Scripture: 1 Cor 12:4-11
FCBC believes that spiritual gifts is a fundamental truth of the church and has been added into the curriculum for the Encounter weekend. Examples of spiritual gifts include words of wisdom, knowledge, healing, prophecy, interpretation, etc. But the main thing to know is not about the type of gifts we have but to know what they really are...
3 things for us to better appreciate spiritual gifts:
1. They are gifts of grace
Gifts are something given willingly without expecting returns. Thus, spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit. It is not something that we did, we do not deserve it. The Holy Spirit distribute the gifts just as he determined - it is not because we are better but the gift is given free so that we can bless others. One example is Samson - he is not a good man but he was blessed by God to glorify God.
2. They are tools for tasks
We are given these gifts to help us to accomplish something for the common good - the Great Commission, the make disciples of all nations, etc. Jesus used his gifts to proclaim the good news, to set prisoners free.
Spiritual gifts are not medals of honor, neither are they for trophies for showing off - they are tools for service. And God will provide the right tools for that service to bless his people. Jesus did everthing - he healed, he preached, he prayed, he cast out demons - and he said whatever he did, we will do also.
3. They are disciplines to be developed
To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit, but is up to the individual to accept and receive the gifts. We need to be eager to do things for God, and we continue to serve and train for it.
We have to fan into flame the gift of God by practice. FCBC will continue to develop gifts of knowledge, the gifts of healing...the more we use a tool, the more proficient we become at using it.
If we want to do missions, we must be equipped with spiritual gifts in order to complete the tasks. God will give this to us to help us. Our response is not give me spiritual gifts but to ask God to "use us".