Pneumatology: Spiritual Gifts
Sharon Holmes
Theo 201
Short Essay #4
Short Essay on Pneumatology: Spiritual Gifts
It’s been quite a while, since we last spoken. I understand that you have some questions concerning Spiritual Gifts, in particular speaking in tongues. Unfortunately this is a widely debated subject in the body of Christ. This subject is so controversial it has split churches, and continues to separate denominations. However the bible tells us in Proverbs “In all thy getting, get an understanding.” The Bible also tell us that “My people parish because of the lack of knowledge.” So to answer your questions, let’s see what the word has to say concerning Spiritual Gifts, and speaking in tongues.
Before we can speak to a subject we must first understand the meaning, and purpose of the subject matter. Paul tells us in (1 Corinthians 12:1) “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” Spiritual Gifts are, Gifts of God enabling the Christian to perform his or her (sometimes specializes) services. There are several words in the New Testament that 's used for spiritual gifts. Pneumatikas, and charismata are frequently found, with charismata being the most common. Charisma signifies redemption or salvation as the gift of God’s grace
(Rom 5:15; 6:23) and a gift enabling the Christian to perform his services in the church (1 Cor 7:7), enabling a Christian to perform a particular ministry in the church. The purposes of spiritual gifts are always for the edification of the body of Christ.
As we begin to understand the gifts, we must realize that there is a difference between Spiritual gifts, and the fruit of the Spirit. Spiritual gift is an ability to be used in service, whereas spiritual fruit relates to a Christian’s character. It is possible to have a spiritual gift, and lack spiritual character. The Corinthian church has numerous gifts, but was guilty of envy, divisions, and fleshly sins. It is possible to have the gift of faith to
Theo 201
Short Essay #4
Short Essay on Pneumatology: Spiritual Gifts
It’s been quite a while, since we last spoken. I understand that you have some questions concerning Spiritual Gifts, in particular speaking in tongues. Unfortunately this is a widely debated subject in the body of Christ. This subject is so controversial it has split churches, and continues to separate denominations. However the bible tells us in Proverbs “In all thy getting, get an understanding.” The Bible also tell us that “My people parish because of the lack of knowledge.” So to answer your questions, let’s see what the word has to say concerning Spiritual Gifts, and speaking in tongues.
Before we can speak to a subject we must first understand the meaning, and purpose of the subject matter. Paul tells us in (1 Corinthians 12:1) “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” Spiritual Gifts are, Gifts of God enabling the Christian to perform his or her (sometimes specializes) services. There are several words in the New Testament that 's used for spiritual gifts. Pneumatikas, and charismata are frequently found, with charismata being the most common. Charisma signifies redemption or salvation as the gift of God’s grace
(Rom 5:15; 6:23) and a gift enabling the Christian to perform his services in the church (1 Cor 7:7), enabling a Christian to perform a particular ministry in the church. The purposes of spiritual gifts are always for the edification of the body of Christ.
As we begin to understand the gifts, we must realize that there is a difference between Spiritual gifts, and the fruit of the Spirit. Spiritual gift is an ability to be used in service, whereas spiritual fruit relates to a Christian’s character. It is possible to have a spiritual gift, and lack spiritual character. The Corinthian church has numerous gifts, but was guilty of envy, divisions, and fleshly sins. It is possible to have the gift of faith to
Bibliography: R.S. Wallace and G.L. Green, “Holy Spirit,” In Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter A. Elwell, 2nd ed., 568-573, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001 C. Blasing, “Spiritual Gifts,” In Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter A. Elwell, 2nd ed., 135-1138-573, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001 P.A. Ericksen, “Speaking In Tongues,” In Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter A. Elwell, 2nd ed., 1206-1209, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker 2001 C.W. Mitchell, “Charismatic Movement,” In Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter A. Elwell, 2nd ed., 220-224, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker 2001 C.W. Mitchell, “Baptism of the Spirit,” In Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, ed. Walter A. Elwell, 2nd ed., 137-138, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker 2001 Towns, Elmer L. Theology for Today, Mason, OH: Cengage Learning, 2008. -