Understanding Spiritual Gifts

By Jody Blackwelder

This in-depth Bible study delves into the biblical concept of spiritual gifts, as revealed in the Bible. Spiritual gifts are divine empowerments bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon believers to build up the body of Christ, serve others, and glorify God. As children of our Heavenly Father, these gifts are part of our personal relationship with Him, equipping us to fulfill His will in the church and the world. We’ll explore what spiritual gifts are, how to discern our own, and when to employ them in daily life. This study draws from key passages like 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4, emphasizing that gifts are given sovereignly by God for unity and edification, not personal gain.

Through Scripture, we’ll see that spiritual gifts are not natural talents but supernatural enablements, distributed according to the Spirit’s wisdom. They operate in love and order, pointing to Christ’s lordship. Let’s prayerfully examine these truths to discover and deploy our gifts for God’s kingdom.

1. What Are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts are special abilities or graces imparted by the Holy Spirit to every believer at the moment of salvation, for the purpose of ministering to the church and advancing the gospel. They are not earned or chosen by us but sovereignly distributed by God to promote unity, edification, and service within the body of Christ. The Bible lists various gifts across several passages, categorizing them into motivational gifts (Romans 12), ministry gifts (Ephesians 4), and manifestation gifts (1 Corinthians 12). These gifts manifest the Spirit’s presence and power, enabling believers to function as interdependent members of Christ’s body.

Deep Dive: In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul explains that gifts are diverse yet unified, given for the “profit” of all, not individual glory. They include miraculous signs (like healing and tongues) to authenticate the message, as well as practical abilities (like helps and administration) for church order. Romans 12 ties gifts to grace, urging their use in humility. Ephesians 4 focuses on leadership roles for equipping saints. 1 Peter 4 categorizes them broadly as speaking or serving, all to glorify God through Jesus. Importantly, gifts are temporary tools for this age (1 Corinthians 13:8-10), subordinate to love, and must be exercised in decency and order (1 Corinthians 14). They confirm the indwelling Spirit and empower mission, reflecting God’s fatherly provision for His children’s work.

Supporting Verses:

1 Corinthians 12:1-11: “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
Romans 12:3-8: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Ephesians 4:7-13: “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”
1 Peter 4:10-11: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Corinthians 12:27-31: “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-3: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”
1 Corinthians 14:1: “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”
1 Corinthians 14:12: “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”
1 Corinthians 14:26: “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.”
1 Corinthians 14:40: “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

2. How Do We Know What Our Spiritual Gifts Are?

Discovering our spiritual gifts involves prayerful self-examination, seeking confirmation from the Holy Spirit, feedback from mature believers, and practical testing through service. The Bible does not provide a formulaic test but encourages believers to desire gifts, serve faithfully, and observe where God blesses our efforts. Since gifts are Spirit-distributed, discernment comes through humility, Scripture study, and community involvement.

Deep Dive: Paul urges us to “stir up” our gifts (2 Timothy 1:6) and not neglect them (1 Timothy 4:14), implying active pursuit. In Romans 12, self-assessment is key, thinking “soberly” about our faith-measure. Trying various ministries reveals gifts, as effectiveness and joy often indicate them. Church leaders may confirm through laying on of hands or observation. Prayer and fasting seek the Spirit’s guidance, while avoiding comparison—gifts vary. Ultimately, gifts manifest in fruitfulness for the church, aligning with God’s will and our passions shaped by Him.

Supporting Verses:

Romans 12:3: “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
1 Corinthians 12:11: “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
1 Corinthians 14:1: “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”
1 Corinthians 12:31: “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”
2 Timothy 1:6: “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”
1 Timothy 4:14: “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”
Ephesians 4:16: “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
Proverbs 11:14: “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
James 1:5: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Psalm 37:4: “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
1 Corinthians 14:12: “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”
Acts 13:2-3: “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

3. When Do We Use These Gifts in Our Life?

Spiritual gifts are to be used continually in the context of the church and daily life, whenever opportunities arise to edify others, advance the gospel, and glorify God. They are not reserved for special occasions but integrated into worship, service, relationships, and witness. Use them in love, humility, and order, especially in corporate gatherings, but also in personal interactions.

Deep Dive: In church assemblies, gifts build up the body (1 Corinthians 14:26). Daily, they apply to work, family, and community—e.g., mercy in helping neighbors, teaching in discipleship. Use is prompted by the Spirit, aligned with Scripture, and aimed at unity, not division. Neglect dishonors God; abuse (like for self-promotion) invites judgment. Gifts operate under authority, ceasing when they no longer edify. As stewards, we use them faithfully until Christ’s return, reflecting our Father’s kingdom priorities.

Supporting Verses:

1 Peter 4:10: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
1 Corinthians 14:26: “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.”
Ephesians 4:12: “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
Romans 12:6: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.”
1 Corinthians 12:7: “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
1 Corinthians 14:3: “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.”
1 Corinthians 14:40: “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
1 Corinthians 13:8-10: “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
Matthew 25:21: “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Colossians 3:23-24: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Acts 1:8: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Conclusion and Application

Spiritual gifts are God’s gracious provision for His children to serve effectively in His kingdom. Understanding them as diverse, Spirit-given abilities for edification empowers us to discover and deploy them wisely. As we pray for discernment, test through service, and use them in love, we grow in our relationship with our Father and contribute to the church’s unity.

Application: Pray daily for the Spirit to reveal and stir your gifts. Serve in various ministries at church. Seek feedback from leaders. Use gifts humbly in everyday opportunities. Journal instances where God blesses your efforts. Remember, the greatest gift is love—pursue it above all.

May this study ignite a passion for gifted service in your life. Amen.