Key Takeaways
- The Bible teaches that gifts are a way to show love, appreciation, and gratitude towards others, as seen in Matthew 2:11, where the Magi brought gifts to Jesus.
- In the New Testament, spiritual gifts are discussed in 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 12:3-8, and Ephesians 4:11-13, where they are described as special abilities given by God for the benefit of others.
- The Bible emphasizes the importance of giving gifts with the right motives, as seen in Matthew 6:1-4, where Jesus teaches about giving to the needy without seeking recognition.
- In the Old Testament, gifts were often given as an act of worship, as seen in Exodus 25:2-7, where the Israelites brought gifts to build the Tabernacle.
- The Bible also warns against giving gifts with impure motives, such as bribery or manipulation, as seen in Deuteronomy 16:19 and Proverbs 15:27.
- The concept of gift-giving is also linked to the idea of stewardship, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30, where Jesus teaches about using one’s talents and resources wisely, as a gift from God Gift economy.
Introduction
What Does the Bible Say About Gifts?
Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about gifts? Maybe you’re thinking about your own spiritual gifts, or perhaps you’re curious about the gifts mentioned in the Bible. Whatever the reason, understanding the biblical perspective on gifts is essential for Christian believers.
Gifts are not just about physical presents; they’re about the spiritual abilities and talents God has given us to serve others and glorify Him. But what does the Bible say about these gifts, and how can we apply this knowledge to our daily lives?
In this post, we’ll dive into what the Bible says about gifts, exploring the different types of gifts, their purpose, and how we can use them to build up the body of Christ. So, let’s get started!
Definition of Gifts in the Bible
Photo modified by BibleBreathe.com. Original photo by Joël Super on Pexels
Different Hebrew and Greek Words Used for “Gifts”
When we think of gifts, we often think of something tangible, like a birthday present or a holiday gift. But in the Bible, the concept of gifts is much deeper.
Did you know that the Bible uses different Hebrew and Greek words to describe gifts? Let’s break them down:
- Mattanah (Hebrew): This word refers to a gift or a present, often emphasizing the act of giving.
- Charisma (Greek): This word is used to describe a spiritual gift, emphasizing the idea of a gracious or unmerited favor from God.
These words help us understand that gifts in the Bible are not just physical objects, but also spiritual abilities and talents given to us by God.
Overview of Biblical Concepts Related to Gifts
So, what does the Bible say about gifts? Here are some key concepts to keep in mind:
- Gifts are from God: According to James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (KJV)
- Gifts are for the benefit of others: In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, we’re reminded that spiritual gifts are given to us for the benefit of others, not just for our own personal gain.
- Gifts are to be used for God’s glory: As 1 Peter 4:10-11 says, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (KJV)
By understanding these biblical concepts, we can appreciate the true value and purpose of gifts in our lives.
Theological Perspectives on Gifts
The Role of Gifts in God’s Plan of Redemption
When we think about gifts, we often think about birthday presents or something we receive from someone. But in the context of the Bible, gifts are so much more than that.
God’s gifts are a vital part of His plan of redemption. They’re not just nice-to-haves; they’re essential to fulfilling His purpose in our lives.
Think about it: without gifts, the Church would be powerless. We’d be like a body without limbs, unable to function as God intended.
| Gift | Role in God’s Plan of Redemption |
|---|---|
| Evangelism | Spreading the Gospel to the world |
| Teaching | Discipling and equipping believers |
The Relationship Between Gifts and Grace
So, what’s the connection between gifts and grace?
Well, gifts are an expression of God’s grace. They’re not something we earn or deserve; they’re a free gift from God, just like salvation.
Grace is the catalyst for gifts. Without God’s grace, we wouldn’t have the ability to use our gifts for His glory.
As the apostle Paul wrote, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10, KJV)
In other words, gifts are not about us; they’re about God’s grace working through us.
Gifts in the Old Testament
Photo modified by BibleBreathe.com. Original photo by Le sixième rêve on Pexels
Examples of Gifts in the Hebrew Bible
Let’s dive into the Hebrew Bible and explore some examples of gifts.
You might be thinking, “What does the Bible say about gifts?” Well, the Old Testament has plenty to say about them.
Gifts were a big deal in ancient Israel. They were a way to show appreciation, gratitude, and even repentance.
Here are a few examples:
- Jacob’s gift to Esau: Remember when Jacob gave Esau a huge gift to make amends for stealing his birthright? (Genesis 33:1-11) That’s a pretty significant example of a gift being used to restore relationships.
- The widow’s gift to Elijah: A widow in Zarephath gave Elijah her last bit of food, even when she was struggling to survive herself (1 Kings 17:8-16). That’s a powerful example of generosity in the face of adversity.
The Role of Gifts in Israel’s Worship and Culture
So, what role did gifts play in Israel’s worship and culture?
Gifts were a way to worship God: In the Old Testament, gifts were often brought to the temple as an act of worship and thanksgiving. Think about it like this: when we give gifts to God, we’re acknowledging His goodness and provision in our lives.
| Gift | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Firstfruits | To acknowledge God’s provision and bless His name (Deuteronomy 26:1-11) |
| Tithes | To support the Levites and the temple (Numbers 18:21-24) |
Gifts played a significant role in Israel’s worship and culture, and they still do in our lives today.
Gifts in the New Testament
Examples of Gifts in the Life of Jesus and His Followers
Let’s dive into the gifts of the Spirit in the New Testament.
We see Jesus himself exercising gifts like healing, prophesy, and miracles throughout his ministry.
And it wasn’t just Jesus – his followers were also empowered by the Holy Spirit to do some amazing things.
Take Peter, for example. He went from being a fisherman to a bold preacher, all because of the gift of tongues (Acts 2:14-41).
Or Stephen, who was full of faith and power and performed great wonders and miracles among the people (Acts 6:8).
These gifts weren’t just for the big names, either. The early church was full of ordinary people using their gifts to build each other up and spread the Gospel.
The Role of Gifts in the Early Church
So, what was the point of all these gifts?
God’s plan was to use these gifts to build up the body of Christ, to edify and strengthen the church.
| Gift | Purpose in the Early Church |
|---|---|
| Prophecy | To encourage and guide the church |
| Healing | To demonstrate God’s power and love |
| Tongues | To worship God and communicate with Him |
The apostle Paul wrote, “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:” (1 Corinthians 12:8-10, KJV).
In other words, gifts were a normal part of church life, and they helped the early believers to grow in faith, love each other, and reach out to the world.
The Purpose of Gifts
Photo modified by BibleBreathe.com. Original photo by KoolShooters on Pexels
The Relationship Between Gifts and Love
When we think about gifts, we often think about birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. But what does the Bible say about gifts?
In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul writes, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”
Paul is saying that even if we have incredible gifts, but don’t have love, they’re basically useless.
| Gift | Without Love, It’s… |
|---|---|
| Prophecy | Just empty words |
| Faith | Just a bunch of head knowledge |
The Role of Gifts in Building Up the Church
So, what’s the purpose of gifts, then?
According to Ephesians 4:11-12, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Gifts are meant to build up the church, not just to make us feel good or look good.
Here are three ways gifts can build up the church:
- Equipping believers: Gifts help us grow in our faith and become more like Christ.
- Encouraging others: Gifts can be used to encourage and support others in their walks with God.
- Glory to God: When we use our gifts for the benefit of others, it brings glory to God!
The Abuse of Gifts
Examples of Misuse of Gifts in the Bible
Let’s face it, God’s gifts are meant to be used for good, but sadly, they can be misused.
The Bible gives us some examples of this.
Take King Saul, for instance. He was given the gift of leadership, but he let his own pride and jealousy get in the way.
Or what about Ananias and Sapphira? They had the gift of giving, but they used it to deceive and impress others.
These examples show us that even with the best of intentions, our gifts can be misused if we’re not careful.
Lessons for Avoiding Abuse of Gifts Today
So, how can we avoid falling into the same trap?
Here are some lessons we can learn:
- Humility is key: Remember that our gifts are from God, and we’re just stewards of them.
- Accountability is crucial: Surround yourself with people who can keep you in check and encourage you to use your gifts for good.
- Motives matter: Ask yourself why you’re using your gifts. Is it to glorify God or to impress others?
| Warning Sign | How to Avoid Abuse |
|---|---|
| You’re seeking praise from others | Focus on giving God the glory, not yourself. |
| You’re using your gift to manipulate | Use your gift to serve others, not control them. |
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17, KJV)
The Practice of Gifts
Photo modified by BibleBreathe.com. Original photo by Askar Abayev on Pexels
Practical Suggestions for Using Gifts in a Biblical Way
So, you’ve discovered your spiritual gifts – now what?
Here are some practical suggestions for using them in a biblical way:
- Find a need, fill a need: Look around your church or community and see where you can use your gifts to make a difference.
- Get accountability: Find someone who can encourage and support you as you use your gifts.
- Don’t be a lone ranger: Remember that your gifts are meant to be used in conjunction with others.
- Be humble: Recognize that your gifts are from God, and don’t let pride get in the way of using them effectively.
How to Discern and Develop One’s Own Gifts
But how do you even know what your gifts are in the first place?
Here are some tips to help you discern and develop your gifts:
- Pray and ask God: Seems simple, but it’s essential! Ask God to reveal your gifts to you.
- Try new things: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. You might discover a hidden talent!
- Get feedback from others: Ask people you trust what they think your strengths are. You might be surprised!
- Read 1 Corinthians 12: This chapter in the Bible has a lot to say about spiritual gifts. Take some time to study it and see what you can learn.
“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11:29, KJV)
The Future of Gifts
The Role of Gifts in the Kingdom of God
So, what’s the deal with gifts in the kingdom of God?
Are they just a nice-to-have, or are they essential to fulfilling God’s plan?
Let’s dive in and explore the role of gifts in the kingdom.
Gifts are not just about us; they’re about building up the body of Christ.
When we use our gifts, we’re not just benefiting ourselves; we’re benefiting others too.
Think about it: when someone uses their gift of teaching, we all learn and grow.
When someone uses their gift of encouragement, we’re all lifted up.
| Gift | How It Impacts the Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Teaching | Helps others grow in their faith |
| Encouragement | Lifts up and supports others |
How Gifts Can Help Us Fulfill the Great Commission
So, how do gifts fit into the bigger picture of fulfilling the Great Commission?
Jesus gave us a command: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19, KJV).
We can’t do this on our own; we need each other and our unique gifts to fulfill this mission.
When we use our gifts, we’re not just helping others; we’re helping to spread the Gospel and fulfill the Great Commission.
“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12, KJV).
Frequently Asked Questions About What Does The Bible Say About Gifts
What are the different types of gifts mentioned in the Bible?
The Bible mentions several types of gifts, including spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and tongues, as well as motivational gifts (Romans 12:6-8), like prophecy, serving, and teaching, and material gifts (Matthew 25:14-30), like talents and resources.
How are gifts described in the Bible?
In the Bible, gifts are described as spiritual endowments given by God to believers for the benefit of others and to build up the church. Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and Ephesians 4:11-13 are key passages that outline various gifts, including prophecy, teaching, healing, and more.
What is the significance of gifts in the Bible?
In the Bible, gifts symbolize love, appreciation, and gratitude. They represent acts of worship, demonstrate faith, and showcase God’s generosity. Gifts also have spiritual significance, such as the gift of salvation, faith, and spiritual growth, emphasizing God’s grace and humanity’s dependence on Him.
Related posts:
