Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Purpose of the Gifts

For what purpose were these gifts bestowed upon the church? BR-ASI9 121.9

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: . . . that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” Ephesians 4:12-15. BR-ASI9 121.10

What result is to be obtained by the exercise of the gifts in the church? BR-ASI9 122.1

“Till we all come in [“into,” margin] the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13. BR-ASI9 122.2

How is unity preserved in the diversities of gifts? BR-ASI9 122.3

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:4. BR-ASI9 122.4

For what purpose is the manifestation of this one Spirit given? BR-ASI9 122.5

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 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 12:7-10. BR-ASI9 122.6

Who controls the distribution of the gifts of the Spirit? BR-ASI9 123.1

“But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.” 1 Corinthians 12:11. BR-ASI9 123.2

Was it God’s design that all should possess the same gifts? BR-ASI9 123.3

“Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” 1 Corinthians 12:29, 30. BR-ASI9 123.4