A new year is a good time to take a spiritual inventory. One great place to start is making sure you know what your spiritual gifts are.
Ken Hemphill defines a spiritual gift as…“an individual manifestation of grace from the Father that enables you to serve Him and thus play a vital role in His plan for the redemption of the world.”
Peter Wagner defines a spiritual gift as…“a special attribute given by the Holy Spirit to every member of the Body of Christ according to God’s grace for use within the context of the Body.”
Gene Wilkes says, “A spiritual gift is an expression of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers which empowers them to serve the body of Christ, the church.”
There are four major New Testament passages discussing spiritual gifts: 1 Cor. 12; Romans 12; Eph. 4:1-16; and 1 Peter 4:10-11.
Seven Biblical Facts about Spiritual Gifts
1. God does not want us to be ignorant concerning gifts. (1 Cor. 12:1)
Paul is writing to the Christians at Corinth and says, “concerning spiritual gifts I would not have you ignorant.” We have made spiritual gifts too complicated and people often feel ignorant about them. What do you really enjoy doing for the Lord? Whatever brings you joy is usually connected with your gift. I love to teach and preach so I was not surprised when I found that my spiritual gift is teaching. It is where I receive the most fulfillment and joy.
2. Many gifts but the same Giver. (1 Cor. 12:4)
Difference gifts are in the body because they are all needed by the body to function properly but we must remember there is but one Gift Giver. All spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit.
3. Every Christian has at least One gift! (1Cor. 12:7,11)
When someone tells me they do not have any spiritual gift I ask them to study this passage. As a follower of Christ you have a gift.
4. Gifts are sovereignly given. (1 Cor. 12:11,18)
These gifts are given by God as He chooses to give them to us. We do not request a specific gift, which would be rude! It is God who determines which gifts or abilities we receive. He knows what the body needs to function effectively. I did not ask for the spiritual gifts I have. They were just given me as a gift. My gifts are teaching, exhortation and pastor/ shepherding.
5. Spiritual gifts are not evidences of super spirituality. (1 Cor. 12: 21-25)
As a pastor, with the gift of teaching and exhortation, I am often in the pulpit but that does not mean my gift is any better than anyone else’s. Don’t get puffed up about your gift. It’s not yours anyway! God will not use you if you are puffed up.
6. Purpose of gifts is for serving. (1Peter 4:10)
We are all stewards of God’s grace and gifts. Who owns our gift? Jesus. We manage these but they are His property and are meant to be used for “serving one another.”
7. Gifts remind us that we live and serve for the “glory of God” (I Peter 4:11)
Our gifts of service ultimately bring glory to God and build up His church.
If you want to have a successful, fulfilling new year then you must know and use your spiritual gift for the glory of God.
Keep the Son in your eyes,
Mike James
