Discover and Use Your Spiritual Gift
As Christians, we believe that God calls each of us to serve, and we want to make a difference. But sometimes, we’re left wondering, “How? Where do I even begin?” Today, let’s explore how the Holy Spirit guides and empowers each of us to discover and use our spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ.
What the Bible Says About Spiritual Gifts:
The apostles wrote extensively about spiritual gifts to various churches.
Romans 12:6 “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly.”
Paul then lists gifts such as prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving generously, leadership, and mercy. The key takeaway? We all have different gifts, and we should use them regularly to serve the church.
We all have different gifts, and we should use them regularly to serve the church.
1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies…”
Peter categorizes gifts into speaking gifts and serving gifts, highlighting that whether we speak or serve, our ultimate aim is to glorify God through Jesus Christ.
Understanding the Source and Purpose of Spiritual Gifts:
The Corinthian church struggled with divisions and a misplaced emphasis on certain gifts. Paul reminds them that all gifts originate from the same source: the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). Thus, Paul shifts the focus from the gifts to the Giver.
He then explains what a spiritual gift is and its purpose:
1 Corinthians 12:7 “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
This verse reveals several crucial truths:
No One is Left Out: Every believer receives at least one gift. If you trust Jesus for eternal life, you have a valuable contribution to make.
Just as no individual possesses every gift, no church possesses every spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12:29). Paul affirms that different gifts are found in each church. In other words, God sovereignly gives each church the gifts it needs for its specific context and time.
God sovereignly gives each church the gifts it needs for its specific context and time.
Gifts Are For the Common Good: Spiritual gifts aren’t for personal gain or self-promotion. They are for the benefit of other believers, for the whole church.
Ephesians 4:11-16 further clarifies this purpose: to equip believers for service, build up the body of Christ, and promote unity and maturity in faith.
It’s important to remember that not every spiritual gift is outwardly impressive. Many gifts, such as encouragement, service, faith, mercy, hospitality, and generous giving, operate behind the scenes, yet are equally valuable.
Gifts Are the “Manifestation of the Spirit”: Paul describes spiritual gifts as a “manifestation of the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:7). To manifest is to make something visible. A “manifestation of the Spirit” means that when you serve or help someone, whether that’s sharing a word of wisdom, giving generously, or fixing something behind the scenes, it’s not just you doing it. Each gift, when it’s in operation, is a visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit working through us.
Each gift, when it’s in operation, is a visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit working through us.
Spiritual gifts aren’t magical powers but are tangible ways to rely on the Holy Spirit to work through us, enabling us to serve others and build up the body of Christ.
This doesn’t mean everything we do will be perfect. We’ll still have moments of inadequacy, and our efforts may fall short. However, we can trust God to use what we offer, taking our flawed works and using them to bless others, build up the church, and glorify His name (2 Corinthians 4:7).
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts:
You may wonder, “How do I discover my spiritual gifts?” Paul didn’t instruct early believers to take spiritual gift assessment tests. Instead, gifts were typically discovered within the context of community and service.
Paul didn’t instruct early believers to take spiritual gift assessment tests. Instead, gifts were typically discovered within the context of community and service.
Here are some practical steps to help you discover your gifts:
- Pray for Discernment: Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit. So, it makes sense to seek His guidance in discovering and using them.
- Ask Others: What gifts do others see in you? Ask spiritual friends, leaders, or your small group. People who know you might spot your gift before you do.
- Start Serving: Gifts are revealed in practice, not in theory. They are discovered as we serve. Start with a need in the church. Ask what needs to be done?
- Pay Attention: Where do you see an impact? Where does God seem to be working through you?
Elevate Your Game:
Spiritual gifts are most effective when accompanied by spiritual fruit: love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). A lack of these qualities can hinder our ability to serve. I mean, if people don’t trust you or like you, ministry opportunities will be limited. Abide in Christ. Love others. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, even the most impressive gifts are meaningless without love.
Conclusion:
God has gifted you! He wants to work through you to build up His church. Prayerfully consider how you might use your gifts to serve. Whether it’s hospitality, teaching, helping with children, mentoring, giving, praying, or using your leadership, organizational, artistic, or serving abilities, there’s a place for you to contribute. The body of Christ needs you, and the Lord will be glorified as you step out in faith!