The Gifts of the Spirit, also known as spiritual gifts or charismata, are divine endowments give to every believer by the Holy Spirit. These gifts are integral to the life and ministry of the Church, enabling believers to serve God and edify the body of Christ.
9 Gifts of the Spirit Listed in 1 Corinthians 12.
Word of Wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8)
The word of wisdom is a divine insight into the purposes and plans of God. It equips believers to make wise decisions and provide godly counsel to others, particularly in times of confusion or uncertainty. Through the word of wisdom, believers gain clarity and understanding to navigate life’s challenges with spiritual discernment.
Application: The word of wisdom is relevant for believers today, especially in making crucial life decisions, providing leadership, and offering guidance to others in their walk of faith.
Word of Knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8)
The word of knowledge is the supernatural revelation of facts or information that could not be known through natural means. It allows believers to have deeper insights into situations or individuals and equips them to minister more effectively.
Application: In contemporary life, the word of knowledge can aid believers in understanding the needs of others and ministering to them in a way that brings healing, restoration, and encouragement.
Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9)
The gift of faith is a special confidence and trust in God’s promises and power. It goes beyond saving faith and empowers believers to believe for miracles, supernatural breakthroughs, and the impossible.
Application: Believers today can exercise the gift of faith to pray with boldness, trust God for miraculous interventions, and remain steadfast in the face of challenges.
Healing (1 Corinthians 12:9)
The gift of healing is the supernatural ability to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration to individuals suffering from various ailments or afflictions.
Application: This gift remains applicable today as believers pray for healing, both through medical means and divine intervention, trusting in God’s power to bring about restoration and wholeness.
Miracles (1 Corinthians 12:10)
The gift of miracles involves the ability to perform extraordinary signs and wonders that defy natural laws and point to God’s supernatural intervention.
Application: Miracles can be experienced in the lives of believers today as they step out in faith and trust God for the impossible, witnessing His power at work in their circumstances.
Prophecy (1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 14:3)
The gift of prophecy involves speaking forth the inspired words of God for the edification, encouragement, and consolation of believers.
Application: In contemporary times, the gift of prophecy helps believers receive divine guidance, comfort, and direction as God continues to speak through His Spirit.
Discerning of Spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10)
The gift of discerning of spirits enables believers to recognize and differentiate between various spiritual influences, whether they are from God, human, or demonic sources.
Application: In a world filled with spiritual influences, this gift is crucial for believers to discern truth from deception and navigate their spiritual journey wisely.
Speaking in Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10)
Speaking in tongues is the supernatural ability to communicate with God through a language not understood by the speaker.
Application: Speaking in tongues continues to be relevant today as a personal prayer language that allows believers to commune intimately with God and build themselves up spiritually.
Interpretation of Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10)
The gift of interpretation of tongues involves translating the spoken tongues into a language understood by the hearers.
Application: This gift is essential for the edification of the Church when someone speaks in tongues in a public setting, as it allows everyone present to understand the message being conveyed.
Practical Application of the Gifts for Believers Today
Personal Growth and Relationship with God
The Gifts of the Spirit are essential for believers’ personal growth, deepening their relationship with God through a heightened sensitivity to His leading and guidance. As believers cultivate and exercise these gifts, they draw closer to God and develop a greater dependence on His Spirit in their daily lives.
Ministry and Service
The Gifts of the Spirit equip believers for effective ministry and service within the Church and the broader community. Each believer’s unique gifting contributes to the body of Christ, and the coordinated use of these gifts fosters unity and edification among believers.
Evangelism and Outreach
The demonstration of spiritual gifts, such as healing and miracles, can serve as powerful testimonies to the reality and love of God. As believers exercise these gifts with faith and love, they create opportunities for evangelism and outreach, drawing others to faith in Christ.
Nurturing and Discipleship
The Gifts of the Spirit aid in nurturing and discipleship as believers use them to provide godly counsel, encouragement, and correction. The word of wisdom and word of knowledge, when exercised in love, can help believers grow in their understanding of God’s Word and His plans for their lives.
Corporate Worship
In corporate worship settings, the Gifts of the Spirit can play a vital role in edifying the Church. The gift of prophecy, for example, can bring forth timely messages that inspire and encourage the congregation. The use of spiritual gifts in worship enhances the believers’ collective experience of God’s presence.
In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul mentions some of the Gifts of the Spirit while discussing various aspects of Christian living and the body of Christ.
Prophecy (Romans 12:6)
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith…”
The gift of prophecy, as mentioned in Romans 12, involves speaking forth the inspired words of God for the edification and encouragement of believers.
Service (Romans 12:7)
“…if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching…”
The gift of service refers to the special ability to minister to the needs of others, whether through practical help or acts of kindness.
Teaching (Romans 12:7)
“…if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching…”
The gift of teaching involves explaining and expounding upon God’s Word, helping others understand biblical truths and principles.
Exhortation (Romans 12:8)
“…the one who exhorts, in his exhortation…”
The gift of exhortation is the ability to encourage and motivate others to live according to God’s will and to persevere in their faith.
Giving (Romans 12:8)
“…the one who contributes, in generosity…”
The gift of giving involves being generous and willing to share resources and possessions with others for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Leadership (Romans 12:8)
“…the one who leads, with zeal…”
The gift of leadership is the ability to guide and direct others in a way that aligns with God’s purposes and principles.
Mercy (Romans 12:8)
“…the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”
The gift of mercy is displayed through showing compassion and kindness to those who are suffering or in need.
The Purpose of these Gifts (Romans 12:4-5)
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
Paul emphasizes that each member of the body of Christ has different gifts and functions. These gifts are intended to work together for the unity and growth of the Church, functioning as one cohesive body under Christ’s headship.
The Use of Gifts in Love and Sincerity (Romans 12:9-13)
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
Paul encourages believers to exercise their spiritual gifts in the context of genuine love and sincerity. When these gifts are used with a selfless and loving attitude, they have a more significant impact on the body of Christ and reflect the character of Christ to the world.
The Gifts of the Spirit mentioned in Romans 12 are essential for the functioning and unity of the body of Christ. Each believer has been uniquely gifted by God to serve and edify the Church, and when these gifts are used with love, sincerity, and zeal, they contribute to the growth and effectiveness of the body of Christ. As believers cultivate and employ their spiritual gifts in accordance with God’s grace and guidance, they play a vital role in fulfilling the mission of the Church to bring glory to God and make disciples of all nations.
Leadership Gifts
In the book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul discusses the gifts of the Spirit in the context of Christ’s ascension and His giving of various gifts upon the Church for its growth and maturity.
Apostles (Ephesians 4:11)
“So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers…”
The gift of apostleship refers to individuals who are sent by Christ to establish and oversee the growth and development of the Church. Apostles play a crucial role in spreading the Gospel, planting churches, and providing spiritual leadership.
Prophets (Ephesians 4:11)
“So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers…”
The gift of prophecy involves speaking forth God’s messages to the Church. Prophets convey divine revelations, exhortations, and encouragements that edify and guide the community of believers.
Evangelists (Ephesians 4:11)
“So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers…”
Evangelists are individuals gifted to proclaim the Gospel to unbelievers with clarity and persuasion. They have a particular calling to reach out to non-believers and draw them to faith in Christ.
Pastors (Ephesians 4:11)
“So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers…”
The gift of pastors involves caring for and shepherding the flock of believers. Pastors are spiritual leaders who guide, protect, and nurture the spiritual well-being of the Church.
Teachers (Ephesians 4:11)
“So, Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers…”
Teachers have the gift of explaining and expounding upon God’s Word, helping believers understand biblical truths and apply them to their lives.
The Purpose of these Gifts (Ephesians 4:12-13)
“To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
These gifts are given by Christ to equip and prepare His people for service in the body of Christ. The ultimate goal is to build up the Church, promote unity in the faith, and lead believers to spiritual maturity, becoming more Christ-like in character.
The Unity and Diversity in the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:14-16)
“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Paul emphasizes that the various gifts given to believers by Christ work together to create a unified and mature body of believers. Each member of the body has a unique function, and when all the gifts are exercised in love and unity, the Church grows and flourishes.
These gifts, given by Christ Himself, are diverse and intended to build up the body of Christ, promote unity, and lead believers to spiritual maturity. As believers exercise these gifts in love and service, they contribute to the overall health and effectiveness of the Church in fulfilling its mission to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.
Deeper Reflection Questions
How aware am I of the specific spiritual gifts I have been blessed with, and how have I seen them manifest in my life and interactions with others?
Am I actively seeking to grow and develop the Gifts of the Spirit within me, or am I complacent in using them for the benefit of others and the edification of the Church?
Am I relying on my own strength and abilities, or am I leaning on the Holy Spirit to empower me in the exercise of my spiritual gifts?
How do I discern whether the promptings and insights I receive are from the Holy Spirit, or simply my own thoughts and desires?
Do I find myself comparing my spiritual gifts to others’, and how can I celebrate the unique contributions each individual brings to the body of Christ?
In what ways am I using my spiritual gifts to serve others and advance God’s kingdom, and how can I further invest in these areas of ministry?