The Lord
Moodle capitalization kept (“The Lord”).
Lesson 11 · Course 59
Leading through Spiritual Gifts
Every believer has a gift — discover it, use it, and let it serve the body.
At a glance
Summary
Every believer has a gift — discover it, use it, and let it serve the body. Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift and should discover and use it. Lack of a gift is not an excuse to sit out.
Auto-graded 10/10 (100%) on attempt 1. Essays not graded yet. Attempts used: 1 of 3. Quiz has 10 true/false items plus 3 essays.
Big ideas
What to teach and remember
- Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift and should discover and use it. Lack of a gift is not an excuse to sit out.
- A spiritual gift is a Holy Spirit-given ability for serving the body of Christ. Gifts are usually given embryonically and mature as they are exercised.
- Discovery involves Scripture study, inventory, trial and error, Spirit-led service, and counsel from mature believers.
- Gifts help communicate the gospel, meet needs, develop ministry, and build church unity. Success in ministry: calling, gifts, and platform.
- Abuses include ignorance, blindness, imposing, gravitation, colonization, coveting, assimilation, intrusion, manipulation, imitation, immaturity, and obsession.
- Five biblical words: Pneumatikon (spiritual character), Charismata (gracious bestowal), Diakonia (service), Energema (God’s activating power), Phanerosis (visible manifestation).
Key terms
People, places, and words that matter
spiritual gifts and how might a believer go ab
Special abilities from the Holy Spirit for productive service in the body. Discover by studying Scripture, taking an inventory, serving in different areas…
Relationship between spiritual gifts and ministry
Gifts are the channels of ministry: they enable believers to communicate the gospel and meet people at their point of need. Used well, they establish a basis…
five biblical words used to identify spiritual gifts. W
Pneumatikon — spiritual in character; the Spirit is the source. Charismata — from charis (grace); freely given, not earned. Diakonia — ministry/service; an…
Gifts
Gifts is usually given embryonically and mature as they are exercised
Structure
Outline / timeline
- What are spiritual gifts and how might a believer go about discovering what gift(s) she/he possesses?
- Discuss the relationship between spiritual gifts and ministry.
- Discuss the five biblical words used to identify spiritual gifts. What is unique about each?
Must remember
Facts to keep straight
| Quiz score | 100% (1 attempt) |
|---|---|
| Key claim | Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift and should discover and use it. Lack of a gift is not an excuse to sit out. |
| Key claim | A spiritual gift is a Holy Spirit-given ability for serving the body of Christ. Gifts are usually given embryonically and mature as they… |
| Key claim | Discovery involves Scripture study, inventory, trial and error, Spirit-led service, and counsel from mature believers. |
Compare
Side-by-side contrasts
Five biblical words
- Pneumatikon (spiritual character)
- Charismata (gracious bestowal)
- Diakonia (service)
- Energema (God’s activating power)
- Phanerosis (visible manifestation)
For the pulpit
Sermon hooks
- Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift and should discover and use it. Lack of a gift is not an excuse to sit out.
- A spiritual gift is a Holy Spirit-given ability for serving the body of Christ. Gifts are usually given embryonically and mature…
- Gifts help communicate the gospel, meet needs, develop ministry, and build church unity. Success in ministry: calling, gifts, and…
Quiz drill
Quiz drill / review · open to practice · 10 items
Quiz score: 100% · 1 attempt
1. Not every Christian has one or more spiritual gifts, but they can pray to receive it/them.
FalseEvery Christian has at least one gift. You do not wait to pray one into existence.
2. It is not important for a Christian to know his/her spiritual gift(s).
FalseKnowing the gift matters so it can be used, not left unidentified.
3. A spiritual gift is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to enable Christians to perform spiritual service in the body of Christ.
TrueSpirit-given ability for body service — that is the definition.
4. Spiritual gifts are usually given embryonically and mature as they grow or they are exercised.
TrueGiven in seed form, matured by use.
5. Ministry is described in this chapter as communicating the gospel to people at their point of need.
TrueGospel + need = ministry in this chapter.
6. Gift manipulation is a Christian forcing himself/herself to attempt to use a spiritual ability he/she does not have.
TrueForcing a gift you do not have is manipulation.
7. Gift colonization happens when people with the same gift expression gather together in a church or Christian organization.
TrueSame-gift clustering is colonization — the body needs variety.
8. This chapter teaches that if a person does not have a spiritual gift, they may use that as an excuse and not try to serve The Lord.
FalseMoodle capitalization kept (“The Lord”). No gift-excuse. Everyone has a gift and everyone serves.
9. Three things give success in ministry: our calling, our spiritual gifts, and our platform for ministry
TrueMoodle punctuation kept (no period). Calling, gifts, platform.
10. Gift obsession is when a person becomes obsessed with the doctrine of spiritual gifts to the exclusion of other doctrines.
TrueGifts as the only doctrine is obsession.
Essay themes
If you preach or review
What are spiritual gifts and how might a believer go about discovering what gift(s) she/he possesses?
Special abilities from the Holy Spirit for productive service in the body. Discover by studying Scripture, taking an inventory, serving in different areas (trial and error), asking mature believers for counsel, and listening to the Spirit where God gives fruit, desire, and usefulness. Use the gift — do not only name it.
Discuss the relationship between spiritual gifts and ministry.
Gifts are the channels of ministry: they enable believers to communicate the gospel and meet people at their point of need. Used well, they establish a basis for leadership. Ministry builds people; leadership builds the church. A wise pastor delegates ministry but retains leadership. Different gifts help the body work in unity.
Discuss the five biblical words used to identify spiritual gifts. What is unique about each?
Pneumatikon — spiritual in character; the Spirit is the source. Charismata — from charis (grace); freely given, not earned. Diakonia — ministry/service; an opportunity to serve people. Energema — operation, God’s energy activating the ministry, more than natural ability. Phanerosis — manifestation; an evident work of God made visible through the believer.