12. What is the correlation between spiritual gifts and the end of all things?

Peter presented the topic of spiritual gifts against the backdrop of the end of all things being “at hand” (1 Peter 4:7). Today, events associated with the soon coming of Jesus escalate on every side, there is urgency to use our spiritual gifts to announce that the Kingdom of God is at hand—that everyone should choose Jesus as Lord before there is no more opportunity.JTL20 14.1

The Old Testament prophet Joel speaks of an abundant outpouring of God’s Spirit immediately preceding “the great and terrible day of the Lord” (Joel 2:30, 31). This wonderful gift of a special outpouring of God’s Spirit just before His Second Coming will be counterfeited by those who dwell exclusively on the love of God, without making a clear distinction between right and wrong. Those who authentically use their spiritual gifts for God will deny self and self-promotion, take up their cross and follow the meek and humble example of Jesus.JTL20 14.2