Spiritual Gifts

Part One
Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-27; Galatians 3:26-29; Philippians 2:1-11 and 1 Peter 4:10. Answer the following statements True or False by circling your belief. Then check your answer with the Scripture reference.

True False 1. Every Christian is given at least one gift and possibly more.
(See 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 4: 10.)

True False 2. Women are equally gifted with men in the Body of Christ.
(See I Corinthians 12:7; Galatians 3:26-29.)

True False 3. All Christians have a general calling on their lives to be servants.
(See Matthew 20:26; Philippians 2:1-11.)

True False 4. Every Christian has a specific ministry of serving in the Body of Christ by using the gift God has given him or her.
(See 1 Corinthians 12:21-27.)

Part Two
The Greek word for spiritual gift is charisma, which comes from charts that means "grace."
Write your own definition of a spiritual gift:

Dr. Wagner's definition is: 'A spiritual gift is a special attribute given by the Holy Spirit to every member of the Body of Christ, according to God's grace, for use within the context of the Body.'

1. Underline what you agree with in this definition.
2. Cross out what you disagree with in this definition.


Part Three
At times, discovering and using spiritual gifts can be counterproductive. According to Dr. Wagner, these pitfalls need to be avoided:

A. Confusion-Teaching Christians to discover spiritual gifts they received at conversion has, in fact, caused many people-even mature believers-to become confused.

B. Rationalisation-Some people tend to fix their attentions on a supposed gift and use it as a rationalisation for not fulfilling other biblical responsibilities. For example, some might say they have the gift of pastoring, but not teaching. Or others might say they do not have the gift of evangelism because they feel uncomfortable sharing Christ.

C. Self-deception-Some people think they have a spiritual gift when they really don't.

What can the Body of Christ do to avoid these pitfalls? Give a brief answer.

List three benefits received from spiritual gifts.

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