Spiritual Gifts pt2: Motivations

BY Bill Gothard

Diversities of: GIFTS

Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:4

Greek word: Charisma - gift

* Charis - Grace
* Char - Joy

Category 1: MOTIVATION

Gifts listed in: Romans 12:3-9

“…Gifts differing according to the grace…” (Romans 12:6)

Basis of classification:

This passage not only emphasizes grace, but it explains the function of faith in recognizing and using our spiritual gifts. The term motivation is simply a definition of the work of God’s grace: “the desire and power which He puts within us to accomplish His will.”

1. PROPHECY: Proclaim truth/Expose sin

Old Testament prophets predicted judgment for the sins of God’s people. Today the motivation of a prophet is to use Scripture to reveal unrighteous motives and actions.

2. SERVING: Meet needs/Free others

The mature motivation of a server is to minister to Christ by meeting the needs of fellow believers.

3. TEACHING: Clarify truth/Validate information

The motivation of a teacher is to make sure that the facts are accurate so that the decisions which are based upon them can also be correct.

4. EXHORTING: Stimulate faith/Promote growth

The motivation of an exhorter (encourager) is to see Christians grow in faith and maturity so that unbelievers will be attracted to the Gospel by their lives.

5. GIVING: Entrust assets/Maximize results

The motivation of a giver is to make wise investments in order to advance the work of the Lord. He is very alert to how funds are used. In order to have more funds available, the giver is frugal with personal spending. Givers who do not have their own assets are motivated to find other sources where funds or resources can be obtained.

6. ORGANIZING: Plan ahead/Complete tasks

The motivation of an organizer is to coordinate the efforts and resources of many to achieve agreed upon goals. In the same way that the giver views financial resources, the organizer manages assets of human abilities and time. The organizer is able to visualize the final objective and knows how and when to delegate tasks.

7. MERCY: Remove distress/Share burdens

The motivation of one with the gift of mercy is to mentally and emotionally relate to the feelings of those around him. Just as the server focuses on the physical needs, the one with the gift of mercy concentrates on giving empathy and comfort during times of distress.
(Remember: you can only posses one of the motivational gifts)

THIS SERIES IS CONTINUED…