Spiritual Gifts the means of living beyond self

Spiritual Gifts – the means of living beyond self. Ephesians 4: 4 - 16

1. We are to be informed about the “spirit gifts. ” § 1 Corinthians 12: 1 (NASB) 1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. § 1 Corinthians 14: 1 (NASB) 1 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

S piritual Gifts H eart/interest A bilities/talents P ersonality E xperience

What are “spiritual” gifts? § Spiritual gifts – divine endowments and enablements given to every believer for the purpose of serving and encouraging the Body of Christ. (Uniquely You – Dr. Mels Carbonell)

Spiritual gifts are not the same as talents/personality traits. A. Talents and personality traits – • vehicles. • Experience + spiritual gifts = fruit. • Easy to miss my spiritual gifts.

Always an exception! § Craftmanship as spiritual gift: Exodus 31: 1… 2 "See, I have called by name Bezalel, . . . 3 "I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, …

2. All believers have at least one spiritual gift. § § Ephesians 4: 7 -8, 11; 1 Cor 6: 19 1 Peter 4: 10 1 Corinthians 7: 7 Matt 25: 14 f

Examples of spiritual gifts (Romans 12: 8, Eph 4: 11): 1. Administration 8. Intercession/prayer 2. Teaching/preaching 9. Leadership 3. Healing/tongues… 10. Mercy 4. Exhortation 11. Serving 5. Evangelism 12. Giving 6. Faith 13. Hospitality 7. Discernment 14. Other

3. Why do we call them “spiritual” gifts? A. Holy Spirit, in us, is the gift-giver and the power source. § Eph 4: 7, 11 § 1 Corinthians 12: 11 § Exodus 31: 3, 11

• My spiritual gifts are not mine, but God’s. § 1 Corinthians 3: 5 -7

Holy Spirit of God

4. Primary barrier to the use of our spiritual gifts: A. Doubts, insecurities • Matt 25: 14, 18 B. I must trust “His stuff. ”

5. How do I discover my spiritual gifts? A. What gifts do you think you have? Try them out. B. Serve in various roles, until: 1. Greatest personal satisfaction; 2. Greatest results for God.