SPIRITUAL GIFTS DEFINED

Okay, we admit there is no one definitive list of spiritual gifts. Check out the spiritual gifts tests of a number of churches and organizations and you will find lists as short as seven and perhaps bigger than this one. While some lists are limited to those mentioned in one or two New Testament passages (that are obviously speaking about spiritual gifts), this list expands on those based on other traditional church recognized gifts. The primary scripture passage(s) that have been used to establish the existence of such a gift is also noted.

01 Administration - Romans 12:8b

A gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to understand the goals of a given segment of ministry and to direct that area effectively, helping to keeping the Church on course. Related to Leadership.

02 Helps & Serving - Romans 12:7a, Acts 6:2-4

A gift whereby the Spirit empowers certain Christians to willingly bear the burdens of other Christians and help them in such a way that they can do their tasks more effectively. Providing behind the scenes assistance to support the overall work.

03 Hospitality - 1 Peter 4:9-10, Romans 16:23, Romans 12:13

A gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to open their homes willingly and offer lodging, food, and fellowship cheerfully to other people.

04 Intercession - 1 Thessalonians 3:10-13 , 1 Timothy 2:1-2

A gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to pray for extended periods of time with great positive effect for the building of the Kingdom. "Prayer warriors."

05 Knowledge - 1 Corinthians 12:8, Ephesians 3:14-19

A gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to understand in an exceptional way the great truths of God's Word and to show them relevant to specific situations in the church.

06 Leadership - Hebrews 13:7, Romans 12:8b

A gift whereby the Spirit enables certain believers to motivate, direct and inspire God's people in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to do the Church's work effectively.

07 Mercy - Luke 10:30-37, Romans 12:8b

A gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to feel exceptional empathy and compassion for those who are suffering so that they devote large amounts of time and energy to alleviate it.

08 Prophetic / Prophet - 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 , 1 Corinthians 14:30-33 , 1 Corinthians 14:37-40

A gift whereby the Spirit empowers certain Christians to interpret and apply God's revelation in a given situation. Forth telling God's Word.

09 Shepherding / Pastor - 1 Peter 5:1-11, Ephesians 4:11

A gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to assume responsibility and guidance for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers. An elder of the church.

10 Teaching / Teacher - Ephesians 4:11, Hebrews 5:12-14, 2 Timothy 2:2,24

A gift whereby the Spirit enables particular Christians to communicate the truths of God's Word so that others can learn.

11 Wisdom - James 3:13-17, 2 Peter 3:15

A gift whereby the Spirit endows particular Christians with an understanding of God's Word, will, and work as it relates to the living of life. Individuals who have good and impartial judgment.

12 Church Planter / Apostle - Acts 14:21-23,

A gift whereby the Spirit appoints certain Christians to lead, organize, inspire and develop the churches of God by the proclamation and the teaching of true doctrine. Sometimes related to Missionary.

13 Healing - James 5:13-16 , Luke 9:1-2, 1 Corinthians 12:9

A gift whereby the Spirit employs certain Christians to restore health to the sick through prayer and by God's power.

14 Missionary - See 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

A gift given to certain members of the body of Christ (local church) to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a second culture or second community. Sometimes related to Church Planter but often with Teacher or Evangelism.

15 Craftsmanship - Exodus 28:3-4

A gift whereby the Spirit endows certain Christians to use hands and minds to build up the Kingdom through artistic, creative means. Consider that the first person ever referred to as being Spirit filled, in Scriptures, was an artistic craftsman (Exodus 31:3-4).

16 Music & Creative Communication - Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:26, Matthew 13:34-35, Luke 18:1, Ezekiel 4:1-4

A gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to praise God through various forms of music and enhance the worship experience of believers. Others may utilize drama, dramatic stories, or other visuals.

17 Exhortation - Acts 11:23-24, Acts 14:21-22, 1 Timothy 5:1, Hebrews 13:22

A gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to stand beside fellow Christians in need and bring comfort, counsel, correction and encouragement. Motivator of others.

18 Discernment - Acts 5:3-6 , Acts 16:16-18, 1 Corinthians 2:14-15, Romans 12:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:21,1 Corinthians 12:10

A gift where an individual is enabled by the Spirit to know with assurance whether some behavior or teaching is of God or of Satan.

19 Evangelism / Evangelist - Ephesians 4:11, Acts 8:26-40, 2 Timothy 4:5

A gift whereby the Spirit enables particular Christians (with desire and ability) to share the Gospel to unbelievers in such a way that the unbeliever becomes a disciple of the Lord Jesus.

20 Faith - Hebrews Chapter 11

A gift whereby the Spirit provides certain Christians with extraordinary confidence in God's promises, power, and presence so that they can take extraordinary stands for God's work in the church.

21 Giving - 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

A gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to offer freely of their material blessings for the needs of ministry, or to people in need, all with exceptional willingness, cheerfulness and generosity.

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