Individual Design
Intuitively we recognize differences in people. We see natural tendencies, areas of giftedness and weaknesses. Education, experience and personality traits shape designs. In the Church we speak of ‘spiritual gifts,’ understanding that Scripture is clear God gives gifts to His children. Typically the passages of scripture discussing gifts are taught as a partial listing of spiritual gifts given only to believers. Alternatively, our church teaches from a perspective that each passage is a full listing of specific gifts from various parts of the Trinity.
Although the letter of Romans is to the Church, verse six speaks of the Father giving gifts to all. Ephesians 4:11 specifices Christ as the giver of gifts to the Church. The Corinthian gifts are to believers from the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8a). In ths teaching context, we see the Father designs mankind, Christ equips the Church and the Spirit provides what Believers need to minister. This presentation resonates in my heart because I believe every soul is precious to the Father. Each and every person has a design from God–has purposes from God–that wait to be unpacked. As parents, our goal is to recognize the design God has placed in our children and help them live in the fullness of His design.
I recognize alternative teachings can be dangerous; this will stress some and bless others. I do not take the Scriptures lightly; I ask you to read, pray and ask what if any of the alternate view God would have you embrace. Tradition spiritual gifts assessments clump all of these passages–and leave some discouraged or confused. I find clarity in looking at the passages with the specificity of the Givers.
Clearly the instructions given in the passage are to the children of God (the redeemed who trust in Christ). However, overall the letter is in the context of the love God that covers all. Not all are children of God but all are created by Him. Paul was speaking to the Church…and we should use our design for Kingdom purposes! This view does not negate that concept; it enhances it!
Romans 11:29 says God calls and gifts without repentance–meaning He seeks us and blesses us long before we ever acknowledge it. To God be great honor and glory!
With all that and the scriptures below, I offer this with a prayer of blessing for any who read. Individual entries for each of the ‘Designs’ can be explored by clicking the links.
Gifts from the Father
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Design
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Sin to Battle
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Victory to win
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Scriptural Examples
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Name of God to Meditate On
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Idol of control
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Fullness of Relationships!
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John the Baptist, Miriam, Naomi
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Jehovah Jireh
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Idol of peace
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Finding value in God’s eyes!
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Joseph (father of Jesus), Barnabas, Timothy
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Jehovah Rophe
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Idol of being right
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Live Truth not just know it!
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Luke, Isaiah, Samuel
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Jehovah Nissi
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Idol of comfortable
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Embracing hard times for joy set before you!
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Paul, Jeremiah, Moses
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Jehovah Shalom
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Idol of materialism
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Excellent stewardship of God’s resources!
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Matthew, Abraham, Job
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Jehovah Rohi
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Idol of me
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Leadership that blesses masses!
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Joseph (coat of many colors), Nehemiah, Noah
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Jehovah Tsidkenu
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Idol of my way
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Intimacy with God that delivers holiness!
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John (son of Thunder), Ruth, David
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Jehovah Shammah
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Jesus fully portrayed every aspect of these designs. We are designed to grow into His image…to grow into all of these areas, but we have a default design that God gave us.
But what about….
Looking at the Romans 12 gifts as individual design leaves us with many other scriptural gifts, doesn’t it? But mushing all of those gifts together in one spiritual assessment is not the answer. In Ephesians 4, we see that Jesus, the Son, gives gifts to the Church. These are often called the Five-Fold Ministry Gifts or Equipping Gifts. Not every believer receives these gifts…Christ gives what His Beloved Church needs. Every Church body has the gifts within that it needs to grow and flourish.
The gifts to the Church are the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor/Shepherds and Teachers. The individual designed as a ‘teacher’ may or may not be a Teacher for the Church. God may use a Prophet as the Teacher in an individual body of believers. The Gifts of the Son are to the Church based on the needs of the Church.
Gifts of the Spirit
Perhaps the most well known list of spiritual gifts is found in First Corinthians. It is the preface to the ‘love chapter’ for Paul said NOTHING is of use without love. These gifts are also called manifestation gifts…because they manifest (or make visible) God!
These amazing gifts are available to every believer as needed…when the believer is walking in the spirit. Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, discernment and tongues are among the gifts given by the Holy Spirit.
The gifts of the spirit are all about ministry. When you are face-to-face with a hurting soul, the Spirit longs to meet that wounded soul with a touch. Quiet your own soul and listen to the Spirit; He will provide the gift needed at just the right time!
Further Reading you may desire
- The Redemptive Gifts of Individuals: Arthur A. Burk: 9781931640336: Amazon.com: Books
” I’m normal, I’m normal, I’m normal! That was the heart cry of one lady as she listened to the teaching on her redemptive gift. For years …” - Designed for Fulfillment: A Study of the Redemptive Gifts: Charles R. Wade Jr.: 9781931379168: Amazo
Heartsong Ministries 