The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity
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205<br />
MINISTRIES<br />
Worship Service<br />
Various Services <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> church<br />
Small Group Ministry<br />
<strong>The</strong> Giftedness <strong>of</strong> O<strong>the</strong>rs--Questions for Reflection<br />
It is clear from I Corinthians 12:14-26 that each member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> body needs every o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
member. That, to take it a bit fur<strong>the</strong>r, even those members with what appear to be self-sufficient<br />
gifts have needs that can only be met by o<strong>the</strong>rs in <strong>the</strong> body.<br />
It is easy to think that persons with <strong>the</strong> gift <strong>of</strong> apostleship or <strong>of</strong> prophecy, as well as those <strong>of</strong><br />
pastor, evangelist or teacher, are independent. <strong>The</strong>y’re so capable, <strong>the</strong>y have no need. Paul warns<br />
those with those gifts not to think <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>mselves as independent; it is equally important that we not<br />
ascribe to <strong>the</strong>m a false superiority.<br />
For each gift, <strong>the</strong>refore, look for answers to one or more <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following questions.<br />
What shortcomings typically accompany this gift?<br />
What unique needs for reassurance and encouragement is a person with this gift likely to<br />
experience?<br />
What are <strong>the</strong> probably or possible areas <strong>of</strong> pain or struggle for a person with this gift? In our<br />
humanness, to be thrust into a role, even though gifted for it, brings certain kinds <strong>of</strong> anguish.<br />
Witness Christ himself, in Gethsemane.<br />
What does this person, <strong>the</strong> one so gifted, especially need to be held accountable for?<br />
In what ways do o<strong>the</strong>r members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> body need to hold a person with this gift “in check?”<br />
What o<strong>the</strong>r gifts, exercised by o<strong>the</strong>rs in <strong>the</strong> body, are particularly needed to complement and<br />
supplement this one area <strong>of</strong> giftedness?