Spiritual gifts are unique abilities God places in every Christian that enable us to build up and encourage other believers in the church.

We’re mid-way through a series on the book of Romans. Luther in his preface to the epistle he says, “It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that [they] should occupy [themselves] with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul”.

Central theme is the ‘gospel’ of the kingdom – It is the power of God – at work – saving everyone who believes – it is the Good News – shows us how God makes us right in his sight – and how to live right.

It is the power of God not only at work at bringing us to faith, but the power of God that enables us to live by faith – victorious Christian life.

Central to this understanding is the person of the Holy Spirit.

We have already seen how the Person of the Holy Spirit:

Empowers us to have victory over sin
Lives at home in the believer
Leads a believer into an understanding of the will of God
Gives assurance of salvation
Helps us in our constant state of weakness
Praying according to the plan of God for our lives
We are secure in the Spirit

Baptism of the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5)

Most of us don’t think about power till we get a bill or it goes off and you’re searching for the candles. Or you’re at a dinner party and part of that annoying conversation where people are talking about the size of their rebate and how many kw system they have and what it’s pulling in.

Luke describes Jesus as “being filled with the Holy Spirit” (4:1) and as ministering “in the power of the Spirit” (4:14).

Jesus was demonstrating what would be true for every believer following in His name – being filled w HS and empowered by HS for service.

1. What is a spiritual gift – “God given abilities or capacities through which the Holy Spirit supernaturally ministers to the whole Body – a God given ability for service.” 

Not gender specific – cf gift of hospitality/mercy/leadership

Unique abilities God places in every Christian that enable us to build up and encourage other believers in the church. Not new…

OT – Exodus 31:1–5 (NLT) … I have specifically chosen Bezalel … ³ I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. ⁴ He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. ⁵ He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!

1 Corinthians 12:1 (NLT) ¹ Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this. [ignorant, unaware, uninformed] 1 Cor 12; Romans 12; Eph 4; 1 Peter 4

χάρισμα (charisma) used 16 times in Pauline writings once in 1 Peter 4:10.

Romans 1:11–12 (NLT) ¹¹ For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. ¹² When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

Spiritual gifts are for strengthening others in the faith
1 Thessalonians 3:2 (NLT) ² and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith,…

Spiritual gifts are demonstrations of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV) ⁷ To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good [the profit of all].