Stir Up Your Gift!

I am glad to have you here ! I believe the church today is weak. One of the reasons for that is a lack of knowledge. Today we will look at what God says about His gifts, why we have been given them and the fact that we should use them. Ask the Spirit to pour the revelation from this study into your heart and mind. Let it change you more into His image. Eric

"Not everyone is aware of the treasure within them enough to open up their package. Be mindful of your gifts today and remind others of the unique wealth within them." (Robert Ricciardelli).

"No tree, no plant, no weed, could be dispensed with, without injury to nature's perfectness; neither can any sort of gift or grace be lost to the church, without injury to her completeness." (C.H. Spurgeon).

The Scripture gives us clear instruction concerning the composition of the Body of Christ, the church. The Greek word for 'church' used in 1 Corinthians 12:28 is ekklesia. "In the New Testament, ekklesia is used to describe an assembly or a company of Christians in the following ways: 1). an assembly or a company of Christians and 2). a local church constituting a company of Christians gathering for worship, sharing and teaching." (Word Wealth NSFLB).

We read in Romans 12:4-6a, "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." Not all the members have the same function. 'Function," praxis means: deed action, work or responsibility. In the church, we are to have Spirit-allotted ministry roles rather than self-asserted ambitions. "The Spirit distributes diverse 'functions' so that the body builds itself up in love. Deeds birthed by faith and Spirit-enabled will manifest life, witness and reward." (Bible Hub Study Bible).

1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 18-20 and 27 reads, "12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body--whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. ... 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. ... 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." Let's reread verses 18,19 and 20, "But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body." It is important for us to realize that every part (every member) of the Body of Christ is important, has a function and has been placed in that body by God to fulfill His purpose.

The apostle Paul addresses the topic of 'spiritual gifts' given by the Holy Spirit to believers in 1 Corinthians 12 verses 1, 4-ll and 28-31, "Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. ... 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. ... 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way." Note that Paul informs the believers, members of the church, that he does not want them to be uninformed (ignorant, unaware, or not understanding) that the Spirit gives spiritual gifts! Why? Gifts are given by the Lord for distinct purposes and "a lack of knowledge or misunderstanding could lead to misuse or neglect of these gifts." (Bible Hub Study Bible). The phrase 'spiritual gifts' pneumatikos means: not carnal, or supernatural, of a spirit or regenerate. There are a variety of distinct gifts, services (or ministries) i.e. aid in waiting tables and working (effects) that range from either the miraculous or to the seemingly ordinary. All of the equipping for the gifts, services and workings come from God in a manifestation of the Spirit. The gifts are for the common good, to build up the body of Christ, are always governed by love and are for His glory!

Note also that the distribution of these gifts is made as an act rooted in the will of the Giver. It is an example of Divine Sovereignty. God determines the timing and the proportions of the gift.

The first spiritual gift mentioned is in verse 8 - 'a message of wisdom.' This gift emphasizes divine insight and understanding beyond human capability. Wisdom if the ability to apply knowledge in a godly manner. The gift of faith (v9) here is not saving faith, it is a divinely enabled response or a special endowment of faith that enables a believer to trust God for extraordinary things, such as believing for a miracle. Also listed in verse 9 is 'gifts' of healing (iaomai) meaning cure, remedy - an operation of grace or endowments from the Holy Spirit. Verse 10 describes the gift 'working of miracles' which are supernatural acts that go beyond natural laws. This gift demonstrates God's power. Also in verse 10, we see the gift of prophecy, which is the receiving and communicating a message from God - for edification, encouragement and consolation. Discernment allows believers to distinguish between godly, human or demonic influences. This is a crucial gift for maintaining doctrinal purity and protecting the church from false teaching. The other two spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 are 'speaking in tongues (an unlearned language) a sign for unbelievers and personal edification and 'interpretation of tongues' which is the ability to understand and convey messages spoken in tongues. Interpretation of tongues is necessary for maintaining order and clarity in worship. Verse 28 adds gifts of 'helping' and 'guidance.'

In each verse which describes these spiritual gift are the phrase - "to one there is given" or "to another' which leads us to verse 11, "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as He determines.

Ephesians 4:11-16 reveals that God also gives ministry gifts. The ministry gifts, which are Spirit appointed include: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. All are given to equip His people for works of service. Most notable for our study today is that the equipping (preparing, furnishing) is for every believer!

In addition, we have references to what I will call 'natural giftings.' We see examples of these in the Old Testament. Certain men were set apart to prophesy and be musicians for the music of the temple of the Lord. (1 Chronicles 25: 1-6). Two, Bezalel and Aholiab were given the ability to teach others. We also read in Exodus 31, 35 and 38 that special giftings were given to artisans, craftsmen and weavers so they could prepare furnishings for the temple.

At times, an anointed leader will recognize a gift in us and with the laying on of hands, will impart an anointing and send us forth to operate in that gift.

As believers, God has given each one of us gifts according to His desire. He knows which gifts we will need to accomplish the plan and purpose He has for our life. (Jeremiah 29:11). Again, all of the gifts we have were given to us by God's Spirit. Likewise, we should use all of the gifts He has given us for His kingdom.

One of my best friends, was gifted with construction skills. He used those gifts to do a total renovation of our church building, helped build churches in Africa and provided work for elderly widows who needed help.

Our sons and daughter-in-law have been gifted as musicians and a vocalist and use their gifts in being a part of their worship teams at their churches.

Here is one of the most important take aways from today's teaching. 'Every' believer has been given a gift or gifts, through the Holy Spirit. Over and over again - we see that the Spirit gave to 'each one' or every part of the Body of Christ.

Some have a difficult time recognizing their gifts. I would encourage you to think about what talents and abilities you have and realize that the Holy Spirit bestowed those talents and abilities upon you. He created you in your mother's womb and called your forth at His appointed time, for His purpose!

If you communicate well and enjoy talking with others, involve yourself in friendship evangelism, share Jesus with them. If you love to cook or bake - use that gift to bless others. If you enjoy cleaning, help others who may not be able to clean their house. If you have mechanical skills, assist those who may be lacking in them. If you have a talent for 'fixing' broken things, help others who do not have that talent.

Our sons are different as night and day. Our oldest is more introverted while our younger is very out going. The Lord created each of them uniquely in their mother's womb and those differences help them accomplish the plans He has for their lives.

When a woman poured perfume over Jesus' head when He was at the house of Simon the leper, Jesus responded to the rebukes and criticism that arose from those present, by saying, "She has done a beautiful thing to me...she has done what she could." Is that possibly a word for you today? It can be enough to "do what you could."

In 2 Timothy 1:5 (NKJV) Paul spoke these words to Timothy, "I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands." 'Stir up' means fan the flame or to rekindle. "A gift left unattended or not used will decline to a smolder and needs revived. The gift is still there but needs fanned or stirred to a flame once again." (Bible Hub Topical Lexicon).

Paul also encouraged Timothy to 'not neglect your gift.' (1 Timothy 4:14.) The Greek word for 'neglect" ameko means: "be careless of, disregard, make light of, without concern, something viewed as being without significance or perceived value." (HELPS Word-studies). All the gifts we receive are from God, they are all significant and valuable. "The purposes of God need to be thoroughly fastened in our heart and mind, and we must give our time and attention to them." (Bible Hub Study Bible).

"A latent gift benefits no one. Unused gifts impoverish the body of Christ and violate the Giver's intent." (Bible Hub Topical Lexicon).

As humans, we can get caught up in the busyness of life and disregard our gifts. We have a tendency to forget or neglect spiritual gifts and responsibilities. We must keep in mind the purpose of the gifts - to edify or build up the church. You have a part in that. "The Spirit bestows the gifts for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:7).

The church in the United States has been weak. The Holy Spirit and His gifts have been neglected. Hosea 4:6 reveals, "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge." God Almighty is still a creative miracle working God. He does not change and His will is that His people enter into partnership with Him to accomplish His kingdom work. We are the Body of Christ and are to continue doing His work until the day we are called home. We can only accomplish His work through the use of HIs gifts. Apart from Him we are nothing and can do nothing.

How can we stir up the gifts He has given us?

We maintain a strong prayer life. We have disciplined study of the Word of God. We edify, build up and encourage others. We are accountable to God for what He has given us.

We need to keep in step with the Holy Spirit by following His leading and direction. We must choose to not quench, neglect or ignore the Spirit of God. We must also decide to not allow our spiritual life to grow cold, or worse, become lukewarm as the church in Laodicia did. (Revelation 3:15,16).

1 Corinthians 12:13 instructs us to 'Desire the gifts.'

Ask others, as Paul did, to pray that the Spirit will minister through you effectively. (Ephesians 6:19,20 and Colossians 4:3,4).

Ask yourself, "What can I do to serve Christ and others?"

Acknowledge the capabilities, abilities and mental faculty He has given you..

Consider and examine the gifts you have been given and use them!

Unless noted, all Scripture was taken from the New International Version.

NKJV New King James Version

NSFLB New Spirit Filled Life Bible