HEARING FROM GOD –
EXERCISING SPIRITUAL GIFTS (1)
(from 1 Corinthians chs.12-14)
Session 9
Introduction: There are many gifts, in
Scripture, known as ‘spiritual gifts’ and, judging by the way that different
passages mention different gifts, it is most likely that those mentioned do not
make an exhaustive list. Here are the
main ones mentioned:-
Administration, apostleship, creative communication,
discernment, encouragement, evangelism, faith, giving, healing, helps,
hospitality, intercession, knowledge, leadership, mercy, miracles, prophecy,
shepherding, teaching, tongues & interpretation, wisdom.
Receiving gifts: The gifts mentioned in 1
Cor.12:1-11 are seen, in v.7, as “manifestations” of the Spirit. The context is corporate worship. They are not for our blessing, but for the
blessing and edification of the church. Don’t pigeonhole them.
How do we receive?
Ø there must be a desire (14:1)
Ø listen to God
How do I hear God’s voice?
Ø it never contradicts Scripture
Ø it convicts, but never condemns
Ø it comes with authority
Ø it comes with my name on it (if my name’s not on it then it’s for someone
else)
Ø it’s not the same as my voice (Isaiah 55:8,9)
Ø it’s received in my spirit
Ø if it comes as a spiritual gift it
can come as words, pictures, impressions or feelings
Just like learning a language, we grow in hearing
God’s voice through learning.
M.O.T. Check Points:
28 - What am I doing about my desire for spiritual gifts?
29 - Do I long to edify others, and therefore ask God for gifts?
30 - Am I spending regular time, in prayer and Bible-meditation,
listening to
God?
31 - Do I know the difference between God’s voice
and mine?
Important: Look at the list of gifts above –
in which areas has God gifted you?
What
gifts do you desire? Then ask God!