The Nature of Gifts

But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. I Cor 12:11

What is the true nature of spiritual gifts?
They are NOT the same as natural talents or abilities.

They are not the same as the ‘fruit’ of the Holy Spirit.
Singular - “Fruit”..........................Plural - “Gifts”
• Attitudes...............................Activities
• No Carnality.........................Carnality possible
• Affects yourself, primarily.....Affects others, primarily
• Main purpose-Control the flesh...Main purpose-Edify the body
• All believers can possess “Fruit”...All believers do not have the same gift, nor do they have all the gifts
• The result of being controlled by the spirit....The result of salvation and the sovereign distribution of the spirit

They are not evidence of spiritual maturity and growth.
They are not given to you because you pray or ask for them.
They are not acquired abilities or talents which the individual is able to produce.
They ARE the ‘Manifestation of the Spirit.’ I Cor 12:7
The are distributed by the Holy Spirit. I Cor 12:11,18; Hebrews 2:4

Every believer has at least one gift. I Cor 12:7; I Pet 4:10
They are the result of God’s grace. We do nothing to earn or deserve them. Rom 12:6