7968 spiritual gifts, nature of
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7900 The life of the church  »  7966 spiritual gifts  »  7968 spiritual gifts, nature of

In both the OT and the NT God graciously pours out gifts on his people. They are to be welcomed and used for the good of all.

OT examples of God giving special gifts

God's gracious provision from above

Joel 2:23-24 This gracious provision of material needs from above can be seen as foreshadowing God's bestowal of spiritual gifts. See also Exodus 16:4,8,13-14; Deuteronomy 11:14; 1 Kings 17:6; Job 5:10; Isaiah 55:10

Distribution of land to tribes

Joshua 13:6-7 The Hebrew word for “give” often includes the sense of “apportion” or “assign”. See also Ezekiel 47:21

The future promise of spiritual gifts

Joel 2:28-29 See also Acts 2:17-18

In his earthly ministry Jesus Christ offers supernatural gifts

Matthew 11:28 See also Matthew 16:19; Luke 10:19; John 4:14; John 6:51

Spiritual gifts linked with grace

Romans 12:6 See also Matthew 10:8; 1 Corinthians 4:7

Specific reference to spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1 See also Romans 1:11; 1 Corinthians 14:1,12,37

Diverse gifts, one giver

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 See also Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 7:7,17; Corinthians 12:8-11,27; Ephesians 4:11; Hebrews 2:4; 1 Peter 4:10-11

The purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church

1 Corinthians 14:12 See also 1 Corinthians 12:7; Corinthians 14:2-5,17-19,26,31; Ephesians 4:16

The body of Christ benefits from these varied gifts

1 Corinthians 12:12 See also 1 Corinthians 12:14-31; Romans 12:4-6

Encouragement to aspire to the greater spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 12:31; Corinthians 14:1

The importance of love in exercising spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 13:1 See also Romans 12:5-9; 1 Corinthians 14:1

Warnings about spiritual gifts

1 Corinthians 14:39 See also 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20

See also

1432  prophecy in NT
3030  Holy Spirit, power
3275  Holy Spirit in the church
7789  shepherd, church leader
7972  tongues, gift of
8025  faith, origins of
8306  mercifulness
8342  servanthood
8361  wisdom
8413  edification
8414  encouragement
8420  equipping



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