While there is plenty of Scriptures to support the loss of effectiveness and fruitfulness, the Bible does not indicate the actual loss of gifts. Some may use parables like the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 to conclude that you can lose your gifts if you don’t do anything with them because the master tells them to take the lazy servant’s talent away from him. Understand that it would be pure assumption to say that the talents represent spiritual gifts. Read on to see what happens to the lazy servant’s talent; it is not only taken from him but given to the one who had ten. You are going to run into some serious logistical problems with that. Plus, it implies that gifts are merit-based in saying that the faithful are rewarded with the gifts neglected by others. Scripture is clear that gifts are given because of grace (Romans 12:6a)… nothing earned or merited. One of the main Greek words used for gifts, ‘charima,’ means grace. Consider Acts 1:8 (just before the birth of the Church) and see if you can discern how this verse might shed light on what we might lose if we don’t use… “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Again, list some people within our church who you believe exhibit these gifts.
Definition: The gift of Intercession is the God-given ability to consistently pray on behalf of and for others, seeing frequent specific results.
Scriptural Reference(s): Rom. 8:26-27, Col. 1:9-12, Col. 4:12-13
Distinctives of this gift:
Traits of this person: Advocate, Sincere, Trustworthy, Burden-bearer, Spiritual, Sensitive
Potential Ministry Involvement: Prayer Partner, Moms In Touch, Prayer Groups, Shut-in/Hospital Visitation
Definition: The gift of Knowledge is the God-given ability to learn, analyze, and uncover new insights from the Bible that are pertinent to the growth and well being of the church.
Scriptural Reference(s): 1 Cor. 12:8, 1 Cor. 14:6, 2 Cor. 11:6
Distinctives of this gift:
Traits of this person: Inquisitive, Responsive, Observant, Insightful, Reflective, Studious, Truthful
Potential Ministry Involvement: Board/Committee member, Teaching, Research, Counseling, Marriage Enrichment
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.