From the book, “What People Ask About The Church,” by Dale A. Robbins — 65 — Most churches have far more in agreement than people ever realize.
However, the matter of spiritual gifts is one of those particular issues that remains
controversial and divisive to some, with varying degrees of opinions. The New Testament describes 21 gifts to the church that are
sometimes categorized under the heading of (1) Ministry (office) gifts, (2) Motivational
(practical) gifts, and (3) Charismatic (spiritual) gifts. These are found in Eph. 4:11,
Rom. 12:3-7, 1 Cor. 12:1-12, and are listed below: Ministry Gifts Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher Motivational Gifts Charismatic Gifts Among various churches and denominations there's not too much
squabble over the acceptance of the more subtle, "Motivational" and
"Ministry" gifts (although the modern day offices of apostle and prophet are
frequently disputed). However most of the controversy usually lies with the nine spiritual
gifts (Greek, CHARISMATA) listed in 1 Cor. 12:1-12. On the farthest extreme, some churches
do not believe in any modern day operation of such gifts. In brief, their view is that
these were only intended as a limited supernatural empowerment to help the early church
get started, and that they vanished after the last Apostles of Jesus died — the
scriptures taking their place. Their estimation of those who embrace these supernatural
gifts, such as the Pentecostals or Charismatics, may vary — that they are either
fanatical extremists or possibly even demonic and cultish. This view, however, is not as
prominent as it once was and has been diminishing since the emergence of the Charismatic
renewal in the late 1960's, which affected many of the historic, mainline churches —
believed to be a part of a latter day outpouring of the Holy Spirit as described in Acts
2:17 and James 5:7. Historical records indicate that the abundant exercise of the
Charismatic gifts may have diminished somewhat after the post New Testament era —
especially in the dark ages, due to the years of inaccessibility of scripture to the
common people in their own language. But there is much history to substantiate that the
supernatural gifts were never absent from the church. Scores of statements to this effect
were recorded by church leaders such as Irenaeus, who wrote around A.D. 150 "...we
hear many of the brethren in the church who have prophetic gifts, and who speak in tongues
through the spirit, and who also bring to light the secret things of men for their benefit
[word of knowledge]..." Elsewhere he said, "When God saw it necessary, and the
church prayed and fasted much, they did miraculous things, even of bringing back the
spirit to a dead man."¹ Near the close of the second century, Tertullian cited
similar incidents, describing the operation of prophecies, healings and tongues,² and in
210, Origen reported many healings and other Charismatic gifts, as did later writers such
as Eusebius, Firmilian, Chrysostom and others through many centuries.³ The Encyclopedia Britannica says that Charismatic gifts such as
glossolalia (speaking in tongues) have occurred in Christian revivals of every age. In the
same vein, a German work, Souer's History of the Christian Church,
cites a reference to the famed leader of the Protestant reformation of the 16th century,
stating, "Dr. Martin Luther was a prophet, evangelist, speaker in tongues, and
interpreter, in one person, endowed with all the gifts of the Spirit." Today, Charismatic gifts are increasingly being manifested in all
kinds of Christian fellowships and denominations throughout the world. Although the
Pentecostal and Charismatic churches are especially known for this, the gifts seem to
emerge wherever believers or congregations are receptive to their existence and open
themselves to the inner workings of the Holy Spirit. It is obvious that the Charismatic gifts never vanished and remain
as a part of God's plan for His church. These gifts are sometimes called God's "power
tools," given to the body of Christ as valuable helps to accomplish ministry
objectives. As the scripture describes, they are distributed through persons within the
body at the Holy Spirit's discretion. 1 Cor. 12:7 "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to each one for the profit of all: Among those fellowships which embrace the operation of Charismatic
gifts, as with most other doctrines, there continue to be moderate differences in opinion
as to their value, application, order, and so forth. But most will generally agree that
each of the nine gifts are a supernatural intervention of natural laws, bestowed by the
Holy Spirit where His presence is invited and accommodated. A definition of the 9 Charismatic gifts: (1) Word of Wisdom — A Word means "a supernaturally imparted fragment." Wisdom generally means a practical skill in the affairs of life, such as prudence, decision making.(2) Word of Knowledge — Supernaturally inspired utterance of facts. (3) Faith — Supernatural impartation of assurance in God. (4) Gifts of Healings — Supernaturally ministering health to the sick. (5) Working of Miracles — Supernatural intervention of natural laws. The Greek describes it as "works of power" and implies instantaneous results. (6) Prophecy — A supernaturally inspired utterance from God. A genuine prophetic utterance never contradicts, neither is equal to, the written Word of God. To forthtell or foretell. To speak from the mind of God. (Prophecies are to be judged according to 1 Cor. 14:29, 1 Thes. 5:20-21). (7) Discerning of Spirits — This gift enables one to discern a person's spiritual character and the source of his actions and messages, such as the Holy Spirit, demon spirits, the human spirit or the flesh. (8) Different Kinds of Tongues — Supernaturally imparted utterance in an unlearned language. The purpose is to edify the body. This is distinguished from "praying" in tongues, which is intended to edify one's own spirit (1 Cor. 14:14). A message in tongues to the body is always to be interpreted (by another gift), and is limited to three within a gathering (1 Cor. 14:27). (9) Interpretation of Tongues — To interpret a message in tongues into the understandable language of the hearers. It is not a "translation" but an interpretation. The scriptures show that the purpose of the charismatic gifts is to
edify the church, and their delegation within the body relies upon the volition of the
Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:11). The Apostle Paul intimated that it's appropriate to seek
particular gifts, however, one's motive must be for the building up of the church, not for
self gratification. "...since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the
edification of the church that you seek to excel" (1 Cor. 14:12). There is a difference between spiritual gifts and fruit. Gifts are
the Spirit's manifestation through a vessel, but fruit is the offspring of one's spiritual
character. Spirituality cannot be measured by gifts, but by fruit (Gal. 5:22-24). Love is
the predominate feature of spirituality (1 Cor. 13:13), without which, charismatic gifts
cannot function effectively (1 Cor. 13:1-2). Paul expressed that the church should have a
desire for spiritual gifts, but it should follow the foremost pursuit of love.
"Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts," (1 Cor. 14:1). Churches who allow such gifts to operate within their services are
sometimes criticized for promoting confusion or mayhem. Without doubt, the service where
these gifts function will take on a less structured, more spontaneous environment that may
seem peculiar to some. But in 1 Corinthians 14, the Apostle Paul established specific
guidelines for their use so to remove the potential for confusion and disorder. Rather
than banishing the operation of these gifts entirely as some churches have done, they
should seek to understand and implement the order Paul instituted. Concerned that churches
might "throw the baby out with the bath water," the Apostle addressed this issue
with his closing words of that chapter: "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to
prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in
order" (1 Cor. 14:39-40). Generally speaking, the various gifts to the church have several
beneficial effects: (1) They manifest Christ's body on the earth (1 Cor. 12:12-14,27), (2)
They assist in world evangelization (Mark 16:15-18), (3) They demonstrate God's power and
bring Him glory (1 Cor. 2:4-5, 1 Cor. 12:7), (4) They edify the church (1 Cor.
14:3,12,26), (5) They provide ministry help and deliverance of God's people (Rom. 12:6-8),
and (6) They contribute toward the maturing and equipping of the church (Eph. 4:11-14). ¹ Refutation and Overthrow of False Doctrine This article is copyrighted © by Dale A. Robbins, 1995, and is a publication of Victorious Publications, Grass Valley, CA 95949. Unless otherwise stated, all scripture references were taken from The New King James Bible, © Thomas Nelson Inc., 1982.You may download for personal use as long as you retain credit to the author. Obtain permission before reproducing copies for any reason, by filling out our simple permission form. For media reproduction rights, or to obtain published quantities of this title, . |
 |
|
If you liked this article, you’ll really love the whole book! |