I’m convinced that a correct understanding of the "spiritual gifts" is rooted in a correct understanding of 1 Corinthians 12:1-7.  The vast majority of people think that the list of qualities in v 8-10 are spiritual “gifts”, but I am convinced that they are not.  This misunderstanding is rooted in the word “gifts” that is included in the first verse of chapter 12.  But, if you will notice, the word is italicized, meaning it was not in the original and was added by the translators to “help”.  This is one of the times when such additions do not help, but hinder the understanding.  1 Cor. 12:1 should be better translated “Now concerning spiritual things or spiritual matters brethren, I do not want you to be unaware”.  He does talk about gifts, but the conversation is not limited to only gifts.  



The key to understanding chapter 12 is found in v 4-7.  Here Paul lists the spiritual “things” he referred to in verse one. In order, they are spiritual gifts, ministries, effects, and manifestations.  Each one is a separate entity with its own role and function.



1.Gifts- I believe these are listed in Romans 12, where Paul specifically lists spiritual gifts.  Prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and mercy.  I understand these to be permanent gifts that are commensurate with the believer’s personality and particular abilities.  I also understand from 1 Peter 4:10 that each person receives only one gift.  Each believer is given the responsibility of developing their gift and using it to edify other believers and the church.  These seven and only these seven, are the biblical spiritual gifts.



2. Ministries-  I am convinced these are listed in Ephesians 4:11, and that they are the respective roles that individuals play in the body of Christ in utilizing their above spiritual gifts.  


3. Effects-  This is the result of the work of the spirit in the individual, and are found listed in Galatians 5:22-26, the Fruit (effects) of the Spirit.  I think many folks are familiar with this list.



4. Manifestations- If you notice the grammar joining verse 7 and 8 in 1 Cor 12, you will see that it is these manifestations that Paul describes in the subsequent verses.  He lists the four different categories of “spiritual things”, and then goes on to describe the details of the last category, the manifestations. They are obviously and necessarily different from the other categories.  They are ”gifts” in general, as perhaps all of the spiritual things God gives us can be considered gifts, but they are not “gifts” in the technical sense of how Paul uses the term in verse 4.  I am convinced that these manifestations are special abilities that the Spirit gives to a particular individual, at a specific time, for a specific purpose, and that when the immediate usefulness is past, the manifestation is removed.  But they are NOT spirutual gifts.  They are merely tools that the Holy spirit has at His disposal to use through you to do the work that He wants done.  Maybe you will never have need for one.  NOT having one of these manifestations, including tongues, is NOT and indicator that you are not a believer.



I’m convinced, based on how these manifestations are demonstrated in scripture, that their purpose is to give validity and superiority to the claims of the gospel or to meet a specific spiritual need that would otherwise be humanly impossible.  I believe that all of these manifestations are at work in the world today, and that certain gifts have not “ceased”, as some claim that they have.  I think this confusion over the activity or non-activity of these things is rooted in the myopic view of American Christianity.  We tend to be very nearsighted in our views, and because we don’t see too many of these manifestations here, we project that conclusion on the rest of the world, and build doctrine on that error.  But in America, which was founded by believers and has had a very “Christian” culture, we have no need of extraordinary spiritual events to validate or propagate the gospel.  But in other areas of the world, they do not have our Christian roots, and reports from missionaries indicate that these “manifestations” are quite common, including resurrections.  I think there is also much confusion and skepticism in America today because of the gross abuse and deception of so called Christian leaders who use these signs and wonders to extort money and power from their followers.  But just because some abuse, doesn’t mean that there can be no use.


I did a thorough study of this topic for over a year back in college, and my findings were largely responsible for me changing the direction of my life.  And I am VERY happy I did.

I can post my study notes on both the gifts and manifestations or email them to folks if you like. IM me if you want.

Quoted: Quoted: 1.Gifts- I believe these are listed in Romans 12, where Paul specifically lists spiritual gifts.  Prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and mercy.  I understand these to be permanent gifts that are commensurate with the believer’s personality and particular abilities.  I also understand from 1 Peter 4:10 that each person receives only one gift.  Each believer is given the responsibility of developing their gift and using it to edify other believers and the church.  These seven and only these seven, are the biblical spiritual gifts. I must take exception to the part in red.

A lot of people do.  I base my position on the above verse, but it is only directly applicable to the recipient of Peter's point.  I think folks have just ONE gift of those listed in Romans 12, and that their gift lines up with and enhances, and is enhanced,  by their natural personality.  A very shy person will probably not be given the gift of prophecy, because the gift and vessel are a mismatch.  A prophet very boldly speaks forth God's word (like a John Hagee type), and so a type A personality is ususally seen with the gift of prophecy.  Now, I also belielve that everyone at some point in their lives is called upon to engage in practicing the other gifts.  I'm not exempt from showing mercy just because I don't have the GIFT of mercy, you see?  but I do believe that folks do not get TWO or more EQUALLY strong spiritual gifts.  One will always be very dominant.

But I could be wrong, but so far my study and observation line up with one gift.

Now I'm not going to start my own denomination over the issue...

BTW, my spiritual gift is teaching, and that's what I do for a living and as a personal minsitry.  I teach Geometry thru Calculus and Physics at a classical christian school.