The Source, Purpose and Nature of Spiritual Gifts

The Practice of Spiritual Gifts

in the Local Church (3)

I. The Test of Authenticity: The Reality of Counterfeit Spiritual Gifts (12:1-3)

A. The Matter at Hand: Spirituality and Spiritual Gifts (12:1)

B. The Reality of Counterfeits (12:2)

C. The Test of Authenticity (12:3)

II. The Overview: The Source, Purpose, and Nature of Spiritual Gifts (12:4-11)

A. The Source, Purpose, and Nature of Spiritual Gifts (12:4-7)

1. The Source of the Gifts (12:4)

a. Some Implications of This Statement

b. The Meaning of This Statement

1) The Gifts (12:4a)

● varieties- apportionment or division; allotment

● gift (charisma)- favor bestowed, a free gift, a gift graciously given

2) The Spirit (12:4b)

2. The Purpose of the Gifts (12:5)

a. The Differences Between the Statements

b. The Meaning of This Statement

● ministries- service, religious service

3. The Accomplishment of the Gifts (12:6)

● effects an action- accomplished, a work done

4. The Summary (12:7)

A Talent:

A human ability developed, learned, or acquired either consciously or unconsciously through one’s physical and mental maturation and interaction with others, whose results are explicable through human categories.

A Gift:

The result of the work of the Holy Spirit at the time of regeneration and is a special ability graciously granted to the believer in a particular area of encouragement to the church.