The Evangelist Speaks

by Evangelist Carolyn Griffin

Gifts of the Father
Part 2

Our study on Spiritual Gifts continues today as we look at the seven gifts of the Father.  We again emphasize that these gifts are foundational and should motivate us in life and service for God. Our gifts differ according to the grace that is given to us. We were all created as unique individuals with gifts and abilities that are to be used to strengthen and edify the body of Christ. It is our Father’s desire that we understand our gifts and respect and acknowledge the gifts of others. Spiritual gifts are for every church of which Christ is the head and the members are a part of His Body. The Bible clearly tells us that God (1) wants every Christian to have and use a spiritual gift or gifts; and (2) He wants His lost sheep to be found and His church to grow. When spiritual gifts are functional, they produce effective ministry. When they are misunderstood and are not functioning properly, the Body is not healthy and is not growing as it should.  Each gift has a task to do and if they are working properly, the task will be accomplished. When the gifts work together in a church that wants to grow and is willing to pay the price for growth, the church will see God’s blessings and it will grow.

We find the gifts of the Father in Romans 12:3-8. Some interpret these gifts as completely separate from the gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4 and I Corinthians 12. Others view them as a repeat or overlap of some of those gifts. I do not challenge either view. I simply pray that we will seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, study the Word of God, and teach believers how to use their gifts and be productive members of the Body.  Prophecy is listed first and is often the most confusing. Prophecy refers either to those whose creation gift from the Father enables them to view all of life with prophetic insight, or to the manifestation of public prophecy, speaking something God has spontaneously brought to mind.  One will speak with forthrightness and insight, moral boldness and uncompromising commitment to worthy values. This gift allows us to influence others in our areas of influence with a positive spirit of social or spiritual righteousness.  We must understand that the focus here is general and is in proportion to our faith and is exercised in accordance with the spiritual maturity of the believer. We should not confuse this foundational gift with that of the Holy Spirit’s “gift of prophecy”, which refers to supernatural promptings, or with the office-gift of the prophet, which Christ gives to His church.        (Eph. 4:11) These are different expressions of prophecy.  

  Ministry means to render loving, general service to meet the needs of others. A great illustration is in the work and office of the deacon. (Matt. 20:26) All believers should strive to be servants. Jesus was our example. I personally feel that every true Christian has the gift of ministry to some degree. We serve and minister to Christ through serving others and ministering to their needs. Ministry is the rendering of any type of service by anyone in the church. However, there are members of the Body who have a special creation gift of ministry and are able to serve very effectively in physical ways.

Teaching is the ability to explain and apply the truths received from God for the church. It requires study and the Spirit’s illumination which provides the ability to make divine truth clear to the people of God.  Many in the Body are especially gifted to instruct the revealed truth of God’s Word, regardless of public office. Teaching also refers to those in the office-gift of teacher, which Christ gives to His church. Our marathon will continue next time with part III of the Gifts of the Father. Let us continue to seek Him about our spiritual gifts and using them to help our churches to grow and His Kingdom to advance.