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)


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