“There are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit. There are differences of ministry, but the same Lord.” 1 Cor. 12: 4-5
The Bible contains several instances of spiritual gifts. Everyone should experience the “fruits of the spirit” that St. Paul’s letters contain: Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. However, in contrast, spiritual gifts are specifically given at God’s discretion. These gifts are: Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment, Speaking in Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Fivefold Ministry, Service, Exhortation, Giving, Leading, Mercy.
When thinking about spiritual gifts, it is important to remember that gifts are given at God’s discretion. We are made in His image, and are encouraged to seek out opportunities to aid, engage with, and support each other with the gifts we’re given. But that doesn’t mean we can’t ask for more. We’re encouraged to seek His help, wisdom, and blessings in all things. He’s waiting to give us more than we could ever need, all we have to do is seek his will.
Charismatic Christianity can be a complicated topic, but we’ve compiled a few resources from several spiritual leaders to discuss these three gifts: Prophesy, Tongues, and Discernment. Hear from Danny Silk, John Bevere, and Kris Vallotton as they dive into the fruit of the holy spirit and how we can discover and harness our spiritual gifts.
It is important to remember that love must be at the heart of practicing these gifts. Without love, these gifts are not inspired by the spirit. God has given us these abilities to build up one another and improve the world around us. But it must be done through love, and not for personal gain or punishment. Just as we were made for miracles and spiritual gifts, we were made to love.
THIS WEEK’S RESOURCE: Youtube Playlist
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What do you see in the scripture on this topic? What is the testimony of the bible with respect to the supernatural manifesting through believers (apart from Jesus) in both the old and new testaments? Is this a topic that you’ve researched?
- Scripture aside, what has your personal experience been with the “gifts of the spirit”? Has that been positive? Negative? Have you seen such things bless your life? Harm you? Both?
- What about Paul’s exhortation to actively seek the gifts? How does that idea sit with you and how have you adopted this idea?
- If you could ask God for just one of the miraculous gifts in your life, what would it be? … Maybe now would be a good time…
- Where have you ever seen the gifts abused, either by others or perhaps by yourself? How could we all operate in these gifts in a way that demonstrates God’s deep compassion and love, as well as our own?
EXPLORING DEEPER:
The 4th video of this topic, which explores the counter-argument of speaking in tongues, based on this YouTuber’s negative experience of charismatic teaching within the church.
When Heaven Invades Earth by Bill Johnson
The Veil by Blake Healy