Rooted was a blast!  At Rooted on March 15, 2010, we began with an awesome collection of dinner food.  Each member brought his or her own food.  I love pot-lucks for two reasons: you get to try what other people like, and it’s way cheaper going to a restaurant or ordering take-out.
After the amazing meal, we opened up our Bibles and studied about the topic of Spiritual Gifts.  The outline is contained below.  After studying the topic, Sara and I passed out a spiritual gifts test she got from Malone College.  It wasn’t perfect- but it was a thorough assessment.  We ran out of time, so I encouraged everyone to tak ertehir quiz home, and just have fun with it.  I wanted to have a list of ministries to pass out also- but the minsitry board was taken down as was the list someone left out for me.  So, as soon as I get that list, I’ll post it for everyone.  That way, everyone can see where they can use the gifts God has bestowed upon them.

A. There are three lists offered in scripture of spiritual gifts.

1. Romans 12:3-8

3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

2. 1st Corinthians 12:7-10

7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;10To 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:11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

3. Ephesians 4:10-12

10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

B. Gifts are not Talents, but Unique Ministry Tools
From these, we compile the following:
1. Though we may have many talents we are born with, or receive from our parents, there are gifts we receive from our heavenly father at the moment of our salvation that are separate.
2. We can use talents as we choose, but the gifts of the Holy Spirit are designed and given for the building of God’s kingdom.  In the scriptures above, we are commanded to use these gifts for His purpose.
3. Further reading in 1st Corinthians reinforces that God chooses which gifts are given to us.  We may choose a talent or a skill to hone, but it is up to God what gifts we will posses when we join his kingdom.

C. Tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit, but is widely misunderstood.
1. Tongues first occurred in Acts 2, where we see clearly that the gift of Tongues is spoken by the Holy Spirit, not by ourselves.  This gift was given to the Apostles to preach the Word of God to those who spoke different languages.  It is useful when delivered to those who need it, but useless in a church service where the Word of God is already understood.  That is why we do not consider Tongues a form of worship at New Hope.
2. Paul teaches an important lesson on Tongues in 1 Corinthians 14.

D. Gifts are given, not taken.
We learned that God chose what gifts to give us.  It is silly to desire a gift we were not given, and counter-productive to try and “learn” it.  It is more productive for us to find out what gift we were actually given, and then begin using it.

Regarding our Spiritual Gifts Test

The test from Malone is thorough.  So thorough in fact, that it even measures for gifts not mentioned in the scriptures* we studied (more about that below).  Please be mindful: do not treat this test as the final word on the matter.  This test can help us take a better look at ourselves.  But to be absolutely certain about your results, you should speak to your Pastor and your friends, and to God.  Especially our Pastor.  His spiritual gift is discernment, so likely he will know your results before you tell him.

*Note:
A few extra “gifts” have jumped into this test:
1. Craftsmanship (Building and Creating things)
2. Creative Communication (Dramas, Dance, Sign Language, Performances)
3. Hospitality
4. Intercession (Prayer Warrior)
In my opinion, the first two are talents.  The second two are responsibilities.  However, it can’t hurt to see if we are equipped also toward these acts of worship.  Just recognize they are not referred to as “gifts” directly by scripture.

Advertisement