1. Peter argues in 1 Peter 4:7-10 that as we wait for Jesus’ return, believers must:

-be clear-minded, balanced, alert to false doctrine

-be alert and self-controlled, sober spiritually and emotionally

-be active in prayer

-be loving toward each other, not faultfinding

-be hospitable to other believers

-be exercising our spiritual gift or gifts in serving the Body of Christ

2. A spiritual gift is defined by Dr. Charles Ryrie as “a God-given ability for service.” God is the source of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11), which are given to believers to enable them to serve the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7). Spiritual gifts were never given in the Scripture for the personal edification of the believer:

-each believer has at least one spiritual gift (probably given at the time of regeneration)

-the gift is given to serve others and build up the Body

-we are to be faithful stewards of our gift(s)

-gifts are generally divided into speaking gifts (teaching/preaching, encouragement, exhortation; and serving gifts (contributing to the needs of others, caring for the sick, showing mercy for example.)

3. Some good resources for a Biblical understanding of spiritual gifts are: The Charismatics by John MacArthur (reissued later as Charismatic Chaos); Counterfeit Miracles by B. B. Warfield (a classic work published in 1918); and Balancing the Christian Life and The Holy Spirit, books by Dr. Charles C. Ryrie.