This is Part 2 of 2 of a discussion of Lesson 3: Spiritual Gifts and Prophecy. Click here to return to the introduction of the lesson.
In the last section we talked about the various spiritual gifts outlined by Paul in his writings.
How do spiritual gifts differ from the fruits of the Spirit? The fruits are outlined in Galatians 5:22,23:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…
These fruits come straight after Paul lists out the ‘works’ or ‘lusts’ of the flesh’. He encourages us to:
… Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (v16.)
The fruits are the results of the Holy Spirit being in our lives. More to the point, I think these fruits will really show when we surrender our own wills and desires and start to be truly led by the Holy Spirit.
I think that the Holy Spirit can enable everyone to have all of the fruits of the Spirit, even though it’s clear that not everyone has all of the gifts of the Spirit.
Interestingly, the fruits of the Spirit would appear to be more ‘primary’ than the gifts. Consider the following statements by Jesus.
Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matt 7:20 (NKJV)
Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matt 7:22,23 (NKJV)
So Jesus highlights that we will know genuine Christianity by the fruits or the results of people’s behaviour. The gifts – even the more spectacular ones, can be counterfeited and don’t necessarily show a living connection with Jesus.
Paul has similar thoughts:
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. I Cor 13:1 (NKJV)
Here he contrasts the necessity of the ‘fruit’ of love – saying that even the miraculous gift of tongues becomes worthless if the individual doesn’t have the love of God in their hearts.
It’s a humbling reality check – are we displaying the fruits of the Spirit? These are a true barometer of our relationship with God. We can’t consistently display these gifts without the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Another question is how do spiritual gifts differ from natural talents?
Most people are born with natural talents which I think are gifts from God. But I think that Spiritual Gifts are different abilities which are specifically given in relation to some form of ministry that God gives us the privilege to be involved with.
These abilities may be enhancements to natural talents, or they may be new abilities.
As an example I think about the disciples, many of whom were unlearned fishermen. However people noted they had an authority and ability beyond their natural gifts.
After Jesus had ascended to heaven, Peter and John were preaching and were arrested by the Jewish leaders. When asked to defend what they were doing, the Bible notes that Peter gave a Spirit led mini-sermon!
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel…. Acts 4:8 (NKJV)
Later the rulers noted that:
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (v13)
I think we need to be on the lookout for the opportunities that God opens up for us to minister to people – to share the good news with them. In doing this, we shouldn’t restrict the things we get involved with to those we’re comfortable with, or think we’re talented at doing, because God may have plans to provide Spiritual Gifts to enable this ministry.
Moses baulked at being God’s spokesman because he felt he was slow in his speech and not eloquent. However God had mighty plans for him!
That’s all for this week. God bless and see you again next time!
