Part 2: Understanding Spiritual Gifts

Here are some definitions of spiritual gifts given by some theologians; I offer my own up too.

1. A gift enabling the Christian to perform his [or her] service in the church (1Cor. 7:7); a special gift enabling a Christian to perform a particular ministry in the church (e.g., 12:28 ff.) James G. S. S. Thomson, B.D. Ph.D. Bakers Dictionary of Theology p. 497

2. A God-given ability for service. Charles C. Ryrie, A.B., Th.M., Th.D., Ph.D. The Holy Spirit p. 83

3. An instantaneous enablement by God in the power of the Holy Spirit to do or say something beyond one’s natural ability in order to fulfill a specific purpose of God in the time-frame in which God permits it. Spiros Zodhiates, Th. D. Hebrew Greek Key Study Bible p. 1402 (or see his notes on 1Cor. 12 1-11 in the same)

4. A permanent God given enduement of power appointed to every believer to fulfill His purposes in service to the building up of the local church for the glory of God and benefit of others. (Mine)
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Spiritual gifts should not be confused with:

1. Natural Talent, we are not speaking of a piano player, surgeon, or a golfer.

2. A Place of Service in the Church, such as Pastor/Elder, or Deacon Superintendent, Sunday school Teacher, Usher, Greeter, etc.

3. A Nationality, not a ministry to Jewish, Gentile, Arab, Oriental, cross-cultural ministries, and so on.

4. A Geographical Location, not a calling to Hawaii, or the French Caribbean.

5. An Age Group, such as a youth worker etc. Have you ever heard of anyone called to an old person’s ministry?

Note: After asking this question, in a rhetorical manner in my ABF one student reminded me that we have a wonderful pastor who was called and is still serving in this vital capacity.

A further note: “Pastor V” Charles Vermilyea has recently gone home to be with our Lord (10-10-23 ~ 6-5-06).

6. The Fruit of the Spirit, one should bare in mind that Jesus said, “...for the tree is known by his fruit.” (Matt. 12:33) He did not say, “…for the tree is known by his gift.” Sometimes gifts are over emphasized rather than the Giver and rather than the fruit of the Spirit. Christians would do well to cultivate spiritual fruit, and let the spiritual gifts develop as they grow in grace and in an understanding of the fruit of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 5:9; and context of each), but that topic is reserved for a different study which I highly recommend. (An informative and challenging read on this topic is Cultivating Spiritual Fruit, by Dr. Robert Gage RBP)

In conclusion to understanding the meaning of spiritual gifts, from this post and the previous post, we have seen from Bible references listed that there are, in God’s program “spiritual gifts”. Further we have done some etymology (the Study of origins and development of words) using classic sources and still (in my estimation) the best available on the words used in Scripture. We also have provided some quotes from respected Theologians who have helped to define for us what spiritual gifts are. We then have clarified what spiritual gifts are not. One should now be equipped to make a working definition of spiritual gifts, or feel free to use mine.

How would you define spiritual gifts if one asked you to give an answer? Has this study helped you to understand the meaning of spiritual gifts?