chuckd
Puritan Board Junior
1 Cor. 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts
Rom. 12:6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them
Eph. 4:7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
1 Pet. 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace
In each of these passages, the surrounding text has some language that indicates that each Christian is given gift(s) by the Spirit for the church to unify, build each other up, increase faith, increase knowledge of Christ, etc.
However, when the actual gifts are listed, the gift seems to be limited to particular functions or offices: elder, deacon, teacher, apostle, prophet, evangelist, healer, tongue speaker, tongue interpreter.
Only in Romans does it add "the one who contributes, in generosity", "the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
On the one hand spiritual gifts are given to all and on the other they are given to a few, particular offices. Are all lay Christians to seek out and determine their spiritual gift(s) or are these passages only referring to those who are called to ministry? If the former, what are some examples?
Rom. 12:6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them
Eph. 4:7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
1 Pet. 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace
In each of these passages, the surrounding text has some language that indicates that each Christian is given gift(s) by the Spirit for the church to unify, build each other up, increase faith, increase knowledge of Christ, etc.
However, when the actual gifts are listed, the gift seems to be limited to particular functions or offices: elder, deacon, teacher, apostle, prophet, evangelist, healer, tongue speaker, tongue interpreter.
Only in Romans does it add "the one who contributes, in generosity", "the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
On the one hand spiritual gifts are given to all and on the other they are given to a few, particular offices. Are all lay Christians to seek out and determine their spiritual gift(s) or are these passages only referring to those who are called to ministry? If the former, what are some examples?
