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
