English
God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God's varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love.
Bible verses
Hover over the verse to reveal the text.
- Romans 12:4-8
- 1 Corinthians 12:9-11
- 1 Corinthians 12: 27, 28
- Ephesians 4:8
- Ephesians 4:11-16
- Acts 6:1-7
- 1 Timothy 3:1-13
- 1 Peter 4:10, 11
Romans 12:4-8
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 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.
1 Corinthians 12:9-11
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
1 Corinthians 12: 27, 28
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.
Ephesians 4:8
8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”
Ephesians 4:11-16
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Acts 6:1-7
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith./p>
1 Timothy 3:1-13
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. 8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 4:10, 11
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
As an enthusiast deeply knowledgeable in the realm of spiritual gifts and their application in the church, I bring a wealth of understanding and appreciation for the intricacies outlined in the provided article. My expertise extends to various religious texts and theological concepts, allowing me to delve into the nuanced details of the scriptural references and their implications for the church and its members.
The article revolves around the belief that God bestows spiritual gifts upon members of His church through the Holy Spirit. These gifts, distributed according to the will of the Spirit, encompass a wide range of abilities and ministries crucial for the church's fulfillment of its divinely ordained functions. The following are key concepts discussed in the article, supported by relevant Bible verses:
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Diversity of Gifts (Romans 12:4-8): The analogy of the church as a body with many members emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts. Each member possesses unique gifts, and these gifts are to be used for the common good. The mentioned gifts include prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy.
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Spiritual Gifts by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9-11): The Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual gifts, and these gifts vary among individuals. The passage lists various gifts, such as faith, healing, prophecy, discerning spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpreting tongues. The distribution of these gifts is according to the Spirit's will.
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Roles within the Church (1 Corinthians 12:27, 28): The members collectively form the body of Christ, and each member plays a distinct role. The church recognizes specific functions, such as apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healings, helps, guidance, and various tongues.
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Gifts Given by Christ (Ephesians 4:8, 11-16): Christ, upon ascending, gave gifts to His people. These gifts include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. The purpose of these gifts is to equip believers for service, leading to the unity of faith, maturity, and protection against false teachings.
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Delegation of Responsibilities (Acts 6:1-7): In response to the growing needs of the community, the apostles delegate practical responsibilities to individuals full of the Spirit and wisdom. This ensures the proper distribution of resources and allows the apostles to focus on their primary duties.
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Qualifications for Leadership (1 Timothy 3:1-13): The article outlines qualifications for overseers and deacons in the church. These include moral character, family management, and a good reputation both within and outside the church.
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Stewardship of Spiritual Gifts (1 Peter 4:10, 11): Believers are encouraged to use their received gifts to serve others faithfully. Whether speaking the words of God or serving with God's strength, the goal is to bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.
In summary, the article emphasizes the diversity of spiritual gifts, their divine origin, and their crucial role in building and nurturing the church. The various roles and responsibilities within the church are designed to foster unity, maturity, and protection against false doctrines, highlighting the importance of stewardship and service.
