All I Have for Him (Purpose of My Spiritual Gift/s)

In Ephesians 4:11-14 we find the purpose of spiritual gifts,

…He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.

There are biblical reasons God chose to save us and give us spiritual gifts. One reason is to demonstrate the unity of the faith. What is meant by “…the unity of the faith…”? The faith is that body of doctrine laid out by the Apostles and Prophets written down in the Scriptures. Therefore, spiritual gifts when used properly will promote unity and conformity to this body of doctrine. This is one of God's intentions for His church. However, one should beware that there are those who claim special gifts, and claim unity but do not hold to “...the faith which was once delivered unto the saints…” (Jude 3).

There are many groups that think that because they are in the same room speaking gibber jabber that they have reached unity. This is true they have attained unity, but not biblical unity. Their unity is not grounded in “the faith”. They may be unified in emotional experience and outburst, but not by means of biblical teaching! This could also be said of those who feel that love, unity, and salvation can be achieved through an aggressive social program.

In his book, Pilgrimage from Rome; Bartholomew F. Brewer unites these thoughts. He writes, “The teaching that the Holy Spirit dispels doctrinal differences between Protestants and Catholics, or Mormons and Methodists, or Christian Scientists and Baptists, is simply contrary to Scripture. It is like saying that the Holy Spirit bridges the gap between false teachings and Scripture.” (p. 111) And elsewhere in his book he notes, “The Roman Catholic Church and some Protestant denominations, especially those in the World Council of Churches, have found the charismatic movement well suited to their needs for promoting a worldwide super-church. The “one brotherhood of love” sounds very reasonable and even holy. But the unity of churches that dissent from the Bible cannot be approved by God.” (p. 114)

Another reason we have spirituals gifts is so that we may come to a better and better knowledge of the Son of God.

“…this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

”…we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1John 5:20)

I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” (John 14:16-17)

A third reason we have spirituals gifts is so that we will grow in our maturity in Christ.

Eph. 4:13; James 1:4; Phil. 3: 15; 1Cor. 14:20; Heb. 6:1; Col. 4:12; Heb. 5:14

How are you using the gift/s God gave you?