79. The gifts and manifestations of the Spirit 1 Cor. 12:6-7

A Journey

Before we dive in, I want to remind our listeners that my thoughts here do not represent any denominational viewpoint. For the last 45 years, my views on the Bible have undoubtedly mainly been informed by a Protestant evangelical, even Pentecostal worldview. However, over the years, many things have challenged that view. The result has been many ideas I was once dogmatic about and held with a firm grip; I hold lighter if still holding on to them.

In other words, I’m not holding party lines.  For those of you who have been reading, listening, and following along, it's essential to know that I am not attempting to persuade you or change your mind on any position.

Though I have read the Bible for many years and hold an undergraduate degree in theology, my approach is not that of a theologian but rather that of exploring these texts as a lay reader. I read the scriptures with their historical context, imagining myself as a first-century recipient. This perspective helps me consider the broader historical backdrop of the text.

I am simply sharing my journey through some of these New Testament books and extending an invitation to anyone who wishes to join me. Let's begin with today's passage on the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul discusses the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit, as mentioned here in 1 Cor. 12:6- of the Spirit. While they are closely related, there is a nuanced difference between them. The questions I would like to consider today are as follows: What is the primary difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the manifestations of the Spirit, as discussed in this passage?  How does Paul describe the purpose of the gifts of the Spirit about the Church community, and how does this differ from the purpose of the manifestations of the Spirit?  Finally, according to the explanations provided in the New Testament, is there an example of how a spiritual gift might manifest in a church service?

The gifts of the Spirit, often referred to as "charismata" in Greek, are special abilities the Holy Spirit gives believers to build up the Church. Paul lists various gifts in several passages, including 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Romans 12:6-8, and Ephesians 4:11. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. These gifts are seen as more enduring capabilities or roles given to individuals.

"Manifestation of the Spirit" refers to how the Holy Spirit reveals His presence and power among believers. These manifestations can be seen as the outworking or expression of the Spirit's gifts in specific situations. According to 1 Corinthians 12:7, these manifestations are given for the common good, meaning they are intended to benefit the entire community of believers.

In other words, the Gifts of the Spirit are specific abilities or roles given to individuals by the Holy Spirit to serve and build up the Church. Manifestations of the Spirit are how these gifts are displayed and exercised in the Church's life, showing the Holy Spirit's active presence and power.

Some of the key differences between the two are in their nature. For instance, gifts are Permanent or enduring abilities given to individuals. At the same time, manifestations are temporary or situational expressions of the Spirit's power, such as a prophetic word given during a meeting.

Spiritual gifts focus on the individual receiving and using the gift for ministry, while manifestations focus on the communal experience and benefit, showing the Spirit’s presence among the believers. The purpose of gifts is to equip individuals for specific roles and functions within the Church. In contrast, the purpose of manifestations is to demonstrate the Holy Spirit's active presence and power for the edification of the Church community.

Example

A person with the gift of prophecy might regularly receive revelations from God. This gift manifests when they speak a specific prophetic word in a meeting, encouraging and strengthening the congregation. The gift is the enduring ability to prophesy, while the manifestation is the instance when the prophecy is spoken and experienced by the community. So then, the gifts of the Spirit are the enduring abilities given to individuals, the manifestations of the Spirit are the specific expressions of these gifts in action, intended to benefit and build up the whole Church.

Personal Thoughts

The notion that a gift is a supernatural ability given by God and cannot be taught has profound implications for how we view spiritual gifts within the Church. According to the biblical perspective, particularly as outlined by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12, spiritual gifts are divinely bestowed and are not skills that can be acquired through human effort or learning. This contrasts sharply with modern charismatic teachings, which often emphasize that spiritual gifts can be nurtured, developed, or even imparted through teaching and practice.

Adhering strictly to the biblical view that gifts are supernatural and cannot be taught leads to several key implications. First, it emphasizes complete dependence on the Holy Spirit to bestow and manifest these gifts, eliminating any room for human manipulation or training to acquire them. This perspective reinforces the belief in God's sovereignty, as the distribution of gifts is entirely at the discretion of the Holy Spirit, aligning with 1 Corinthians 12:11, which states that the Spirit distributes gifts to each one individually as He wills. It also mitigates the risk of pride or elitism within the Church, as no one can claim superiority based on their spiritual gift, recognizing that these gifts are purely a result of divine grace.

Additionally, this view focuses on the purpose of spiritual gifts: building up the Church. Understanding gifts as supernatural and divinely given ensures they are used for the common good rather than for personal gain or recognition.

We have heard it argued that while the initial impartation of a gift is indeed supernatural, believers are called to steward these gifts responsibly as a justification for some charismatic churches frequently holding training sessions and workshops to help believers "activate" or "enhance" their spiritual gifts. Some pastors suggest that practical application and proficiency in using these gifts can be improved through education and practice, including developing their understanding through learning, mentorship, and community support. Pastors in this camp often cite passages like 1 Timothy 4:14, where Paul advises Timothy not to neglect the gift given to him to support these practices. However, this raises an important question: does this passage truly justify the existence of spiritual gift workshops, which often come with a financial cost?

The Bible's perspective on spiritual gifts and their practice contrasts with some of these bible teachers in several vital ways. Biblically, spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit according to His will, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the divine nature of these gifts. The suggestion that spiritual gifts can be activated or enhanced through human effort, training, and practice downplays the spontaneous action of the Holy Spirit. The primary purpose of spiritual gifts in the Bible is the edification of the Church, focusing on building up the body of Christ and serving others, not individual experience or dramatic and demonstrative manifestations.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this passage on the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit mentioned here in 1 Cor. 12:6-7.