In both the OT and the NT God graciously pours out gifts on his people. They are to be welcomed and used for the good of all.
OT examples of God giving special gifts
God's gracious provision from above
Joel 2:23–24 This gracious provision of material needs from above can be seen as foreshadowing God's bestowal of spiritual gifts. See also Exodus 16:4, Exodus 16:8, Exodus 16:13–14; Deuteronomy 11:14; 1 Kings 17:6; Job 5:10; Isaiah 55:10
Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for He has given you the autumn rains for your vindication. He sends you showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
Distribution of land to tribes
Joshua 13:6–7 The Hebrew word for “give” often includes the sense of “apportion” or “assign”. See also Ezekiel 47:21
All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim — all the Sidonians — I Myself will drive out before the Israelites. Be sure to divide it by lot as an inheritance to Israel, as I have commanded you. Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.”
The future promise of spiritual gifts
Joel 2:28–29 See also Acts 2:17–18
And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
In his earthly ministry Jesus Christ offers supernatural gifts
Matthew 11:28 See also Matthew 16:19; Luke 10:19; John 4:14, John 6:51
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Spiritual gifts linked with grace
Romans 12:6 See also Matthew 10:8; 1 Corinthians 4:7
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;
Specific reference to spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 12:1 See also Romans 1:11; 1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 1 Corinthians 14:37
Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.
Diverse gifts, one giver
1 Corinthians 12:4–6 See also Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 7:7, 1 Corinthians 7:17, 1 Corinthians 12:8–11, 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 4:11; Hebrews 2:4; 1 Peter 4:10–11
There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people.
The purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church
1 Corinthians 14:12 See also 1 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Corinthians 14:2–5, 1 Corinthians 14:17–19, 1 Corinthians 14:26, 1 Corinthians 14:31; Ephesians 4:16
It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.
The body of Christ benefits from these varied gifts
1 Corinthians 12:12 See also 1 Corinthians 12:14–31; Romans 12:4–6
The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ.
Encouragement to aspire to the greater spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 12:31, 1 Corinthians 14:1
The importance of love in exercising spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 13:1 See also Romans 12:5–9; 1 Corinthians 14:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
Warnings about spiritual gifts
1 Corinthians 14:39 See also 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–20
So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.