Spiritual Gifts Lesson 2
Simple Definitions for Spiritual Gifts
In this handout we will give short explanations as best we can for the spiritual gifts found on the handout entitled List of Spiritual Gifts. We will not discuss the sign gifts on this handout these will be discussed in a separate lesson.
1) Apostles
- Some question whether this gift is still available for us today. When the eleven picked a replacement for Judas, they said the replacement had to have seen the resurrected Christ and been in there company prior (Acts 1:21-22)
- Paul called himself an Apostle and he had seen the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus. There were others also called apostles that were with Paul and we are not sure if these had the 2 requirements from Acts.
- If this gift is still available today it seems that it would be connected with someone like a missionary who is called out to go to a specific culture or people.
- Either way the sign gifts that accompanied the apostles are no longer available as we will show in a later lesson.
2) Prophets
- There is also question in regards to this gift being available today. We know the word of God is complete and that there is no new revelation coming. So if the gift is available today then it would be someone who use the word of God to tell others what is coming in the future, especially warning people about sin and its judgment.
- Some characteristics would be love without hypocrisy, a life of walking closely with God and being in tune with God’s word.
- The gift of prophesy would be connected here. It would connected with showing things from the word of God.
3) Evangelists
- Many today have given this gift a bad name. In scripture we see Philip called and evangelist (Acts 21:8). He was the first person we see preach the gospel to a Gentile (Acts 8:26-40).
- Timothy is told to do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5). It seem this gift is connected with someone who preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ and is able to show sinners their sin, need of Savior and coming judgment if they refuse Jesus Christ.
- Some characteristics would be physical stamina for traveling, being able to preach night after night, and willing to spend many days far from home.
4) Pastors
- Pastors are also called shepherds of the flock and bishop, or overseer in the word of God. Some scripture for these are 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:17-28.
- A Pastor must feed, care for, protect, lead, and be an example to the flock. His qualifications are given in 1 Timothy 3.
- Some characteristics would be able to exercise leadership, not compromise on God’s word, gracious in attitude, live a godly life and must be able to teach.
5) Teachers
- The gift is connected with being able to teach the word of God in a clear and simple way in order for others to understand.
- Some characteristics would be diligently in study, fervent in spirit, and someone who will work for the God and not man.
- The gift of teaching will be the same as we see here.
6) Ministry
- This gift is connected with the ability to minister to the spiritual needs of others by the word of God.
- A difference between this gift and the gift of helps can be seen in Acts 6:2-4.
- Some characteristics would be compassion, genuine affection for others, and be willing to work without the praise of man.
7) Exhortation
- This gift is connected with the ability to encourage, stimulate, console, and to prompt others to grow spiritually and live for God.
- Some characteristics would be the ability to see hope in and for others, be patient with slow or no progress, and be persistent in prayer.
8) Giving
- This gift is connected with having the motivation to gain assets and share them with others in need and for the work of the Lord.
- Some characteristics would be a genuine interest in the needs of the saints and strangers, giving to their necessities according to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
9) Ruling and Governments
- This gift is connected with the ability of a person to organize, administer and lead activities of others in the accomplishment of a certain goal.
- Some characteristics would be diligent in directing the affairs of the church, able to take criticism, and capable of appointing others to authority.
10) Shewing Mercy
- This gift is connected with the ability of a person to relate, sympathize and console others during their sufferings and joys.
- Some characteristics would be being cheerful, uplifting, and willing to be ready to share the happiness and sorrows of others.
11) Wisdom
- This gift is the ability of a person to evaluate and use knowledge.
- Some characteristics would be having the fear of the Lord, and a humble and meek spirit.
12) Knowledge
- This gift is connected with the ability of a person to know things by revelation of the Holy Spirit especially in dealing with the word of God.
- Some characteristics would be having the fear of the Lord and a humble and meek spirit.
13) Faith
- This gift is connected with the ability of a person to believe God and expect things from God no matter what the circumstances of life are.
- Some characteristics would be being able to see what God can do and believe even when it seems impossible.
14) Helps
- This gift is connected with the ability to minister to the physical needs of others.
- Some characteristics would be compassion and affection for others.
15) Discerning of Spirits
- This gift is connected with the ability to judge between the Spirit of God and another spirit, whether it be the spirit of man or an evil spirit.
- Some characteristics would be having a sober mind, being filled with the Holy Spirit, sensitive to God’s voice, and able to keep what is discerned to yourself.