Positive Publications - a prophetic voice

"THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS IS THE SPIRIT OF
PROPHECY" Revelation 19:10

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Spiritual Gifts Index

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Unless otherwise noted, all of the information concerning

Spiritual Gifts has been compiled by me, John Lounsberry. It is my desire that you will benefit from this information.

My first introduction to a Biblical teaching on Spiritual Gifts was in a leadership conference of Basic Youth Conflicts on the campus of UCLA in 1971. Since then, I have come across other Bible teachers who have added their insight to my understanding of the subject.

The material presented here is a compilation of over thirty years of study and personal experience. Any place where an author or teacher is quoted directly will be noted with quotation marks and an acknowledgement of their contribution.

I would like to especially thank Jackson Snyder, for allowing us to use his Spiritual Gifts Survey.

MINISTRY (OR SERVING)

The Greek word Diakonia means to do service. In Acts 6:1, the word is interpreted ministration. Our word deacon comes from the same Greek word. The word helpsis used in I Corinthians 12:28, and ministering in Romans 12:7.

The SERVER is not the person who figures that since he can do nothing else in the church,he must have the gift of service. That attitude would belittle the gift and would be an insult to the people who have the gift of serving.
There are no menial tasks in God's work.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SERVICE AND HELPS

In I Corinthians 12:28 , we find the gift of helps listed. Even though the Greek word diakonia is used, this is for a particular application. As a case in point, when a new Christian is looking for "something to do", you can't give them something with a lot of responsibility. It is necessary that they begin doing what many would consider to be menial chores. This is necessary in order for them to grow into maturity. This is an example of the type of activity that is generally referred to as the gift of helps.
We should hasten to add that this type of gift is by no means limited to new Christians.In fact, it is not uncommon to find mature saints of God involved in helping others through the performance of menial tasks. The point that needs to be emphasized is that the gift of helps is not limited to certain individuals. Rather, the common thread seems to be that the gift of helps is not someone's primary motivation in life.

You will find that someone with the motivational gift of service or ministry, will be fulfilled in "being of service" to others. These individuals are most happy when they have discovered the "sweet release" of moving in the reality of their spiritual gift.

The motivational gift of service is necessary for the Body of Christ to function both efficiently and effectively. Some of the tasks performed by those with the gift of service, include cooking meals, serving at dinners, working with sound systems, cleaning buildings as well as many other "day to day" tasks that are always needing to be done.

While the server doesn't seek the limelight he or she does appreciate hearing a thank you for a task that has been done.

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