Today, my thoughts go to The Offices of the Five-fold Ministries, found in the Church as stated in Ephesians 4:11-12 AMP and TLB Bible translations:
(1) Some of us have been given special ability as APOSTLES – (special messengers);
(2) To others, he has given the gift of being able to preach well, PROPHETS (inspired preachers / expounders);
(3) Some have special ability in winning people to Christ, EVANGELISTS (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), helping them to trust him as their Savior;
(4) Still, others have a gift for caring for God’s people as PASTORS (shepherds of His flock) leading (pastoral guidance); and. (5) TEACHERS, teaching them in the ways of God. His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), that they should do the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church), to a position of strength and maturity.
Here is a list of other gifts found in the Church: These gifting’s may correlate with our own natural God-given abilities and talents. God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, will enhance our natural abilities for the use in His Kingdom, for strengthening, encouraging, and building up the body of Christ.
Helping (1 Cor. 12:28)
Administration (1 Cor. 12:27-28; Acts 6:2-3)
Ministry/service (Eph. 4:11-12, 12:7; 2 Tim. 1:16-18)
Encouragement (Rom. 12:8; Heb. 10:24-25)
Giving (Rom. 12:8; 1 Cor. 13:3; Acts 4:32-35)
Leadership (Rom. 12:8; Acts 13:12)
Mercy (Rom. 12:8; Luke 5:12-13)
Grace (Rom. 12:6; Eph. 3:7; 4:7; 1 Pet. 4:10-11)
Intercession (Rom. 8:26-27)
Hospitality (1 Pet. 4:9)
Celibacy (1 Cor. 7:8)
Below are several passages which will show the purpose of these spiritual gifts to be effective in the Body of Christ: 1 Corinthians 12:7, Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (NIV). Ephesians 4:12, Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ (NLT). 1 Peter 4:10-11, As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor]. Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it) (AMP).
When properly exercised, spiritual gifts will contribute to the overall health and growth of the church, the people as stated in Ephesians 4:16, which is written in the context of spiritual gifting: From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (NIV).
We as believers will be strengthened, encouraged, and equipped for all that God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit has in store for us. As a believer, these spiritual gifts are for you. Let’s look into more Bible scriptures on this topic. These gifts are available and given to believers within the church, the body of Christ. Apostle Paul has written extensively on this subject which, we must not, cannot, overlook in the Word of God. If we are to see the body of Christ / the church grow and be productive in the growth of the kingdom of God than it is of the utmost importance not to overlook these spiritual gifts/ tools given by God and distributed by the Holy Spirit.
As I ponder over the various translations and scriptures for the meaning and purpose of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as stated in 1 Corinthians Chapter. 12; I have come to the conclusion that it was and is God’s plan to have a continual relationship with mankind. These gifts are available to the believer and will help bring us into a closer relationship with God for the purpose of building up the body of Christ,
(the Christians) the church. These gifts flowing from God and distributing from the Holy Spirit are not given to you to hoard for yourself but are to be used and to strengthen others in the faith. The same Greek word for strength in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12 is the same word used in 1 Thess. 3:2, where Paul says spiritual gifts are for strengthening (encouraging) others in the faith.
It is clear that the gifts were given by God, distributed and administered through the Holy Spirit, and is an ability given to express our faith that of strengthening and encouraging those spiritually in the faith. Again, l let me state that the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit cannot be and are not expressed as with natural abilities. These gifts were called “extraordinary Spiritual Gifts” for a reason.
Another way of looking at these “Special Gifts”, they are strictly manifested to help others that are relying on God, to rely on God and if not used for this purpose, than these gifts are in the natural and not in the spiritual. Are you ready, hungry, and desiring to be filled with, with this power from on high? Are you ready to open your mind, spirit, and emotions to the will of God? Are you willing to say not my will, but yours God?
It is through a willing mind and open heart through faith that anyone can be saved; likewise, it is through a willing mind and opened heart through faith that we receive anything from God. Are you willing to receive from God? If the answer is yes, begin to open your heart, yield, and surrender to God and the Holy Spirit. Desire to be filled with all that God and the Holy Spirit have for you. As a believer, these spiritual gifts are for you, now, today.
In conclusion, I would like to say; I Thank God for these spiritual (extraordinary) Gifts of the Holy Spirit, flowing from His Spirit, aiming to benefit all believers, going from faith to faith. Be encouraged, believers, God’s love goes beyond our own understanding.
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