FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What about the gifts listed in Ephesians 4? Why aren't they included in this evaluation?
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 states, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord, and there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.” We believe the mention of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers in Ephesians 4:11 refer to ministries or offices or function and not gifts. As shepherds, different pastors may have different gifts. One may be gifted in preaching, while another is gifted in exhortation, and yet another is gifted in wisdom. One evangelist might be gifted in faith while another evangelist might be gifted in preaching.
The offices of apostle, prophet, pastor, teacher, and evangelist also do not fit our definition of a spiritual gift as a God-given ability. These offices appear to better refer to people rather than abilities, though there is no doubt that God uniquely blesses the men and women who serve in these ministries.
2. What about the sign gifts miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues?
Under Mosaic covenant (Deuteronomy 28-30), Israel was told that if they obeyed they would be blessed (Deuteronomy 28:1-14), if they disobeyed, they would be disciplined (Deuteronomy 28:15-30). Israel knew they were under discipline when they oppressed by foreign nations, this being evident in not being able to understand the oppressors language (Deuteronomy 28:49), “The Lord will bring a nation against you from afar from the end of the earth, as the eagle swoops down, a nation whose language you shall not understand.” This was a reality that the prophet Isaiah spoke of in Isaiah 28:11-12, “Indeed, He will speak to this people through stammering lips and a foreign tongue, He who said to them, ‘Here is rest, give rest to the weary,’ And, ‘Here is repose,’ but they would not listen.” This was a sign of judgment for Israel through the nation of Assyria and not a sign of blessing.
In Act 2:1-14, the Apostles (vs 1, 14) spoke to “Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men, from every nation under heaven” (vs 5) in their “own language” (vs 6). They spoke to these Jewish Believers (devout men – Lk. 2:25) in a known foreign language that had not been learned by them (vss 7-12). In speaking to these Jewish Believers (devout men – Acts 8:2), it was clear to the audience that the people of the nation of Israel and its leadership had not responded properly to Christ’s offer of the Kingdom and thus the nation was disobedient.
In 1 Corinthians 14:21-22 Paul refers back to Isaiah and states that the gift of tongues was a sign to unbelievers (vs 22). His reference to Isaiah and subsequent explanation of the purpose of the gift indicates that the gift of tongues was a sign of judgment for 1st century nonbelieving Jews in a known language by a speaker to whom the language was unlearned. Ecstatic babbling, in which the Corinthians were engaged in, was typical of the mystery religions of the times (1 Corinthians 14:2), was self-edifying (14:4) instead of focusing on the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7), was spiritually childish (14:20), and was confusing to non-Christians (1 Corinthians 4:23). John MacArthur in Charismatic Chaos states that ecstatic speech is common in pagan religions today. It is found among Muslims, Eskimos, and Tibetan monks. Hyperbole was used by Paul when he referred to the tongues of angels 1 Corinthians 13:1and it should be noted that whenever an angel spoke to someone in Scripture, a known language was used so that the listener could understand (Judges 6:11, 13:3, Matthew 1:20).
In 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, we see that the gifts of prophecy and knowledge will cease and be done away with when “the perfect/complete” (the Word – Lk. 1:1-3, Mt. 7:24-29, Jn. 20:31, 1 Tim. 4:6, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Heb. 4:12-13, 5:11-14, Jms. 1:19-25, 2 Pt. 1:19-21, 3:15, 1 Jn. 5:13) “would come.” The early church didn’t have the complete NT text to complete the Body. Tongues will cease in and of themselves (future middle indicative). Nothing outside of or external to the gift of tongues (i.e. the return of Christ) had to take place for the gift to stop. Since Mosaic covenant is no longer in effect for Israel as it was for 1st century non-believing Jews at the time of Christ, the gift of tongues has ceased and is not needed in the Body anymore. Since the gifts of tongues has ceased, it can be concluded that its companion gift of interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:27) has likewise ceased.
God can and does act in miraculous ways in the lives of his people. It is certainly possible that He might allow a Christian to communicate biblical truth in a known foreign language that is unlearned by the Believer, but this would constitute a miracle, not the gift of tongues and certainly not ecstatic babbling.
3. Are the gifts listed in the Bible the only ones?
Scripture warns against adding to, going beyond or subtracting from its contents (1 Corinthians 4:6, Revelation 22:18-19). As such, we are uncomfortable speculating what other gifts might exist, if there are indeed other gifts. Other authors discussing this topic might look to gifts of music, craftsmanship, etc. But it is important that we recognize the difference between natural talents, learned abilities, and spiritual gifts. While all three are from God, music is generally a natural talent, one that the person possessed prior to becoming a Christian. As such, this does not fit our definition of a spiritual gift as being given by God to all Christians at the time of their salvation. Abilities such as craftsmanship are learned skills. For these reasons, the assessment tool provided by Bema only tests for the speaking and service gifts as provided in Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 12.
4. Has prophecy, knowledge, along with wisdom ceased as suggested in first Corinthians 13?
On or around 56AD, Paul wrote to a divisive, disobedient assembly of Believers at Corinth who were engaged in wrong doing – criminal sexual relationships, pagan religious practice, lawsuits against one another, idolatry, fornication, adultery, effeminate and homosexual lifestyles, stealing, coveting, alcohol abuse, as well as fraud (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). To add to the divisiveness in the church, these Christian were confused about spiritual gifts. They seemed more interested in wrongly pursuing gifts that were given because they were subjectively attributing various degrees of importance to specific gifts. Additionally, these Believers appeared to be selfishly placing a priority on an emotional religious experience. In the writing of Paul, Christ-like conduct and love (1 Corinthians 12:31 – “an excellent way”) were not a priority for this assembly. With this context, Paul continues to admonish and teach these Christians. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:8-13:
“Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
“Love never fails” literally means “Love never at any time will come to ruin.” A Christian’s choice to engage the character quality of love will bring a timelessness to their spiritual skillet and ministry abilities as they train other Christians in the body for the work of ministry. Love allows the impact of a Believer’s spiritual gift to count forever and have an eternal impact. In contrast to the longevity of selfless, others-oriented service, these believes were informed the gifts of prophecy and knowledge “will be done away with” and tongues will “cease.”
Prophecy, languages (tongues), and knowledge appear to be restated by Paul by means of the terms “know”, “speak”, “think”, “reason”, and “see.” These three gifts are presented as incomplete and temporal in nature “in part”, “partial”, “done away with” and “will cease.” “Done away with” means to fade, to bring to nothing, to annul, abolish, or destroy. Along with cease, they seem to be presented in the immediate context to decline with an eventual end. Paul states these gifts will be done away with and will cease. When? Paul tells us “…when the perfect comes…”
It is reasonable to understand the phrase “…when the perfect comes…” as a reference to the completion of the written text of Scripture NOT the Rapture or the Second Advent. The concept “perfect” is consistently associated with the mind, thinking, wisdom, teaching, and the Word of God (Psalm 19:7-12, Rom. 12:2-3, 1 Cor. 2:6, 12-13, Col. 1:24-28, Heb. 5:11-14, 6:5, James 1:25. 1 Jn. 2:5). In contrast, it appears the idea of “perfect” is connected to Christ only two times in the NT – Heb 5:9, 7:28. Along with knowledge, spiritual/biblical wisdom is also accessible through the Word and the assembly of Believers (1 Cor. 12:8, Jms. 1:5, Eph. 3:10, Col. 3:16, 2 Pt. 3:15). Thus the word of Wisdom is no longer provided to the church as a spiritual gift on an individual basis but as a biblical thought process available to all Christians in the entire body of Christ.
5. Are some gifts more important than others?
Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 12:31 that the Corinthians were guilty of at least two errors. First, they were seeking or pursuing gifts as if they could determine which ones they wanted to receive. We don't determine which spiritual gifts we have. God does, and for this reason the gifts are given and not to be pursued. The reason they were chasing after certain gifts was because they were under the false impression that some spiritual gifts (in the context, speaking in tongues) were more important or crucial than others. Paul corrects this error in verses 14 - 30 of the chapter by instructing the Corinthians that the body is made up of unique parts (gifts), each unique part (gift) is crucial to the others and no part {gift} is more important than the others. Certainly, some spiritual gifts are more visible than others, but none differ in importance.
It is wise to remember that the gifts are given for the benefit of the body, not for the individual. J Oswald Sanders writes in his book Spiritual Leadership, “All Christians are under obligation to make the most of their lives, to develop to the utmost their God-given powers and capabilities. But Jesus taught that any ambitions that centers on and terminates on oneself is wrong. On the other hand, an ambition that has its center the glory of God and the welfare of his church is not only legitimate but is also positively praiseworthy (pp 13–14).
6. Does not having a gift in a certain area relieve me of responsibility in that area?
While Scripture is clear that no one receives all the spiritual gifts, the New Testament does indicate that every Believer has a responsibility to participate in and grow in all the areas encompassed by the various gifts.
Not all are given the gift of preaching, yet we are called to be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks about our beliefs (1 Peter 3:15). We must remember that 75% of prophecy in the Old Testament did not foretell the future of God's plans but rather forthtold of the character and will of God. So, it is with those who have the gift of preaching or prophecy today, and so it is with every Believer as he spiritually engages those around them and shares his or her testimony with others.
Not all are given the gift of teaching, but we are called to make disciples as we are going on life's path. Matthew 28:19-20 states quite clearly “…as you are going make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” As we grow in maturity, all Believers are expected to be able to teach those who are less mature whether informally in casual conversation or formally in a planned study time, as a teacher or as a participant in that discussion. The author of Hebrews rebuked his audience for their immaturity and their inability to teach others. “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God and you have come to need milk and not solid food” (Hebrews 5:12).
Not all are given the gift of exhortation, but as members of the body we are all called to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13). Because of this responsibility, God commands us to fellowship with other Believers. “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembly together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Not everyone receives the gift of giving, but all are expected to share in the financial needs of the work of the church. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that all should give and that all should give cheerfully. Speaking to the multitudes, Jesus addressed them that when they give alms, they should do so without fanfare. There was an expectation that all would participate in the giving process. Galatians 6:6 states, “And let the one who is taught the Word share all good things with him who teaches.”
Not everyone receives the gift of faith, yet scripture is very clear that all Believers are to live by faith. Paul exhorts the Corinthian Believers to stand firm in their faith (1 Corinthians 16:13) and told the Colossians to continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast (Colossians 1:23). Hebrews 11 makes it clear that God wants us to have faith like those who went before us. We should be bolstered by the faith of others, lay aside our doubts and fears, and keep focused on Jesus, the perfector of faith, and not lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-4). It is the righteous man, not just those with the gift of faith, that shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).
7. Can a person have more than one gift?
While there is no mention in Scripture of someone having more than one spiritual gift, it appears in Scripture that Paul had more than one spiritual gift. Yet it is the apostle Paul who told Timothy to “kindle afresh the gift (singular) of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). In 1 Peter 4:10, Peter instructs Believers that each one of them received a spiritual gift (singular). The context of 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12 would indicate that every member of the body is given one dominant gift. Every Christian, however, is expected to participate in a broader sense of ministry than just that encompassed by their gift. Each Christian, for example, is responsible for showing mercy to others, for giving financially to the work of the church, and to encourage or exhort other Christians. These things one does as the Holy Spirit leads and provides opportunity, but it would not be the same as exercising one’s permanent gift in the ministry that God has called him or her to.
God obviously endows each one of us uniquely for ministry engagements He has set before us. While Scripture doesn't exclude the possibility of receiving more in one gift, there is no direct mention of that occurring. Scripture is clear that God intends for Christians to work together as a team to further the work of the Great Commission and to minister to one another's needs as well as those of the world. He wants us to be dependent on each other, and ultimately dependent on Him. For that reason, we believe it likely that God gives each Believer one dominant gift which might be coupled with one or more subordinate supporting gifts, outside of causing growth in each Christian in all the areas that the gifts encompass. For example, while one may not be gifted in teaching, they may see significant growth in that area through the course of their lives as they grow in maturity in Christ, develop their presentation skills, etc.
8. Can a person's gift change over time?
There is no indication in Scripture that one's gift might change over time, is any way temporary, nor is there an example in Scripture of such happening. Romans 11:29 states that “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” God's gifts are given permanently. How one uses his or her gift may indeed change over time as the person grows spiritually and as God directs his or her ministry. As one grows, he or she will also be growing in both responsibility and ability in areas other than his or her gift. This growth may bring about such misunderstanding that the gift he or she has received is changing
9. Can a person lose his or her gift?
Romans 11:29 states that the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. God's gifts are given permanently. While God may remove blessings from his people, there are no instances in Scripture where someone has lost his or her spiritual gift.
10. Can a non-Christian have a spiritual gift?
Based on our definition of a spiritual gift as “a permanent ability given by God to all Christians at the time of their salvation to serve and assist of the Christians”, the answer would be NO. A non-Christian cannot have a spiritual gift. Certainly, a non-Christian may have a natural talent or learned behavior in an area encompassed by one of the spiritual gifts. For instance, there are many non-Christian philanthropists who give large sums of money to charitable organizations and who live to do so. But this is not to say they have the spiritual gift of giving. There are others who show incredible amounts of mercy in working with the indigent, the hurting, the imprisoned, etc. This is not to say, however, that they have the spiritual gift of mercy. Spiritual gifts are given to Christians, and for the purpose of serving other Christians or the church Body as a whole.