Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12)

[VictoryinJesus]

(1 Corinthians 12) “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
For the body is not one member, but many.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
And if they were all one member, where were the body?
But now are they many members, yet but one body.
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

Do you see the spiritual gifts in operation today? I am interested to know what others have witnessed because the world is huge; just because I am not seeing the gifts doesn’t mean it is not happening. I have seen works produced by caring people, but what I am referring to are the spiritual supernatural gifts meant for the body of Christ that come after salvation. How can I contribute when I do not even know what my spiritual gifts are? I have been told there is no longer a need for prophecy since the bible is complete and there is no longer a need for signs like healings, miracles or tongues which were primarily for the Jew. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Do you contribute to benefit of the whole?

 

[Mungo]

(1 Corinthians 12) “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
For the body is not one member, but many.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
And if they were all one member, where were the body?
But now are they many members, yet but one body.
And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

Do you see the spiritual gifts in operation today? I am interested to know what others have witnessed because the world is huge; just because I am not seeing the gifts doesn’t mean it is not happening. I have seen works produced by caring people, but what I am referring to are the spiritual supernatural gifts meant for the body of Christ that come after salvation. How can I contribute when I do not even know what my spiritual gifts are? I have been told there is no longer a need for prophecy since the bible is complete and there is no longer a need for signs like healings, miracles or tongues which were primarily for the Jew. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Do you contribute to benefit of the whole?

Firstly there are two types of spiritual gifts:
1. the 7 sanctifying gifts, for personal spiritual growth, from Isaiah 11:2-3
2. The charismatic gifts, which is what you seem to be referring to here.

The notion that they were only for the apostolic age is called cessationism and is false. There has been a revival in their use in the Pentecostal churches and in Catholic Charismatic Renewal. However there is a long history of Saints performing miracles of many kinds.There are extraordinary gifts (e.g. healing) and more ordinary gifts that build on natural talents (e.g. music).

In addition to those mentioned in 1Corinthians we can add Peter's comments:
Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. (1Pet 4:9-11).

 

[VictoryinJesus]

[SIZE=medium]The reason I ask about the gifts is not because they are my focus but because they seem to be at the heart of what God has revealed through His word. [/SIZE] [SIZE=medium]The gifts of the Spirit were once my sole focus until the Spirit said to not be so quick to desire any gift because with a true gift comes much accountability, not to man but to God. But a message keeps repeating in our studies; when I write, our, I am referring to my husband and I because God has worked on both of us separating but also together…and the message has been consistent.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]To pray: (Matthew 6: 10) “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it [/SIZE][SIZE=medium]is[/SIZE][SIZE=medium] in heaven.” [/SIZE] [SIZE=medium]Is not to bring power with signs and wonders but… with LOVE. Love begins with equality. The Lord gave up everything from His previous life right down to when He was told His mother and brother stood without. He asked (I am paraphrasing), “who is my brother and mother? I tell you whoever does the will of the Father is my mother and brother.” Not that His family had lost its importance but that Christ love was equal across those that do the Fathers will. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]Equality on earth, as it [/SIZE][SIZE=medium]is[/SIZE][SIZE=medium] in heaven. [/SIZE][SIZE=medium]T[/SIZE][SIZE=medium]hat is what Christ taught. [/SIZE][SIZE=medium]T[/SIZE][SIZE=medium]here are countless verses on the importance of equality to God. Equality is major. Read what Christ said about John the Baptist and we see this equality. Do we want to transform the landscape and make it familiar to our King? Then bring equality to earth. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]It begins with relationship. Christ gave two commands that encompassed all the others. Without a relationship with God, all is done in the flesh and by the flesh and fails. Without love; all the gifts are void. Christ did only what He saw the Father do. Noah. Moses. Elias… The disciples did only what they were told to do. “God is my help” must be so. There is something about the parable of the ten virgins that is a total contradiction. I won’t try to convince anyone but the Spirit caused a stampede of verses because of this parable along with “how well do you know me?” A couple of chapters earlier Christ is talking to the Pharisees and referring to hypocrites and weeping and the gnashing of teeth, then Christ is giving the signs of the end times and a parable that begins with (Matthew 25) “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto…” [/SIZE] [SIZE=medium]followed by a parable that contradicts everything Christ taught about love, equality, and trust in the Fathers provision. Let’s not forget the feeding of the multitude with a few fish and loaves of bread. All the virgins [/SIZE][SIZE=medium]slept. That is all I will say of that but let’s go to the word hypocrite:[/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]The Pharisees despised Christ message because it upset their system of power and wealth. Today will be no different. ANY religion or denominational movement that sets a wealthy man as its head is rejected. I am sure I will be told to leave the blog for these words but here is the truth if you can receive it. The pope is not equality. The Pentecostal movement with false signs and wonders where some get wealthy off the show…is not equality. Anyone that follows this concept of earthy riches and fame and comfort for a few while their followers are devoured...has been deceived. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium](Matthew 10:24-25) “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. [/SIZE][SIZE=medium]It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his master, and the servant as his lord.[/SIZE][SIZE=medium] If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]enough[/SIZE][SIZE=medium] being key, the master gave all and was rejected by the world because of His message of equality for the meek, for the lowly, and for the poor. That is enough for the followers of Christ. To do the will of the Father and to be persecuted for it. Why would God set a disciple in a mansion on a hill and pour out the comforts of this world by exalting him to riches? While the poor have no real church? We lack love. Love comes from God. Man’s laws and religion and good deeds failed in the old testament. The Holy Spirit will not fail. A call is going out for the proverbs virtuous woman: a crown to her Husband. A woman who considers a field and buys it. Who plants a vineyard. And her Husband is known in the gates. God is not looking for people with extortionary gifts that sets them in the forefront. He has a body, where every member functions equally. Every member is vital. Every member has purpose... His will, His purpose. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium](Colossians 1:15) “For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;”[/SIZE]
[SIZE=medium]Christ carried the fullness. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]When every part of the body functions together in unity and love and sacrifice, dividing and distributing equally so that no man is higher than the other, then we will see the fullness. As a whole![/SIZE] [SIZE=medium]That is why the Pharisees hated and rejected Jesus because He upset their worldly throne of power and riches and glory for themselves. God doesn’t need a man; He wants an entire body fitted, knitted, and joined together so that NO man will glory in the flesh. So that THE FATHER in heaven will be glorified. When this happens… it will be as in the days of the Pharisees...The wealthy and powerful and glory of men threatened by "the body of the Lord". [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium](Luke 14:27) “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium](Matthew 16: 25) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]The message is hard to receive. Empty what you have and begin anew with a new mission...equality for His. Are we hypocrites? Do we speak hot air and works, but lack love? It is not a call to poverty but to equality. I look around my home, my cars, my possession, my accumulation and say, “how, God? This is my life…[/SIZE][SIZE=medium]our [/SIZE][SIZE=medium]life. Built over many years. Where would we go? What would we do?” [/SIZE] [SIZE=medium]I think of my friends who if I would share this message they would mostly likely answer, “I love the home I have made. This was my dream. This farm. This way of life.” [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]What are we holding onto?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]How well do we know Christ from the comforts of the life we have made for ourselves? [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]​[/SIZE][SIZE=medium]The poor and the weak are crying out in need of more than a handout. But rather In need of genuine love. Have you received love? [/SIZE][SIZE=medium]Are they(the captives) not supposed to look at us and say, “See how they love!” [/SIZE][SIZE=medium]Are we not called to disciple nations? To teach them how to fish? Is God not a God of provision? [/SIZE][SIZE=medium]Do we want to see the gifts? [/SIZE][SIZE=medium]Then we must reach the poor and oppressed and preach equality. Then God will say: Here I Am.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium]​I do not know how. It seems impossible. But God is confirming that where the flesh failed, the Spirit of God will not fail. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=medium](Isaiah 58: 3-12) “[/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord[/SIZE]?
[SIZE=12pt]Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord[/SIZE] shall be thy reward.
[SIZE=12pt]Then shalt thou call, and the Lord[/SIZE] shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;
[SIZE=12pt]And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]And the Lord[/SIZE] shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
[SIZE=12pt]And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”[/SIZE]

 

[Mungo]

It seems to me that you did not want to discuss the charismatic gifts but it was just an entry into a long preaching about.......what?

Basically that is dishonest. Why didn't you just post that as the OP?

It seemed to have nothing to do with the charismatic gifts, though I have to admit that I gave up trying to follow your opinions after a while.

 

[Mungo]

BTW, as I will be away for a few days I will point out that the first sentence of your real OP is incorrect

[SIZE=medium]The reason I ask about the gifts is not because they are my focus but because they seem to be at the heart of what God has revealed through His word. [/SIZE]

The gifts (in 1Cor 12) are not the heart of what God has revealed though Jesus. They are not the heart of why Jesus came to earth.

Jesus came to liberate us from the bondage of sin and enable us to come into a new relationship with the Father through the New Covenant.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Most days I am confused, and yes, I really wanted to read what others have to say. Sometimes I wonder if I have a constricted small-minded view and that is not really the world. I woke yesterday and felt I had some clarity which explains the second post, shortly after, doubt returned. I am sorry if I made you feel ambushed.

 

[epostle1]

There are lots of charismatic prayer groups out there, it's a matter of knowing where to look. I can't speak for other denominations, I'm sure they have them. The Charismatic Renewal has been alive and well in my church for 50 years, with the blessing of every pope since.
The Bible has ordained leaders, it has nothing to do with "unequal". Jesus instituted a hierarchical church, modeled after the Davidic Kingdom, it is not a communist church. That's why we have a pope, which follows the model of the Davidic Kingdom (who admits to being a sinner).

Inventory of Spiritual Gifts
211. The Holy Spirit may bestow many gifts upon us to build-up His Church. Though
not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive, the thirty major gifts listed here are all
found in one form or another in Scripture.12 The gifts are arranged by Category and
include a “brief” definition in parenthesis. Scripture references are listed in
brackets:
https://saint-mike.org/library/rule/excerpts/spiritualgifts.pdf