What do the Scriptures say about the Spiritual Gifts?
The discussion about Spiritual Gifts in the Bible can be found in varying passages. Here is a quick summary of what each of the key passages say:
1 Corinthians 12-14
– Do not be ignorant of spiritual gifts – 12:1
– There is a diversity of gifts, but the same spirit – 12:4-6
– Gifts are for a profit for all – 12:7
– There only one body and one spirit – 12:2-26
– Love is to be the essence of the gifts and the essential quality of believers – 13:1-13
– Strive for the greater gifts – 12:31a
– Need to pursue love and spiritual gifts – 14:1
Romans 12
– We are called to be living sacrifices – 12:1
– Walk in humility – 12:3
– The reasons for humility are that we are all members in 1 body and members of one another – 12:4-5
– Lifestyle of love and service to others – 12:9-20
Ephesians 4
– Walk in unity, walk worthy of the calling – 4:1
– There is one body and one spirit – 4:4-6
– The gifts given are the “grace” (charis) given through Jesus Christ – 4:7
– Gifts were given after the death and ascension of Christ – 4:8
– The ministry belongs to the entire church, but the leadership gifts mentioned here play a very important role in the total ministry of Christ today.
– Primary reason for the gifts is for the body of Christ to be built up – 4: 12-16
– No longer operating in futility of the mind – 4:17 (compare with Rom 12:1)
1 Peter 4
– Have the same attitude of Christ’s suffering – 4:1
– Do not live for the human desires in us – 4:2-4
– Love each other – 4: 8-9
– Use gifts to serve others as a good steward – 4:10
Rom 11:29
– God’s gifts and call are irrevocable
Rom. 8:9a
– “But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you.” (NRSV)
Spiritual Gifts may be imparted by the laying on of hands…
2 Tim 1:6 – “…I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands” (NRSV)
Acts 19:6 – “When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied” (NRSV)
