03/04/2024
The gifts found in the New Testament (NT) church, often referred to as "spiritual gifts," are diverse abilities and endowments bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon individuals for the purpose of building up the body of Christ (the Church). These gifts are primarily listed in three main passages: Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4, with additional gifts mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. Here's a list combining these sources:
1. Wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8) - The ability to understand and apply biblical and spiritual knowledge to complex situations in a godly manner. This is spiritual knowledge, which is illuminated information (at times).
2. Knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8) - The gift of having a deep understanding of biblical truth and God's will, which can be shared with others for teaching and edification.
3. Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9) - Exceptional trust in God's promises, power, and presence, often manifested through prayer and reliance on God in difficult circumstances.
4. Healing (1 Corinthians 12:9, 28) - The miraculous ability to restore health without medical means.
5. Miracles (1 Corinthians 12:10, 28) - Performing supernatural acts demonstrating God's power.
6. Prophecy (Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28) - Proclaiming messages from God, often for the purpose of edification, encouragement, and warning.
7. Discernment/Distinguishing between spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10) - The ability to discern the spirit of truth and the spirit of error or to recognize the true source of a spiritual manifestation.
8. Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10, 28) - The ability to speak in languages the speaker has not learned, especially as a sign for unbelievers or for prayer and praise.
9. Interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10) - The ability to understand and interpret messages spoken in tongues.
10. Apostleship (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28) - Being sent to new territories with the gospel, establishing churches, and laying the foundation of the Christian faith.
11. Teaching (Romans 12:7; Ephesians 4:11) - Explaining and applying God's truth so others can learn and grow in their faith.
12. Helps (1 Corinthians 12:28) - Assisting in the needs of the church and its members, often behind the scenes, to support other ministries.
13. Administration (1 Corinthians 12:28) - Organising, directing, and implementing plans to lead others and manage the church's affairs effectively.
14. Evangelism (Ephesians 4:11) - Sharing the gospel with non-believers in a way that they come to accept Jesus as their Savior.
15. Pastor/Shepherd (Ephesians 4:11) - Caring for the spiritual welfare of a community of believers, guiding, protecting, and nurturing them.
16. Service/Ministry (Romans 12:7) - Identifying the needs of others and meeting those needs through practical help.
17. Encouragement (Romans 12:8) - Offering comfort, counsel, and encouragement so others feel uplifted and hopeful.
18. Giving (Romans 12:8) - Sharing material resources generously and without ulterior motives, often beyond the norm of expectation.
19. Leadership (Romans 12:8) - Leading others with diligence and dedication, often with a vision for the direction and growth of the church.
20. Mercy (Romans 12:8) - Demonstrating deep empathy and compassion for the suffering and needy, often involving personal action to relieve their distress.
21. Hospitality (1 Peter 4:9-10) - Welcoming and caring for those needing food, accommodation, and fellowship, often strangers or those without a home.
These gifts are given not for personal fulfilment or pride but for serving one another and glorifying God. The diversity of gifts reflects the diversity within the body of Christ, with each member contributing their unique abilities for the common good.
