Understanding Spiritual Gifts

1. Receiving Spiritual Gifts from the "Fullness" of Christ

During His earthly ministry, Jesus was anointed with a full measure of the Holy Spirit (Jn 3:34).
Christ represents the fullness of the Godhead in His glorified body (Col 2:9). The Church is now part of the body of Christ and has received of His fullness (Jn 1:16).
After His ascension, Christ began to pour out of Himself and give gifts to the members of His body (Eph 4:7,8)

Spiritual Gifts: (Definition) Spiritual gifts are those special abilities and talents given by Christ through the Holy Spirit which God intends Christians to use in fulfilling His purpose on the earth.
Examining the different gifts

We receive our spiritual gifts at the time of our salvation (I Pet 1:23). Spiritual gifts are received not achieved.
Spiritual gifts are given to fulfil Christ's purpose on the earth (Acts 1:8).
Spiritual gifts are different from natural talents.
Spiritual gifts are different from the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22, 23).
Spiritual gifts are different from Christian responsibilities.
Christians are given more than one spiritual gift (Rm 12:6-8). The combination of our main gift areas is called our "gift mix".
Spiritual gifts are given to us by "measure" (Eph 4:7). The "measure" of our gift is found in the degree of anointing and the scope of ministry that our gift allows us to have.
There are three things to remember while concerning the measure of your gifts.
1. We each must relate to our gifts honestly and realistically (Rm 12:3).
2. The measure of our gifts can increase (Lk 19:26).
3. Be careful not to step beyond your measure of gift or anointing (II Cor 10: 13).
We must be careful of Satan's attempt to confuse us with counterfeit gifts (Acts 16:16).
Spiritual gifts are meant to be permanent and to be used throughout our lives (Rm 11:29).