Thursday, May 31, 2007

gifts v. fruit/characteristics

Here's a list of 22+ "spiritual gifts" found in Scripture. I don't think the list in 1 Cor 12.8-10 is comprehensive.

1 Corinthians 12:28
1. apostle
2. prophet
3. teacher
4. miracles
5. kinds of healings
6. helps
7. administration
8. tongues

1 Corinthians 12:8–10
9. word of wisdom
10. word of knowledge
11. faith
(5). gifts of healing
(4). miracles
(2). prophecy
12. distinguishing between spirits
(8). tongues
13. interpretation of tongues

Ephesians 4:11
(1). apostle
(2). prophet
14. evangelist
15. pastor-teacher

Romans 12:6–8
(2). prophecy
16. serving
(3). teaching
17. encouraging
18. contributing
19. leadership
20. mercy

1 Corinthians 7:7
21. marriage
22. celibacy

1 Peter 4:11
- whoever speaks (covering several gifts)
- whoever renders service (covering several gifts)

Gifts are not to be confused with characteristics or marks of true Christians;

Ro12.9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,3 serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and dseek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.4 Never be conceited. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it 5 to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Gifts are also not to be confused with fruit;

Gal 5.22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law .

John Wimber often taught the gifts as "gracelets", that is, they are the tools given to any believer as the Holy Spirit wills in the given situation. A gift is not one that is possessed. A gift is something that is "in the tool box" and depending on the job, the Holy Spirit assigns the right tool for the task at hand.

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