The Importance of Gifts IX
If you have been following along, you will remember that we have been discussing the different gifts that are given to born-again believers from the Holy Spirit. We spent a few weeks discussing the ones found in 1 Corinthians 12, while these are the most talked about spiritual gifts they are not the only ones. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be focusing on Romans 12 to see how Scripture defines these spiritual gifts. The list of gifts that we will be studying can be found in Romans 12:6-13.
“6 However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; 7 if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”
Right away we see that the gifts are defined as something that is given to us by the Holy Spirit, but this also adds on that we are to use these gifts properly. In order to do that, we need to understand the root definition of these gifts. This is to prevent anyone from using their gifts in a way that was not designed by the Holy Spirit. After all, we have already discussed in our posts on the gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12 that the gifts are to bring glory to God. “11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 12 For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one part, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But now God has arranged the parts, each one of them in the body, just as He desired.”
With that out of the way, let us look into the first gift that is mentioned. “6 However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith;” Romans 12:6. In our previous posts, we have already discussed the gift of prophecy but it is important to refresh on some key points.
The Lord defines the spiritual gift of prophecy and it should be considered a commandment from the Lord.
Women can be prophets but cannot use the gift in the assembly of the Church.
We are told to ask for this spiritual gift
Prophecy must teach and exhort.
Prophecy will not contradict God’s written Word.
Prophecy is subject to peer review by other Prophets.
Prophecy must be checked by the audience to God’s Word.
Prophecy is for believers but can convict unbelievers.
A Prophet must be mature in thinking.
Prophecy is not the same as revelation, knowledge, or teaching.
Prophecy is second only to love in importance for a Christian to pursue.
Prophecy is for edification, exhortation, and consolation.
It is no mistake that the gift of prophecy is discussed twice, it is one of the most commonly abused and misunderstood gifts of the spirit. However, by understanding these key points, we are able to identify who is using the gift of prophecy correctly or incorrectly. However, where Romans 12 differs from 1 Corinthians is the context that the gift of prophecy is to be used in proportion to our faith. This is to say that if the Holy Spirit calls us to tell an individual, a group, or a church something; we need to trust that God will give us the words and the strength to stand on Him. “19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour.” Matthew 10: 19. While this verse is referencing an individual brought before governors or kings (Matthew 10:18) it shows how we are to use the gift of prophecy in accordance with our faith. The gifts come from God and so we must trust that God will see it completed, we only need to follow His guidance.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex