Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts

(1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12:6; 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:7-8)

How tragic it is that many in the Body of Christ:

Appear to not know what their spiritual gifts are!

Are sitting on the sidelines as spectators, neglecting their gifts!

Are coveting the gifts and anointing of those who are being used by God!

Brothers and Sisters, these things ought not to be so!  Spiritual ignorance, laziness, jealousy and covetousness quench and grieve the Holy Spirit!  Every believer has been gifted by God to benefit the Body of Christ and to bring Him Glory!

It is God’s Will and the desire of every pastor, minister, leader and teacher that every believer knows what his/her spiritual gifts are and to use those gifts in the Spirit of unity and love and, with an attitude of humility, for the common good of the church and to Glorify God.  Every gift in the Body of Christ is to be appreciated, valued, needed and honored, not considered insignificant!

DEFINITION

Spiritual Gifts are NOT human talents, trained abilities or enhancements of human personality.  They cannot be merited, bought or earned because they are of divine origin.  They are the manifestation of the miraculous working of our Lord Jesus Christ, for the common good of the Church.  The purpose of the manifestations is to reveal and glorify Jesus, for the profit of the corporate Body of Christ.  Spiritual gifts are given freely and sovereignly by the Holy Spirit Who distributes them as He sees fit.  Possessors of spiritual gifts should operate in their giftings with an attitude of humility, not pride.

When instructing the church concerning the use of spiritual gifts, the Apostle Paul said, “Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Corinthians 14:26c).  Any exercise of the spiritual gifts that does not result in edifying the Body of Christ and glorifying Jesus is out of order.  In addition, if a spiritual gift is exercised without the proper motivation of LOVE, it will not edify the Body and will, therefore, be unprofitable (Matthew 25:30).  Because of the great value the spiritual gifts have in building the Body of Christ, believers should eagerly desire them (1 Corinthians 14:1). 

IDENTIFYING YOUR GIFTS

If you do not know what your spiritual gifts are, the wisest thing to do is ask the Holy Spirit to reveal them to you.  James 4:2 says, “you have not because you ask not.”  1 John 5:14 says, “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His Will, He hears us.”

In addition, for those who have access to a computer, there are a number of spiritual gift questionnaires and automatic assessments available on-line which are tools that can help you identify your gifts.  One such assessment is located at the following website address:  http://buildingchurch.net/g2s-i.htm.  All you have to do is answer the questions truthfully then click on a button to have your test analyzed.  Before answering any spiritual assessment questionnaire, PRAY!  Ask God to guide you with a clear mind and an open heart.  Ask Him to help you be honest with yourself and with Him through this exercise which is to help equip you to better serve God according to His will. 

In addition, if you like to read, a highly-recommended book on the subject of spiritual gifts is:  Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow, by C. Peter Wagner. ©1994, Regal Books: Ventura, California.  This book contains the Wagner-Modified Houts Questionnaire. 

BEING GIFTED VERSUS BEING SPIRITUALLY MATURE

It is our natural tendency to think that a gifted man or woman of God must be very godly.  For example, a pastor who is gifted in preaching, teaching, leadership, counseling, etc. is assumed to be spiritually mature and much further advanced in holiness than the "ordinary" believer.  The simple fact is that a pastor may or may not be spiritually mature.  His giftedness has nothing to do with the level of his maturity because gifts are not given in proportion to holiness or anything else. Gifts are given freely and sovereignly by God to whomsoever He wills.

Spiritual maturity, on the other hand, is an ongoing work-in-progress that begins when a person accepts Jesus Christ as Savior and is born again of the Holy Spirit.  From that point on, a new believer is responsible for growing and maturing in Christ.  Whether he remains a spiritual baby or grows to maturity is his decision.  He will mature if he willingly chooses to live a submitted and obedient life "in Christ” (Philippians 3:12-14).

EVIDENCE OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY

A Mature Believer:

Is disciplined to renew his mind to the Word of God daily (Romans 12:2);

Has dethroned and submitted SELF to the Holy Spirit.  His focus is no longer turned inward on himself; he is being used by God to help and serve others (Matthew 16:24);

Hates evil and abstains from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22);

Is a “doer” of the Word, not just a hearer (James 1:23);

Is a cheerful and faithful sower of tithes and offerings (2 Corinthians 9:7);

Is able to discern good from evil and exercise authority and power over demon spirits (Luke 10:19; Hebrews 5:14);

Is able to easily and respectfully submit to authority (Hebrews 13:17);

Is able to encourage himself in the Lord and stand strong during times of adversity, affliction, persecution and testing (1 Samuel 30:6; 1 Corinthians 16:13);

Is disciplined in his thought life (2 Corinthians 10:5);

Has submitted control of his tongue to the Holy Spirit (James 3:8);

Is led by the Spirit, not by the flesh (Romans 8:14);

Is feeding on strong meat, not the milk of the Word (Hebrews 5:12,14);

Is temperate because he has submitted his emotions to the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 9:25);

Lives a disciplined, faithful life of Bible study, prayer and church attendance (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Hebrews 10:25);

Walks in love, mercy and forgiveness (John 15:12; Matthew 5:7; 6:15);

Walks by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7);

Whose life is a mirror that reflects the Fruit of the Spirit (Matthew 10:25; Galatians 5:22-23).

GIFTS VERSUS FRUIT

We should not confuse gifts of the Holy Spirit with fruit of the Spirit.  Gifts are services that are to be performed for others.  "Fruit" speaks of the graces or character traits of a person indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  When the Spirit of God takes up residence in a believer, He not only enables him/her to serve, but He also begins to cultivate holiness, the evidence of which is a deep-seated "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance" (Galatians 5:22-23).  Both the fruit and the gifts are essential.  Both are manifestations of the indwelling Spirit, but the two are not the same.

GIFTS VERSUS TALENTS

What is the difference between a gift and a talent?  It is often said that we are born with certain talents, natural abilities, but when we are “born again,” we are given spiritual gifts—talents being natural and gifts being supernatural.  

Galatians 1:15-16, for example, states that Paul was called to preach at birth, but that gift was not exercised until many years later.  To be sure, Paul no doubt preached and taught before he became a believer because he was born with the gift (or talent) to preach, but his natural gift took on a new, spiritual dimension when he was born-again in the Spirit.  His talent simply became enhanced in its ability to serve the church effectively.  It became spiritual.  God wisely equips us at natural birth, but adds the spiritual dimension at the new birth.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

According to 1 Corinthians 12:5-7, Spiritual Gifts are called by Three Other Names which also clarify the purpose of each:

Administrations (1 Corinthians 12:5)

The term in the Greek is diakonia, "service," the same word from which we get the word "deacon," which means "servant."  The next fact about spiritual gifts, then, is that they are services to be performed.  Their primary function is to serve others.  Gifts are for serving.

Operations (verse 6)

This is the Greek word from which we get our English word "energy" (energema).  Therefore, Spiritual gifts are energizing because divine energy enables us to perform the service.  In 1 Peter 4:11, Peter says to "minister" (serve) with the "ability" (strength) which God gives.  God gifts us to perform service in His strength.  In Philippians 4:13, Paul said:  “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

Manifestations (verse 7)

The Greek word (phanerosis) means "to make visible," or "to display."  Spiritual gifts, then, are visible displays of service to others.  Spiritual gifts are not abilities given to do something for yourself, which is selfishness.  They are visible "services" performed for others in love.  These gifts are the channel through which the Holy Spirit ministers to the Body of Christ.

BIBLICAL FACTS ABOUT SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Every Christian has at least one Spiritual Gift (1 Peter 4:10);

No Believer possesses all the gifts (1 Corinthians 12:28-30);

We cannot choose our gifts; this is God’s job (1 Corinthians 12:7-11);

Believers will account to the Lord for how they use or neglect their gifts (1 Peter 4:10);

Spiritual Gifts indicate God’s call and purpose for a believer’s life (Romans 12:2-8);

Gifts used without the foundations of unity and love do not accomplish God’s intended purposes (1 Corinthians 13:1-3);

Spiritual Gifts are for the common good to build up the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27);

The gifts and calling of God are without repentance, which means that God will not take back that which He has given freely (Romans 11:29).

BIBLICAL GUIDELINES FOR USING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Usage of the gift(s) must conform to Biblical teaching (2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4);

There is affirmation and positive feedback within the Body of Christ for the expression of the gift (1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:16);

There is agreement within the Body of Christ that the Holy Spirit is at work (1 John 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:21);

The Holy Spirit provides peace in our spirits as we offer our gift(s) to the Body of Christ (John 15:26; Romans 8:16);

There is evidence of godly fruit in the life of the Body (John 15:8; Matthew 7:16-20);  

Believers offer their gifts for the common good as others have need (Acts 2:44-45; 1 Corinthians 12:7);

Unless gifts are offered in unity and love, they have no worth (1 Corinthians 13:1-3);  

We should strive to live a life worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1).

IDENTIFYING & DEFINING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Administration (1 Corinthians 12:28; Acts 27:11; Acts 6:1-7)

The gift of administration is the special ability to understand clearly the immediate and long-range goals of a particular unit of the Body of Christ and to advise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals.

Apostle (Ephesians 3:1-9; 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 12:12)

The apostle establishes and oversees churches and assumes and executes authority and leadership over them with an extraordinary authority in spiritual matters which is spontaneously recognized and appreciated by those churches.

Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7-8; Matthew 19:10-12)

The gift of celibacy is the special ability to remain single and enjoy serving the Lord alone; to be unmarried and not to suffer undue sexual temptations.

Discerning of Spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 16:16-18)

One of three revelatory gifts, the discerning of spirits is the ability to discern, discriminate and distinguish with precise accuracy and effectiveness whether certain behavior or manifestations purported to be of God are divine, demonic, or of the flesh.  The possessor of this gift has the ability to see through all outward appearances and know the true nature of a person, situation or the source of an inspired utterance.

Evangelist (Ephesians 4:11; Acts 8:5-6; 14:21; 21:8; 26:40; 2 Timothy 4:5)

The gift of evangelist is the special ability to share the Gospel with unbelievers in such a way that men and women become Jesus' disciples and responsible members of the Body of Christ.

Exhortation (Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:25; Acts 14:22)

The gift of exhortation is the special ability to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement and counsel to other members of the Body in such a way that they feel helped and healed.

Faith (1 Corinthians 12:8-10; Acts 27:21-25; Romans 4:18-21; Hebrews 11)

The gift of faith is one of three power gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit to produce heavenly miracles this side of Heaven.  The possessor of this gift is firmly persuaded of God's power and promises to accomplish His Will and Purpose and to display such a confidence in Him and His Word that circumstances and obstacles do not shake that conviction.  Through the gift of faith, God reveals His Will and gives power to believe it in the face of impossible circumstances.

Giving (Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7; 9:2,6-8)

The gift of giving is the special ability to contribute material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness.

Healing (1 Corinthians 12:9,28,30)

The gift of healing is one of three power gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit to certain believers to serve as human intermediaries through whom miraculous manifestations cure all manner of sickness and disease and restore health apart from the use of natural means.

Helps (1 Corinthians 12:28)

The gift of helps is the special ability to invest talents in the life and ministry of other members of the Body, thus enabling them to increase the effectiveness of their own spiritual gifts.

Hospitality (1 Peter 4:9-10)

The gift of hospitality is the special ability to provide open house and warm welcome for those in need of food and lodging.

Intercession (James 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Colossians 1:9-12)

The gift of intercession is the God-given desire and ability to pray frequently for extended periods of time, as directed and energized by the Holy Spirit, and see specific answers to prayer to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian.

Knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8)

Is one of three revelatory gifts that manifests a supernatural insight and specific information about a person and situation, spontaneously revealed by the Holy Spirit.  A word of knowledge is a mental impression, a picture or vision, through which the Holy Spirit discloses some hidden fact or circumstance concerning people, places or things.

Leadership (1 Corinthians 12:8)

The gift of leadership is the special ability to set goals in accordance with God's purpose for the future and to communicate these goals to others in such a way that they voluntarily and harmoniously work together to accomplish those goals for the glory of God.

Martyrdom (1 Corinthians 13:3)

The gift of martyrdom is the special ability to undergo suffering for the faith even to the point of death, while consistently displaying a joyous and victorious attitude which brings glory to God.

Mercy (Romans 12:8)

The gift of mercy is the special ability to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals, both Christian and non-Christian, who suffer distressing physical, mental or emotional problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully-done deeds which reflect Christ's love and alleviate suffering.

Miracles (1 Corinthians 12:10,28)

The gift of miracles is one of three power gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit.  A miracle is an event or action that seemingly contradicts known natural and scientific laws, superseding them due to a supernatural act of God.  The gift of miracles is the special ability God has given to certain believers to serve as human intermediaries through whom God performs powerful acts that are perceived by observers to have altered the ordinary course of nature.

Missionary (Ephesians 3:6-8)

The gift of missionary is the special ability to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in another culture.

Pastor (Ephesians 4:11)

The gift of pastor is the special ability to assume a long-term personal responsibility for the spiritual welfare of a group of believers.

Prophecy (Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10; Ephesians 4:11)

One of three vocal gifts of the Holy Spirit, the gift of prophecy is the special ability to receive and communicate God’s Mind and Purpose through a divinely-inspired, anointed utterance.  True prophecy is a divine ability to accurately perceive and proclaim present spiritual realities and to predict and prepare the Body of Christ for the future.  The purpose of prophecy is to exalt Jesus and to comfort, edify, exhort and instruct the Church.  At times, the Holy Spirit will speak a word of correction to the Church through prophecy; however, the ministry of corrective prophecy belongs only to the leader of the flock or to another anointed minister who is properly submitted to the pastoral leadership.

It is important to judge all prophetic utterances according to the following Biblical tests:

Test of Humility (1 Corinthians 8:1).  Does the person speaking project an attitude of humility?  Is he exalting Jesus or himself?

 Test of Spirit (1 John 4:1-3).  Is the Holy Spirit, an evil spirit, or the human spirit responsible for the utterance?

Test of Worship (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).  Does the prophetic utterance lead us to worship God or lead us away from the true God?

Test of Covetousness (Micah 3:11; 2 Peter 2:1-3).  Is the one prophesying making merchandise of God’s people?  One of the characteristics of a false prophet is coveteousness.

Test of Fulfillment (Deuteronomy 18:22).  Does the prophetic word come to pass or not?

Test of Doctrine (Isaiah 8:19-20; John 14:1-6).  Is the one prophesying speaking according to sound doctrine based on God’s Word?

Test of Fruit (Matthew 7:15-23).  Examine the fruit of the prophet’s lifestyle.  Holiness of life will characterize a true prophet.

Test of Ministry to People (Jeremiah 23:18-23).  Does the prophetic utterance edify, exhort and comfort the Body of Christ?  Does it turn people from their sinful lifestyles to God?

Test of Value (1 Timothy 1:18).  When a prophet visits this church, will you desire the infallible Word of God to come forth above a personal prophetic word?

Test of Confirmation (Colossians 3:15).  Does the prophetic utterance bear witness with, or confirm, what God has already spoken to you?  Does it product the fruit of peace in your spirit?

Test of Accountability (Matthew 12:34-37).  To whom is the visiting prophet accountable?  Does he/she have an apostolic covering?

Test of Control (2 Peter 2:1-3).  According to the Scriptures, false prophets will exploit God’s people out of greed, introducing heresies and leading people astray through their sensuality and selfish motives.  A true prophet of God will not use his gifts to manipulate, intimidate or control people through fear.

Test of Love (1 Corinthians 14:3; James 3:17).  Prophetic messages should be given in a spirit of love.  Even a word of correction is to be given in a spirit of love.  Any negative or embarrassing revelation or vision that a prophet receives should never be spoken publicly without first confronting the individual in private.

Service (Romans 12:7)

The gift of service is the special ability to identify the unmet needs involved in a task related to God's work, and to make use of available resources to meet those needs and help accomplish the desired goals.

Teaching (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11)

The gift of teaching is the special ability to present and explain the truths of the Word of God clearly and to apply them effectively so that those taught understand and learn.  The gift of teaching is th e ability to instruct others in the Bible in a logical and systematic way so as to communicate pertinent information for true understanding and growth.  The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the Word of God will cause greater Christ-likeness in the lives of listeners.  A believer with the teaching gift:

            Communicate Biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the Word;

            Challenges listeners simply and practically with the truths of Scripture;

            Focuses on changing lives by helping others understand the Bible better;

            Gives attention to detail and accuracy;

            Prepares a lesson through extended times of study and reflection.

Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:27-28)

The gift of tongues is one of three vocal gifts.  Possessors of this gift have the special ability to speak to God in a language they have never learned and/or to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely-anointed utterance in a language they have never learned.

Interpretation of Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:27-28)

The gift of interpretation of tongues is one of three vocal gifts.  Possessors of this gift have the special ability to explain thoroughly the meaning of a divinely-inspired message that he or someone else has spoken in an unknown tongue during a public service for the purpose of edifying the Church.

Voluntary Poverty (1 Corinthians 13:3)

The gift of voluntary poverty is the special ability to purposely live an impoverished lifestyle to serve and aid others with material resources.

Wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8)

Is one of three revelatory gifts that manifests a spontaneous revelation of wise guidance or knowledge rightly applied.  This gift is to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the Body of Christ.  A believer with this gift:

            Focuses on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take;

            Receives an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the Body;

            Provides divinely given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion;

            Hears the Spirit provide direction for God's best in a given situation;

            Applies spiritual truth in specific and practical ways.

Writing (Luke 1:1-3; 1 John 2:1; 1 Timothy 3:14-15)

The gift of writing enables a believer to express truth in a written form that can edify, instruct and strengthen the community of believers.  In the Old Testament, scribes were endowed with the gift of writing.  The gift of writing is the special God-given ability to formulate thoughts and ideas into meaningful written forms so that the reader will receive courage, guidance, knowledge and/or edification through the words shared with them.  The Bible was written by people who possessed this gift.  People with this gift may write stories, sermons, devotions, histories, prayers, songs, tracts, books, or poetry which God uses to build up the Body of Christ; they may be inspired by the Holy Spirit in what they write; they may teach God's word to others through what they write; they may use writing to express other gifts; they may be better at expressing their thoughts in written form than verbally.

Know and Use Your Spiritual Gifts and Be Blessed!