Three Keys to Spiritual Gifts

Dr. John Owen, scholar and Chancellor of Oxford University, used to go and heard John Bunyan, an unlearned mender of pots and pans, whenever he came to London. One day King Charles asked Owen, "With all your learning, why do you bother to go and hear that simple Bunyan preach?" Owen replied, "Had I the tinker's gifts, I'd gladly relinquish my learning."

Thus far in our study of 1 Corinthians, we have learned that every believer has been blessed with a spiritual gift or gifts. One may not be blessed with the gift or gifts that other possess, but nonetheless, every believer is a gifted child of God. We may not be a Bunyan, but we are gifted.

As we conclude chapter 12 we see that Paul once again gives a list of spiritual gifts. He had done so earlier in verses 8-10. As we looked at those verses I made brief comments about the gifts Paul mentioned. In our present study, I want us to look at the list of gifts that are given us in 1 Corinthians, as well as in the book of Ephesians and Romans. These are the three places in the Bible that we are given a list of spiritual gifts.

There is much disagreement about spiritual gifts. Some believe that all gifts are for today, while others believe that certain gifts had a specific role at a specific time and are no longer operative. How do we know who is right or wrong? Paul began chapter 12 by saying, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." Paul begins this section by stating that when it came to spiritual gifts we should know what is right and what is wrong.

I believe there are three keys to understanding spiritual gifts. It is those three keys that I want us to consider as we look at the lists of spiritual gifts that are given us in the Bible. The first key that I want us to consider is:

1. THE HISTORICAL DESCRIPTION OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS!

Although the historical place of spiritual gifts is not the first and final basis for coming to a proper conclusion about spiritual gifts, I do believe that a look at the history of spiritual gifts in operation can provide insight that is helpful and enlightening.

The historical record of spiritual gifts that I refer to is the historical record found in the Bible. If we are to consider the historical significance and role of spiritual gifts, the Bible should be our primary history book, not what has happen in a certain city or certain place.

There are certain books in the New Testament that are historical in nature such as the four Gospels and the Book of Acts. As you look in these books, particularly the Book of Acts you find a history of spiritual gifts in operation. Notice with me two things about this historical record. First, let me say that it is:

A. A Divine Record

When we look at the history of spiritual gifts as given in the Bible we have God's record of history. We have a historical record that is divinely prepared, presented, protected, and preserved. We read in 1 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God." First, the Bible is "scripture." It is holy writ. The Bible is not an ordinary book. It is God's holy word.

Secondly, it is "inspired." It is a divinely breathed book. The Bible came from God, therefore it is perfect, without error, flaw, or contradiction. Understanding this about the Bible makes what it says important, authoritative, and trustworthy. It is a divine record even when it comes to history.

Saying that, let's trace the history of certain spiritual gifts through its divine pages. For the sake of time, let's focus on one particular gift and that is the gift of speaking in tongues. This gift seems to be the one that was at issue in the Church at Corinth and in our day. Therefore, let's use it as our historical focus.

The first time in the New Testament that we have reference to speaking in tongues is in Mark 16:17, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues." Notice carefully the tense of the words: they shall speak with new tongues. The future tense of the words indicate that such a gift was not in operation at the time Jesus spoke the words, but would be in operation at some time in the future.

It is when we come to the Book of Acts that we see this gift in operation. I find it very, very, very interesting that in the divine historical record (The Bible) there are only three occasions that actually find someone speaking in tongues. It is discussed in other places, but on only three occasions do we have a Biblical example of someone speaking in tongues.

The first record is found in Acts 2:3-4, "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." The scene was the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit filled the disciples and they began to speak in tongues or with other tongues.

The second record is found in Acts 10:46, "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." The Lord has heard the prayer of Cornelius, a Gentile, and had sent Peter to him. While Peter was preaching, the Holy Ghost fell upon them that heard him preach and there were those who spoke in tongues.

The third and final record of someone speaking in tongues in found in Acts 19:6, "And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." The scene finds Paul entering into the city of Ephesus and talking with some of the disciples of John the Baptist. Paul laid his hands on them and they began to speak in tongues.

Now these three examples give you the entire record of speaking in tongues in the Bible. As I said earlier, it is mentioned and discussed in other places in the Bible, but these three occasions give us the entire Biblical historical record of speaking in tongues. Secondly, let me say that this historical record is not only a divine record, but it is also:

B. A Definite Record

Because it is a divine record, therefore its historical record becomes a measuring stick or judge of all history outside of the Bible. All history concerning speaking in tongues must be judged and evaluated in light of the Biblical record. To let history outside of the Bible become the standard for truth is a dangerous precedence. The Bible is and must always be our first and final source of authority for all doctrine and truth.

I say that because, in our day and time, certain spiritual gifts are interpreted in light of certain events in modern history. For example: what occurred in 1906 at Azusa Street in Los Angeles, California has become a defining moment for the modern day charismatic movement and synonymous with the modern day charismatic movement.

Whereas, there had been a few examples of speaking in tongues (Bethel Bible College, Topeka, Kansas), it was what happened at 312 Azusa Street in 1906 that launched the practice of speaking in tongues and paved the way for its popularity in modern times. W.J. Seymour and a small group moved into a run-down building at 312 Azusa Street. The group experienced what they called the "baptism of the Holy Ghost" and soon the small group was speaking in tongues. It was not long before the small building was filled to capacity.

For over three years the Azusa Street "Apostolic Faith Mission" conducted three services a day, seven days a week, where thousands received the gift of tongues. What happened there spread rapidly around the world giving us our modern day charismatic movement. As I stated earlier, the modern day charismatic movement is often defined by what happened at Azusa Street. Yet, I must say that Bible believers cannot let what happened at Azusa Street in 1906 serve as the or a definitive basis for what we believe. From a historical standpoint, the divine record must be the definitive record.

To illustrate what I am saying, let me once again use the gift of speaking in tongues as our focus. When you compare the divine historical record with the modern historical record you find there are large differences in the practice of speaking in tongues. First, I point out that in the divine record there is not a lot of attention given to speaking in tongues. As we have seen, there are three such incidents in the entire Bible. Speaking in tongues did not seem to happening everywhere and involving everyone. It is quite the contrary today.

In the divine record there is a very limited expression of the gift of speaking in tongues. The Book of Acts seems to suggest a very selective occurrence of the gift, rather than a widespread phenomenon among all believers and all churches. In fact, the Book of 1 Corinthians was one of the earlier books of the New Testament written. In the books that followed nothing is said about speaking in tongues.

One fact that I find very interesting is that always in the divine record that when someone was speaking in tongues one of the original apostles or Jews were always present. I believe there is a reason why there is a limited expression of speaking in tongues and why an apostle or Jews were present. I will say more about that later, but I make mention of it in passing.

The point that I am making is that the divine record must serve as a definitive record. We must sift all Church history through God's historical record. When we do so, you can't help but form certain foundations and develop certain conclusions about spiritual gifts. The second key to understanding spiritual gifts is:

2. THE BIBLICAL DEFINING OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS!

I have already stated that history is not the first and final basis for coming to proper conclusions about spiritual gifts. I say that because we do no develop our theology on history or experiences. We develop and build our theology of WHAT GOD SAYS IN HIS WORD. The Bible is the first and final authority for what we should believe. The teachings of the Bible for the basis of what we believe.

If the Bible teaches it, we should believe it, accept it, and embrace it. If the Bible teaches something that is contrary to what we believe, we should change what we believe. It matters not how long we have believed, who taught it, and where and how we learned it. We should let God's word and only God's word, determine what we believe. On the flip side, if there is something that we have not believed and the Bible teaches it, we should start believing it.

Someone may say, "But preacher, I know what happened to me. It was so real. I know what I experienced. It has to be real." Another may say, "It happened then and there. I saw it happen. I cannot deny what I saw." My answer to that is to once again remind you that you do not build your theology on what happened somewhere else or something that happened to you. What you believe MUST be built on what God says in His word...PERIOD!

That raises the question about interpretation. One might say, "That's the way you see it and interpret the Bible. That's not my interpretation." Obviously, there are a lot of differences and opinions about spiritual gifts, so how do we determine who is right and what is right? The answer is really in who is interpreting the Bible correctly.

It is possible to make the Bible teach just about anything a person would want. But the issue is not making the Bible teach something. It is not a matter of believing something and then seeking to back it with the Bible. It is simply a matter of letting the Bible teach what it means. Let me give you a couple of rules to remember when you interpret the Bible. First, there is:

A) A Contextual Study of the Bible

An important rule of Bible study is to interpret a verse or statement by its context. By that I mean that you must interpret a verse or statement in light of the verses around it. Let me give you an example. We earlier noticed 1 Corinthians 11:34, "And if any man hunger, let him eat at home." Now a person could take that statement and interpret it to mean that you should not have a fellowship hall or should eat at or in the Church. But as we saw, that is not what Paul teaching. When you consider that statement in light of its context you realize that Paul was talking about the Lord's Supper and those who perverted it with their conduct.

Another example that is more relevant to our present study is 1 Corinthians 14:34, "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak." Now if you just took that statement by itself it would appear that when a woman came to church, she would not be permitted to say anything. The word "silence" is a very strong word that speaks of absolute silence. This statement alone would seem to say that when a woman came to church she could not teach a class, give a testimony, or sing a song. She would have to be totally quite. Yet, when you look at the statement within its context you get a proper interpretation of the statement.

What has Paul been talking about? He has been talking about spiritual gifts and in particular, the gift of speaking in tongues. When you interpret that statement in light of its context you see that when it came to the gift of prophesy and speaking in tongues, this was a gift that excluded women. They were be silent. (If this verse were taught today it would eliminate half if not the majority of those who claim to have the gift of speaking in tongues.)

The point that I am making is that you must study and interpret the Scriptures contextually. Secondly, there must be:

B) A Comparative Study of the Bible

Not only must you study a verse in light of its context, but you must also compare Scripture to Scripture. That is, what is taught in one place, must be compared to what is taught in another place. Notice with me 1 Corinthians 2:13, "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual."

That which is taught by the Holy Ghost, the truth that is given to us in the Bible, is to be interpreted by comparing it with other truth. In other words, if you interpret a verse in a way that is not backed up with other Scripture you have misinterpreted the verse. The Bible will not teach you one thing in one place and another thing in another place. That would be a contradiction and there are no contradictions in the Bible.

I say that to say this: When it comes to understanding spiritual gifts you must properly interpret the Bible in order to have a proper understanding of spiritual gifts. I think of a statement made by Jerry Vines in his book on 1 Corinthians: "As I look at the modern day tongues movement today, its basic doctrine is in error." I agree for I believe that much that goes on in the charismatic movement of today is because the scripture has not been interpreted contextually and comparatively.

The third key to understanding spiritual gifts is:

3. THE CRITICAL DIVISION OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS!

If a person is to understand spiritual gifts then they must realize that gifts had and have a different role and function. As you look at gifts you find they are divided and classified. If a person never sees spiritual gifts in their divisions and groups, they will never come to a proper understanding of them.

There are three places in the Bible were you have a list of spiritual gifts. Let's look at them and put them into groups or three divisions that I believe are critical to understanding them. First, there is what is often called:

A) Speaking Gifts

There are certain gifts that involve the matter of communication or speaking. In Ephesians 4:11 we read, "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." In this list we find different roles but the one thing they have in common is the matter of communication--specifically the communication of God's word.

Take the "apostles." The word speaks of "one sent with authority." This is an unique class of men that had unique qualifications. If you will read Acts 1:21-22, you will find that an apostle was one that had been a disciple from the time of John's baptism and had been an eyewitness of the resurrected Lord. Such qualifications tell us that this would have been a limited group of men. It also tells me there are no apostles today. If there were, they would be over 2,000 years old.

The second group mentioned is the "prophets." The word "prophet" is translated from the word that means, "to speak forth." We often think of a prophet as one who predicts the future. A prophet was one who spoke forth God's word. There were times this involved prophecy, but even then they were speaking forth God's word. God would reveal His word to them and they would tell what He said to others.

In our day and time we do not need prophets for we have God's word in a printed form. This was not the case in the early church. They did not have a Bible as we have today. Therefore, God gifted certain men to whom He revealed His word and they in return spoke forth that word to the Church. Their message came directly from God by the Holy Spirit. Since we have God's Word we do not need a prophet for we have as 2 Peter 1:19 tells us, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy."

An important truth to remember is that both the gift of apostles and prophets existed as foundational roles in the Church. We read in Ephesians 2:20, "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone." Once the foundation of the Church was established these two roles and gifts passed away and are no longer operative in the Church.

The next group that is listed is "evangelists." This gift involved sharing the gospel. It speaks of certain ones that traveled from place to place preaching the gospel. We would call them missionaries today.

The final group mentioned is "pastor and teachers." These two gifts are combined. The word "pastor" means, "shepherd" and speaks of those whom God has placed over His flock. The pastor also has the gift of teaching which enables him to teach the flock and instruct them in doctrinal issues.

Notice another list that is given in 1 Corinthians 12:8: "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit." Paul mentioned two gifts that would fall into the category of speaking gifts. The gift of wisdom is a God-given ability to have deep insight into God's Word and the gift of knowledge is the God-given ablility to be to share that wisdom with others.

All these gifts have to do with speaking, communication, and sharing God's word, thus the reason they are often called speaking gifts. Secondly, notice with me what is often called:

B) Serving Gifts

We read in Romans 12:6-7, "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching." Notice in particular the word "ministry." This is the same word that is translated "deacon." It speaks of service and ministry, thus the classification of serving gifts. These are gifts given to the believer to enable them to serve in a certain capacity. As I look in the Bible I find five such gifts of ministry.

In Romans 12:7 we see the gift of "giving." We read, "he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity." There are some people that are given the God-given ability to earn and make money in order that they can give generously to the Church. Every believer is to be a giver, but there are some blessed with more in order to give more.

In Romans 12:8 we read of the gift of "ruling." We read, "he that ruleth, with diligence." This verse relates to 1 Corinthians 12:8 where Paul uses the word "governments." It is a word that was used to speak of a pilot guiding a ship through a storm. It speaks of one with the gift of leadership, one with the God-given ability to give good, sound, spiritual leadership to the people of God.

We also see in Romans 12:8 the gift of "showing mercy." We read: "he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness." The word "mercy" speaks of a compassionate heart. There are some that have been given a big heart by God for others and reaches out to others.

In 1 Corinthians 12:9 we read, "To another faith by the same Spirit." This gift speaks of those who are given a special faith in God. All believers are to walk by faith, but some are enabled to trust God in a unique and special way.

In 1 Corinthians 12:28 we read of the gift of "helps." The word speaks of giving assistance, giving a hand. It speaks of those who are gifted to serve in a supportive role. We would speak of these as the behind the scenes people in the Church, yet important to the Church.

All these gifts describe acts of ministry and service. The third class is often called:

C) Sign Gifts

Let me just mention the gifts in this class and explain what is meant when they are called sign gifts. These gifts would include the gift of miracles, healing, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. Of all the gifts, it is in this class we have the most misunderstanding and therefore error. These are specific gifts that had a certain role for a specific time. Once that role was fulfilled these gifts ceased to be operative. It is the failure to understand this role and purpose that leads to error concerning these gifts.

We read in Mark 16:17-20, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." If you will read carefully what Jesus said, it is very clear that the gifts He mentioned were for "signs." The signs Jesus mentioned were casting out devils, speaking in tongues, taking up serpents, drinking deadly things, and healing the sick.

If they were for signs, what kind of sign were they to be? Notice carefully verse 20, "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following." These signs confirmed the word the disciples preached. They were signs that God was with the disciples and that the word they preached was from God.

The disciples were going forth with the message that Jesus was the Messiah and He had risen from the dead. That was not a message that would be favorably accepted. Yet, the signs that followed them were to show they were real as well as their message.

We read in 1 Corinthians 14:22, "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe." Paul states very clearly that tongues were for a sign. Yet, they were not a sign for believers, but unbelievers. The same was true for the gift of prophesy. In other words, the gift of tongues was a gift to show the lost world that was being declared by the disciples was real and a message from God.

Take the day of Pentecost for example. We read in Acts 2:5, "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven." What was it that caught the attention of these people from every nation? They were amazed at how the disciples were declaring the wonderful works of God in their own language. The gift of tongues enabled these men to preach to people in their own language and served as a sign these men and their message were from God.

Notice Acts 2:22, "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:" The word "approved" means "to demonstrate." Who Jesus was was demonstrated by the miracles He performed and proved that He was who He claimed to be.

This was the purpose of the unique gifts. These sign gifts were given to authenticate the apostles and their message. When we study 1 Corinthians 13 we will see that these gifts were of a temporary nature and would pass away. After their purpose was served, these sign gifts were and are no longer operative in the Church.

The error of the modern day Charismatic movement is due to not understanding that these gifts were signs for a specific period of time. To properly understand spiritual gifts, the division of gifts is critical.