DISCOVERING THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

1. DISCOVERING THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

2. Discovering The Gifts (speaking) APOSTLEIt is the gift whereby the Spirit appoints certain Christians to lead, inspire and develop the churches of God by the proclamation and the teaching of true doctrine. The ability to plant new churches and give leadership until a Pastor can assume the leadership. (Acts 12:1-5; 14:21-23; Romans 16:7; 1 Cor. 4:6, 9; Acts 14:14; Ephesians 4:11). Cautions • Misusing the authority granted to You • Following your own agenda rather than God’s Evidences • You have the spiritual gifts of leadership and faith • You have an unusual anointing on your leadership • You have the spiritual gifts of administration and wisdom • You possess a desire to pioneer and establish new ministries in churches

3. Discovering The Gifts (speaking) PROPHETIt is the special gift whereby the Spirit empowers certain Christians to interpret and apply God’s revelation in a given situation. This gift is the distinctive ability to boldly declare the truth of God, regardless of the consequences, calling people to righteous living. (1 Cor. 14:1-5; 14:30-33, 37-40) Cautions • Relating to people as groups rather than as individuals • Relating to people too harshly • Lacking in flexibility • Focusing more on law than grace Evidences • A bold sense of confidence in speaking for God • A hatred for sin • A passionate reliance upon the Word of God • A desire to see lives change as a result of hearing God’s truth • You possess the gift of discernment

4. Discovering The Gifts (speaking) EVANGELISTIt is the special gift whereby the Spirit enables particular Christians to share the Gospel to unbelievers in such a way that the unbeliever becomes a disciple of the Lord Jesus. Those with the gift of evangelism will present the Gospel with simplicity, clarity, and effectiveness. (Acts 8:5-6, 26-40; Ephesians 4:11-14; 2 Timothy 4:5) Cautions • Looking down on those who do not have the gift of evangelism • Pressuring people to receive Christ who are not ready • Losing sight of the fact that the primary focus is the “share” the gospel, not win a convert Evidences • You have a passion and confidence about sharing your faith • You eagerly develop authentic relationships with the lost with hopes of witnessing to them about Jesus • You have a strong grasp of Scripture

5. Discovering The Gifts (speaking) PASTORThe special ability God gives to some to assume a long-term personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers. (John 10:1-18; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7, 4:11-14; 1 Peter 5:1-3) Cautions • Developing too strong of a personal ownership of the people • Leading with your agenda not God’s • Allowing popularity to mean more to you than the people’s spiritual growth Evidences • You possess a passion for personal spiritual growth and the spiritual growth of others around you • You have a vibrant walk with God • You are loyal and dedicated to your local church • You have the gift of teaching and or exhortation • You are process oriented and people are your focus

6. Discovering The Gifts (speaking) EXHORTATIONThe special ability God gives to some to help strengthen the weak and reassure wavering, faltering, troubled and fainthearted Christians in such a way that the person is consoled, helped and motivated. This gift refers to the actions of one who comes alongside to offer comfort, counsel, exhortation, and help. There are three types of exhortation: Encouraging others, Challenging others, & Rebuking others. (Acts 14:21-22; Romans 12:8; Acts 4:36, 9:26-30; 15:36-41) Cautions • Anything less than 100% sincerity when encouraging • Rebuking without love • Getting overloaded with people demands Evidences • Encouraging others come easy to you and you enjoy it • You are not fearful to rebuke if necessary • You have a good self-image and are generally a confident person • You have good people skills

7. Discovering The Gifts (speaking) TEACHINGThe special ability to explain God’s Word clearly so that believers may learn and apply it to mature their lives. The gift of teaching enables one to instruct, guide, and nurture Christians in a way that can be understood and applied to life. (Romans 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28; Ephesians 4:11) Cautions • You may get lost in the details of study and sidetracked from the ultimate purpose of the study • Placing too much emphasis in the “glory” of being up front before people • Teaching without application Evidences • You have a gift for public speaking • You can study and organize your thoughts in a clear and concise manner • People enjoy your teaching and want more • You are disciplined and articulate

8. Discovering The Gifts (speaking) The Word of Knowledge To analyze and systematize biblical truth along with the ability to recall particular segments of that truth when needed for a given situation. The purpose of this gift is to discover, gather and retain new truth and ideas to strengthen and enhance Christian living in the body of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:8; Acts 5:1-11) Cautions • Gathering information for the sake of information • Pride or arrogance, display of knowledge • So heavenly minded you are no earthly good Evidences • You enjoy study and research and do so for extended periods of time • You are able to retain large amounts of diverse information • You tend to be inquisitive and reflective • You desire to gather facts in a logical pattern • You have a passion to learn

9. Discovering The Gifts (speaking) The Word of Wisdom To wisely apply the knowledge of God’s Word in a given situation. God gives this special ability to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs in the Body of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:8; Acts 6:3-10) Cautions • Believing you are the source of the wisdom • Using wisdom with impure motives • Looking down on those who don’t have the gift of wisdom Evidences • Making the right decisions in difficult situations comes easy to you • People seek you out for counsel about their problems • You have a practical nature when it comes to the application of wisdom • You possess good common sense

10. Discovering The Gifts (serving) HELPSTo give practical assistance that will encourage other believers to fulfill their responsibilities. Assists the leader rather than be a leader. Moreover, this gift is the special ability God gives to some to serve the church in any supporting roll. This gift enables other Christians to be more effective and fruitful in ministry through the accomplishment of practical and necessary tasks. (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 16:1-2; Acts 9:36; Mark 15:40-41) Cautions • Thinking it’s a lowly gift & non-important • Missing the big picture • An inability to say no Evidences • You enjoy helping others complete specific tasks • You don’t need much public recognition • Other people give you opportunities to help them • You tend to be available and reliable

11. Discovering The Gifts (serving) HOSPITALITYTo cheerfully make a guest, whether known or unknown, to feel at home within your household or fellowship ( 1 Pet. 4:9; Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; Heb. 13:2). The Greek word for hospitality (philoxenia) means love of strangers. It is a special ability and willingness to be hospitable, to provide an open house, and to provide food and lodging for others. Aquilia and Priscilla demonstrated the gift since the couple’s home was consistently used as a meeting place for the church ( Acts 18:1-3; 24-26; Rom. 16:3-5).The purpose of the gift of hospitality is to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages people to be themselves, to feel like a valued part of the body of Christ, and nurture Christian fellowship to a deeper level.

12. Discovering The Gifts (serving) HOSPITALITY (cont.) Cautions • The feeling of self-pity, as if you are the only one serving in this way • Over committing yourself and potentially neglecting those closest to you • Viewing your ministry basically as entertaining Evidences • New people enjoy your company and tend to migrate towards you • You give without expecting in return • You love a party, but you enjoy giving one even more • You eagerly open your home to others

13. Discovering The Gifts (serving) GIVINGTo share generously and cheerfully money or possessions to further the work of God (Rom.12:8). The Greek word for giving (metadidomi) means to share, to impart, or to bestow. The purpose of this gift is to discover and provide for the physical needs of the body of Christ in such a way that God is glorified not the giver. This gift provides a special readiness and ability to give of material goods and financial resources for the sake of the Body without motives for self-benefit. Cautions • Giving with the wrong motives • Controlling others by your gifts • Pride Evidences • You tend to give quietly and/or secretly • You take the initiative to find a need to contribute to • You experience deep joy and satisfaction through giving • You manage your own money well

14. Discovering The Gifts (serving) ADMINISTRATIONTo humbly lead others by example, and guide the members of the body of Christ to attain goals that glorify God ( Rom. 12:8; 1 Cor. 12:28). The Greek word for administration is kubernesis means piloting or steering. He is the helmsman whose chief task is to keep the ship on course. The purpose of this gift is to ensure that dreams, plans, goals, and objectives are realized in a smooth and efficient manner for the glory of God. Cautions • You may tend to put projects before people • You may become overly concerned with details • You may have a tendency toward perfectionism • You may have a tendency to focus more on rules and procedures than on accomplishing the mission Evidences • You enjoy planning and goal setting • Organization comes easy to you • You can manage several tasks at one time • You possess a servants heart • You will stick to a project until it is complete • You tend to be thorough and objective

15. Discovering The Gifts (serving) LEADERSHIPThe special ability God gives to some to set goals in accordance with God’s purpose for the future and to communicate these goals to others in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish these goals for the glory of God ( Acts 7:10; Rom. 12:8; 1 Cor. 12:28; 1 Tim 5:17; Heb. 13:17). Those with this gift influences others according to the big picture, purpose, mission, or plan. The purpose of this gift is to direct and enhance the efforts of others in a positive way so that the Kingdom is advanced. Cautions • A prideful attitude, and a tendency to look down on others who are not leaders. • Misusing power • Using people to accomplish personal goals and objectives • Not appreciating people with helping gifts Evidences • You seem to have a significant amount of influence on other people • You are offered opportunities to serve in leadership capacities • You see the big picture easily and clearly • Decision making comes naturally to you, and others desire your opinion

16. Discovering The Gifts (serving) LEADERSHIP (cont.) Evidences (cont.) • You posses a strong desire to change the world and make a positive difference • You are not afraid to take a risk • You speak with confidence and conviction

17. Discovering The Gifts (serving) MERCYThe ability to work compassionately and cheerfully with neglected and needy people (Rom 12:8). The Greek word for mercy is “eleos” which means to show compassion, or feel sympathy of heart. This gift enables one to empathize to “get in the skin” of another and suffer alongside of those who experience grievous affliction. All believers are to be merciful (Jas. 2:15-16). Yet there are some believers who have a special gift enabling them to serve in the presence of human misery such. Often times people with this gift help to minister to the poor, the sad, the afflicted, and the widows and orphans (i.e. Mother Teresa). The purpose of this give is to bring relief, comfort, and hope to people who are hurting in order to help restore them to a place of peace and productivity. This gift leads believers to devote time to relieving the needy, visiting the sick, encouraging the aged, and supporting the handicapped, imprisoned, bereaved, and lonely (Matt. 25:34-40; Mark 9:41; Acts 16:33-34).

18. Discovering The Gifts (serving) MERCY (cont.) Cautions • The inability to say no, or thinking you can meet everyone’s needs • Actions based on emotions without logic • Failure to be firm when necessary Evidences • You are drawn toward the hurts of others • You are easily and fully in touch with your emotions • The suffering of others disturbs your soul • People’s feelings are more important to you than what they do. • You cheerfully inconvenience yourself for the needs of others.

19. Discovering The Gifts (serving) FAITHTo recognize what God wants to do in seemingly difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible circumstances and to trust God to get His work accomplished ( 1 Cor. 12:9; Acts 27:21-25; Heb. 11). The difference between faith that is needed for Christian living and the gift of faith is this….Christian faith enhances the individuals personal growth. The gift of faith enhances the personal spiritual growth of others. The purpose of the gift of faith is to lift the body of Christ above common distractions and discouragements to believe God for the seemingly impossible. The Bible describes three kinds of Faith: • Saving faith – This faith is given to all repenting sinners (Acts 16:31; Rom. 4:5; 5:1; 10:17) • Sanctifying faith – Sanctifying faith is available to all believers (Gal. 2:20; 3:11; Gal. 5:22; Eph 6:16) • Stewardship faith – Stewardship faith is given to some believers. This is the gift of faith, and is a supernatural ability to believe and expect great things from God

20. Discovering The Gifts (serving) FAITH (cont.) Cautions • You may tend to “downplay” the value of practical planning and preparation • You may want to tell others what will and won’t happen if they only had more faith Evidences • You have a consistent positive disposition, and an optimistic outlook on life • You are confident about the promises of God • Other people’s faith is increased when they are around you

21. Discovering The Gifts (serving) DISCERNMENT (of spirits)To discern whether information that claims to be of God is satanic, human, or divine ( 1 Cor. 12:10; Matt. 16:21-23; Acts 16:16-18; 1 John 4:1-6). The purpose of this gift is prevent confusion and false teaching from infiltrating the body of Christ. Cautions • Possessing a spiritually superior attitude • You may tend to spot a demon behind every bush • You may have a tendency to be skeptical about people Evidences • You have a clear sense of when people are telling the truth or telling a lie • Your spirit is sensitive to the things of God • You can spot insincerity quickly and easily • You have a close and committed relationship with God • You tend to be perceptive and insightful

22. Discovering The Gifts (serving) SERVICEThe special ability that God gives to some to identify unmet needs involved in a task related to God’s work and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the desired results ( Luke 22:24-27; Act 6:1-7; Rom. 12:7; Phil. 2:19-22; 2 Tim. 1:16-18). The purpose of this gift is to bring an overall sense of love, wholeness and community to the body of Christian believers. Servers initiate....servers remember details. Cautions • Serving for the wrong reasons or with impure motives • Becoming upset or bitter if not recognized • Being overly aggressive in meeting needs Evidences • You easily identify the needs of others around you • You have a genuine desire to serve others • You gain a sense of satisfaction and joy through serving others • Your greatest passion is serving in areas that are important to God

23. Discovering The Gifts (sign) MIRACLESTo believe God for mighty acts contrary to natural laws and that God receives the recognition for the miraculous event (Acts 9:36-42, 1 Cor. 12:10;28, 29). It is the distinctive ability to perform supernatural acts as an instrument or agent of God which alter the expected course of nature. The purpose of this gift is to change or alter the expected course of nature in order to draw attention to God and glorify His name. Cautions • Thinking that you are the source of power or cause behind the miracle • Drawing attention to yourself or taking any credit at all for the miraculous results Evidences • God has used you to heal someone • You have extraordinary faith • God has answered your specific prayers with miraculous results • You tend to be bold and convincing

24. Discovering The Gifts (sign) HEALINGSTo be used of God to bring healing to the sick and suffering (1 Cor. 12:28). The purpose of this gift is to bring emotional wholeness and physical health to the body of Christ as well as lift and exalt the name of Jesus. Cautions • Thinking you can heal others whenever you desire • Believing that it is your power and not God’s • Believing that if the sick person just had more faith, they would be healed • It is always God’s will to heal someone physically Evidences • Others have been healed when you prayed for them or laid hands on them • People have sought you out to pray for a physical healing • You have a great measure of faith and spend much time in prayer

25. Discovering The Gifts (sign) TONGUESThe ability that enables a believer to receive and to speak a divine utterance in a language unknown to him (1 Cor. 12:10, 28). Speaking in a tongue is the believer’s external manifestation of the internal reality and presence of the power of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of this gift is the extension of the local church and the expansion of the Kingdom of God through edification. The Benefits of Speaking in Tongues: 1. To edify you – (1 Cor. 14:4; Jude 20) 2. To speak to God divine secrets – (1 Cor. 14:2) 3. To speak the wonderful works of God – (Acts 2:11) 4. To magnify God – (Acts 10:46) 5. To pray perfectly – (Rom. 8:26, 27) 6. To give thanks well – (1 Cor. 14:17) 7. To have the Spirit bearing witness with our spirit – (Rom. 8:16) 8. To know you are a joint-heir with Christ – (Rom. 8:17) 9. To strengthen you with might in your inner man – (Eph. 3:16)

26. Discovering The Gifts (sign) TONGUES (cont.)The Benefits of Speaking in Tongues: 10. To be a sign to unbelievers – (1 Cor. 14:22; Mark 16:17) 11. Rest to the soul – (Isaiah 28:11, 12; 1 Cor. 14:21)Praying in the Holy SpiritA believer operating in the manifestation of the Spirit called tongues will be edified spiritually, meaning built up. He/she can operate this manifestation in two situations: in public and/or in private. The bulk of a believer’s speaking in tongues is in his own private life. Furthermore, speaking in tongues in private will be prayer or praise to the Father and, therefore, never interpreted. This prayer and praise is spoken of as praying in the Spirit. When you speak in tongues it is your spirit in which you have direct communication with your heavenly Father, and as such your spirit is edified. A believer can speak in tongues publicly as well. When a person publicly speaks in tongues, he/she must always interpret or there must always be an interpreter present. A public message is never a prayer, however, it is a communication from God meant for the people present.

27. Discovering The Gifts (sign) INTERPRETATION OF TONGUESTo interpret the message of a believer using the gift of tongues. (1 Cor. 12:10)

28. Discovering The Gifts (other) MISSIONARYThe special ability God gives to some to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a second culture ( Acts 13:2-3; Eph. 3:1-7; Rom. 10:15; 1 Cor. 9:19-23) Cautions • Caught up in the glamour of world travel • Approaching foreign missions work as an escape from lack of fruit in the local church • Placing foreign missions as a higher priority over any other efforts of the local church Evidences • You adapt well to other cultures • Foreign languages come easy to you • You are generally flexible by nature • You are committed to evangelism

29. Discovering The Gifts (other) CELIBACYThe ability to remain single without frustration ( 1 Cor. 7:7-8, 32; Matt. 19:10-12). This gift God gives to some to remain single and enjoy it; to be unmarried and not to suffer undue sexual temptation.

30. Discovering The Gifts (other) INTERCESSIONThe special ability God gives to some to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian ( Luke 22:31; Col. 1:2-12; 4:12-13; 1 Tim. 2:1-2). Cautions • Hearing from God and you are the final authority • Spiritual superiority resulting in pride Evidence • You see frequent and specific answers to your prayers • You pray for extended periods of time on regular basis • You have a passion to pray for the lost

31. Discovering The Gifts (other) INTERCESSION (cont.) Evidence (cont.) • You find great fulfillment in deep and intensive prayer • You have a daily awareness of ongoing spiritual battles • You pray for others and kingdom issues more than for yourself

32. Discovering The Gifts (other) MARTYRDOMThe special ability God gives to some to undergo suffering for the faith even to the point of death while consistently displaying a joyous and victorious attitude which brings glory to God ( 1 Cor. 13:3; Acts 7:54-60; Acts 12:1-5).

33. Discovering The Gifts (other) CRAFTSMANSHIPThe special gift whereby the spirit endows certain Christians to use hands and minds to build up the kingdom through artistic, creative means ( Exod. 28:3-4). The purpose of this gift is to enhance the physical surrounding of the body of Christ in such a way as to be attractive, functional and glorify God. Cautions • Mistaking a self-centered hobby as a spiritual gift • Protecting your work and valuing it over people Evidence • People ask for your creative input on church projects • You have unique artistic abilities that find their greatest value and application in the local church

34. Discovering The Gifts (other) CRAFTSMANSHIP (cont.) Evidence • You find great joy in using your hands to build and create for God’s glory • You tend to be resourceful and handy

35. Discovering The Gifts (other) MUSICIt is the special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to praise God through various forms of music and enhance the worship experience of the local congregation ( 1 Cor. 14:26; 1 Sam. 16:16; Ps. 150). The purpose of the gift of music is to bring glory and praise to God through song and instruments. Cautions • Difficulty in distinguishing between human talent for music and the spiritual gift of music • Seeking the attention and praise that often accompanies singing or playing a musical instrument Cautions (cont.) • Allowing the gift to bring your responsibilities beyond your level of maturity and character development

36. Discovering The Gifts (other) MUSIC (cont.) Evidence • You have a passion for worship and praise that exalts God • People often ask you to sing, or play a musical instrument as part of a worship experience Evidence (cont.) • People often say to you that the expression of your gift helps them draw close to God during worship

37. DISCOVERING THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT