If gifts are given to us by the Spirit and not by a pastor, elder, or another human, why are there references to Timothy receiving gifts when hands were laid on him (1 Tim. 4:14, 2 Tim. 1:6)?
There is a Greek word in those verses, “meta,” that means “with.” The laying of hands accompanied the giving of the gift and was the instrument or means of him receiving the gift. The source of Timothy’s gifts was still the Holy Spirit. Since the New Testament was still being written at the time of Timothy’s “authentification” or “recognition,” it was a means of further clarification for both Timothy and the churches he served. Informally, we carry on the practice today by simply affirming “one another” in the Body of Christ when we recognize and compliment God’s specific work through the life of someone else. Formally, when we lay hands on new elders, ministers or missionaries, we in essence are united as a body in recognizing a particular spiritual gift of service in that individual and are formally setting that person aside for a unique use of their gift. Bottom line: NO ONE LAYS HANDS ON THEMSELVES! It is the community of believers’ job corporately and individually to ultimately recognize and distinguish each others’ gifting. With that in mind as you study the next two gifts, list some people within our church who you believe exhibit these gifts.
Definition: The gift of Faith is the God-given ability to act on God’s promises with confidence and unwavering belief in God’s ability to fulfill His purposes.
Scriptural Reference(s): 1 Cor. 12:9, 1 Cor. 13:2, Rom. 4:19-21
Distinctives of this gift:
Traits of this person: Prayerful, Optimistic, Trusting, Assured, Inspiring, Hopeful, Positive
Potential Ministry Involvement: Prayer Mnistry, Hospital Visitation, Committee/Board member
Definition: The gift of Giving is the God-given ability to contribute money and resources to the work of the Lord with cheerfulness and liberality.
Scriptural Reference(s): Rom. 12:8, 2 Cor. 6:8, Luke 21:1-4
Distinctives of this gift:
Traits of this person: Responsible, Stewardship-oriented, Resourceful, Charitable, Disciplined
Potential Ministry Involvement: Support Missionaries, Fund Raising, Stewardship Board
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
