A Biblical Foundation for Spiritual Gifts
What are Spiritual Gifts?
"Spirituals"
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters..." I Cor. 12:1
In verse 1, the Greek for "spiritual" gifts simply reads "spirituals" (ton pneumatikon), meaning "things characterized or controlled by the Spirit." Some translations interpret this to now mean spiritual persons. This theme that the gifts are given by the Spirit of God is repeated throughout 1 Cor. 12.
"Gifts"
In verse 4, the word "gifts" is translated from the Greek word charisma. The root word charis means "grace." Pneumatikon suggests that spiritual gifts are things characterized by the Holy Spirit and charisma tells us that they are gifts of God's grace. It is typically understood then that these are gifts of God's grace and not something we earn or deserve.
When Paul speaks of gifts in Ephesians 4:7-8, he employs another Greek term, dorea, which stresses virtually the same truth that spiritual gifts are just that—gifts, not rewards.
Other texts that refer to gifts include Romans 12:6 and I Peter 4: 10.
"Services"
"and there are variety of services..."
In I Cor. 12:5, Paul uses the Greek term diakonia, which translates to "service." This is the same word that we get the word "deacon," from and translate to mean "servant." Thus spiritual gifts are not to be keep to oneself, but are services to be performed. Their primary function is to serve others.
"Varieties"
In verse 5 and 6 we are told that there are varieties of activities or service, but all gifts are from the same Spirit of God.
"Activates"
"but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone."
Again in verse 6, Paul uses the Greek word energema from which we get our English word "energy." God gives us energy to accomplish the spiritual gifts we receive. Likely this word emphasizes the divine energy enabling us to perform the service. God gifts us with the strength to go forth and perform services in the world. As we choose to do God's will, this "energy" may even be manifested as a conviction or passion to minister to the needs of others.
"Everyone"
Finally, in verse 6 Paul teaches that these spiritual gifts are given to everyone; no one is excluded. In the KJV, the verse reads, "but it is the same God which worketh all in all."
"Manifestations"
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Here Paul uses the Greek word phanerosis, which means "to make visible," or "to display." Spiritual gifts then, are visible displays of service to others. They are not abilities given so that we may do something for ourselves alone. They are visible services performed for others and ideally are exercised in Love. When so done in Love, we manifest the Holy Spirit in the world.
Putting together all these terms, we can say that a spiritual gift is a God-given ability to serve others. God has graciously equipped each of us with the ability to minister to the needs of others. When we choose to do God's will of loving service to others we partner with the Holy Spirit in doing good and uplifting the world. It is a privilege that through our choices and actions we actually allow for the visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit. This becomes not only a privilege then, but also a sacred obligation.
What Kinds of Gifts have been Given?
Romans 12: 6-8
Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling, showing mercy
I Cor. 12: 8-10
Word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, kinds of tongues, interpreting tongues
I Cor. 12: 28
Apostles, prophecy, teaching, miracles, healing, helping, governing, diversities of tongues
I Cor. 12: 29-30
Apostles, prophecy, teaching, miracles, healing, tongues, interpreting tongues
Ephesians 4:11
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers
It is helpful to note that these lists of spiritual gifts are not exhaustive. There may be other spiritual gifts not named in the New Testament such as hospitality, preaching, prayer, music, and counseling. Those gifts mentioned in the New Testament can be considered as general headings under which any number of specific services could be found. Therefore, if you have a gift not detailed in the New Testament, do not feel restricted or alienated from the work of God. If you are motivated to do loving service in the world, God supplies the gifts you will need to minister.
Finding My Spiritual Gifts
There is no one way to determine your spiritual gift(s). The New Testament is silent, therefore several suggestions are offered that may help.
1. Pray for discernment of the gift(s) that God has given.
2. Examine your "desires." It is reasonable to assume that God will not only give you a gift, but also gives you the desire to exercise it.
3. Search out your history. Often one can see a pattern of spiritual gifts when looking back upon one's life. How have you helped people in the past? What have you been interested in? What lessons do you believe God has been guiding you in? And why?
4. Challenge "fear." While you may have a desire to minister and a spiritual gift, fear can often be misread. Do not assume that fear automatically is informing us to alter from a desired path of ministry. Often what is required is for us to challenge the unfounded fear and victoriously move forward to do God's will.
5. Examine your "motivations." We humans can easily self-deceive ourselves. A "call to service" may in reality be a desire to excel and be noticed. Humility is a good indicator of true Christian service.
6. Examine the "evidence." With time and development, spiritual gifts will manifest success. Is there evidence that you have affected positive ministry in a particular area? Do people affirm your abilities in a particular area?
7. Search for "opportunities." What are those opportunities that God has made available in your life right now to serve? Look around yourself and see what is needed. How can you best serve? Where can you be most effective? Find that need which inspires you, then fill it.
8. Try, try, and try again. Often our gift(s) remain to be discovered. If you think you might have an interest pursue it. With time, you will be able to assess if this is a manifestation of your gift or not. If it is not, you might feel frustrated or anxious. (Watch out though for that fear that might try to interfere!) You likely will feel blessed and more enthused to be of even greater service when you have found God's gift and will for your life. Keep looking, the path will be shown.
9. Talk to those who love you. See what they believe are your strengths for ministry. They are more objective about you than you might be about yourself.
10. Take a Spiritual Gifts Inventory that may give you some guidance as to your ministerial strengths and Spirit-given gifts.
Adapted from the writings of Fred Zaspel, 1996
"Spirituals"
"Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters..." I Cor. 12:1
In verse 1, the Greek for "spiritual" gifts simply reads "spirituals" (ton pneumatikon), meaning "things characterized or controlled by the Spirit." Some translations interpret this to now mean spiritual persons. This theme that the gifts are given by the Spirit of God is repeated throughout 1 Cor. 12.
"Gifts"
In verse 4, the word "gifts" is translated from the Greek word charisma. The root word charis means "grace." Pneumatikon suggests that spiritual gifts are things characterized by the Holy Spirit and charisma tells us that they are gifts of God's grace. It is typically understood then that these are gifts of God's grace and not something we earn or deserve.
When Paul speaks of gifts in Ephesians 4:7-8, he employs another Greek term, dorea, which stresses virtually the same truth that spiritual gifts are just that—gifts, not rewards.
Other texts that refer to gifts include Romans 12:6 and I Peter 4: 10.
"Services"
"and there are variety of services..."
In I Cor. 12:5, Paul uses the Greek term diakonia, which translates to "service." This is the same word that we get the word "deacon," from and translate to mean "servant." Thus spiritual gifts are not to be keep to oneself, but are services to be performed. Their primary function is to serve others.
"Varieties"
In verse 5 and 6 we are told that there are varieties of activities or service, but all gifts are from the same Spirit of God.
"Activates"
"but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone."
Again in verse 6, Paul uses the Greek word energema from which we get our English word "energy." God gives us energy to accomplish the spiritual gifts we receive. Likely this word emphasizes the divine energy enabling us to perform the service. God gifts us with the strength to go forth and perform services in the world. As we choose to do God's will, this "energy" may even be manifested as a conviction or passion to minister to the needs of others.
"Everyone"
Finally, in verse 6 Paul teaches that these spiritual gifts are given to everyone; no one is excluded. In the KJV, the verse reads, "but it is the same God which worketh all in all."
"Manifestations"
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Here Paul uses the Greek word phanerosis, which means "to make visible," or "to display." Spiritual gifts then, are visible displays of service to others. They are not abilities given so that we may do something for ourselves alone. They are visible services performed for others and ideally are exercised in Love. When so done in Love, we manifest the Holy Spirit in the world.
Putting together all these terms, we can say that a spiritual gift is a God-given ability to serve others. God has graciously equipped each of us with the ability to minister to the needs of others. When we choose to do God's will of loving service to others we partner with the Holy Spirit in doing good and uplifting the world. It is a privilege that through our choices and actions we actually allow for the visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit. This becomes not only a privilege then, but also a sacred obligation.
What Kinds of Gifts have been Given?
Romans 12: 6-8
Prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling, showing mercy
I Cor. 12: 8-10
Word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, kinds of tongues, interpreting tongues
I Cor. 12: 28
Apostles, prophecy, teaching, miracles, healing, helping, governing, diversities of tongues
I Cor. 12: 29-30
Apostles, prophecy, teaching, miracles, healing, tongues, interpreting tongues
Ephesians 4:11
Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers
It is helpful to note that these lists of spiritual gifts are not exhaustive. There may be other spiritual gifts not named in the New Testament such as hospitality, preaching, prayer, music, and counseling. Those gifts mentioned in the New Testament can be considered as general headings under which any number of specific services could be found. Therefore, if you have a gift not detailed in the New Testament, do not feel restricted or alienated from the work of God. If you are motivated to do loving service in the world, God supplies the gifts you will need to minister.
Finding My Spiritual Gifts
There is no one way to determine your spiritual gift(s). The New Testament is silent, therefore several suggestions are offered that may help.
1. Pray for discernment of the gift(s) that God has given.
2. Examine your "desires." It is reasonable to assume that God will not only give you a gift, but also gives you the desire to exercise it.
3. Search out your history. Often one can see a pattern of spiritual gifts when looking back upon one's life. How have you helped people in the past? What have you been interested in? What lessons do you believe God has been guiding you in? And why?
4. Challenge "fear." While you may have a desire to minister and a spiritual gift, fear can often be misread. Do not assume that fear automatically is informing us to alter from a desired path of ministry. Often what is required is for us to challenge the unfounded fear and victoriously move forward to do God's will.
5. Examine your "motivations." We humans can easily self-deceive ourselves. A "call to service" may in reality be a desire to excel and be noticed. Humility is a good indicator of true Christian service.
6. Examine the "evidence." With time and development, spiritual gifts will manifest success. Is there evidence that you have affected positive ministry in a particular area? Do people affirm your abilities in a particular area?
7. Search for "opportunities." What are those opportunities that God has made available in your life right now to serve? Look around yourself and see what is needed. How can you best serve? Where can you be most effective? Find that need which inspires you, then fill it.
8. Try, try, and try again. Often our gift(s) remain to be discovered. If you think you might have an interest pursue it. With time, you will be able to assess if this is a manifestation of your gift or not. If it is not, you might feel frustrated or anxious. (Watch out though for that fear that might try to interfere!) You likely will feel blessed and more enthused to be of even greater service when you have found God's gift and will for your life. Keep looking, the path will be shown.
9. Talk to those who love you. See what they believe are your strengths for ministry. They are more objective about you than you might be about yourself.
10. Take a Spiritual Gifts Inventory that may give you some guidance as to your ministerial strengths and Spirit-given gifts.
Adapted from the writings of Fred Zaspel, 1996