Know Your Spiritual Gifts

Title : Know Your Spiritual Gifts

Scripture: Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. – 1 Corinthians 12:4

We all need to know that our gifts are essential to the church and we must pick them up and use them for God’s glory .There is a difference between spiritual gifts and fruit. Gifts are the Spirit’s manifestation through a vessel, but fruit is the offspring of one’s spiritual character. Spirituality cannot be measured by gifts, but by fruit (Gal. 5:22-24).

We must all come to the understanding that we do matter to the Kingdom of God and the use of our gifts will make a difference within a church and within our society. Ours hands cannot say “I don’t need the feet” nor the head say “I don’t need the neck”. We are all unique in our gifting and therefore must appreciate each other.

[pullquote] “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” – Ephesians 4:8 [/pullquote]Five things about spiritual gifts we must bear in mind

The Holy Spirit empowers the gifts.
The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts.
The Holy Spirit gives at least one gift to every person.
The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts individually.
The Holy Spirit distributes the gifts according to his own will and plan.

“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” 1 Corinthians 12:11

The Nine Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Spirit are:

Word of Wisdom — A Word refers to “a supernaturally imparted fragment,” while wisdom, which generally means prudence, decision making.
Word of Knowledge — A supernaturally inspired utterance of facts.
Faith — A supernatural impartation of assurance in God.
Gifts of Healings — Supernaturally ministering health to the sick.
Working of Miracles — A supernatural intervention of natural laws. The Greek describes it as “works of power” and implies instantaneous results.
Prophecy — A supernaturally inspired utterance from God. A genuine prophetic utterance never contradicts, neither is equal to, the written Word of God. To forthtell or foretell. To speak from the mind of God. Prophecies are to be judged (1 Cor. 14:29, 1 Thes. 5:20-21).
Discerning of Spirits — This is a supernatural ability to discern a person’s spiritual character and the source of his actions and messages, such as from the Holy Spirit, demon spirits, the human spirit or from the flesh.
Different Kinds of Tongues — A supernaturally imparted utterance in an unlearned language which is interpreted as a prophecy to the body for their edification.
Interpretation of Tongues — This is the supernatural interpretation of a message in tongues into the understandable language of the hearers. It is not a “translation” but an interpretation.

It should always be remembered that the purpose of all the gifts are to edify the church, and their distribution within the body is completely dependent upon the discretion of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:11). The scriptures imply that it’s appropriate to seek specific gifts, however, one’s motive must be for the building up of the church, not for self gratification.

Take the time to discover your spiritual gift. Begin today by carrying out these four steps:

Pray specifically for God to reveal your gift.
Ask mature Christians who know you what strengths they see in you.
Look for open doors of opportunities to try different areas.
Follow the desires of your heart.

Finally, are you a consistent worker or a convenience worker? There is a lack of commitment in the church. Too many people have decided that they will serve in the church only occasionally and when it’s convenient. Fewer people want to commit to an on going ministry. More and more leaders hear, “I’ll help out when I can,” and “Call on me when you really need me.” I pray you will unwrap your gift today and use it to serve others

Prayer Points