We have completed our study of the four lists of the gifts of the Spirit found in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Ephesians 4:11-12, and 1 Peter 4:10-11. Remember, 1 Corinthians was written in 52 A.D., Romans in 57 A.D., and Ephesians in 62 A.D..
We have seen the overlap of some of the gifts, and the elimination of the sign gifts, as the epistles were written later and later into the Dispensation of Grace. Always, it is the work of the Holy Spirit in and through the local church, and distributing the gifts severally as he wills. It is for the edification (building up) of the body to do the work of the ministry. We are members of the body of Christ, and have been called to serve each other.
As you can see on the board, I wrote Galatians 5:13 over the three lists of gifts. Why? Because, the main ingredient for exercising your spiritual gift is given in this verse!
Galatians 5:13: For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
As we will see next, 1 Corinthians 13 clarifies that all spiritual gifts, all service in the local church must be exercised in love. Serve one another in love!