Page 73 - BMIN191 Beginnning Internship

The Nature of Ministry 73

what He has spoken. The gift of faith is not to be confused with powerful
personality or positive thinking. It is the supernatural revelation of God’s plan to
bring His will.
Gifts of miracles involve the interruption of the natural order of things for a
demonstration of God’s power. The Bible is replete with such moments, in both
testaments, and they are to be considered evidence of God’s power and love.
Those whom God uses to bring such gifts should be careful to remember that
God does not share His glory with anyone. All attention must be focused on God
who has brought the miracle.
The definition of gifts of healing is self-evident. When an individual
experiences healing, particularly from physical defect, we see this gift at work.
Jesus healed all kinds of diseases as demonstration of the Kingdom He was
bringing. God, by His Spirit, steps into such moments of need through the use of
individuals and the distribution of this unique gift.

21 Why is pride such a risk As with each of the spiritual gifts, one must not think one possesses the gift
for those God uses in these even when one has been used to demonstrate it. The gifts are resident in the Holy
three gifts? Spirit, and He distributes them as they are needed.

Gifts of Prophecy, Tongues, and Interpretation
The third group of gifts (1 Corinthians 12, 14) is expressed in the gathering
of the congregation for the uplifting of the body. Gifts of prophecy, tongues, and
interpretation provide spiritual communication to guide the Body in worship or
give direction to the expressions of faith.
The gift of tongues is often misunderstood. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul provides
the primary source of teaching concerning this gift. This passage includes
instruction about the use of tongues and interpretation in the assembly of
believers, as well as information about the use of tongues in private prayer.
Because speaking in tongues publicly was being abused in Corinth, Paul
set guidelines for the use of tongues and interpretation. In the assembly of the
believers, only two or three should speak out publicly in tongues and only if the
message in tongues is accompanied by an interpretation.
22 How does prophecy In private prayer, tongues are said to edify the believer (1 Corinthians 14:4).
differ from tongues and The believer is speaking mysteries to God (1 Corinthians 14:2). In this context
interpretation? Paul encourages believers to speak in tongues as part of their personal prayer life.
Paul encourages speaking in tongues in personal prayer and insists he exercises
this gift more than they. But when the church has gathered, prophecy is the more
desired gift as it is edifying for more than just the speaker; it edifies the church.
Prophecy is an inspired message from God that brings exhortation, edification, or
comfort. So prophecy serves the important purpose of building up the church.
Gifts in Operation
Nestled between the listing of these gifts and the instructions for their use is
1 Corinthians 13, most commonly referred to as the love chapter. Paul’s great
dissertation on love is actually intended as an explanation of how those who are
used in the gifts of the Spirit should use them.
First Corinthians 13 indicates that love is superior to spiritual gifting.
Throughout this great chapter, Paul challenges those who would build themselves
up because of their demonstration of gifts, but then fail to love the local body. Love
does not boast and does not seek its own. John later provides counsel that it is by
our love that we reveal the true nature of our spirits. Without love, we are nothing.