What Are Spiritual Gifts And How Are They Given?
Understanding Spiritual Gifts: Their Nature and Distribution
Spiritual gifts are a significant topic in the life of the believer and the church. They are often discussed, sometimes misunderstood, but always vital to the growth and health of the body of Christ. This study will explore what spiritual gifts are, why they matter, and how they are given, relying on the authority of God’s Word.
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for the purpose of building up the church and carrying out God’s work in the world. They are not natural talents or learned skills, but rather manifestations of the Spirit’s power working through individuals for God’s glory.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord. And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal. - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 ASV
The key idea here is that gifts are diverse, yet all originate from the same triune God. Their purpose is for the “profit” or benefit of the whole church, not for personal gain or status.
Examples of Spiritual Gifts
The New Testament provides several lists of spiritual gifts, though none appear to be exhaustive. Some of the gifts mentioned include:
- Wisdom and knowledge
- Faith
- Healing
- Miracles
- Prophecy
- Discernment
- Speaking in tongues and interpretation
- Teaching
- Serving
- Exhorting
- Giving
- Leadership
- Mercy
Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. - Romans 12:6-8 ASV
Each gift, whether more public or behind-the-scenes, is equally valuable to the body of Christ.
How Are Spiritual Gifts Given?
Scripture teaches that spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to every believer according to God’s sovereign will and purpose. They are not earned or requested based on merit, but are graciously distributed to fulfill God’s plan.
But all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will. - 1 Corinthians 12:11 ASV
But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. - Ephesians 4:7 ASV
Every believer receives at least one spiritual gift upon conversion, at the moment of salvation. The gifts are not a mark of spiritual superiority, but of God’s grace at work in each believer’s life for the common good.
Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts
Believers are encouraged to discover their spiritual gifts through prayer, studying Scripture, seeking wise counsel, and serving in various capacities within the church. As we walk in the Spirit and serve others, our gifts become more evident.
As each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. - 1 Peter 4:10 ASV
The goal is not self-exaltation, but humble stewardship of God’s grace, always pointing to Christ as the source and purpose of every gift.
Conclusion: Christ at the Center
Spiritual gifts are essential for the health and growth of the church. All gifts, though varied, are unified in their purpose: to glorify Christ and build up His body. As we use our gifts in love, we reflect the character of Christ, who is the head of the church.
But speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ; from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love. - Ephesians 4:15-16 ASV