FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

What fruit should a believer bear? Paul provides this brief, yet comprehensive list: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22,23). While this verse is representative of that which we should bear, it’s not exhaustive. Certainly, the best fruit a Christian can help bring forth is the birth of a new believer. If I plant a tomato seedling, I’m satisfied with green stems and leaves for a while, but eventually I expect to see some tasty, red fruit. Likewise, as God’s children, we must produce fruit as a result of the Spirit in us. Gifts— All believers should strive to produce as much and as many kinds of fruit as possible. However, gifts are a different matter. Simply explained, these gifts are “Spirit-given abilities for Christian service.” 1 Every believer receives at least one, perhaps more, at the point of conversion. And though interpretations vary, I believe God’s Word reveals 19 gifts. Note in the table below that 18 of the 19 appear in three different epistles written by Paul. Peter includes the final gift, hospitality (1 Peter 4:9,10).

Romans 12:3-8

1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30

Ephesians 4:11

Prophecy Service Teaching Encouraging Giving Administration Mercy

Wisdom Knowledge Faith Healing Miracles Prophecy Discernment

Tongues Interpretation Apostleship Teaching Service Administration

Apostleship Prophecy Evangelism

Pastoring Teaching

To reiterate, understand that gifts are divinely granted. As the Bible says, “one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). These gifts necessarily diversified. If you were a gigantic ear, imagine how well you could hear. Yet you wouldn’t be able to see, touch, taste, or smell. In

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