# 14 Understanding Spiritual Gifts

C. Peter Wagner tells us "In order to understand the gift of intercession, it is necessary to come to terms with the biblical teaching on spiritual gifts.

As Paul says, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant" 1 Cor. 12:1

The Bible says the church is a body, the Body of Christ (see Eph. 1:22, 23).

The Body of Christ functions in many respects like a human body.

Paul says, "As we have many members in one body, [meaning the human body] but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ" Rom. 12:4,5.

I believe this gives us an important key for understanding what spiritual gifts are and how they work.

If we are all members of the body, how do we know which member we are?

How do we know if we are a nose or a toe or a liver or an eyelid?

We know by discovering what spiritual gift or gifts we have.

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" 1 Peter 4:10.

God has given one or more spiritual gifts to every believer. No one is left out.

Some of our school districts offer special programs for 'gifted children.' But in our churches the whole program is for gifted children of God because we are all gifted.

Not that we have the same gifts. Some are ears and some are eyes, and the ear must not say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body" 1 Cor. 12:16.

The better we know our gifts the better we can serve God in our churches.

The Body of Christ is so complex that God wisely does not leave it up to us to choose our own gifts. If He did, too many would decide to be eyes.

After all, who would choose to be a liver when he could be a eye?

But when it comes down to it, the body can live without an eye, but not without a liver. "Those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary" 1 Cor. 12:22.

Today’s post - #14  Understanding Spiritual Gifts, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and 
others on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 41, 42) By Regal Books

The next post is to be 8/6, #15  God Selects the Gifts

[Google images added]

Let’s pray: 

 

   Father, when it comes to service in my church Body, may I be open to what the leadership advise me. I will pray for them, and know that their interest is for my good in all I undertake to do. I understand that in time I will better know my gifts, and I will undertake ways to use them for the kingdom. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: 

Zach. 10:12 "And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD."

Today’s quote:

 Max Lucado – “There is a wonder to life. Pursue it. Hunt for it. Don’t listen to the whines of those who've settled for a second-rate life and want you to do the same so they won’t feel guilty. Your goal is not to live long…it’s to live!” 

Our thought today: God created time, so we can mark our progress and God's movements.

Another good thought: Don't rest in your past, but reach out to receive and do greater things for the kingdom.

Tomorrow’s post: Mysterious Ways: The Great Morel Hunter  Donna Dilley Hacecky  

A popular post:  Preconceived Notions  It’s time to lay down those preconceived ideas and trust God to work in His ways."

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