Written by Joel Deacon - Lead Pastor of City on a Hill Wollongong

FORMATION - PART 2

SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND FORMATION

In the last devotion we learnt that mission and maturity can never be separated. And in Ephesians 4 we learn that spiritual gifts are given to help the church grow up into Christ.

In one sense, every spiritual gift forms us into the likeness of Jesus. But certain gifts listed below do this in a particularly profound way:

• Shepherding
• Teaching
• Preaching or exhortation
• Word of wisdom
• Word of knowledge
• Counselling
• Encouragement
• Discernment

These gifts shape the inner life of the church and strengthen our walk with Christ.

For example:

• The gift of wisdom helps the church take the right next step in the fear of the Lord.
• The gift of knowledge helps the church apply God’s truth in specific moments.
• The gift of preaching or exhortation helps the church hear God’s Word and respond in faith and repentance.
• The gift of teaching helps the church understand Scripture and delight in sound doctrine.
• The gift of shepherding helps the church grow in care, protection and spiritual maturity.
• The gift of discernment helps the church recognise truth from error, Spirit from flesh, light from darkness.
• The gift of encouragement helps the church persevere with hope and faith.

These gifts do not replace ordinary discipleship. They deepen it. They do not eliminate spiritual disciplines. They empower them. They do not make someone more important. They make the church more mature.

And to be clear, all Christians are called to grow in wisdom, holiness, discernment and obedience. But the Holy Spirit empowers some believers with unique gifts so they can help train, guide and form the church into Christlikeness.

QUESTIONS:

1. "Pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts". Which of these gifts do you desire?

2. Who in your life models these gifts well, and what can you learn from them as you pursue deeper formation into the likeness of Christ?

CHALLENGE:

Reflect on what God has been teaching you recently and then share that with someone else.