RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-07-01	The Serving Spiritual Gifts
		Scripture teaches us that a spiritual gift is given to every believer upon conversion (Ro.12:3; 1Co.12:7, 11; Ep.4:7; 1Pe.4:10). It is a unique gift, and we all get at least one spiritual gift. We are to use this gift in the context of the local church for the edification of the body. Do you know what your gift is? Let us look at some of the “serving spiritual gifts.” The lists of the gifts are given in four places in the New Testament (1Co.12:8-10, 28-30; Ro.12:3-8,; 1Pe.4:10-11; Ep.4:7, 11). God custom designs these gifts for His people. So, two people with the same gift may not apply that gift in the same way. So, if you do not specifically see your gift listed it is not because you do not have one. As we go through these spiritual gifts ask yourself, “Do I have this gift?” 1. Administration or Leadership (1Co.12:28) Remember you did not possess this gift before you got saved. Suddenly, you find that people are following you. You have the ability to organize and see where we need to go. 2. Contribute to The Needs of Others Cheerfully (Ro.12:8). The sacrificial sharing and giving of oneself and resources to meet the needs of others (2Co.8:3-5, 9, 11; Ep.4:28) without thought of return. Whether you have a large bank account or not, suddenly you want to give. 3. Encouragement (Ro.12:8) Often you can see this gift in others before you see it in yourself. When you speak to an encourager you realize they make you feel better. The encourager says things in a way that lifts your spirits. 4. Evangelism (Ep.4:11) In the New Testament, this is also an office. Yes, this is a gift. Yet, even if we do not have this gift, we are still commanded to evangelize. Do you have this sense inside of you that just wants to tell everyone you meet about Jesus? 5. Faith (1Co.12:9) This one is a little complex. You may find yourself in what used to bring fear, but now you can see the spiritual end and you are full of confidence. This is an unshakable belief in God. 6. Helping Others (1Co.12:28) You never used to be there to help others, but now you are the first to be there to help. 7. Hospitality (1Pe.4:9) You find yourself hosting people for a meal or inviting someone that has nowhere to go. 8. Distinguishing Spirits (1Co.12:10). This is also known as the gift of discernment. You have the ability to discern what is true, sort-of true, and what is false. You hear false teaching and something inside says that is not right by putting it through a Biblical filter. You are a hyper-Berean (Ac.17:11). This can be abused because you can become a hyper-critical discerner. 9. Shepherding as an Elder (Ep.4:11) You desire to shepherd (protect and nurture) the saints and preach God's Word. You are focused on protecting the body. You are driven to do your Master's business full-time all the time. You want to edify and teach the body. 10. Teaching (Ro.12:7; 1Co.12:28; Ep.4:11; 1Pe.4:11) You desire to teach God's Word and can instruct others in the Bible in a logical and systematic way. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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