How to Identify and Effectively Use Your Spiritual Gifts

What is a spiritual gift?

A spiritual gift is a God-given ability, distributed to individual Christians by the Holy Spirit that allows him/or her to work through their lives to help the church execute its mission on earth. 

The purpose of these gifts is multifaceted. Primarily, they are intended to edify and build up the church community, ensuring that it grows in strength, unity, and maturity. This, in turn, enables the church to more effectively fulfill its mission of spreading the Gospel and serving humanity in alignment with biblical principles. Each gift, whether it is teaching, healing, prophecy, administration, or one of many others, plays a critical role in the church’s overall ministry, contributing to its health and expansion. Importantly, these gifts also encourage individual Christians to engage actively in their faith, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging within the larger community of believers.

The Biblical Origin and Foundation of Spiritual Gifts

The idea of spiritual gifts, and specifically the "gifts from the Holy Spirit," really comes from the core teachings found in the New Testament. Essentially, these gifts are special abilities that the Holy Spirit gives to believers in Jesus Christ. They're meant to help each person play their unique role within the Church, the body of Christ.

Pentecost: The most significant New Testament event that marks the origin of these gifts is the Day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2. This is when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples after Jesus’ ascension. The outpouring of the Spirit was accompanied by miraculous signs, including speaking in tongues, which enabled the disciples to speak in languages they had not previously learned. This event signified the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies (such as Joel 2:28-29) and Jesus’ promises about the coming of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7).

Apostolic Teachings: The Apostles, particularly Paul, expanded on the concept of spiritual gifts in their epistles. Paul discusses spiritual gifts extensively in several of his letters, such as Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14, and Ephesians 4. He explains that these gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to individuals for specific purposes: to build up the church, serve one another, and to fulfill the church's mission in the world.

What is the difference between spiritual gifts and natural talents?

Natural talents are physical abilities to do special things. Some natural talents might be musical ability, carpentry, mechanical aptitude, and artistic skills. Spiritual gifts are spiritual abilities to do certain things. Natural talents are often the vehicle through which spiritual gifts can be used. For example, a Christian vocalist may have the spiritual gift of evangelism being expressed through the vehicle of musical talent.

A List of Spiritual Gifts Found in Scripture

According to 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-29; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Corinthians 7:7, there are at least 22 spiritual gifts. Here is a brief explanation of each spiritual gift mentioned:

1. Apostles: Individuals sent with a special commission, often foundational for the church, carrying authority for leadership and church planting.
2. Prophets: People gifted to receive and proclaim messages from God, often for edification, correction, and encouragement of the church.
3. Pastor-Teachers: Individuals who shepherd and teach the congregation, guiding and nurturing them through the understanding of Scripture.
4. Evangelists: Gifted in spreading the good news of the Gospel effectively, leading others to believe in Jesus Christ.
5. Prophecy: The ability to receive and communicate messages from God that are not known through natural means, often for guidance and revelation.
6. Teaching: The skill to explain and make clear the Word of God for understanding and application.
7. Wisdom: The gift of making wise decisions in complex situations, often applying spiritual truths practically.
8. Knowledge: The ability to understand deep truths in Scripture and about God's will, often beyond normal comprehension.
9. Faith: Exceptional trust in God and His promises, often empowering believers to witness and act in extraordinary ways.
10. Miraculous Powers: The capability to perform acts that are humanly impossible, serving as signs of God’s power.
11. Healing: The ability to cure illnesses and restore health through divine intervention.
12. Distinguishing between Spirits: The skill to discern the spirits influencing situations or individuals, whether they are from God, human, or demonic origins.
13. Speaking in Tongues: The supernatural ability to speak in languages the speaker does not know, often as a sign for unbelievers.
14. Interpretation of Tongues: The ability to interpret the languages spoken in tongues to the congregation for edification.
15. Helps: Assisting others with their needs, often in practical ways, to support the functioning of the church.
16. Service: Similar to helps, focusing on meeting the needs through acts of service, demonstrating love and commitment.
17. Administration: The gift of organizing, directing, and implementing plans to lead the church effectively and manage its activities.
18. Encouragement: Providing comfort, motivation, and encouragement to others, inspiring them to grow in their faith.
19. Giving: The capacity to share material resources generously and cheerfully, supporting the church’s needs and charitable activities.
20. Leadership: The ability to lead and influence others effectively towards achieving God's purposes for the church.
21. Mercy: Special compassion for those suffering and in distress, often motivating the individual to act to relieve pain.
22. Celibacy: The grace to remain unmarried and sexually abstinent, often for the sake of better service in the ministry and more focused spiritual life.

Each of these gifts contributes uniquely to the life and health of the church, helping it to fulfill its mission in the world effectively.

Does every believer have a spiritual gift?

Yes, Absolutely! Scripture tells us that each believer is given at least one spiritual gift from God. In 1 Corinthians 12:6-7 and 11, Paul explains that these gifts are distributed by the Holy Spirit according to His divine wisdom, ensuring that every member of the church community has a role to play. Every individual believer has something unique and valuable to contribute to the body of Christ.

Additionally, Paul instructs believers in Romans 12:3 to evaluate themselves with sober judgment in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of them. This self-assessment is crucial as it helps individuals understand their unique spiritual gifts and how they can best use them in service to the church and for the glory of God. This process not only helps in personal spiritual growth but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the church's mission, as each member operates within their God-given strengths and capabilities.

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When does the believer receive his/her gift?

There is no clear-cut Biblical teaching as to when the believer receives his/her gift. However, it seems that the gift comes with the Giver and is bestowed at conversion (2 Timothy 1:6).

Can a believer have any gift he or she wants?

No! (1 Corinthians 12:29-31). The Holy Spirit gives out gifts as he sees fit (1 Corinthians 12:7, 8-9, 11). This is why there is no prescribed way to get a gift. However, if we are faithful with the gift, or gifts, that the Holy Spirit has already given us, he invites us to pray for another (1 Corinthians 12:29-31).

Do spiritual gifts come ready to operate?

No! It often takes time for gifts to mature and develop into their full effectiveness. Spiritual gifts come "in the rough." Every believer is obligated to mature his/her gift. Each Christian should have an opportunity to use his/her gifts interdependently with others (Romans 12:4-6).

Are spiritual gifts the best sign of spirituality? 

No! Christ-like maturity is primarily indicated by the manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit, not by the presence of spiritual gifts (Galatians 5:22-23).

God may choose to shine forth in a spiritually immature baby Christian. However, that does not make the baby spiritual. A spiritual child may say excitedly, "I got the gift of tongues last night and now I’m spiritual!"

But, Jesus said: "For by their fruit you shall know them" (Matthew 7:16).

Satan can imitate and counterfeit spiritual gifts, but he is baffled in trying to imitate the Fruit of the Spirit.

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If a person doesn’t have the gift of evangelism, is he/she excused from trying to win people to Christ?

Of course not! The absence of gifts does not take precedence over clear-cut biblical demands. For example, we are all commanded to be liberal in our giving. Just because a Believer does not have the gift of giving does not mean that he/she can say, "Never pass me the offering plate again. I don't need to tithe. I don't have the gift of giving." We are all commanded to share the gospel with others whether we have the gift of evangelism are not.

Can spiritual gifts be lost?

Yes! Gifts which are not used or developed can apparently be lost (like the appendix in the human body). Jesus' parable of the talents illustrates the danger of neglecting the gift that the Holy Spirit has bestowed. To do so means censorship and rebuke by the Master Himself (Matthew 25:14-30).

Are some gifts more important than others?

Yes! Prophecy is the most important. Speaking in tongues is the least. All the others fall somewhere in between (1 Corinthians 12:31). The relative value of spiritual gifts is to be tested by their usefulness to the church as a whole. Paul's wrote that due to the interdependent nature of all of the gifts, there should be no spiritual pride associated with any of these gifts. 

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Can spiritual gifts be misused?

Yes! For example, Paul described the use and misuse of the gift of tongues in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 14). For example, Paul taught that speaking in tongues without someone in attendance with the gift of interpretation will only bring confusion to the church family and ridicule from unbelievers.

Accordingly, when I was pastoring, in order to curtail the misuse of the gift of tongues in our church worship services, we encouraged people to use the gifts of tongues and interpreting tongues only in private settings. To use them in a worship service when most of the folks have no idea what’s going on is to invite great misunderstanding and confusion.

When we were laying down the guidelines for the use of the gift of tongues in our worship services our Christian education pastor said, “I’ve got a great idea. If some woman stands up in the midst of a worship service and begins speaking in tongues, I’ll wait until she’s finished. Then, I will say to the crowd, ‘I have the gift of interpreting tongues and this sweet lady has just donated her house to the building fund.’” (Of course, you know that this was a joke.)

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Do spiritual gifts tests line up with Scripture?

Kathy Howard talks about a popular way that believers attempt to discover their spiritual gifts in her article, "Why You Need to Beware of Spiritual Gifts Tests."

A “spiritual gifts test” is a manmade tool meant to help believers discern their spiritual gifts. The believer answers a series of questions designed to discover his or her specific gifts. When kept in the proper perspective, the test can be a helpful tool, but we must remember it is limited. How can a human tool effectively measure the infinite workings of the Spirit of Christ?

At their best, spiritual gifts tests may identify spiritual gifts and natural talents. But at their worst, since they cannot distinguish between them, the tests could actually encourage believers to “serve” according to our natural talents rather than relying on the power and equipping of the Holy Spirit.

So, while I think spiritual gifts tests can be useful, we must remember their limitations and proceed with caution. The following three cautions can help us properly use this tool:

3 things to keep in mind before taking a spiritual gifts test:

1. Spiritual gifts test can encourage us to put our purposes in place of God’s purposes.

Since spiritual gifts tests tend to reveal our own strengths and talents, we may use the assessment to find ways to “serve” that can be undertaken in our own power. We may hesitate to step out in ways that require the Spirit’s power, thus missing out on God’s greater purpose. Serving in our own strength brings us credit. Serving in God’s strength brings Him glory and honor.

2. Spiritual gifts tests can limit the Holy Spirit.

Even when the test does reveal a true spiritual gift, we may find ourselves only serving in ways that use that specific gift. We may forget that as a believer we have the entire person and power of the Holy Spirit residing within us. Yet we may hear God’s call but reject it because “that’s not in our area of gifting.” With the Holy Spirit, God can do anything through our life He chooses to do.

3. Spiritual gifts tests can become an excuse.

It’s a big temptation to follow something concrete and “human” like a test rather than depending on the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit. If we aren’t careful, believers can easily fall into the trap of making spiritual gifts all about us instead of all about the Giver. We ask, “What can I do for God? How can I use my gifts and talents?” When instead, we should be asking, “How does God want to use the gifts He gave me?”

I have taken spiritual gifts tests in the past. But I have also followed God to work in areas that didn’t line up with the results of any test. And He did things that only He could do! I am so glad I didn’t rely on that test.

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Does the Holy Spirit still give believers the gifts of tongues and prophecy?

Mark Dever talks about some of the more mysterious and debated gifts, tongues and prophecy, in his video, "Have the Miraculous Gifts Like Tongues and Prophecy Ceased?"

“Clearly God's word presents tongues as a gift that God's spirit gives to people sometimes. And there are a lot of questions I can't answer about it, but what I can say is I don't think we have an exhaustive list of gifts. I don't think there are those that operate it and [others] that don't. I think what we can say, is that God the Holy Spirit will build up his church and he will give us all the gifts we need to that end. He is sovereign, we don't need to worry about it.”

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How to Discover and Identify Your Spiritual Gifts

When exploring the spiritual gifts we may possess, it's also insightful to consider where we find our deepest sense of fulfillment and effectiveness. Are there particular activities or roles that feel more fruitful or impactful when we participate in them? This reflection can often signal where our spiritual gifts lie. As we operate within our gifts, there is usually a noticeable alignment between our actions and God’s blessings, evidenced by the fruits of our labor in ministry or daily interactions. It may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions as you seek to discover your gifts of the spirit.

1. As I study how gifts operate in the Bible, do any resonate in my soul?
2. What do I enjoy doing?
3. What is the holy spirit telling me?
4. What ministry in my life is God blessing?
5. What gifts do others see operating in me?

As we are engaging in Christian service in obedience, others may see a gift in us long before we ourselves are aware of it. Occasionally, others recognize that we don't possess a gift we think we have. The people around us, especially those within our faith community, can often provide clarity and affirmation of our spiritual gifts. They may point out abilities we haven't noticed or confirm suspicions about where our strengths truly lie. Conversely, they might also gently help us see that we are not as gifted in an area as we might have thought, which is equally important. This outside perspective helps us to more accurately understand how we can best serve and contribute, guiding us towards areas where our true gifts can flourish and make the most impact.

How to Cultivate and Use Your Spiritual Gift

Every Christian is given at least one gift at conversion. Our initial gift may lie dormant for a while as we mature. These gifts seem to remain with believers throughout their ministry lives. I used to think that I could have only one gift. However, as my ministry increased, my need for gifts increased.

As we manage well our initial gift, and as our ministries expand, we may ask God for other gifts under the direction of the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:31 and 1 Corinthians 14:39).

When necessary, spiritual gifts may operate as a toolbox full of tools. For example, God may utilize a particular gift in our lives on a short-time basis in order to minister to a particular need in the body of Christ.

The existence of a gift is a call to exercise it. Paul advised Timothy, "Neglect not the gift that is in you," 1 Timothy 4:14.

Faithful utilization of a gift brings increased effectiveness in its ministry, but failed to develop a gift curtails ministry!

Dr. Roger Barrier retired as senior teaching pastor from Casas Church in Tucson, Arizona. In addition to being an author and sought-after conference speaker, Roger has mentored or taught thousands of pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders worldwide. Casas Church, where Roger served throughout his thirty-five-year career, is a megachurch known for a well-integrated, multi-generational ministry. The value of including new generations is deeply ingrained throughout Casas to help the church move strongly right through the twenty-first century and beyond. Dr. Barrier holds degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Golden Gate Seminary in Greek, religion, theology, and pastoral care. His popular book, Listening to the Voice of God, published by Bethany House, is in its second printing and is available in Thai and Portuguese. His latest work is, Got Guts? Get Godly! Pray the Prayer God Guarantees to Answer, from Xulon Press. Roger can be found blogging at Preach It, Teach It, the pastoral teaching site founded with his wife, Dr. Julie Barrier.

This article was compiled and edited from two of Dr. Barrier's previously published articles, "6 Questions You Need to Ask Yourself to Discover Your Spiritual Gift" and "What You Need to Know about Using Your Spiritual Gift." Kathy Howard's "Why You Need to Beware of Spiritual Gifts Tests" and Mark Dever's "Have the Miraculous Gifts Like Tongues and Prophecy Ceased?" also appear in this compilation. 

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