If I asked you what you enjoy most about serving others and also what you enjoy most about serving the Lord, your answers would point toward your gifts and what you are motivated to do.
When you minister to others through your gifts, you tap into the inexhaustible energy and motivation of God. When you exercise your gifts, the Holy Spirit works through you. We experience an extra measure of energy and joy.
What are Spiritual Gifts?
In 1 Corinthians 12, Scripture says that spiritual gifts are given to God’s people by the Holy Spirit for “the common good.” Verse 11 says the gifts are given according to God’s sovereign will (“as he determines”). Ephesians 4:12 tells us these gifts are given to prepare God’s people for service and for building up the body of Christ.
The term “spiritual gifts” comes from the Greek words charismata (gifts) and pneumatika (spirits). They are the plural forms of charisma, meaning “expression of grace,” and pneumatikon meaning “expression of Spirit.” Generally speaking, spiritual gifts are God-given graces (special abilities, offices, or manifestations) meant for works of service, to benefit and build up the body of Christ as a whole. To quote Pastor John Piper, “they are abilities by which we receive the grace of God and disburse that grace to others.”
Here are a few quick facts about spiritual gifts:
• They are unique from natural abilities.
• They are strictly a gift of grace from God, and therefore cannot be boasted about.
• They are freely given by God to every believer.
• They cannot be earned or deserved.
• Their purpose is to encourage and build up the Church.
• Ultimately, spiritual gifts are intended to more fully display God’s glory.
1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
In some ways, your unique combination of spiritual gifts is like your spiritual fingerprint. God uniquely gifted you to fit into the symphony of kingdom work He is orchestrating on earth, and your spiritual gifts serve as somewhat obvious clues to show you His will for your life. Knowing your spiritual gifts is not only a sign of spiritual maturity, but it is vital information for carrying out your life’s mission.
Additional Resources
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