BY STEVE DUNN
In the study of spiritual gifts, we often define them as divine enablements. This is to distinguish them from skills. All persons can be taught the skill of sharing one's faith, i.e., how to do evangelism. In this case, learning precedes acting. The skill is enhanced when it is empowered by the Holy Spirit's presence in the activity.
An enablement is not learned, it is bestowed. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit and its exercise provides leadership and encouragement to the rest of the Body as all do the work of evangelism. One might say that the spiritual gift itself becomes a part of the new nature of the believer. They cannot help but make disciples because that in particular was what they were redeemed to do.
Or think of teachers. Some people by skill are good teachers--and we learn from them. But some are given the Gift of Teaching and despite what others may consider a lack of skill or a deficit in presentation, we are compelled to learn deep truth when they speak.
What do you think--read this alongside Ephesians 4 for more insights.
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