~ What Are Spiritual Gifts? ~
Opening Comment ~ “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:16-18).
Background ~ It is important to define what a spiritual gift is. The Biblical term can easily be translated as Grace Gift – which is certainly true. Grace being something good which we do not deserve. That concept is found throughout Scripture. “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6a). “To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).
However, grace is a characteristic of all God’s gifts, not just Spiritual Gifts, including those in the recently completed ALN series on “God’s Gifts” and our Natural Abilities. For that reason, and for common understanding, we will stick with the term Spiritual Gifts in this series.
What Is A Spiritual Gift! ~ The easiest way to approach this is to contrast Natural Abilities and Spiritual Gifts.
1. Natural Abilities and Spiritual Gifts are both Grace Gifts given to us by God.
2. Natural Abilities are given to us at natural birth (conception).
3. Spiritual Gifts are given to us at the time of our spiritual birth (conversion).
4. Natural Abilities are possessed by all including natural (unregenerate) man.
5. Spiritual Gifts are possessed only by individuals who have made the decision to accept the salvation which only comes through Jesus Christ.
6. Natural Abilities enable us to function in the natural world (physically, mentally, etc.).
7. Spiritual Gifts are given to us for functioning in spiritual matters.
8. Natural Abilities are primarily related to our function in the world such as in our vocation.
9. Spiritual Gifts enable us to function primarily in our local church and related ministries.
10. Natural Abilities and Spiritual Gifts are both inherent capacities as opposed to acquired skills. The exercise of both is important to become efficient in their use.
In summary…
Your Natural Abilities relate to your natural capacity for development.
Your Spiritual Gifts relate to your capacity for spiritual exercise, development, and ministry.
Clarification ~ Oftentimes Natural Abilities from our first birth will work in close relation to the Spiritual Gifts which received at our second birth – when we are “born again” – but sometimes they are poles apart. As an example, Dr. Earl Radmacher a long-time mentor of mine replied to question of mine by saying, “I am not a speaker (natural talent) but I am a gifted preacher (spiritual gift).”
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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