Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Gifted to Serve

God gives every believer gifts of the Holy Spirit, but many are not using them because they do not know how God has gifted them. And because they are unaware of their divine calling to use those gifts to serve others in the body of Christ. Therefore, knowing your spiritual gifts and their importance to the local church is essential.

Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers, and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 1 Corinthians 12:1

When you trust Jesus as your Savior, you receive the Holy Spirit, who gives you at least one spiritual gift. Therefore, every believer is responsible for discovering and using their spiritual gift(s) to minister by faith in the body of Christ.

God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. 1 Corinthians 12:18

Jesus is the head of the church, and the church is His visible body. So, for the good of the body, God appointed your place in a local church. However, if you neglect to use your spiritual gift, the church will not function as God intended. Indeed, you deny God’s call on your life if you never get off the sidelines.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

 God Empowers Gifts of the Holy Spirit

God’s Word indicates an array of spiritual gifts that result in a diversity of service to others. And behind every spiritual gift is the Holy Spirit, who distributes the gifts God empowers to reveal Jesus to others. So then, your spiritual gift is a divine calling. And what God calls you to do, He will enable you to do. 

Nothing will help you grow and mature in Christ more than to use your spiritual gift(s) to serve God in a local church. So then, pray and ask God to speak to you clearly about what gift(s) He has given to you. And then listen for His answer as you read further.

Spiritual gifts demonstrate the work of the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ.

Now to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one, there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit.

To another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines.  1 Corinthians 12:7-11

The Various Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Your spiritual gift is the primary channel by which the Holy Spirit ministers through you to others in the church. Importantly, all the gifts of the Holy Spirit reflect God’s character.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophecy in accordance to your faith. If it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously. If it is to lead, then govern diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8

Prophecy is the Spirit-given ability to boldly proclaim the truth from God’s Word clearly and persuasively. In so doing, they urge others to make spiritual changes that are biblically based. In short, the person with this gift carefully studies God’s Word and desires the righteousness and obedience of God’s people.

The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. The one who prophesies edifies the church. 1 Corinthians 14:3-4

Serving is the spiritual ability to serve God by meeting the practical needs of fellow Christians. Notably, the word “Deacon” comes from the word Diakonia, to do service.  So, those with this gift will be the first in a group to notice the needs of others and quickly step forward to meet those needs.

If anyone serves, they should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4: 11

Gifts of the Holy Spirit Teach, Exhort, and Give

Teaching is the godly ability to analyze, understand, and clearly explain the truths and doctrines of the Scriptures. As a result, others can understand and apply God’s Word to their lives. The person with this gift relies on the authority of the Bible and delights in research to present biblical truth accurately.

 Apollos was a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, and he spoke with great fervor, and he taught about Jesus accurately… Acts 18:4-25

Exhortation is the Spirit-given ability to come alongside and encourage a fellow believer in the faith. Because this person can explain how the Bible applies to their everyday life, the believer is motivated to take practical and specific action.

For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Giving is the spiritual ability to serve God by giving money and resources beyond the tithe to further God’s work in the church. Notably, those with this gift are not always affluent but give generously and often anonymously. They rejoice when the money or possessions they provide answer someone’s prayer.

The service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.  2 Corinthians 9: 12

Gifts of Leadership, Mercy, and Wisdom 

Leadership is the God-given desire and ability to inspire and motivate others to work together to honor God and make Godly goals a reality. And because this organized person sees the big picture, they effectively coordinate and provide direction for God’s people.

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7

Mercy is the divine ability to identify with and feel deeply for those in physical, spiritual, or emotional need. And then they act to meet that need with God’s love and compassion. Therefore, those with this gift are drawn to the “left-outs” and are very sensitive to words and actions that may hurt others.

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3

Wisdom is the Spirit-given ability to be very insightful about how to apply biblical knowledge. Furthermore, the person with this gift can sift through all the facts of a situation and see the bottom line. And because they perceive the unseen consequences, they understand the direction to take.

Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13

Gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Faith

Knowledge is the godly ability to research the Scriptures for insight, understanding, and truth. A person with this gift has a great thirst for the Word of God, especially biblical doctrine. And because they can interpret and communicate biblical truth, the listener better understands their faith.

And this is my prayer:  that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight…Philippians 1:9

Faith is the spiritual ability to exercise extraordinary confidence in God’s promises, power, and Presence. When this person recognizes what God wants, they will act even when others doubt because they also believe deeply in the power of prayer.

Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Acts 11:24

The Gifts of Discernment, Miracles, and Healing

Discernment is the God-given ability to distinguish between spirits and recognize what is of God and what is not. Because this person is a truth seeker who studies the Scriptures, they quickly identify deceptive and erroneous teaching or behavior that is not biblical.

I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not and have found them false. Revelation 2:2

Miraculous Powers is the divine ability given by God to certain members of the Body of Christ to perform miracles. Without a doubt, these are powerful acts that alter the ordinary course of nature. As a result, the miracles testify to God’s power and the truth of the gospel.

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Acts 6:8

Healing is the Spirit’s ability given to certain Christians to restore health to the sick apart from using natural means. God gives this gift to bless the church and bring glory to God’s name in the world.

His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery.  Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. Acts 28:8

Gifts of the Holy Spirit Include Helps and Administration

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28

Helps is the godly ability to assist others in any area where there is a need. Hence, this person is sensitive to meeting people’s real and practical needs when asked or when an immediate need comes to their attention. In general, they often prefer to work quietly behind the scenes.

Do everything you can to help Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need. Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:13-14

Administration is the spiritual ability to serve God by organizing and administering. In addition, they promote and develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals. The person with this gift sees the big picture and manages ideas, tasks, and people to function with order and efficiency.

“Brothers and sisters, choose from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.” Acts 6:3

The Gifts of Tongues and The Interpretation

Tongues are the Spirit-given ability of certain members of the Body of Christ to speak to God in a language they have never learned. However, when used in the church, someone with the gift of interpretation must be present.

For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God.  Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14:2

Interpretation of Tongues is the spiritual ability to interpret and translate the message spoken in tongues and communicate it to the church.

Brothers and sisters, when you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two or at the most, three should speak one at a time, and someone must interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:26-27

Opportunities to Use Your Spiritual Gifts 

As you can see, there are a variety of spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit has given to the church. Has the Holy Spirit shown you what gift(s) He has given you? If so, be alert for opportunities to use it in the body of Christ.

Do not neglect your gift…Jesus said, very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father. 1 Timothy 4:14; John 14:12

If you are still unsure of your spiritual gift, prayerfully serve God by faith in various ministry situations. An excellent place to begin is to love and serve the people you have already connected to in the church. For example, you will find yourself drawn to someone who needs to be encouraged in their faith. Or you will be the first to notice an opportunity to serve or help someone with a practical need.

A person with the gift of mercy will want to come alongside someone who needs God’s love and compassion. And someone who knows and loves God’s Word will get involved in Sunday School or join a Bible study. Then, if they have the gift of teaching, prophecy, or knowledge, it will become evident, and others will confirm it.

God Gifted You to Serve Him

Those with the gift of leadership or administration will serve on committees and in various ministries within the church. At the same time, those with the gift of wisdom or discernment have God-given insight that will help those who need counsel.

A person with the gift of giving may want to serve on a finance committee or where the needs of others are made known. While another with the gift of faith will be a prayer warrior, so they may want to join a prayer group. Undoubtedly, you will know when you find the area that fits your gifting because God will confirm it.

So, when you are obedient to God by faith and minister to others for their benefit, you do your part to strengthen the body of Christ. And foremost, you reflect the Lord Jesus Christ and glorify Him.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11

Spiritual Gifts

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Bible study for “Gifts of the Holy Spirit”

Week 1:  Joel 2:28-29; Matthew 5:7; 6:1-4; 7:15-29; 15:21-28; 17:14-21; 20:25-28; 25:14-30; 28:16-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 6:36; 9:1-2; 10:1, 8-9, 17, 25-37; 21:1-4; John 7:16-18; 13:12-17; 14:11-21; 15:1-17; Acts 4:31-37; 5:1-4, 12-16; 6:1-10; 8:4-8, 26-40; 9:32-42; 11:19-30; 18:24-28; 19:11-16; 28:7-10

Week 2:  Romans 1:11; 2:21-24; 4:18-25; 11:29; 12:1-13; 15:1-7, 13-14; 16:1-5, 17-20; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; 2:1-16; 11:1; 12:1-31; 13:1-13; 14:1-40; 15:58; 16:13-18; 2 Corinthians 1:1-7; 8:1-20; 9:1-2, 6-15; Galatians 3:5-6; 5:13-18; 6:1-6, 9-10; Ephesians 1:17-23; 2:4-10; 19-22; 3:10-21; 4:1-16; 5:1-2; 6:7-8

Week 3:  Philippians 1:9-11; 2:1-5, 13; 4:13-20; Colossians 1:1-13, 28-29; 3:12-17, 23-24; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3; 2:10-12; 5:12-28; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12; 2:16-17; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; 4:1-16; 5:1-10, 16-17; 2 Timothy 1:6-7; 2:1-2, 14-19; 3:16-17; 4:1-5; Titus 2:1-15; 3:13-14

Week 4:  Philemon 1-7; Hebrews 2:1-4; 4:12-16; 5:11-14; 10:23-25; 11:1, 6; 13:7-8, 17, 20-25; James 1:17; 2:12-13; 3:1, 13-18; 5:13-18; 1 Peter 4:7-12; 2 Peter 3:15-18; 1 John 2:17, 26-29; 3:17-18; 4:1-6, 13-16; 2 John 7-11; Jude 3-4, 17-25; Revelation 2:1-3; 19:10; 22:7, 12, 18-21