spiritual gifts study

“SPIRITUAL GIFT STUDY”

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW WHAT YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT IS?

When you discover your gift you will:

3. Know God’s will for your life and where you best fit into the work of the Church.

4. Know better how to cope with diversity and conflict in personal relationships.

5. Have a greater sense of identity and partnership with Jesus.

6. Have greater joy in service for the Lord because you will be matched to the work you enjoy most.

7. Be better equipped to win your friends and relatives to

Jesus.

SO LET US TAKE A LOOK AT SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

Our first step will be to find out where we stand just now in our understanding of spiritual gifts. Remember that this is not given to embarrass anyone but to give some indication of where the group is and to help us see if there is a need for further study of this subject.

Please answer the questions:

SPIRITUAL GIFTS RATING SURVEY

8. How do you rate your present understanding of spiritual gifts?

Good_______ Fair_______ Slight_______

Worth 25 points Worth 15 points Worth 5 points

9. Name the three key Bible books and chapters in which spiritual

gifts are listed:

a.

Worth 5 points

b.

Worth 15 points

c.

Worth 25 points

10.Name up to five spiritual gifts as listed in the Bible:

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

Worth 5 points each (Maximum of 25 points)

11.Do you feel that you know what your gifts may be?

Yes it is (they are): __________________________

Worth 25 points __________________________

__________________________

Not certain but, think it may be:

Worth 15 points __________________________

__________________________

No

Worth 5 points

Now add the TOTAL

This gives you your Spiritual Gifts Rating based on 100 points possible.

DOES THE SCORE INDICATE THERE MAY BE SOME ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT?

Yes No

What do you say we try to improve our group's Spiritual Gifts Rating?

We can do this by:

12.Discovering what the Bible teaches about spiritual gifts.

13.Learning the definition of the gifts as listed in the Bible.

14.Seeking to identify our own gift through study, prayer and discussing with one another.

15.Seeking practical applications.

16.Developing a plan to put into action what we have learned in

order to more effectively help people find Christ.

THE BODY OF CHRIST

Before we can understand spiritual gifts we should see what the Bible teaches about the Church as the body of Christ.

17.Read 1 Cor. 12:12, 13.

When a person is baptized into Christ he becomes a member of the _____________________.

18.Read 1 Cor. 12:27.

The "you" here refers to the church members. They are called ________________.

19.Read Rom. 12:4, 5.

Even though members have different abilities they become __________________ in Christ. Using different abilities they work together in unity, harmony and love in the body.

20.Read Col. 1:18.

Christ is the ___________________ of the body. The body is the________________.

21.Read Eph. 3:9-11.

It is by the ____________________ that the eternal purpose of God is to be made known to the world.

22.Read 1 Peter 2:9, 10.

All believers are to be a royal ________________. This means they have direct access to God through Christ and also that they are to work for God as ministers. A minister is one who serves and works to help people find Christ. At baptism we are ordained for this service.

"The savior's commission included all the believers. It includes all the believers to the end of time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ." (DA, p. 822)

23.Read Ephesians 4:4-8.

God has given _________________ in order for the Church to carry out its mission in the world. The gifts are for "equipping the people of God for the work of ministry" and for "building up the body of Christ." The body of Christ is the _____________________.

When the word "church" is used in the New Testament it always refers to people — a congregation not a building or an office.

24.Read Matthew 9:35-38.

The threefold work of Christ was_____________________,

____________________ and ___________________________.

Christ is no longer personally present on earth but ministers in the world through His body which is the____________________________.

The threefold work of Christ will then be continued by His people who are called the ____________________________________of Christ.

The harvest is ripe and God is calling His people to enter into the harvest in His name and spirit. The spirit of Jesus was one of compassion for the lost. This same spirit will result in souls won to Christ.

"By the baptism of the Holy Spirit, God's people are to do ... the work that Christ did." (RH, March 22, 1898)

The Spirit of Prophecy suggests the following six conditions for receiving the Holy Spirit:

25.Be willing to receive:

"In the great and measureless gift of the Holy Spirit are contained all of heaven's resources. It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men. If all were willing to receive, all would become filled with His Spirit." (COL, p.419)

26.Intense desire:

"Why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit, since this is the means by which we are to receive power? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, preach concerning it? The Lord is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to us than parents are to give good gifts to their children. For the baptism of the Spirit every worker should be pleading with God." (8T, p.22)

27.Clear away the obstructions:

"There s nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His Spirit upon a languishing church and an impenitent congregation ... When the way is prepared for the Spirit of God, the blessing will come." (RH, March 22, 1887)

28.Put self aside:

"There is no limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his

heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God." (8T, p.19)

29.Surrender to be guided, controlled, and used:

"Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord's promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people to 'will and to do of His good pleasure.' But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift.

Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive." (DA, p.672)

30.Plead and claim the promise:

"My brethren and sisters, plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bibles in your hands say: I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy promise,

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find, knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (8T, p.23)

NOTE:

The Holy Spirit is the gift that God has promised (John 14:6; Luke 24:49) to all who receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. This divine Person, the representative of Jesus, does not come in response to any attainment that the Christian has worked out in his life subsequent to his justification.

Note carefully that the Holy Spirit is a gift, not an attainment. (Acts 2:38)

It is also clear that the coming of the Spirit is associated with baptism. This gives added significance to the words of Jesus to Nicodemus (John 3:5). One should not look, then, for some euphoric experience following water baptism as evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit.

By faith we accept the Gift. If we have surrendered our lives to Jesus and have received baptism as a witness to our faith in Him we do now possess the Gift.

The Holy Spirit is with us waiting only for us to yield ourselves to Him for guidance and control. We do not need to wait for some feeling to confirm our relationship. We can go in faith knowing that His presence is real and that as we uplift Jesus He will work in a way unseen to tell upon hearts.

FINDING GIFTS IN THE BIBLE

1. What is a spiritual gift?

A. It is a special ability given to a member of the body by the Holy Spirit that enables him to work effectively and with joy in helping the Church carry out its mission in the world.

B. In its widest, deepest sense it is the call of God coming to an individual in the body singling him out for a particular ministry and carrying with it the ability to perform that

ministry.

2. Does every member receive a gift?

A. Read 1 Peter 4:10 (see also 1 Corinthians 12:7)

At least one gift is given to ____________________ person.

B. "Spiritual gifts are promised to every believer according to his need for God's work." (DA, p. 822)

3. Do all members receive the same gift?

A. Read 1 Corinthians 12:4, 8-11.

There are _______________________of gifts.

B. "All men do not receive the same gifts, but to every servant of the Master some gift of the Spirit is promised." (COL, p.327)

4. Are all members to do the same thing? Yes No

"There are many kinds of work to be done by laborers with varied gifts. Some are to labor in one way, some in another.... As laborers together with God, they should seek to be in harmony with one another." (9T, p.109)

5. How important are spiritual gifts?

". . . without the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be

touched, no sinner won to Christ. On the other hand, if the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts." (COL, p.328)

6. What may we become as we discover, develop and use our spiritual gifts?

"God makes them the channel for the outworking of the highest influence in the universe." (COL, p.328)

7. Where in the Bible can we learn about spiritual gifts?

There are many references but the three main ones are:

Romans 12

1 Corinthians 12

Ephesians 4

8. Read the above passages and make a list as found in:

A. Romans 12:3-8

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

B. From 1 Cor. 12:7-11, 27-30 add the ones not listed in Rom. 12

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

_________________________

31.Add the gifts in Eph. 4: 11, 12 not found in the above references:

__________________________________________________

D. There are other gifts listed elsewhere:

1 Cor. 7:7,8_________________________________

1 Peter 4:9, 10_________________________________

1 Cor. 13:3_________________________________

1 Cor. 13:3_________________________________

Exodus 35: 30, 31_________________________________

1 Chr. 16:41, 42_________________________________

STEPS TO DISCOVERING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS?

32. Pray and Ask God to Show You – Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "Now about spiritual gifts, I do not want you to be ignorant" (1 Cor. 12:1). It is God's intention for us to understand and know how He has gifted us.

33. Study the Biblical Possibilities – Begin with the Scripture passages listed above and then use a concordance or cross references to find other passages regarding the spiritual gifts.

34. Watch How God Is Using You – Use “The Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tool” looking within yourself in an attempt to see what spiritual gifts have evidenced themselves.

35. Counsel With Others – It has been our experience that many times other people who know you and have served with you can easily identify what your spiritual gifts are. Talk to your pastor, to Christian friends who have served with you, and to your family. "For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers" Proverbs 24:6.

36. Try New Ministries – One of the best ways to discover if you have a gift in a certain area is to actually put yourself in a situation that requires that gift. Stretch yourself.

37. Expect Confirmation From the Body – Spiritual gifts will be recognized by the Body of Christ, because spiritual gifts (properly exercised) edify the Body of Christ. They bring blessings to God's people and extend God's kingdom.

"The gifts are already ours in Christ, but their actual possession

depends upon our reception of the Spirit of God." (COL, p.327)

"Not until through faith and prayer the disciples had surrendered themselves fully for His working was the outpouring of the Spirit received. Then in a special sense the goods of heaven were committed to the followers of Christ." (COL, p.327)

SOME CAUTIONS TO CONSIDER IN STUDYING SPIRITUAL GIFTS:

38.Do not confuse spiritual gifts with natural talents.

All people, whether Christian or not, have natural talents. Only Christians receive spiritual gifts. Remember that a spiritual gift is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit that enables the Christian to minister in such a way that he will have a power that will tell upon hearts. The purpose of a spiritual gift is to help the church carry out the ministry of Jesus on earth. God may use a natural talent and endow it with power for a spiritual purpose.

"The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents represented in the parable (Matt. 25:13-30). It includes all gifts and endowments, whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual. All are to be employed in Christ's service. In becoming His disciples, we surrender ourselves to Him with all that we are and have. These gifts He returns to us purified and ennobled, to be used for His glory in blessing our fellow men." (COL, p. 328)

39.Do not confuse spiritual gifts with the Fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 23)

Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

meekness, and temperance-all attributes of Jesus are reproduced in each Christian by the Holy Spirit. If we submit our lives to Christ this fruit will appear. The loveliness of a Christ-like life has in itself a strong appeal to those who do not know the Lord. Every Christian life is to be a fragrance attracting people to Jesus (2 Cor. 2:14-17). All Christians are to have all the fruit of the Spirit, but not every spiritual gift is given to every Christian (1 Cor. 12:4-11).

40.Do not confuse spiritual gifts with Christian roles.

I may be an evangelist while someone else has the gift of teaching, yet we are all witnesses (Acts 1:8). Witnessing is not a special gift of the Spirit given to select persons. It is a role that all Christians share. Every Christian is to show and tell what Christ through His Lord and Spirit has done in his own heart and life.

41.Do not look at any list of spiritual gifts as complete and therefore closed.

There are three major lists of spiritual gifts in the Bible. All three lists vary. Not all gifts mentioned in the Bible are in any one list. Is it possible that God bestows gifts in any age according to the needs of His church in that hour and in order for it to minister in any and all circumstances?

42.Do not confuse genuine gifts with counterfeits.

Keep in mind that error is a parasite: it draws its life by being attached to truth. So closely does it entwine itself about the trunk of truth that it appears to be the truth itself. For this reason counterfeits are very deceptive.

Counterfeit gifts are more often associated with the more directly miraculous such as miracles, healing, speaking in tongues and prophecy. Being more spectacular they have greater power to catch attention. Miracle working is one of the signs of the end (Matt. 24:24; Rev. 16-13, 14). Manifestations of this order then must be carefully tested by the Church for there will be miracles on both the side of truth and the side of error in the last days. Only by the Scriptures can they be tested.

False gifts are often characterized by the claim of priority. That is, that the gift in question takes precedence over other gifts in importance. The gift of tongues, for instance, is said by some to be an evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and therefore has priority over other gifts. This cannot be substantiated from Scripture. The biblical principle that not everyone has every gift is ignored or explained away. The scriptural regulations for the exercise of the gift (1 Cor. 14) are not usually followed. Keeping the law of God is not considered as important as the exercise of the gift.

If there is any question about the genuineness of a gift, the matter should be submitted to the Church for review and testing.

Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tool

1. There are a total of 105 statements below. Indicate whether you Strongly Agree, Agree Somewhat, are Undecided, Disagree Somewhat or Completely Disagree with each question.

2. Transfer your answers to the profile sheet at the end of this document.

3. Total your scores for each of the gifts. Each gift will have a score between ZERO and TWENTY.

4. Order the gifts in descending order of score. Higher scores indicate your more dominant gifts.

“This statement has been satisfactorily experience in my life” or “I believe I have the ability to do this”

43.People seem to be willing to follow my leadership without much resistance.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided

1 - Disagree Somewhat

0 - Completely Disagree

44.It is a joy for me to proclaim God's plan of salvation to unbelieving people.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



45.It is enjoyable to have the responsibility of leading other people in

their spiritual life.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



46.I'm excited in helping people to discover important truths in the scriptures.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



47.I have special joy singing praises to God either alone or with other people.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



48.It is enjoyable to motivate people to a higher spiritual commitment.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



49.People with spiritual problems seem to come to me for advice and counsel.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



50.I received excellent grades in school.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



51.There is great joy in doing little jobs around the church.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



52.I look for opportunities to assist people in their work.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



53.There is great joy in leading people to accomplish group goals.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



54.I like to organize people for more effective ministry.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



55.There is great satisfaction in giving large amounts of money for the Lord's work.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



56.I feel great compassion for the problems of others.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



57.It seems easy to perceive whether a person is honest or dishonest.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



58.I am ready to try the impossible because I have a great trust in God.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



59.There is great joy in having people in my home.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



60.I find that the repair and maintenance of things in my environment come easily to me.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



61.I seem to recognize prayer needs before others.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



62.I enjoy the opportunity to pray with and for a person who is physically ill that they may be made well.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



63.I adapt easily in a culture different from mine.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



64.I feel a sense of authority in my relationship to the group.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



65.I seem able to determine when the Spirit has prepared a person to received Jesus Christ.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



66.It is exciting to provide spiritual leadership for a congregation.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



67.Teaching a Bible Class is one of the most enjoyable things I do (or could do) in the Church.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



68.God has given me the ability to play a musical instrument and I enjoy it.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



69.It is a joy to give encouragement to people who are discouraged.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



70.I enjoy providing solutions to difficult problems in life.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



71.It seems easy to learn difficult truths.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



72.I enjoy doing routine tasks for the glory of God.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



73.I enjoy helping with the emergency tasks around the Church.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



74.People seem to enjoy following me in doing an important task.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



75.There is joy in making important decisions.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



76.I find real joy in giving a generous portion of my money to the Lord.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



77.Visiting people in retirement homes gives me a great satisfaction.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



78.I seem to know very quickly whether something is right or wrong.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



79.When things seem impossible, I'm ready to move forward.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



80.I do not feel uncomfortable when people drop in unexpectedly.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



81.I have enjoyed creating various kinds of arts and/or crafts.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



82.Prayer is one of my favorite spiritual exercises.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



83.I have prayed for an emotionally ill person and seen the person get better.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



84.It is easy for me to move into a new community and make friends.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



85.I have little fear in leading people where God wants them to go.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



86.I feel a burden to share the Gospel with people.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



87.I like to assist people with their spiritual problems.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



88.It seems that people learn when I teach them.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



89.I have enjoyed being involved with Church, school and/or local musical productions.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



90.I like to encourage inactive church members to become involved Christians again.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



91.It seems that people generally follow my advice.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



92.I am able to understand difficult portions of God's word.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



93.I receive great satisfaction in doing small or trivial tasks in church.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



94.I desire to do the tasks which will free others for important ministry.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



95.It is more effective to delegate a task to someone else rather than to do it myself.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



96.I enjoy the responsibility for the achievement of group goals.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



97.I appreciate the opportunity to financially support a critical situation.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



98.I sense joy in comforting people in difficult situations.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



99.I easily perceive the difference between truth and error.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



100.I am often ready to believe God will lead us through a situation when others feel it is impossible.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



101.People seem to feel very comfortable in my home.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



102.I like to create things with my hands.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



103.God consistently answers my prayers in tangible ways.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



104.I have visited a person who was sick, prayed that God would make them physically whole, and the person got better.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



105.I am able to relate well to Christians of different locations or cultures.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



106.I appreciate the opportunity to proclaim God's word to others.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



107.It is a joy to share what Jesus means to me with unbelieving neighbors.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



108.People like to bring their troubles & concerns to me because they feel I care.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



109.One of the joys of my ministry is training people to be more effective

Christians.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



110.I feel secure in the fact that my musical ability will be of benefit to other people with whom I come in contact.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



111.People who are feeling perplexed often come to me for encouragement and comfort.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



112.I feel that I have a special insight in selecting the best alternative in a difficult situation.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



113.I have a clear understanding of Biblical doctrines.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



114.I find more satisfaction in doing a job than finding someone else to do it.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



115.I appreciate a ministry of helping other peoples to bear their burdens.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



116.It is a thrill to inspire others to greater involvement in church work.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



117.The development of effective plans for church ministry gives me great satisfaction.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



118.It is a joy to see how much money I can give to the Lord.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



119.I enjoy ministering to a person who is sick in the hospital.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



120.I can judge well between the truthfulness and error of a given theological statement.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



121.People seem to view me as one who believes everything is possible.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



122.When missionaries come to our church I (would) like to have them come to my home.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



123.I see that the results of my working with various objects in God's creation help to improve and beautify that which other people have not seen nor developed.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



124.I faithfully pray for others recognizing that their effectiveness and total well-being depends on God's answer to prayers.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



125.I like to participate in ministry to the physically or emotionally ill and pray for their recovery.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



126.The thought of beginning a new church in a new community is exciting to me.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



127.I enjoy training workers in the congregation.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



128.I feel a deep concern for unbelievers in my community.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



129.I enjoy a close relationship with people in a one to one situation.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



130.It is easy to organize materials for teaching a Bible class.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



131.Leading others in singing songs of praise to God or for pure enjoyment is personally satisfying.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



132.I would rather call on a delinquent family in my Church than an unbelieving family.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



133.I have a strong sense of confidence in my solutions to problems.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



134.It is an exciting challenge to read and study a difficult book of the Bible.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



135.I like to do things without attracting much attention.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



136.If a family is facing a serious crisis, I enjoy the opportunity to help them.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



137.There is great satisfaction in having others follow me in performing a task.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



138.I would rather make decisions for the group than persuade them to reach the same decision.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



139.I can give sacrificially because I know that God will meet my needs.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



140.It is a special satisfaction to visit people who are confined to their homes.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



141.I often seek the motives of a person and look beneath the words.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



142.When people are discouraged I enjoy giving them a positive vision.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



143.People seem to enjoy coming to my house.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



144.There is pleasure in drawing, designing and/or painting various objects.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



145.I find myself praying when I possibly should be doing other things.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



146.I feel strongly that my prayers for a sick person effect wholeness for that person.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



147.More than most, I have a strong desire to see all people of other communities and countries won to the Lord.

4 - Strongly Agree

3 - Agree Somewhat

2 - Undecided



The Discovery Tool Profile Sheet

Transfer your scores for each question into the following table, then compute the sum of each row. This provides your score for each gift.

148.Apostle 1____ 22____ 43____ 64____ 85____ = ____

149.Evangelist 2____ 23____ 44____ 65____ 86____ = ____

150.Pastor 3____ 24____ 45____ 66____ 87____ = ____

151.Teacher 4____ 25____ 46____ 67____ 88____ = ____

152.Music 5____ 26____ 47____ 68____ 89____ = ____

153.Exhortation 6____ 27____ 48____ 69____ 90____ = ____

154.Wisdom 7____ 28____ 49____ 70____ 91____ = ____

155.Knowledge 8____ 29____ 50____ 71____ 92____ = ____

156.Serving 9____ 30____ 51____ 72____ 93____ = ____

157.Helps 10____ 31____ 52____ 73____ 94____ = ____

158.Leadership 11____ 32____ 53____ 74____ 95____ = ____

159.Administration 12____ 33____ 54____ 75____ 96____ = ____

160.Giving 13____ 34____ 55____ 76____ 97____ = ____

161.Mercy 14____ 35____ 56____ 77____ 98____ = ____

162.Discernment 15____ 36____ 57____ 78____ 99____ = ____

163.Faith 16____ 37____ 58____ 79____ 100____ = ____

164.Hospitality 17____ 38____ 59____ 80____ 101____ = ____

165.Craftsmanship 18____ 39____ 60____ 81____ 102____ = ____

166.Intercession 19____ 40____ 61____ 82____ 103____ = ____

167.Healing 20____ 41____ 62____ 83____ 104____ = ____

168.Missionary 21____ 42____ 63____ 84____ 105____ = ____

In the spaces below, list your gifts in descending order of score. Use the “List of gifts, definitions, and Scriptural references” for further study.

DOMINANT

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SUBORDINATE

___________________________

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List of gifts, definitions, and Scriptural references.

The following pages contain suggested definitions of the Spiritual Gifts.

169.Prophecy. The gift of prophecy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely anointed utterance.

1 Cor. 12:10, 28; Rom 12:6; Eph. 4:11; Acts 15:32; Acts 21:9-11; Luke 7:26.

170.Pastor. The gift of pastor is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to assume a long-term personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers.

Eph. 4:11; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; John 10:1-18; 1 Pet. 5:1-3.

171.Teaching. The gift of teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the body and its members in such a way that others will learn.

1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11-14; Acts 18:24-28; Acts 20:20-21.

172.Wisdom. The gift of wisdom is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the body of Christ.

1 Cor. 12:8; Acts 6:3, 10; 2 Pet. 3:15; 1 Cor. 2-1-13; James 1:5-6.

173.Knowledge. The gift of knowledge is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to discover, accumulate, analyze and clarify information and ideas which are pertinent to the growth and well-being of the body.

1 Cor. 12:8; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Cor. 2:14; Col. 2:2-3.

174.Exhortation. The gift of exhortation is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement and counsel to

other members of the body in such a way that they feel helped and healed.

Rom. 12:8; 1 Tim. 4:13; Heb. 10:25; Acts. 14:22.

175.Discerning of Spirits. The gift of discerning of spirits is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to know with assurance whether certain behavior purported to be of God is in reality divine, human or Satanic.

1 Cor. 12:10; Acts 16:16-18; 1 John 4:1-6.

176.Giving. The gift of giving is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness.

Rom. 12:8; 2 Cor. 8:1-7; 2 Cor. 9:2, 6-8.

177.Helps. The gift of helps is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to invest the talents they have in the life and ministry of other members of the body, thus enabling them to increase the effectiveness of their own spiritual gifts.

1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 16:1-2; Acts 9:36.

178.Mercy. The gift of mercy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals, both Christian and non-Christian, who suffer distressing physical, mental or emotional problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully-done deeds which reflect Christ's love and alleviate the suffering.

Rom. 12:8; Acts 16:33-34; Luke 10:33-35; Mark 9:41.

179.Missionary. The gift of missionary is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a second culture.

1 Cor. 9:19-23; Acts 22-21; Acts 13:2, 3; Acts 8:4; Rom. 10:15.

180.Evangelist. The gift of evangelist is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to share the Gospel with unbelievers in such a way that men and women become Jesus' disciples and responsible members of the body of Christ.

Eph. 4:11; Acts 8:5, 6; Acts 8:26-40; 2 Tim. 4:5; Acts 21:8; Acts 14-21.

181.Hospitality. The gift of hospitality is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to provide open house and warm welcome for those in need of good and lodging.

Rom. 12:9-13; Heb. 13:1-2; Acts 16:15; Rom 16:23, 1 Peter 4:9, 10

182.Faith. The gift of Faith is the special ability that God gives to

certain members of the body of Christ to discern with extra-ordinary confidence God’s promises, power, and presence so that they can take a heroic stand for the future of God’s work in the church.

1 Cor. 12:9; Acts 27:21-25; 11:22-24; Rom. 4:18-24; Heb. 11

183.Leadership. The gift of Leadership is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to motivate, direct, and inspire God’s people in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to do the church’s work effectively.

Rom 12:8; Acts 15:7-11; 1 Tim. 5:17; Acts 7:10; Heb. 13:17

184.Administration. The gift of Administration is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to understand clearly the immediate and long-range goals of a particular unit of the body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals.

1 Cor. 12:28; Acts 27:11; Acts 6: 1-7

185.Miracles. The gift of Miracles is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to perform powerful acts that are perceived by observers to have altered the ordinary course of nature.

1 Cor. 12:10, 28; Acts 19:11-20; Rom. 15:18-19; Acts 9:36-42

186.Healing. The gift of Healing is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to serve as human intermediaries through whom it pleases God to cure illness and restore health apart from the use of natural means.

1 Cor. 12:9, 28; Acts 3:1-10; Acts 5:12-16; Acts 9:32-35

187.Tongues. The gift of Tongues is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to (a) speak to God in a language they have never learned and/or (b) receive and communicate an immediate message of God to his people through a divinely-anointed utterance in a language they have never learned.

1 Cor. 12:10, 28; 1 Cor. 14:13-19; Acts 2:1-13; Acts 19:1-7; Acts 10:44-46

188.Interpretation. The gift of Interpretation is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to make known in the vernacular the message of one who speaks in tongues.

1 Cor. 12:10, 30; 1 Cor. 14:13, 26-28

189.Apostle. The gift of Apostle is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to assume and exercise general leadership over a number of churches with an extraordinary authority in spiritual matters which is spontaneously recognized and appreciated by those churches.

1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11; 2 Cor. 12:12, Eph. 3:1-9

190.Celibacy. The gift of Celibacy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to remain single and enjoy it; to be unmarried and not suffer undue sexual temptations.

1 Cor. 7:7-8; Matt. 19:10-12

191.Intercession. The gift of Intercession is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian.

James 5:14-16; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; Col. 1:9-12

192.Martyrdom. The gift of Martyrdom is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to undergo suffering for the faith even to the point of death, while consistently displaying a joyous and victorious attitude which brings glory to God.

1 Cor. 13:3; Acts 7:54-60; Acts 12:1-5; Acts 8:1-4

193.Service. The gift of Service is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to God's work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the desired goals.

Rom. 12:7; Acts 6:1-7; 2 Tim. 1:16-18

194.Craftsmanship. The gift of Craftsmanship is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to use their hands and minds to build up the church through artistic and creative means.

Exodus 35:30 – 36:2

195.Music. The gift of Music is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to praise God through various forms of music and enhance the worship experience of the local congregation.

1 Chr. 16:41, 42; 2 Chr. 5:12, 13; 34:12; Psalms 98

PINPOINTING YOUR GIFT CLUSTER

Discovery Through Groups.

Since spiritual gifts are given for use in building up the body of Christ you will expect to receive confirmation from the body. In other words other members will see your gift also. If they fail to see the gift you think you have it may be an indication you do not have that particular gift.

So let us divide now into groups of four or five. Be sure to get into a group where you are well known. Husbands and wives must go to separate groups for greater objectivity!

196.Fill in the names of those in your group.

___________________________________________________________

You_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

197.Draw a line from your name to any other person in the group

whose gift you feel you know.

198.Write the name of the gift on the line.

199.Do this for any others whose gift you think you can identify.

200.Now write your four highest rated gifts from the profile sheet in the left column below:

Your four highest rated gifts from profile sheet Gifts others feel I have

1. _____________________________ 1.____________________

2. _____________________________ 2.____________________

3. _____________________________ 3.____________________

4. _____________________________ 4.____________________

201.Choose a member of the group and have every other member of the group read off the spiritual gift he has written down for that person.

202.Do this for each member of the group. Each person writes in the right hand column: Gifts others feel I have.

203.Now in turn share with the group what you have discovered about yourself.

204.Take some time to discuss how you are using or would like to see your spiritual gifts used in the Church.

CAUTION:

Do not consider that all this is final in discovering your spiritual gift. Continue to think, study and pray about it. Discuss it with other members of the church. Talk to the elders about it. Using the abilities you know you have is one of the surest ways of discovery. What you have learned, however, very likely indicates the area in which you should explore further.

USE WHAT YOU HAVE AND GOD WILL MULTIPLY IT.

It is not enough to know what your gifts are.

It is now very important to

DEVELOP IT

and

USE IT

to the glory of God and the salvation of your friends, neighbors and relatives.

"Talents used are talents multiplied. Success is not the result of chance or of destiny; it is the out working of God's own providence, the reward of faith and discretion, of virtue and persevering effort. The Lord desires us to use every gift we have; and if we do this, we shall have greater gifts to use. He does not supernaturally endow us with the qualifications we lack; but while we use that which we have, He will work with us to increase and strengthen every faculty. By every whole-hearted, earnest sacrifice for the Master's service our powers will increase." (COL, p.353-354)

What Are Some of the Purposes of the Gifts?

The gifts are given for the following reasons:

205.Equipping the saints for the work of the ministry.

206.For the building up of the body of Christ.

207.To bring us to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God.

208.To bring us to the measure of the fullness of God.

209.To make us stable and mature, and not tossed about by every wind of doctrine, trickery and craftiness.

210.To make the church full and complete not lacking any

good gift. (See Eph. 4:7-16 and 1 Cor. 12)

TO HELP MY PASTOR

Name __________________________________________Date______________

In response to the Spiritual Gifts Study I think my spiritual gifts are:

211.______________________________________________________________

212.______________________________________________________________

213.______________________________________________________________

214.______________________________________________________________

I think my gifts can best be used for God in the following ways:

215.______________________________________________________________

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216.______________________________________________________________

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217.______________________________________________________________

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I think the church should follow up this study in this way:

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

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I would like to have the following help in discovering, developing or using my spiritual gifts:

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spiritual gifts study

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