Mikko in Finland

November 22, 2005

Tampere University Chapel. Pastor Timo Pöyhönen teaching on spiritual gifts according to the Bible, here are some of my notes

Romans 12: 6-8

Prophecy
- the ability to speak the words of God
Service
- the want/need to serve others practically
Teaching
- the ability to teach the Bible
Encouragement
- the ability to get others excited and to find their place
- or the ability to give new hope to the depressed
Giving
- a special ability to give from one's own
Leadership
- showing the way and getting others to follow
Helping the poor

1. Corinthians 12: 4-11

Sharing knowledge and wisdom
- the ability to give information about a person, for example in prayer
- the speaking of wisdom led by the Spirit
Faith
- a gust of faith
The gift of healing
- supernatural healing through prayer
The gift of miracles
- the ability to do miracles through prayer
The gift of distinguishing between spirits
- the ability to sense spiritual activity caused by evil spirits or wrong intentions
Speaking in tongues
- the ability to speak a language that one does not understand
Interpreting tongues
- prophetic ability connected to speaking in tongues

1. Corinthians 12: 28-30

Apostle
- appointed ambassador
Prophet
- the role of a prophet; different from the gift of prophecy
The gift of giving
- similar to service

1. Corinthians 12: 7, 14: 26

Sharing together is the purpose of the church. Everyone has something to give. No one is useless. Togetherness and fellowship do not mean that everyone needs to be on stage or active but gatherings should be such that all are involved. Spiritual gifts are the tools toward this.

1. Peter 4: 10
- Serve one another
1. Corinthians 14: 23
- The church
Ephesians 4: 7-8
- Everyone has spiritual gifts
1. Corinthians 12: 31
- Strive for spiritual gifts

Criteria for receiving spiritual gifts:

Grace (Galatians 3: 5)
Gift (Matthew 10: 8)
Need (1. Corinthians 14: 12)
Attitude, in other words love (1. Corinthians 13: 1-2)
God's choice (1. Corinthians 12: 11)

Pray.
Put yourself in the game.
Serve in the congregation.
Be brave.
Listen to feedback.

(pictured: the university chapel star-lit ceiling)

Read the introduction: Why is Mikko in Mombasa?