Bible Study: Spiritual Gifts

We had Bible Study today on Spiritual Gifts. Here's some things I learnt!

Scripture Text: 1 Cor 12:1, 7-11 (NIV)

v.1 Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.

v.7 - v.11 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.


WHY DOES GOD GIVE US SPIRITUAL GIFTS?

1. For the common good of men, as mentioned in v.7
   
2. To understand things that God wants us to do / to know the will of God
   
3. To build up the Body of Christ (ref. Eph 4:11-13 - ... so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature...)
4. To restore glory to God / Prove the presence of God
5. Save souls
6. To experience God fully thereby building up our faith
7. cos God loves us! (ref Matt 7:11 - If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!)

WHAT HAS GOD GIVEN THE CHURCH?

1. Prophecy, tongues, vision, interpretation, music team, PA, administration, etc (ref v.28-30 - ... eagerly desire the greater gifts)

WHAT DO SPIRITUAL GIFTS DO?

1. Helps the church to function as it should be
2. God's presence manifests when we exercise our spiritual gifts
3. God works through everyone to build us up
4. All of us are important. God wants all of us to contribute

HOW TO GET SPIRITUAL GIFTS?

1. ASK!!! (ref. Matt 7:7-8)
2. Exercise your gifts (ref. Matt 25:29)

HOW DO WE KNOW IF VISIONS ARE FROM GOD?

1. Context of the word
2. God will not fool us. When we ask for a word in corporate prayer, the devil will have no power to plant visions in our head.
   
3. Visions and words have to edify the church, and praise God. (v.3-4 - no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says,"Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.)
4. Just step out in faith if I get a word. Someone will have an interpretation for it..

I've actually had a quite a few visions but never ever went up to share.. It seems like they are getting lesser nowadays. Saw a spear with a black tip today. Hmm.. I must start sharing more from today on! I was always afraid that my vision might just be a figment of my imagination. Now, I realise that it's not. Okae.. next, I just need to overcome my Goliath of thin-skin. Hmm..