- Dennis Kronk
Which gifts are for today and what are their practical uses?
The five gifts mentioned in Eph 4:11 are gifts of men who are given to the church.
APOSTLE
This was an exclusive gift only given to 13 men who saw the Lord personally and received their instructions from Him. There is no scriptural basis for apostolic succession today, or for someone to have this position, even though some men may demonstrate some of the qualities.
PROPHET
As God’s plan and mind have been fully revealed in His Word the original primary function of prophet has ceased to be necessary today. However, a prophet may be found in one who fearlessly proclaims and tells forth God’s Word without compromise and in the face of all opposition. Would usually be a teacher also.
EVANGELIST
Proclaims the gospel powerfully and simply with love for a lost world.
PASTOR
One who loves to help counsel and nurture those who are discouraged, weak, faint- hearted and spiritually troubled.
TEACHER
Expounds the Word of God simply and authoritatively yet practically so that the christian is built up and encouraged to live and obey the truths of God.
The following gifts are from Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12.
MERCY
A good sympathiser who feels for other’s problems and comes along side to comfort them joyfully.
EXHORTATION
Encourages, challenges, reproves for spiritual growth.
SERVING
One who tirelessly puts others first and promotes them without looking for thanks.
ADMINISTRATION
Good organiser, manager, balanced, fair and wise.
HELPS
Always available, a good back-up person, willing worker, willing to always take the second place.
DISCERNMENT
Has a comprehensive knowledge of God’s Word. Can see past superficial problems to solutions. Recognises God’s work against Satan’s quickly. Spirit filled.
WISDOM
Can make difficult decisions and solve problems to bring spiritual enlightenment, conviction and growth.
KNOWLEDGE
Vanished away when the New Testament was completed in about AD100 (I Cor. 14: 8)
LEADERSHIP
People readily follow this person’s example and ministry confidently. Diligent, strong in the Lord, full of faith.
FAITH
One who believes God can do the impossible, never doubts, presses on confidently trusting God.
HOSPITALITY
Others love to be around these people, they invite others to their home regularly and make people loved, wanted and cared for.
HEALING
The gift where hands were laid on a person and they were immediately healed regardless of circumstances ceased with the Apostle’s era.
God does heal people today, sometimes through constant prayer, sometimes immediately through the faith of one or two others praying, but always because God gives the gift of healing to the sick person, that He may be glorified. Sometimes God says “My grace is sufficient for you”, another time, “My strength is made perfect in weakness”.
TONGUES
This gift ceased about AD 65 and has fulfilled its purpose. It was simply the ability to speak other known languages without learning them. This fulfilled two purposes; firstly to spread the gospel quickly but mainly as a sign to Israel.
As God turned to the gentiles from about AD 65 onwards we find no further mention of tongues in scripture.
There may be other gifts, such as GIVING, INTERCESSION, MISSIONARY, and MUSIC which are self explanatory. Some may not call music a gift but simply the talent whereby other gifts can be exercised. Some may prefer to call Missionary a calling. But one criteria is clear. All gifts are for the edification of the church and are not for personal benefit, nor even limited to a local assembly.
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