The following is a brief summary of the four categories of gifts that we discussed Sunday. This is by no means intended to be a study on the subject, but I had thought some would be interested in further explanations and definitions.

I have included the Scripture references for each, so be sure to go straight to the source for a deeper understanding!

Motivational Gifts: (Romans 12:6-8) These are gifts that are given as part of our personality, our God-created nature. These gifts motivate us to meet every need that exists inside the church and in the world.

Prophecy- the ability to declare God’s truth which touches the heart and brings conviction

Serving: The ability to show love by meeting the practical needs of others

Teaching: The ability to clarify truth after thorough study and research

Exhortation: The ability to encourage others to grow spiritually, even in the face of hardship and suffering

Giving: The ability to contribute generously of financial and material resources for the Lord’s work

Administration: The ability to coordinate people, resources, and schedules to achieve goals.

Mercy: The ability to identify with and comfort those in distress...filled with compasion.

One of these motivational gifts dominates each person’s way of doing things. When united with each other- our motivational gifts collectively are able to accomplish/fulfill the functions of the Church and beyond.

Supportive Gifts: (Eph. 4:11) To some he gives gifts of support and leadership.

Remember, we all receive different combinations of gifts. God chooses whom to give what gifts. This category of gifts is designed for the support and leadership of the Church, again…so God ‘s purposes are accomplished through the participation of people here on earth. Though some are called to a life fully given to these roles/office, some are given to operate in a supportive capacity.

Apostles: Founders of Churches- cultivating, providing oversight of other pastors

Prophets: Spokespersons of truth…truth that is timely for that moment.

Evangelists: They are given this gift to proclaim the gospel to unbelievers and inspire others to do so also.

Pastors: Leader/ Nurturer/ Shepherd / Protector of the local fellowship of believers.

Teacher: A person that equips believers…has the ability to effectively communicate the principles and applications of God’s Word.

All of these gifts are used to build up the body of Christ and to mobilize them in their destiny…

Supernatural Gifts: Nine all together. These gifts are given as God chooses (when and to whom). Based on (vs. 11) "to each one, just as He determines". How God chooses to express Himself supernaturally depends upon the calling of the individual, their preparedness, availability, maturity, and most of all what God is wanting to accomplish at the time.

Word of Wisdom…a depth of wisdom that is not learned through education or experiences

Word of Knowledge..receiving insight/understanding

Gift of Faith…faith is given to all, but this faith is one of amazing levels

Gifts of Healing...gift working through a person to bring about a healing work (often progressive)

Working of Miracles…instantaneous, WOW happenings

Prophecy…a gift given to a person to be a spokesperson for what the Holy Spirit is saying to a person or group of persons

Discerning of Spirits…gift of being able to identify when evil or even fleshly attitudes are at work in a person. Discerner of truth vs. false

Unknown Tongues…giving a message from the Lord in a language "unknown tongue" which is unrecognizable by the speaker.

Interpretation of Tongues…interpretation of the message in tongues. Clearly intended for gatherings in which several or most of the local congregation are together.

Each of these gifts are still at work in the lives of those who are willing to be used in these areas. We are told we can desire these gifts but we can not create them, demand them, nor can we own them. We do not become Mr/Mrs. Word of Knowledge. However, the Holy Spirit seems to bestow these gifts in connection with a persons motivational or supportive gifts. Such as those that are gifted with Prophet are often used to prophecy. Givers are often gifted with the gift of Healing…

Experiential Gifts:

If we believe the following…

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. (James 1:17)

Included in the experiential gifts are the talents, learned knowledge, etc. Each is a gift, so be sure to embrace each with the recognition of where and by whom it is given.

Feel free to add your comments to this blog. I always look forward to hearing your stories and experiences. One more terrific verse to remember…