supernatural ability to work a Miracle. Of the three gifts of utterance, the gift of prophecy is the best gift because it is complete in and of itself and it brings edification, encouragement, and comfort to the Body of Christ (1Cor.14:3). When a believer exercises his or her gift, it is an exhibition of the Spirit's power through that person. It is not simply a matter of that person doing something he or she is good at. Spiritual gifts are manifestions of the Holy Spirit. This is readily acknowledged when the more spectacular gifts are exercised. We'll very quick to give credit to God when someone is healed. But when someone with the gift of mercy exercises that gift, we'll very quick to say "isn't she sweet" or "he is such a good listener." The gift of mercy or giving, or administration is no less a manifestation of the Holy Spirit than the gift of healing or the effecting of miracles. The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is the building up of the body, not the personal graitfication of the individual member. Your nose is wprthless apart from its service to the body. And the same holds true of any particular spiritual gift. Its worth is determined by its usefulness and availability to the body.
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