Four Truths about Spiritual Gifts
Does everyone have spiritual gifts? “God has given different gifts to each of us.” 1 Corinthians. 7:7 (CEV)
Every believer has a spiritual gift. There is no such thing as a believer without any gifts who just goes to church and loves God. The Apostle Peter said: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another” 1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV)
Your gifts are unique to you. Your gifts are different from others “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.” Romans 12:6
A gift is an ability to do God’s work. In the parable of the property owner, he gave different amounts of money for investment before he went on a trip. The property owner determined the amount of money he would risk on a worker, “To each according to his own ability” Matthew 25:15 (NKJV). God gives us gifts according to our ability.
Your gifts come from God. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Natural talent & spiritual gifts
Is natural talent and spiritual giftedness the same thing?
No. A spiritual gift is not natural ability, nor is spiritual giftedness augmented talent. A spiritual gift is the work of the Holy Spirit through a person.
Some with great natural talent also are spiritually gifted to use that talent because they have yielded to God.
Some with great natural talent are not used of God, nor are their spiritual gifts manifested through that talent. The Bible calls these people “sounding brass and a clanging symbol.” They make a lot of noise, but don’t edify anyone.
Some with little or marginal talent are used of God in a far greater way than their natural talent. Some singers with average talent are used in great ways because it is the Holy Spirit working through them.
The Holy Spirit doesn’t usually give a spiritual gift to someone in an area where they have no talent:
Can’t sing, God doesn’t use them as singers.
Can’t speak, God doesn’t use them as preachers.
But, every rule has its exception because God can do anything He wants to do. The Holy Spirit powerfully uses people in spite of their human limitations.
Spiritual gift giver
The Apostle Paul describes the church as the body of Christ. All believers are part of one body, in unity even as a physical body works as one. In this context, the Holy Spirit administers spiritual gifts (Greek Charismata χαρίσματα) for the good of the whole body: “The manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). The body of Christ is the place where the Holy Spirit teaches a new Christian to grow, learn and serve.
The work of the Spirit, “to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit. There are differing gifts but the same Spirit… the same Lord… the same God works all of them in all men” (Romans 12:4). There are various opinions about the number of spiritual gifts and how to categorise them. The Gifts of the Spirit that are bestowed on Christians are described in the New Testament, primarily in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. Gifts of the spirit are clearly distinguished from the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22).
The gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 can be divided into three categories, “gifts of knowledge” (wisdom, knowledge, discernment), “gifts of speech” (tongues, interpretation, prophecy), and “gifts of power” (faith, healing, miracles). Gifts mentioned in the New Testament include:
- Apostles (1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11).
- Teachers (1 Corinthians 12:28, Romans 12:7, Ephesians 4:11)
- Help / helping (1 Corinthians 12:28)
- Administration / guidance (1 Corinthians 12:28)
- Ministry / serving (Romans 12:7)
- Encouragement (Romans 12:8)
- Giving (Romans 12:8)
- Leading (Romans 12:8)
- Mercy (Romans 12:8)
- Evangelists (Ephesians 4:11)
- Pastors (Ephesians 4:11)
When we use gifts what happens?
You will have greater results in service when you use your gifts. (Matthew. 25:21). When you use your gifts, you will be obedient (Luke 19:13).
You will lose the gifts you don’t use. God commands, “Do not neglect your gift” (1 Timothy 4:14). The landowner took talents from those who didn’t use them (Matthew 25:26-28).
When you use your gifts, you will grow more gifts. When you faithfully use your spiritual gifts, you will get more gifts you don’t have, or you will grow in the effectiveness of your present gifts. You can get other gifts. “Desire earnestly the best gifts” (1 Corinthians. 12:31). Paul wrote to the Romans that he wanted to come see them and help them get some spiritual gifts they didn’t have. “I long to see you that I may impart to you some spiritual gift” (Romans 1:11).
You can grow your present gifts. This means you can become more effective. Paul was not satisfied with Timothy’s use of his gifts, “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6). This is a picture of stirring up the coals of fire to make it hotter.
When you don’t use your gifts, you feel guilty. The man who was given one talent didn’t use it. He told his boss, “I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth” (Matt. 25:23). He didn’t do what he was supposed to do. He wasted the talent, so it was taken from him.
Fruit and Gifts
What is the relationship between the Fruit of the Spirit and the Gift of the Spirit?
The fruit of the Spirit is your character. Your character is defined “habitually doing the right thing in the right way.” “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance (self control)” (Galatians 5:22, 23).
The gift of the Spirit is your ability to serve the Lord in His strength. I like the way the Living Bible explains it: “Now God gives us many kinds of special abilities, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service to God, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in all through all of us who are His. The Holy Spirit displays God’s power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church” 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
God will and does use your character (spiritual fruit) even when you serve God where you are not gifted. God will and does use your spiritual gift, even when you lack character. God’s blessing is on those whose gifts and character are a perfect match.
How to find & use spiritual gifts.
Know what the Word of God says about gifts. “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.” 1 Corinthians 12:1.
Do everything you can and do everything you have the opportunity to do.
If God has given you a desire for ministry and God has given you a spiritual gift to get the ministry done then do it!
Serving God with a gift will grow your gift. “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6). Growing your spiritual gift is like learning to play the piano. The more you practice the piano, the better you will play. When God gives you an ability, you must practice it to perfect it. The more you teach Sunday School, the better teacher you will become.
Many people use a Spiritual Gift Inventory that is practical and personal, they take an inventory and grade it to discover their strengths.
Get the BIG picture of what God is doing. Rather than being limited to your thinking, a Spiritual Gift Inventory is objective, you don’t have to go by feelings or subjective insight. It is not what others think you can or cannot do. It is based on the Bible and you can find out what the Bible says about your gifts.
The Big Questions.
The biggest question is not “what is my gift?”, but “will you use what you know you have?
God asked Moses, “What is in your hand?”
The answer, a common rod. When given to God,
the rod becomes a powerful tool.
The next question is not “how can I find more gifts?”, but will you use what you have?
The question is not your ability, but your willingness, are you willing to be anything, go anywhere, do anything and say anything?
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Spiritual Gifts Inventory
This is not a test so there are no wrong answers.
The Spiritual Gifts Inventory consists of 80 statement items. Some items reflect concrete actions; other items are descriptive traits; and still others are statements of belief.
Helpful Hints in taking the Inventory:
- Take your time. There is no need to rush.
- Go with your first response. That is usually your real belief.
- Do not ask for help from others.
- Select the one response that best describes you.
- Allow yourself about 30 minutes to take the inventory.
Your response choices are:
4 – Describes me consistently, definitely true
3 – Describes me most of the time, usually true
2 – Describes me half of the time
1 – Describes me some of the time, once in a while
0 – Describes me not at all, never
____ 1. I am able to organise ideas, things, time, and people for more effective results.
____ 2. I receive much joy from working with my hands at various arts and crafts.
____ 3. I find that my skills in building or repairing objects benefits others.
____ 4. I like sharing with other people how God has changed my life.
____ 5. I am able to share words of encouragement with those who are struggling in life.
____ 6. There have been times when I have felt sure I knew God’s specific will for the future, even when others have not been sure.
____ 7. I am so confident that God will meet my needs that I give to God sacrificially and consistently.
____ 8. I find joy in being a help to someone who can utilise my help and concern.
____ 9. My home is always open to people passing through who need a place to stay.
____ 10. When I am asked to pray for others, I feel that my prayers will have tangible results.
____ 11. Often I am able to perceive what is the heart or mind of another person without them telling me.
____ 12. I am able to motivate people into getting things done.
____ 13. I enjoy doing things to comfort people during sickness or times of problems or anxiety.
____ 14. When I am singing, I feel a great joy.
____ 15. I would appreciate being involved in an instrumental music presentation.
____ 16. I appreciate being called on to do things for other people.
____ 17. I have enjoyed relating to a certain group of people over a long period of time, sharing personally in their successes and failures.
____ 18. I feel that I can communicate Biblical truths to others so they are helped.
____ 19. When important decisions need to be made, I sense a confidence in God’s guidance.
____ 20. When I use my ability to write, I know that others will learn and grow from it.
____ 21. I am able to plan and administer programs which will be of benefit to others.
____ 22. I enjoy the times that I am able to create beautiful items with my hands.
____ 23. I enjoy the work necessary for gardening, landscaping, and other projects.
____ 24. I feel comfortable telling others how God has changed my life.
____ 25. I am able to talk with and build up those who are having difficulties in life, whether they are in despair, sorrow, or not sure of themselves.
____ 26. When I am in a group, I am the one others look to for vision and direction.
____ 27. I am ready to forego certain privileges in order to give the money to God’s work.
____ 28. When I serve the Lord, I really don’t care who gets the credit.
____ 29. I enjoy inviting visitors and guests home to dinner after Sunday morning worship.
____ 30. I take prayer requests very seriously and pray until the answer comes.
____ 31. I have the ability to discover new truths for myself through reading and observing a situation first hand.
____ 32. I am able to lead small and/or large groups of people into making decisions.
____ 33. I enjoy helping and working with those people who are ignored by others.
____ 34. In the area of vocal music, I enjoy performing alone and/or in a group of singers.
____ 35. When playing an instrument, I intuitively sense where the music is flowing, rather than relying completely on a written musical score.
____ 36. I enjoy other people asking me to lend a helping hand.
____ 37. I feel comfortable leading a small group in Bible study.
____ 38. I find it rewarding to teach people more about the Lord.
____ 39. When a person has a problem, as a Christian I can frequently see what is best to do.
____ 40. I find pleasure in composing and writing paragraphs and stories for the growth of others.
____ 41. I can easily delegate important responsibilities to other people.
____ 42, I find joy in having a beautiful lawn, flowers, and shrubs which are properly placed and cared for.
____ 43. The repair and maintenance of things comes easily to me.
____ 44. It is easy for me to talk to other people about life and/or spiritual matters.
____ 45. I am able to speak words of encouragement to those who are troubled, discouraged, or not sure of themselves.
____ 46. I am able to trust in the reliability of God when all else looks dim.
____ 47. I am content to maintain a lower standard of living in order to financially benefit God’s work.
____ 48. It pleases me when I do things behind the scenes and others are helped.
____ 49. I am able to provide food and/or lodging graciously and willingly to people who are in need.
____ 50. I find myself praying when I could be doing other things.
____ 51. Through study or experience, I have been able to discern the wisest course of action to take in a major decision.
____ 52. When a group I am in is lacking organization, I tend to step in to fill the gap.
____ 53. Sometimes when I help people out, I know they may not even say “thank you” but I still enjoy helping them.
____ 54. I enjoy singing familiar Gospel songs with a group of fellow Christians.
____ 55. I know my performance of instrumental music has been a blessing to others.
____ 56. I respond cheerfully when asked to do a job, even it is menial.
____ 57. I enjoy leading small groups of people, especially when I am able to show genuine care and concern for them.
____ 58. I enjoy helping others learn things about Scripture which aid in building them up.
____ 59. I can intuitively arrive at solutions to fairly complicated problems.
____ 60. I am able to put my thoughts and ideas into positive, written form.
____ 61. I am able to set goals and objectives, and then make plans to reach them.
____ 62. I find joy in painting pictures or in making handcrafted objects.
____ 63. I find joy in lawn care and other outside maintenance.
____ 64. When I share my faith with others, I see positive results in their lives.
____ 65. I often share words of comfort, cheer, or encouragement with others.
____ 66. I really believe that God will not le me down, even though everything around me seems to be falling apart.
____ 67. I really enjoy giving my time and treasures to God’s work.
____ 68. I am able to assist key leaders to relieve them of detail work, so they can get back to their main job.
____ 69. When people visit me at home, I am confident they feel good about being there.
____ 70. I regard prayer as one of my favourite spiritual exercises.
____ 71. I am able to pick up on important Biblical truths that benefit myself and others.
____ 72. People look at me as a leader when things need to be done.
____ 73. I enjoy working with those less fortunate than me.
____ 74. I am able to lead others in singing.
____ 75. I enjoy using my instrumental music talents for the appreciation of my friends and to the glory of God.
____ 76. I enjoy being a follower more than a leader.
____ 77. I have brought friends or relatives back to faith who have strayed away.
____ 78. I enjoy teaching children or adults about God’s love.
____ 79. If one of my friends is faced with a problem, I am able to sort out what God’s will is for them.
____ 80. I enjoy writing words that will be of benefit to those who read them.
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Scoring Your Survey
Follow these directions to figure your score for each spiritual gift.
1. Write in your numerical response (0-4) to the statement item number.
2. For each gift, add the numbers on the line and write in your total.
Item 1 Item 21 Item 41 Item 61 Total
Administration ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 2 Item 22 Item 42 Item 62 Total
Craftsmanship (arts/crafts) ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 3 Item 23 Item 43 Item 63 Total
Craftsmanship (manual) ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 4 Item 24 Item 44 Item 64 Total
Evangelism ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 5 Item 25 Item 45 Item 65 Total
Exhortation ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 6 Item 26 Item 46 Item 66 Total
Faith ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 7 Item 27 Item 47 Item 67 Total
Giving ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 8 Item 28 Item 48 Item 68 Total
Helps ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 9 Item 29 Item 49 Item 69 Total
Hospitality ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 10 Item 30 Item 50 Item 70 Total
Prayer ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 11 Item 31 Item 51 Item 71 Total
Knowledge ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 12 Item 32 Item 52 Item 72 Total
Leadership ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 13 Item 33 Item 53 Item 73 Total
Mercy ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 14 Item 34 Item 54 Item 74 Total
Music (vocal) ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 15 Item 35 Item 55 Item 75 Total
Music (instrumental) ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 16 Item 36 Item 56 Item 76 Total
Serving ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 17 Item 37 Item 57 Item 77 Total
Shepherding ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 18 Item 38 Item 58 Item 78 Total
Teaching ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 19 Item 39 Item 59 Item 79 Total
Wisdom ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
Item 20 Item 40 Item 60 Item 80 Total
Writing ______ + ______ + ______ + ______ = ______
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Using Your Spiritual Gifts
List your gifts with the top three scores below:
1. _____________________________________
2. _____________________________________
3. _____________________________________
Are you surprised by the top three answers?
Ask God to help you know how you can begin to use your gifts in ministry for God.
Is there some current place of ministry in our church that you can serve God?
Is there new ministry that God is leading you to?
Is there something that has been on your heart that God is leading you to
discover?
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Look to where God is leading you and take action!
