There is a lot of confusion when it comes to understanding spiritual gifts, but the truth is, the Bible talks about the importance and function of spiritual gifts a lot. In fact, understanding spiritual gifts is something that the Apostle Paul encouraged: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 12:1).
The main scriptures that discuss spiritual gifts are 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:1-8, and Ephesians 4:7-16, so I’d recommend reading these passages to get a deeper understanding.
Different types of Spiritual gifts
There are many spiritual gifts mentioned in scripture that the Holy Spirit has given to the church.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
These gifts are categorized into three groups, which are ministry gifts, manifestation gifts, and motivational gifts.
- Ministry Gifts:
The ministry gifts are the callings and various abilities given to certain believers that enable them to stand in the offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher. No one can put himself or herself into one of these offices. Rather, one must be called and gifted by God
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” (Ephesians 4:11-13)
- Manifestation gifts
Manifestation gifts are supernatural demonstrations of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. The Spirit of God is the Source of these gifts, and they are manifested for the benefit of others and to bring God glory.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
- Motivational Gifts
The motivational gifts are how the Spirit of Grace moves through us motivating our words and actions. It’s a filter we are given for our perspective shaping how we relate to and serve others.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8)
The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
According to Ephesians 4:11-13, the job of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers is to equip the people to operate in their gifts and do the work of the ministry “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.” God wants us all to function in our gifts with the goal of being unified while we do it. This brings about maturity and “the fullness of Christ.”
We use our gifts to strengthen the Body of Christ and build it up. Peter reminds believers, “as each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). In fact, 1 Corinthians 12:7 says, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” Our gifts don’t belong to us, and they aren’t for our benefit; they belong to those in the Body for their benefit.
God receives glory as we function in the gifts He’s given us: 1 Peter 4:11 says, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever.”
Paul paints a picture to help us understand how the members of the church should interact; he describes it as a body with many parts: “But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you’” (1 Corinthians 12:20-21).
Paul wants believers to be sure to appreciate and acknowledge others who have different gifts than they do. We cannot isolate ourselves; we need each other, and we need to value one another. Remember, each of us has something unique to contribute to the benefit of the Body.
Take Responsibility for Your Gift
It’s your responsibility to not only know your gifts but to use your gifts to strengthen the Body of Christ. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:6-7, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” We cannot let fear paralyze us – we must stir up and develop the gifts God has given us for His glory and for the benefit of His Body. Then we must step out and operate in our gifts.
God expects each of us to do our part. Ephesians 4:16b says, “by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” When we each participate by functioning in our unique gifts, the result is growth, for us and for the church.
Benefits of knowing your spiritual gifts
- Knowing your spiritual gift helps you understand God’s will for your life. What God has called you to do, He has gifted you to do; and what He has gifted you to do, He has called you to do.
- Knowing your spiritual gift helps you understand how the Holy Spirit works through you. God works through his children to accomplish His work here on earth. When you use the spiritual gift given you by God, allowing God to minister through you, you literally become a co-laborer with God.
- Knowing your spiritual gift helps you know what God has not called you to do. The more you understand what God has not called you to do, the more you will understand what He has called you to do. No doubt, recognizing what you are not supposed to do can be as important as recognizing what you are to do.
- Knowing your spiritual gift relieves you from serving out of duty. Many Christians serve in areas that keep them busy but not fulfilled. It boils down to this; many serve out of duty instead of God’s calling. When you use the gift God has given you, you will be able to operate at maximum fulfillment with minimum frustration – and will find the true area for which God has gifted.
- Knowing your spiritual gift fills a deep inner need. Your spiritual gift will complement this inner need God has placed in you.
- Knowing your spiritual gift builds unity among Christians. Understanding spiritual gifts will prevent you from imposing your gift on others and will help you recognize God’s individual calling for your life.
- Knowing your spiritual gift equips you to fulfil God’s purpose for your life. God has created each one of us uniquely different. He has given us different gifts, talents, personalities, temperaments, and passions to outfit us to accomplish His unique purpose for each of us. True significance in life comes when we discover that purpose and calling and use them in our careers and ministries. It has been said, career is what you are paid for; calling is what you are made for. Operating in your spiritual gift will help you fulfill your purpose in life.
As you can see, functioning in our spiritual gifts is vital for church growth and unity. God receives glory when we operate in our gifts, and people in the church also benefit.
