Spiritual Gifts

[Guest]

God Fits His Child

Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.

Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:5-8

For His Work

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

All Glory To God In The Highest

He Loves Us So

Hallelujah

Amen

[TruthFirst]

I have a question on spiritual gifts. Can God use a person where they are or must they wait until some point in the future where they are "deemed" fit for use? I am so confused about this.

Some say you have to be fit for use. But, I don't understand why the spirit of God couldn't use someone right where they are. To me, so state that someone has to be "deemed fit" is to put the Spirit of God in a box.

:noidea:

Thanks for your kind responses.

I would like to take the time to interject into this conversation to bring forward possibly a few enlightening thoughts along with some personal anecdotes that will hopefuly clarify this Spiritual Gift exchange and also help to answer Angelique question.

I've been around for a while, known the Lord since 1973, and during the course of my growth in God I've spent the better part of 10 years studying everything under the sun relating to Spiritual gifts. One thing that I have noticed is that Christians tend to lump all gifts mentioned in the Bible into one category of Spiritual Gifts or Gifts of the Spirit, when actualy the Scriptures identify the Gifts as from the Godhead (Trinity). Now before I explain what I just stated I'll give you some personal background.

My 10 year trek into studying the Gifts ended sometime in the early 90's. I moved on to Spiritual Warfare, the Love of God, Discipleship, etc. I am very much a topic oriented student. Six years ago God brought the Gifts back to the forefront and took me down the road of clarifying the Gifts. Not so much in defining the identity and purpose of each individual Gift but more so along the broader spectrum of their origin and purpose within the Body and outside of the Body. Outside of the body having two connotations: a) The Christian being used with Gifts out in the world, b) The non-Christian using certain Gifts for his own selfish gain. (Heresy you say, well give me time while you try not to get too bent out of shape).

A the time that the Lord brought this back on my plate, I had been doing alot of studying in the Trinity, three's, 3. Look at creation which declares God's Glory, (Time, Space, Matter), (Time = Past, Present, Future), (Space = 3 Dimensional), (E=MC2), (Basic speach = Subject, Verb, Object) (Man = Body, Soul, Spirit) and so on. There's also alot of 3's going on in the scriptures because of the Trinity. So while I had 3 in the back of my mind I was also back in the Gifts. I thought if Corinthians 12 is all about the Gifts of the Spirit and Ephesians 4 is all about Gifts from Jesus to the Body, I thought then that, in the same way, the Trinity must be involved in the Giving of gifts just like they are involve in everything else. (Creation, Salvation, Revelation, etc,)

The light bulb came on which I believe was God's revelation that the Gifts of Romans 12 were given by Him. And since He is no respector of persons these gifts are creational in essence (Innate) and given to all men. Corinthians 12:7 states and the Manifestation of the Spirit... Ephesians(4:7-11) states that He who descended also ascended and it is He (Jesus) who gave apostles, ... finaly Romans(12:1-5) "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is

[Guest ~zoe-girl~]

It is my belief and understanding that God uses us at all stages of our walks, if He waited until we were perfect,-Well, that would not happen~

[truthbringer]

I have a question on spiritual gifts. Can God use a person where they are or must they wait until some point in the future where they are "deemed" fit for use? I am so confused about this.

Some say you have to be fit for use. But, I don't understand why the spirit of God couldn't use someone right where they are. To me, so state that someone has to be "deemed fit" is to put the Spirit of God in a box.

Thanks for your kind responses.

God said, "Neglect not the gift and Give yourself wholly to them: That thy profiting may appear to all.

The Greek word for "Neglect" means, [ Dont be careless to neglect]

The Greek wor for, "Profiting" means, [progress]. "So your progress will be seen by everyone".

God also said, "Stir up the gift", The Greek meaning is, [Fan the flame, as it is capable of dying out through lack of use].

The more Holy a person is, The greater the manifestations the gifts. Look at the life of Jesus, He is our example.

I am not saying a less-fit person wont be used, Look at the Corinthian Church, "A right carnal bunch". I am not advocating that you live a carnal life, God demands Holiness.

You shall receive power after the Holy Ghost has come upon you, Note the word, "HOLY", We should let the Holy Ghost in us, make us Holy.

[truthbringer]

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

I have a question about the discerning of the spirits. I have been told more than a few times this isn't exactly a 'gift'. What and how does anyone explain this? Thanks.

The "discerning of spirits" is seeing into the spirit rhelm, seeing angels and demons. And It is one of the gifts of the spirit.

[truthbringer]

It is the God given ability to recognize whether a person is being influenced by the Holy Spirit or demonic spirits

Thank you so much for answering. Would you consider someone who can tell if someone was lying, deceitful or just tell if someone is not a who they say they are have the discerning gift? Or is it something altogether different than that?

That would be through the word of knowledge.

There are three gifts that say something.

Tongues, interpretation of tongues and prophecy.

Three gifts that do something.

special faith, Working of miracles and Gifts of healings.

And three gifts that reveal something.

The word of wisdom, The word of Knowledge and The Discerning of spirits.

The word of wisdom reveals future avents, The word of Knowledge reveals past or present avents and the Discerning of spirits reveal Angels and demons.

We can see by the Gifts, That God wants to say something to the Church and through the Church. Do something for the Church and through the Church. And reveal something to the Church and through the Church.. All to Guide, edify and profit us.

Edited September 1, 2008 by truthbringer

[TruthFirst]

As this thread seems to be getting into more detail concerning the Gifts of the Godhead and specifically the Charismatic Gifts of the Spirit. I thought I would add to my previous post some insights into this area.

The manifestation Gifts do subdivide into 3 sets of 3 gifts.

Inspiration gifts, Information gifts and Impartation gifts. (Speaking, Knowing, Doing)

Inspiration (Speaking)

These gifts are used by the Spirit to communicate His will, affirmation, reproof and the truths of the Gospel to a local body of believers or to the general populace (as in the book of Acts).

Tongues: A supernatural utterance by the Holy Spirit in a tongue not understood by the speaker & sometimes not understood by the hearer, hence the need of interpretation. (Not to be confused with the Spiritual languages given to individuals for the Edification of oneself) This gifts is a public utterance which demands interpretation. 1Cor.(14:13)

Interpretation of Tongues: Supernatural speaking forth the meaning of a message in tongues in the language of the local area, congregation.

Interpretation is NOT literal translation. Ex. Buenos Noche can be interpreted a) Good Evening b) I would like to welcome you this evening.

Prophecy: Supernatural speaking forth the will and knowledge of God in an understandable language. (Not inspired preaching) the Spirit of prophecy reveals the will, mind & fullness of Christ to the Church today. It is not about predictions but more so about the revelation of His Glory, His Love, His Wisdom and Understanding.

Information (Knowing)

These gifts are by the Spirit to provide much needed detail.

Word of Knowledge: Supernatural revelation of knowledge unknown to man, a fragment of God's knowledge. It is a passive gift and can involve facts, events, purpose, motive, origin. Can be past, present or future concerning things human, demonic or divine. It is usually the Who, What, Where, and When of the above. (NOT mind reading, ESP, 6th sense or intuition) Not usually prayed for. It is more God breathed and willed.

Word of Wisdom: Supernatural revelation of wisdom. God's wisdom, purposes, insights, reasons, intentions. It is the application of knowledge. Usually the How to or the Why. Facts, events, procedures, causes & reasons including past, present and future. Often accompanies the Word of Knowledge giving guidance and direction in a tough situation and is normaly specific, accurate and related to the present need.

Discerning of Spirits: Supernatural insight into the spirit realm. Can be through dreams, visions or actual recognition of spirits. Usually limited in scope but is the evidence of the reality of the spiritual kingdom. Its purpose is to expose error, to unmask demon activity and used as an aid to the oppressed and demonized.

In light of this gift be careful of these two simplistic statements.

1) All that is good is of God and all that is bad is of the Devil.

2)If you are really sincere, God will never allow you to be deceived.

Impartation (Doing)

Supernatural endowment of Faith, Healing power or Miracle power beyond human capability. Used to accomplish divine intervention in the affairs of man.

Faith: 3 types - a)Saving faith b)Fruit of Faith c)Gift of Faith.

a) The welling up of Faith required to receive salvation. Originated, generated and accepted by God.

b)Has to do with character. An integral part of Christian maturity. Underlying faith that God is in control and will care for us no matter what.

c)Supernatural Faith required to accomplish tasks beyond human measure and capability. Ex. Elijah at Mount Carmel

Gifts of Healings: The only gift plural in nature. Supernatural healing of diseases and infirmities of any sort including organic, functional, nervous, acute or chronic. Healing is a witness of the work of the cross and of the resurrection. Healings are for body (by His stripes we are healed), soul (He bore our griefs & our sorrows) and spirit (Wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities.)

Important to consider: If you prayed for someone's healing and they got healed, would you take the glory for that? No you wouldn't. Therefore if you pray for someone and they do Not get healed, do not take the blame.

Miracles: Divine intervention into man's affairs as to supersede natural law. Excludes healing. Not a function by man's own volition. Although it supersedes natural law it does not eliminate the law. A speeding police car supersedes the law without voiding or removing the law.

Hope this helps in the quest of understanding the Gifts of the Spirit (1Cor. 12)

[mead]

Of course the Lord uses us right where we are! Why would anyone think otherwise?

We have to be found faithful in our here-and now before we can be trusted to be sent out. Or how is one to be found "deemed fit for use" if they haven't done anything?

On the flip side, I wouldn't send a brand new Christian to Bible college to become a pastor. But if the person believes that calling to be on his life, I'd want him to be working in the church in some way to help build him up and work towards that direction. (Better to work with the people before getting stuffed with formal theology.)

But any new Chrisitan can do evangelistic work (sharing Christ with others, leading others to Christ), pray and intercede, etc. If the Lord has bestowed a spiritual gift (tongues, interpetation of tongues, healing, word of knowledge, etc.) on someone, then obviously the Lord trusts them with it.

Make sense?

Well said sister.

[~~ angelique ~~]

The more Holy a person is, The greater the manifestations the gifts. Look at the life of Jesus, He is our example.

I'm confused about this statement.

I was told that the bible says that "none is righteous" on Jesus is. So, what does it matter how "holy" one is? Isn't grace grace and not subject to be earned??

[Floatingaxe]

We are called to be holy people. While it is by God's grace that we are made holy by the Blood of Jesus Christ, we are also called to holy living by obedience out of love for Christ. It follows! As we consecrate our lives to Him, He fills us by His Spirit more and more--to overflowing, in fact! The Holy Spirit manifests Himself greatly in a life that doesn't hinder Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:19

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:24

Put on your new nature, created to be like God